| Asking somebody to marry you can be one of | | | | about diamonds. Surely, the custom engagement |
| the most exciting events of your life. And, of | | | | ring that you buy will feature diamonds. But |
| course, the engagement ring that you use will be | | | | remember, there are many different types for |
| a large part of this process. If you are in the | | | | you to choose from. Keep the five C's in mind: |
| market for an engagement ring there are many | | | | carat, color, clarity, cut and most important cost. |
| options that you should consider. In this day and | | | | That fifth C is where gem economics comes into |
| age you should consider buying your engagement | | | | play, and only a seasoned diamond specialist will |
| ring online. This may sound "risky", but the fact of | | | | know how to explain clearly how dollars translate |
| the matter is that the best deals on high end full | | | | to gem characteristics. Don't listen to friends and |
| cut certified diamonds for the public are coming | | | | family.... Doesn't matter how educated they think |
| from online diamond merchants. It's safe, quick, | | | | they are. If they aren't in the industry, they don't |
| cost effective and the online merchants have the | | | | have access to the pricing standards and market |
| best return policies and upgrade programs | | | | trends necessary to understand fully. 4. Once you |
| available. There are five important steps that you | | | | have considered the five C's it is time to choose |
| must follow when buying a custom engagement | | | | a diamond. This can be difficult when shopping |
| ring online. These steps will help you with the | | | | online, so we strongly suggest that you go to a |
| buying process, keep you directed, ordered and | | | | local jeweler to view diamonds in person. If you're |
| ultimately help you build the ultimate diamond | | | | going to take advantage of the online diamond |
| engagement ring. 1. Before you ever decide to | | | | values, look at certified diamonds ONLY! GIA, |
| buy a custom engagement ring online you need | | | | AGS, EGL USA and EGL are some of the most |
| to determine an appropriate budget. There are | | | | popular third party diamond certifications available. |
| hundreds of ring choices for you to make, and | | | | Shop with your eyes and your budget. When you |
| having a budget in mind will make the selection | | | | see a diamond that meets your expectations, |
| process much easier on you. Having a solid budget | | | | have the jewelry PHOTOCOPY the certification. |
| is even more important when buying a custom | | | | Do NOT let them just jot down the carat, color, |
| engagement ring because your options are even | | | | shape and price. This is not enough information to |
| more varied. Remember, the diamond is usually | | | | do genuine comparison. The entire certification is |
| going to eat up most of your money with an | | | | needed. OR, you write down the certificate report |
| engagement ring. Unless you are keeping your | | | | #. This can be looked up on the certification |
| center stone to a minimum, that showcase | | | | companies website. It's the information on this |
| diamond will usually be between 65% - 95% of | | | | certification that is crucial for online diamond |
| your expense. If you need help understanding | | | | buying. Now, match the specs on your report |
| diamond values, ask a pro. Email questions, | | | | with those specs listed online. There are some |
| chatting online or a quick 5 -10 minute educational | | | | tricky subtlet ies, so assistance from a diamond |
| phone session is a great way to get | | | | specialist is very helpful. 5. Ask about any money |
| understanding of diamond values without dealing | | | | back guarantee before you make a final decision. |
| with the pressure of sales people. 2. If you are | | | | Just like anything else, when you buy a custom |
| surprising your partner you may not have any | | | | engagement ring online you want to make sure |
| idea as to what type of engagement ring they | | | | the fabricator stands by their work. If the piece is |
| are looking for. While this can sometimes be | | | | shoddily made or if it's not what you ordered, |
| tricky, take advantage of the subtle hints, and | | | | having a guarantee will put your mind to rest. |
| definitely pay attention to her tastes in style. Is | | | | Now you're ready to buy. Avoiding state TAX, |
| she simple, clean and classic, vintage, retro, old | | | | Credit Card Fraud protection, great return policies, |
| fashioned antique???. Look at her current jewelry | | | | third party certifications and the fact that you |
| collection. Does she prefer conspicuous and big, | | | | have seen a similar diamond in person stack up |
| small and discrete, white gold or silver, yellow | | | | very well for online jewelers, and make the |
| gold? Paying attention to such things should give | | | | argument for buying your certified diamond or |
| you better direction. 3. Learn as much as you can | | | | custom engagement ring online a strong one. |