Things to Avoid When Buying A Diamond Engagement Ring

Buying a diamond engagement ring for the first time can be a daunting experience, but it doesn't have to be. Keeping a few things in mind can help you stay within your budget and find a ring your partner will cherish for a lifetime. If you want to avoid the most common diamond buying mistakes, keep reading our handy buyer's guide.

Don't Forget to Set a Budget

In today's world, you have an endless choice of engagement ring options, some pricier than others. The old rule of spending two month's salary on your ring is outdated. As long as you can afford the ring and it's perfect for your partner, the ring will be cherished. Set an initial budget and adjust it (if needed) as you go through the shopping process. Once you've determined a budget that won't leave you broke, stick to it. The best jewelers will work within your budget, not try to upsell you.

Never Buy a Diamond Sight Unseen

Would you buy a house or a car without seeing it in person, first? If you do, you risk getting something you weren't expecting. When buying a diamond, it's always best to get as close a look as possible at the diamond, especially a loose one. Stones in settings can obscure its view. Loose diamonds allow you to check their overall quality in full view.

Don't Depend on the 4 C's for Everything

Cut, clarity, carat, and color. The 4 C's have long been used to help first-diamond diamond buyers find the right diamond for them. However, everyone prioritizes each aspect of a diamond differently. Maybe you want to save some money by compromising on a stone's clarity. Or, you prefer the slight hazy tint over completely colorless options. The 4 C's are meant to guide you but there's always an exception to the rule.

Avoid Chain Jewelry Stores

If you want the finest customer service and selection of engagement rings, shop local, preferably from a family-owned store. Some chains grade their own diamonds leaving you with a low-quality stone and a low bank account balance. Mass production runs the risk of producing low-quality designs. Instead, shop from family-owned and operated shops with years (or even decades) of experience. You won't regret it.

Don't Settle on the First Diamond You See

This should go without saying, but you shouldn't buy the first, second, or even third diamond ring you see. Why? It's important to shop around since stores carry different designers and designs at various price points. If you can find a jeweler that offers a price match guarantee* (or a reduction in rare cases), all the better.

*If within 30 days of purchase, you find a diamond with the same specifications at a lower price, Albert's Diamond Jewelers will beat the price by 10%, or we'll refund your money.

Don't Skim the Diamond Report

Diamond reports have a lot of pertinent information about the grade of the diamond, but not if it's issued by the store itself. For the best quality stone, find diamonds graded by not-for-profit institutions like the Gemological Institute of America. Diamond reports ensure you know its exact specifications before you buy it.

Shop Albert's Diamond Jewelers

Last, but not least, if you want a reliable and experienced jeweler with over a century of experience in the biz, stop by Albert's Diamond Jewelers in Northwest Indiana. Step into our showroom in Schererville, Indiana for a stunning selection of diamond engagement rings from A. Jaffe, Christopher Designs, Gabriel & Co., Verragio, and more. We're here to make your dreams a reality. Give us a call at 219-322-2700 or send us an email at customerservice@albertsjewelers.com to find out more.