Finding "the one" isn't easy. There are so many choices - shapes, sizes, colors, light performance. Searching for the perfect ring can feel like a hopeless treasure hunt, but not to worry. Follow these ten hard and fast rules and you'll be cool under those bright jewelry store lights.
Before you hit the stores, you've got to learn to talk the talk. After all, how can you pick a stone if you don't know a carat from a karat? Know your 4Cs and how they affect the dazzle and value of your intended gem.
Pay extra attention to your girlfriend's clothes and lifestyle.
Platinum or gold? Diamond or ruby? Simple solitaire or fancy
scrollwork? Try to gauge what
she'll love and what fits her
lifestyle.
Determine your budget and stick to it. Keep in mind that you're
better off buying a smaller, better-quality diamond than a big,
dull rock.
Decide when you want to propose, then allow ample time to
shop around and plan a memorable proposal. Remember that
once ordered, a ring can take up to six weeks to arrive, potentially
longer if you're having it custom designed. If you want to engrave something
on the inside of the ring, be sure to request the inscription when you order.
Only, we repeat, only shop at a jeweler who has been recommended or has a spotless reputation in your community. Safe bets are retailers associated with Jewelers of America (Hebert Jewelers is a member of Jewelers of America) or the American Gem Society. Otherwise, check with your local Chamber of Commerce (In Milford, 203-878-0681) or the Better Business Bureau (In CT 203-269-2700) and trust your intuition: What kind of vibe does the store have? Is the staff knowledgeable and patient? What are the return, repair, and replacement policies?
Save time shopping by narrowing your search parameters first: For diamonds, first decide what shape, carat weight, and color grade you want. Next, compare the cut and clarity of different diamonds that fit the bill.
Don't be dazzled by the pretty setting: Most jewelry ads are selling you on settings, not diamonds, even though the stone is a whopping 90% of a ring's cost! It's important to buy the stone loose, not mounted, so you can inspect the entire stone with a loupe (a small, handheld 10X magnifier that your jeweler can lend you) before you plunk down a load of cash. If the jeweler doesn't stock loose stones, move on. (When shopping for stones at Hebert Jewelers you will always have access to a loupe or a gem microscope. We will allow ample time for you to examine each stone to your satisfaction).
Now comes the really hard part: picking a setting. A few tips: If you go for a prong setting, platinum prongs are stronger than gold, and die struck prongs are stronger than a casting. Whenever possible, get prongs that are made from a white metal (platinum or white gold) because yellow gold can give the diamond a yellow cast. Make sure the ring's shank (the "ring" part of the ring) isn't too delicate, and ensure it is stamped with a quality mark.
Most retailers dramatically inflate prices. Never pay the sticker price unless you've shopped around and you know it is already a fair price. (Our pricing policy at Hebert Jewelers is simple; we offer fine diamonds at fair prices the first time you ask. We do not inflate our prices in order to give you a "discount.")
High-quality diamonds and diamonds one carat and larger should be accompanied by a diamond-grading report. If no report is included, make the sale contingent upon an independent appraiser's opinion. Once you get it appraised, get it insured. (High quality and large loose diamonds at Hebert Jewelers are either GIA or EGL certified stones and are accompanied by a laboratory certificate. In addition, each engagement ring comes with a free insurance appraisal, which is written by Joseph Hebert, a GIA certified diamond grader).
