So, it’s the season of turkeys and jingle bells. It’s also the season when trembling men across America consider popping the question to their beloved. Guys, you may or may not have heard of the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity and carat). However, this can all be confusing and overwhelming if you’re coming to terms with the 3 Cs (communication, cost and commitment). Deep breath.
We’re here to help. Tempest Bleu met with a ring consultant to get some great advice for you guys out there. We’ll call her Ms. Leah. She gave Tempest Bleu the scoop in the strictest of confidence. After all, some of this is stuff jewelry stores wouldn’t want you to know. You can thank us later!
10 Ring Shopping Tips
10. Clarity. You may have already heard about the 4 Cs… one being clarity. Well once you get to the jewelry store, you’ll soon find that clarity is defined in several confusing codes – SI2, SI3, I1 and so forth. Ms. Leah says you can save yourself the trouble by if at all possible shooting for no lower quality than an SI-1. Anything less may have a milky color.
9. Loupe. The little round magnifying glass jewelers use to closely examine the quality of diamonds. You too, should have one in your hands when selecting a stone. Ask for it and look for black spots (may look like pepper) or a cloudy diamond and then put that one back.
8. Conflict free. If you saw the movie Blood Diamond, you know that many diamonds are mined during harsh conditions and in the midst of civil war and unrest. Fortunately, you have options. A diamond is conflict-free if its profit is not used to fund war, and it is mined and produced under ethical conditions. The Kimberley Process (KP) is a joint governments, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. For more information, visit
http://www.conflictfreediamonds.org/7. Save your money. You shouldn’t go into serious debt, however, and this goes without saying, an engagement ring is expensive. Ms. Leah recommends guys try to save approximately (gasp) $3,000 -- $5,000 (includes insurance, see below) or be in the position to finance a portion of the ring. We think prepping for a major purchase is key, but also working within your budget. A larger surface area may give the appearance of a larger ring, for example. Or buying a 1.7 carat versus a 2 carat can save you some money.
6. Put it in the rock. Now that you have the money, Ms. Leah recommends putting most of it into the diamond (or other jewel, see below) itself. While she thinks baguettes, etc are pretty, sometimes (especially if your on a tight budget) a dramatic statement can be made with a solitaire. Side note: while platinum rings are beautiful, unlike white gold it tends to dull over the years and is difficult to reclaim its original sparkle.
5. Consider other jewels. Diamond wedding rings actually became popular in American culture. Other countries continue to value jewels that are just as valuable, some more so, than diamonds. Consider your sweetheart’s birthstone or a jewel such as an emerald or ruby.
4. Get the ring insured. Stuff happens. Rings fall down drains or are left in beauty salons. Once you’ve purchased the rock, take a picture of it and take out a separate insurance policy. It’s not very expensive but will save a ton of heartache. And while you’re at it, The Knot.com recommends getting a diamond-grading report for rings one carat or larger. This report is issues by an independent gemological association such as the GIA or the American Gem Society. It may also include details including the 4 Cs, shape, dimensions and other enhancements.
3. Spy on her. Here’s your chance at espionage. Interview her close friends or siblings, after getting them to swear to secrecy. Or pay attention to her jewelry. Is it simple or bold? Is she traditional or does she prefer a trendy look? Try to find out the shape she wants – princess, round, emerald, ascher, etc. Or you can save yourself the stress and ask her or go shopping together. Word of caution: Once you do, she’ll be on the lookout!
2. Unleash your inner designer. After spying on her tastes in jewelry, interviewing her closest friends or family members, consider designing the ring yourself. Some men are intimidated by this process but it can be a lot of fun and make the ring that much more meaningful to your sweetheart.
1. It’s just jewelry. Yes it represents your love for her. Yes she will most likely wear it for many, many years to come. Yes, it represents that you’ve paid attention to her likes and her style. However, at the end of the day…it’s jewelry. If any woman balks at your profession of love, well… we’re wedding planners, so we won’t say it. Good luck!
Here’s what some ladies – from newlyweds to marriage veterans -- had to say about receiving their rings:“I think my ring is very pretty. It's made of white gold and platinum, with three diamonds representing the past, present, and future. But most importantly, my now husband, after asking his dad’s permission, used a diamond from his deceased mother's wedding ring to represent the past. The other two diamonds symbolize our life in the present and future. I was extremely honored to have been thought of so highly by him and his dad.”
-- Linda H., Psychiatrist, Atlanta“I was shocked, to say the least, that the ring I received was one that caught my eye at the store. He suggested that we look at rings so he could get an idea of what I would prefer. There were several that were stunning that I liked, but I'm almost sure this is the one I kept looking at.”
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Carmen P, Graduate Student, Vinings, Ga.“Ultimately, knowing that my man took time, energy and effort to research and understand me & the ring means the world.”
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Single Lady, New York“The thing I like most about my ring is the person who gave it to me! Also that he picked out an even better ring than the one I suggested he get for me.”
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Chelsey Mc, Web Developer, Atlanta, Ga.
“When it was my time, I thought I'd leave it [ring shopping] all up to him. Just as I'd suspected, he picked the perfect ring. However, if you have your heart set on something specific, I don't think there is anything wrong with dropping subtle hints like leaving pictures of your favorites around the house. I was overwhelmed and impressed at how well he knew me and my taste and the fact that he designed it himself.”
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Valerie S., Buyer, Atlanta, Ga. (*Getting married August 2009 and is one of our favorite clients!)“When I first got my ring, I thought it was absolutely wonderful and it sparkled a lot! I just thought, “hmmm... he did good!”
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Nicole S, Human Resources Manager, Stockbridge, Ga.
** Don’t forget guys: Tempest Bleu can plan and creatively coordinate your wedding proposal! **
So, you already have a ring…
Care is the word. Ms. Leah recommends pristine care for your ring. Check the prongs regularly. Don’t clean the house with your ring on… especially with chlorine bleach products. Below is a recipe for ring cleaner:
Easy Ring Cleaner
2 parts ammonia
2 parts Mr. Clean
Dilute mixture thoroughly with hot distilled water
Soak overnight in solution.
Rinse ring with hot water. Dry with a soft cloth (not paper towels).
Rock your ring like it’s brand new!
