Top 5 Mistakes Men Make When Buying Diamond Engagement Rings

A beautiful diamond ring for a birthday, anniversary or engagement?

1. Paying Too Much for a Diamond Engagement Ring

Many men pay too much for a diamond engagement ring. They do not study the information on diamonds or the history of diamonds. They also do not use any diamond resources to find out the fair price of a ring. A smaller carat ring can cost less but still have a beautiful cut and clarity. If you are willing to accept a few minor imperfections in the stone, then you can purchase a ring for 20% to 30% off. A diamond ring does not have to cost $10,000 to amaze your girlfriend. There are many rings in lower price ranges of less than $2000 that still look stunning. Men can also save money by purchasing older rings or antique rings. There are many businesses that sell diamonds and offer cash for diamonds.

2. Buying a Fake Ring

Fake diamond engagement rings are abundant, and many men make the mistake of buying them. Diamond news sources write about scam artists and problems related to fake stones. It is important to study diamond resources before buying a ring. There are several steps that can be taken to avoid purchasing a fake ring. First, you should go to a reputable jeweler. Then, you should check the ring for scratches because fake stones often have marks. You can use a loupe to examine the stone. Fake stones are often too perfect because real diamonds have minor imperfections visible under the loupe. U.V. light tests and transparency tests can be used to determine the authenticity of the ring. The best way to determine if it is a fake stone is to have it appraised by the American Society of Appraisers (ASA) or other reputable organization.

3. Not Buying a Certified Diamond Engagement Ring

One of the best ways to avoid problems is to buy a certified diamond engagement ring. Throughout the history of diamonds, certification has been one of the safest ways to ensure the quality of the stone. Men should use diamond resources and diamond news to learn more about the certificates. The jeweler should provide you with a certificate from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that will show the exact type of stone that is in the ring. Most of the information about diamonds indicates that GIA certified stones are the best. The GIA is a nonprofit organization with a mission to protect sellers and buyers from fraudulent practices. They have created an International Diamond Grading System to rate stones on clarity, cut, color and carat weight.

4. Not Asking the Girlfriend for Her Opinion

Unfortunately, many men foolishly go shopping without any input from their girlfriends. Prior to going to any location that can sell diamonds, men should ask their girlfriends about the type of engagement ring they want. A surprise may be nice, but if she hates the ring, you will be stuck looking for a place that offers cash for diamonds. Some women hate diamonds and would prefer that you purchase their birth stone. Other women are allergic to different metals like silver and cannot wear them. You could purchase a ring in a setting that she cannot wear due to her allergies. There are women who would rather have a small diamond ring instead of an enormous one. This is why it is crucial that you discuss the engagement ring with your girlfriend before buying it.

5. Not Spending Enough Time Shopping

Most men hate shopping, so they go to the first store that advertises that they sell diamonds and purchase the first diamond engagement ring they see. They do not spend enough time getting the information on diamonds, comparing prices, researching diamond news and looking at different ring types. If you want your girlfriend to be thrilled with the ring, you must spend time shopping at different locations. It is important to compare prices at different jewelers. You may notice an enormous difference in prices among stores. Some jewelers can charge 30% to 50% more than others because they may have custom design pieces or special settings. If you are looking for a simple engagement ring, then you do not want to pay an additional $2,000 to $5,000 for a custom design she may not like. This is why you should shop at more than one location and compare prices.

Sources:

“Diamond Grading Laboratory Survey.” David Atlas, Garry Holloway and Leonid Tcharnyi. August 6, 2004.

“Is it the Real Thing?” Diamond Cutters International. December 11, 2008.