Quick and Easy Buying Guide
Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.
Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).
Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.
Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.
Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).
Engagement Rings On Honeymoon
You may ask why you would even want to think about taking your engagement ring on your honeymoon. You've just become married and are excited! But there are some things you should consider before making this decision, and some things you should do after you have made the decision.
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If you've only just got the ring you may not have any insurance that covers it if it gets damaged or is stolen or lost on your honeymoon. Try and organise this insurance before you go away and make sure it becomes effective for the dates that you are away. Make sure that you bring any insurance details with you in case you need to make a claim on the trip.
If you don't have time to organise insurance, it may be better to leave the ring in a secure place at home, so you don't have to stress about what would happen if you lose it on your honeymoon.
Of course, if you leave it at home make sure it is covered by insurance there as well. The last thing you want is to come back home from your honeymoon and find your engagement ring has been stolen.
The decision on whether to take your engagement ring on your honeymoon will also be affected by your chosen destination. If you are going to a location where theft or pickpocketing is a major concern, it may be safer to leave the ring at home. This becomes more true as the ring becomes more expensive. Walking around in public with a giant diamond on your finger is an open invitation in some places to be mugged.
Likewise, if you are an active couple who plan to do a lot of sport or outdoors activities during your honeymoon, it may be a good idea to leave the ring at home.
If you do decide to take the ring with you and your honeymoon, make sure you take any documentation including proof of purchase with you. When you come back into the country, you may be asked to prove that you bought the ring before leaving the country in order to avoid any customs duties being imposed on the ring. Five or 10% of an expensive diamond ring price can make for an expensive holiday.
When you're travelling with your ring you can wear it or if you can't wear it, carry it on your person somewhere secure. If you have a money belt hidden under your clothes this can be a great place to put the ring when you're not wearing it.