The all-important diamond wedding ring: what you need to know to get it right

Terms you should know

We found a concise explanation of words to know when picking out a diamond ring, the most important being the “cut”:

“The cut refers to the number, placement, and shape of the ‘facets’ (flat, polished planes) that create a finished diamond. The shape into which the stone is cut determines its brilliance (white light reflection or sparkle), and fire (reflection of rainbow colors). A good cut can release a stone’s beauty, just as a bad one makes a stone dull. The next aspect to consider is the clarity, which is how clear the diamond is. The imperfections on the outside are called blemishes and the ones on the inside are called inclusions.”¹  

A “carat” is the unit of measure for the weight of a diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.

Consider Her Style

Buying the biggest, shiniest ring just wont cut it! You want to select a ring that reflects your bride’s personality and unique style. Look at the jewelry she likes to wear (not the hideous jewelry Aunt Edna gives her every Christmas). Is it mostly gold or silver? Is it big and showy or more modest? Does she like vintage jewelry or does she prefer custom-made pieces? Try looking through some bridal magazines to get an idea of what is available and what kind of design you think she would like most to wear. You can commission you own design or engrave a special message on the inside for a unique touch if you desire.

Determining your Budget

In her book, Get Married Without a Hitch, author Lisa Hilmanis suggests “Tradition has it that you are supposed to hand over two months’ salary for an engagement ring and spend whatever you want on the wedding rings, which are usually cheaper because they tend to be more simple.” Diamonds come in many different colors (white and yellow are most common) and yellow are cheaper but don’t let in the most light. Most diamonds contain some sort of imperfection, so don’t let this aspect completely control your decision. Finally, know that it is usually acceptable to wrangle for a lower price.

Selecting the Perfect One

Decide what is most important by keeping her style in mind: is it size, sparkle, shape, color? Consider the different aspects of the diamond and how it will be set into the ring and find the perfect balance to fit your budget.

Source Used to Write this Article:

¹Helmanis, Lisa. Get Married Without a Hitch. London: The Infinite Ideas Company Limited, 2005. Print.