8) Pick out the Mounting
Mounting shopping can be fun... For some! There are thousands of choices. A lot of guys stress over the Perfect Mounting, but it doesn't need to be so tough. If you already have an idea of what she wants (White Gold Pave Set, Tension Set, Channel Set...) then that helps greatly. But if you have no clue as to what she'll like, then here are a couple of pointers...
1) Take a friend of hers (who can keep a secret) shopping with you. Her friend can help choose a ring that fits her personality. No doubt that her friends and your girl have been out looking at Engagement Rings before... Trust me, they'll know what kind of mounting she'll like.
2) If not, buy her the Classic Tiffany Style Engagement Ring (See Picture). You simply cannot go wrong with this Traditional look. It's Sleek, Simple, Stylish, Elegant, and nothing shows off a Solitaire Diamond better! It's a Win-Win Mounting!
Plus, you can have it set into a Tiffany Style Mounting now, and then after you give it to your Girlfriend, you can take her out so she can pick the Mounting that she really wants. Lots of guys do this. And a lot of Women like doing it this way. Just realize, that this also costs you more money in the long run!
Mounting tips:
1) Don't buy a Mounting so big it overpowers the center Diamond.
2) Don't buy a Ring that is really thick or bulky, it may hurt her fingers.
3) Match the Quality of Diamonds in the Mounting to the Quality of Diamond you bought for the center stone.
4) Don't buy Invisible Set Diamonds! They tend to fall out of the Mounting. Pave Set or Channel Set Mountings are more Ideal!
9) Have it Set and Sized
Have the Jeweler set your Solitaire into the Mounting of your choice. Have it sized properly at the same time. That way when she gets it, it will fit!
There are a couple of ways of finding out her correct size, read: How to find Her Ring Size! If you don't know her size, just leave the ring as the Default Ring Size (usually a size 6 or 6.5). Then she can just have it sized and custom fit after she gets it. No big deal!
Here's a really HUGE ALERT for you! When you go to pick up your ring from the Jeweler... Microscope the Ring again! Look at the quality of the workmanship. Look at where it was sized. Are there any sizing marks? Did they thin out the shank? Take a look at the prongs. Are they touching the Diamond? Are they rough or sharp? Are they uneven or thin? Look at the Channels to make sure they are straight and not jagged or uneven. Look over everything well to make sure it's up to par.
And don't forget to microscope the most important thing... The center Diamond! Doing this prevents Diamond Switching! Make sure that the Diamond you're taking home is the Diamond you bought. Look at the Inclusions and the Diamond Certificate (Please tell me you bought a Certified One... G.I.A.). Make sure it's the right stone. Look at the Laser Inscription Numbers (Hopefully you bought one that's Laser Inscribed as well!). Make sure the numbers on the Diamond are the same numbers that are listed on the Diamond Report. Do this BEFORE you leave the Jeweler. If there's an issue or problem, it's best to find out NOW!
10) Get it Appraised and Insured
Don't forget the Paperwork! Make sure you have the Diamond Certificate (These are expensive, so don't lose it!). Make sure that they give you a Jewelry Appraisal (should be Free) with your purchase. You want to be able to make copies of all of these and turn them into your Insurance Company. Getting them insured is a must! Get it covered for Loss, Theft, Damage and also if the Diamond Chips, Breaks or Cracks! Get it covered. Put it on your Home Owners Insurance. It's well worth the money.
And also make sure you get any Guarantees and Warranties that come with your purchase.
And lastly, don't forget to buy an Extended Service Plan (E.S.P.'s) if they have one. These plans cover the Mounting and Repairs and Sizings for a Lifetime... I can't tell you enough how important these are for Jewelry Purchases!
There you go. These tricks and tips should help you stay focused and hopefully keep you pointed in the right direction for buying her the perfect Diamond Engagement Ring.
The key points are:
1) Stay within your Budget
2) Strive for at least SI1 Clarity with G-H Color
3) Scope the Diamond for Flaws and Imperfections
4) Buy only Certified Laser-Inscribed Diamonds (G.I.A.)
5) Get it Appraised and Insured
Good luck shopping! Have fun. Enjoy it. Here's hoping she says "YES!"
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