Buying Guide
Engagement Ring Buying Guide
Buying an engagement ring is one of the most significant investments you can make - both emotionally and financially. Yet buying a diamond and choosing the perfect ring has always been challenging and intimidating.
We understand how special this purchase is and our goal is to make it a stress-free, transparent and fun process.
Below you will find a guide we have put together based on our experience of selling engagment rings. We answer those many questions that might keep you up at night, break down the unique parts of the ring and offer an intro to diamond education. And for anything we don't cover but you want to know - we're only a message away and we'll respond right away.
You have questions. We have answers.
WHERE DO I BEGIN?
Time to dive in! It's important to identify the diamond shape and ring style she loves. While a Round Brilliant cut diamond is historically the most popular, we have seen a lot of demand for elongated fancy cut stones, particularly Ovals, Radiants, and Cushion cuts. If you haven't figured it out, that's okay too! If you are surprising her, have a casual chat with a close friend or sibling. Also, pay attention to her clothing and jewelry style - does she wear simple clothing with minimal accessories or does she look for more sparkle and jazz? If you are designing the ring together, browse online and social media and let her pick her dream ring. No information is too little, we'll be right by your side the entire time and together we'll narrow it down.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I SPEND?
FORGET about all the old myths, such as, "two months salary" and don't feel any pressure from society. Identify a budget that is comfortable to you. There are many unique aspects to buying a diamond that can save you a significant amount of money. At Siroo, we are diamond experts and we hunt and personally inspect every diamond to find you the perfect stone for the money. There should not be any financial stress when making such a special purchase and no amount is too big or too small.
HOW DO I KNOW THIS IS AUTHENTIC?
All of diamonds are certfied by GIA (Gemlogical Institute of America) - the leading authority in gemology. Additionally, every member of Siroo is GIA educated! All of our engagement rings come with their exact diamond certificate and a certified appraisal for insurance purposes. All of our rings are made from precious metals and are stamped on the inside. We stand behind our product and all purchases are backed with a lifetime warranty.
HOW LONG DO I NEED?
The process can take as short or as long as you like. From our experience, it takes about 3 weeks from when we start talking to delivering the ideal ring. We first focus on figuring out what is the right ring and budget for you, followed by picking out the perfect diamond. Once we are settled on these three factors, we finalize your rings design. From there our master jewelers proceed to make your ring by hand to your exact customization.
I DON'T KNOW THE RING SIZE?
While this can seem tricky, if you ask a close friend or family member, they will be able to help. Alternatively, we can measure a ring she does wear. If it's not a surprise, we offer a free ring sizing tool! If those options are not working out, we can use our best professional judgement. If we don't get it right the first time, no worries. we offer a complimentary ring sizing just to get that perfect fit.
What about the setting?
Engagement Rings come in a wide range of designs. The four rings below represent the most popular ring designs today. That being said, as jewelry designers we can work with you to custom make a ring
- Halo -
- Solitaire -
- Pave -
- Three Stone -
Don't forget the metals.
ROSE GOLD
Rose gold is trendy right now! The metal has a romantic glow thanks to copper alloy. Avaialble in 14 kt for a darker pink tone and 18kt for a lighter champagne pink.
WHITE GOLD
White gold is the brightest metal for jewelry and is our preferred medium for jewelry. Avaialbe in either 14kt or 18kt.
YELLOW GOLD
Yellow gold is the most traditional metal used. 18Kt offers a richer yellow tone, white 14kt offers a more subtle warm glow. Yellow gold can make lower color grade diamonds look whiter and is a great option to make your dream ring on a budget.
PLATINUM
Platinum is a heavier metal and makers for a more sturdy feel. The white color patinas over time. We recommend platinum for dainty engagement rings for its strength and reliability.
What about the diamond?
Now to the famous "4C's." These are the four key attributes to understanding a diamond's quality: Carat, Color, Clarity and Cut. There is a lot of information available on these characteristics. Sometimes so much, it can be overwhelming. We find our customers learn about diamonds best during our appointments, where we go in depth on every attribute and teach them how to look at a diamond for themselves.
The 4Cs! Here are our recommendations for what every diamond buyer should always be looking for:
CUT
A diamond that has an amazing sparkle and brilliance. We always recommend looking for a diamond that has an excellent cut and make.
CARAT
A diamond that has a nice visual size, but is also within realistic and comfortable expectations.
COLOR
CLARITY
A diamond that is clean to the naked eye. While it may have some blemishes under magnification, we do not want to see anything to the naked eye or impede the ability for light to pass through the stone.
See our in depth, interactive guide on the 4C’s from GIA. Look through colors, cuts ad compare carat sizes and clarity grades.