Mens Guide to Buying a Diamond
Now that you’ve found the perfect woman
for you, make sure you find the diamond that
suits her perfectly. Because, just as your
love for each other is unique, no two
diamonds are alike. Each has its own
personality and sparkle.
I hate to admit it, but what do I really
know about buying a diamond?
If you’re like most grooms-to-be, not
enough. But, you’ve come to the right place:
Your Love Story® Jeweler is a diamond
expert! Because he’s a direct importer with
Love Story's huge buying power, he can show
you a better selection, offer you a better
value for your dollar, back it with a better
warranty, and give you better credit terms!
It’s easier than you may think to select a
ring that’s sure to make your fiancée’s eyes
light up. Whether she’s discussed her
preferences with you or dropped
not-so-subtle hints, you don’t have to go it
alone. Visit your Love Story® Jeweler
together and take note of those rings that
seem to appeal to her. The enthusiasm of the
bride-to-be is your best barometer of what
style to select. Later you can return alone
and make the purchase.
How do I know I’m buying a quality stone?
This is an important consideration. You
should know that the quality of a diamond
has nothing to do with size or color alone.
But it has everything to do with the 4Cs:
Cut, Color Clarity and Carat-weight. These
four characteristics are what determine a
diamond’s quality and value.
CUT: Many people confuse cut with
shape. A diamond’s cut is what gives it its
fire and sparkle. When cut to good
proportions, the diamond is better able to
handle light, creating more sparkle and
scintillation.
COLOR: The best color for a diamond
is no color. A totally colorless diamond
best allows white light to pass effortlessly
through it and be dispersed as rainbows of
color. Yes, there are very rare pink, blue
and green diamonds. These are known as
fancies.
CLARITY: Most diamonds contain very
tiny natural birthmarks known as inclusions.
However, the fewer and smaller the
inclusions are, the less likely it is that
they will interfere with the passage of
light through the diamond. Diamonds, more
than any other gemstone, have the capability
to produce the maximum amount of brilliance.
Most jewelers have a rating system that will
help you understand the clarity of your
stone.
Ask your jeweler to let you look through a
loupe and explain just what has been
discovered about your diamond.
CARAT-WEIGHT: This is the weight of
the diamond measured in carats. One carat is
divided into 100 points. So a diamond of 75
points weighs .75 carat. Carat weight is the
easiest of the 4Cs to determine. But two
diamonds of equal weight can have very
unequal value, depending on their other
characteristics. Fine quality can be found
in diamonds of all shapes and sizes. And a
fine quality diamond is a little extra
weight she’d be pleased to put on.
Your Love Story dealer is the diamond expert
and will be happy to explain the 4Cs and
show you the differences between various
qualities of diamonds. An established
jeweler prizes his or her good reputation
and will help you choose the best quality
diamonds, your primary consideration when
making this purchase.
What’s the best shape for a Diamond
Engagement Ring?
The precision with which your diamond is cut
will determine its brilliance, its fire and its
ultimate beauty. However, the shape you
select is a matter of personal taste. The
round is the most popular shape, but there
are many others, such as the oval, marquise,
pear, emerald and square. Today the emphasis
is on simple, elegant designs that highlight
the beauty of the diamonds themselves. So,
you can never go wrong with the classic
diamond engagement ring.
How much should I spend?
All that the diamond engagement ring
symbolizes is, of course, priceless. But you
do have to be practical. How much should you
spend on this significant ring? Today, two
months’ salary is generally considered a
good guideline to follow. Now, that may seem
like a lot, but it really isn’t when you
think about it.
The cost of everything has gone up. And you
can’t expect to pay the same price for your
diamond as your parents did. Fortunately,
your diamond engagement ring does have great
value and, like love, can grow more precious
with time. And unlike other important
purchases, this is the one lasting symbol of
your love that will last forever. It will be
a daily reminder of the rare and precious
love you share.
When should I buy a diamond engagement
ring?
Some men, after they’ve popped the question,
begin looking for a diamond engagement ring.
Then then dream up all sorts of ways of
surprising their intended with the ring.
Others purchase one on their own and then
surprise their fiancée with a proposal and a
diamond engagement ring. Some women wish to
make the selection themselves. Whatever
feels right to you is the right way.
How do I pay for a diamond engagement
ring?
Your Love Story® Jeweler is an expert in
finding the perfect credit plan that will
make the purchase easy, even if you don’t
have a credit card, or you’ve never had
credit before! You’ll be able to buy her
diamond engagement ring and your wedding
bands on easy terms, and you’ll be building
a positive credit history for your new lives
together.
Diamonds: Across 3.3 billion years and 4
continents to a woman’s hand. Learn all
about diamonds!
Famous rocks? View the biggest, the most
beautiful, the most famous— and infamous
diamonds in the world!