Overcoming the engagement ring jitters
Nearly half of all wedding proposals occur between November and February, yet most men are overwhelmed by the notion of buying an engagement ring, no matter when they choose to pop the question. Commitment issues aside, for men, plunking down thousands of dollars for something that can't be driven or worked on can be both a fearful and puzzling prospect.
In fact, according to a recent survey of 1,200 men and women by The NPD Group, 75 percent of men admit that they don't feel knowledgeable about buying jewelry. Perhaps because they don't understand it, 56 percent of the men surveyed say they find jewelry shopping stressful.
"Luckily," says Blue Nile diamond buying expert Robin Codner, "with some simple advice, men will have the information necessary to make a confident and stress-free engagement ring purchase."
Codner offers these tips:
- Set a budget. Has the "two months' salary" proverb fallen by the wayside? The best rule of thumb is to set your budget at a comfortable range. Around one-sixth of your salary is still recommended. If you're purchasing a loose diamond, be sure to account for the cost of a setting. Whatever your budget, take your time deciding - this is an emotional event and a purchase that will last a lifetime. Do not hesitate to shop competitively and compare products and prices. Also, buying through someone that cuts out the "middle man," or is not on commission, can help in cost savings.
- Get an education. Getting properly educated on the "four C's" of diamond-buying - carat, cut, color and clarity - is a must for any groom-to-be. Getting ripped off on the purchase is the diamond buyer's No. 1 fear. So, the first step is to feel empowered by getting information. The Internet is a great place to start researching. Blue Nile (www.bluenile.com) offers men the in-depth education necessary to make informed purchases with confidence.
- Understanding the four C's. Recognizing the subtle nuances of a diamond is not as complicated as one would think. Some things to look for include a lack of color (colorless) or level of clarity (clearness vs. cloudiness). The ultimate stone is clear, clean, colorless and full of sparkle.
- Quality vs. size. Current diamond-purchasing trends indicate Americans want a higher-quality diamond than they have in the past. Also, different shape diamonds (emerald, princess, marquis, round) can have the illusion of taking on different sizes because with different cuts the weight is proportioned differently. Finally, a sparkly diamond can appear larger and make up for a smaller carat size. Don't get caught up in the pressure of "keeping up with the Joneses." Tradition and simplicity make for an excellent starting point.
- Certify and verify. Ensure that you are getting what you pay for by checking the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gem Society (AGS) certification and make sure you get an appraisal with your purchase. Also, make sure to check return policies and, if shopping online, secure transaction procedures.
- Have fun and know when it's right. Everyone, affluent or not, is looking for value. Through education, guidance and verification, buying an engagement ring can be a stress-free and fun experience. Go with your gut and you will know when you've found the right one.
The Four C's of diamonds
When shopping for a diamond, keep in mind the Four C's to determine the quality of a stone, says the GIA:
- Carat refers to the weight of the stone. One carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams or 100 points. A large stone with several flaws may be less valuable than a smaller stone with fewer flaws.
- Clarity refers to the number of inclusions in a stone. Inclusions are minerals or fractures that occur naturally when a diamond is formed. The fewer inclusions, the more brilliant the stone is.
- Color: Not all diamonds are colorless. Diamonds can range in color from different shades of white to rose, blue and yellow. Truly colorless stones are the most rare and expensive, but the color of a stone is a matter of personal taste.
- Cut is the term for the shape, proportions, angles and facets in a diamond. A well-cut diamond will best reflect the light, bringing out the brilliance of the stone. The best-known cuts are round, emerald (or square), pear and heart.
