When searching for the engagment ring of your dreams, be sure you get the quality you’d expect in something you’ll wear for a lifetime. This is not a purchase where you’ll want to scrimp. Consider that the engagement ring will be worn 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, for as long as you both shall live, so invest in the very best quality ring, whatever your budget.
Here is a list of “musts” to consider when shopping for your engagement ring. (Courtesy of Steve Robbins, CEO of Robbins Bros., World’s Biggest Engagement Ring Store):
- All diamonds in the ring should be of superior cut, color and clarity, and all should be perfectly matched for maximum brilliance.
- Channels (the side diamonds that may be in a row next to the center diamond) must be straight and strong for extra security.
- The shank (the metal part of the ring) must be extra heavy for lasting strength.
- There should be no porosity and a high polish on the ring shank (you will notice a mirror-like finish)
Things to watch out for when shopping for your ring:
- Mismatched side diamonds. The side diamonds in these rings will have only limited brilliance and vary in size, color and clarity.
- Imperfect metal finish. Mass-produced rings often show casting spots and little bubbles in the metal which are called “porosity.”
- Irregular channels. The channel settings from many jewelers are uneven and sometimes very thin. You may notice that the diamonds are set unevenly or show obvious gaps.
- Lightweight shank. These rings are noticable because they are much lighter in weight and will, as a result, wear out quickly. This is because the gold of the shank is thin and hollowed-out to cut production costs.
Take your time when shopping for your diamond engagement ring and be sure you will be happy with the quality. If you have any questions feel free to email me or call me at 818-662-0357, ext 8227.
Happy Engagement!
Diane
Perfect Proposals, The Ring, and More! 