Re: Engagement Ring
I've been a jeweler, professionally, since 1998 and I'll offer the same advice I offer all of my customers.
Don't buy online. Find a local jeweler you can trust. Your local guy's prices on diamonds should be within 10-15% of what you see on the big online sites.
A certified diamond isn't a bad idea. A "cert." is just a second opinion from an independant lab. <span style="font-weight: bold"> Whatever you do don't believe anything printed on an EGL cert.</span> These certificates are so consistantly high graded that if I sell a stone with an EGL cert the cert goes in the trash and it is sold as uncertified. GIA is a trustworthy organization.
Buy a stone that is "eye clean" with no visible inclusions to the naked eye. This means SI1 and better, sometimes SI2 stones qualifiy. Also get a stone that is near colorless or better. This means I or better in color.
If you are going to spend a little extra on something, get a well cut stone. Don't rule out a Lazar ideal cut or a hearts and arrows. Cut is the most important characteristic of a diamond once you get into the eye clean/near colorless range of stones.
<span style="font-weight: bold">NEVER, NEVER, NEVER buy a treated diamond. </span> If someone is pushing a "clarity enhanced" or "Yahuda" stone run away screaming. These stones start as heavily included crap that no one will buy. The shit in the stone is burned out with a laser, then the cavities are filled with glue or glass. You will have nothing but grief with these stones.
Metals are expensive right now, consequently, many mass produced pieces are light and thin, avoid these, they will cost you money in repairs down the road. Buy heavier rings and stay away from micro-pave. Micro-pave is in style now, this is the stuff with a bunch of tiny diamonds set all over it. The stones are easily lost. If you are having the ring made and want that look, a good jeweler can set a slightly larger stone in the pave style and they will probably hold up better.
You can save money by buying a diamond that isn't a round brilliant cut. Ovals, Marquise, Pears, Emerald cuts and to a lesser extent princess cut stones are cheaper than rounds. There is no cut grade for fancy shaped stones.
If you have any questions feel free to e-mail me
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