The Man's Guide to Buying Diamond Jewelry
You're looking for the perfect engagement ring or anniversary gift and you need a little advice? First and foremost, learn the 4 Cs of diamonds. Knowing all about carat, color, clarity and cut is half the battle. Can you guess what the second half is? Knowing your significant other's tastes, of course! The Man's Guide to Diamond Buying was designed to help you understand that buying diamonds doesn't have to be intimidating or stuffy. Let Kmart show you how buying a diamond can be affordable and fun.
How Much Should You Spend?
1ct Round Diamond RGI
( $2015.99 )
10 hammer drills
( $201.50 e. )
Buying a diamond engagement ring is a large purchase. For example, one small diamond ring can cost the same as 10 hammer drills. But, unlike a hammer drill, a diamond ring is a gift that will be cherished forever.
We recommend you forget the old wives' tale that your ring budget should be equal to two month's salary. Think about your budget and prioritize what is most important to you and your future wife. Remember to consider what comes after the engagement. For instance, if you and your fiancé will be footing the bill for your own wedding or saving for a down payment on a new house, buying a more modest ring may help you realize your goals.
After you've learned the 4 Cs, you may also ask yourself, "which of the 4 Cs is most important?" Well, that depends on whom you ask. Many think that carat, being the most personal and visually prominent of the 4 Cs is the most important. Experts tend to say cut is the most important because a good cut will enhance color and clarity while a bad cut can devalue a stone.
Now on to personal taste and what you can't learn from the 4 Cs, and that is how to determine the shape of diamond you want to buy. But remember: if you are looking for an engagement ring, chances are your intended has been looking also and may have strong opinions about the shape of diamond she likes best. Try to pick up on hints, as subtle as they might be. Or ask her yourself, but in an indirect way. Perhaps say, "A colleague at work just got engaged and her diamond was called a 'Princess Cut'. I've never heard of that, have you?"
Check Out that Shape!
Round diamondsThe round shape is the most popular and classic of all shapes. If your intended veers toward traditional values and likes simple things that represent elegance and time-honored traditions, get down on one knee and present her with a round diamond ring.
Princess diamondsThe Princess is a square-shaped diamond. It's for people who like to think different and be different. If your gal likes to eat ice cream in winter and take walks in the rain, then place a Princess shaped diamond on her finger.
Marquise diamondsThe Marquise diamond looks like an elongated oval with two points at the end. It's the grandest of diamond shapes, because it typically makes a diamond appear larger than it actually is. So, if you plan to propose to a woman who loves to make dramatic entrances, make her feel like royalty and give a Marquise-shaped diamond.
Oval diamondsThe values and attitudes of the woman who wants an oval diamond are very similar to the round diamond wearer, with one exception: the oval diamond wearer likes to let her hair down every once in a while! So if your gal is all business during the week but a party animal on Saturday, go oval.
Pear-shaped diamondsThis is the shape for true individuals, for the woman who starts the trends and doesn't follow them. So think about it: if your gal always seems to be ahead of the curve, give her a diamond that is as unique as she is—offer her a pear-shaped diamond.
Emerald diamondsQueen Elizabeth has one and so does Gwen Stefani. What do they have in common? They are both strong individuals. An emerald shaped diamond is for women who are large and in charge. So, if your special someone has a commanding presence and likes to take on leadership roles, then give her an emerald-shaped diamond to let her know you love her strength.
Don't forget, a diamond is a girl's best gem! So, make sure to get her one that best fits with her personality.
