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).
Replacing An Engagement Ring
There are many reasons that a couple may need to replace an engagement ring. The bride may not like the engagement ring. A ring may become damaged beyond repair. All the ring may simply be lost or stolen.
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Whatever the reason, there are a number of ways of going about replacing an engagement ring.
If the ring has only just been bought from a jewellery store, you may be able to refund or exchange the ring at that store within a certain time period. If the ring is being replaced because the bride did not like it, the couple can go shopping together in order to ensure that they both get a ring they like.
If you've had the ring for a while and the reason for replacement is because it has been damaged beyond repair, you can take the ring to a jeweller and see whether they can salvage part of the ring. For example, it is quite conceivable that while the ring setting may be damaged a diamond may be untouched. In this situation the diamond can be removed by an expert and set into a new ring, saving significantly on the cost of the replacement ring.
A more challenging situation is if the ring has been lost or stolen. If you are trying to replace it with a similar ring you will need all the documentation and photographs of the ring that you have. If you have had your wedding already, it's likely that the photographer took some close-up photos of the ring – these are a great set of photos to use. Bring them into a jeweller and ask them what they can do for you. This is especially important if the ring is not a common design.
If you are trying to save on the cost of
replacing a ring, you should carefully examine the exact details of any
insurance policy you have covering the ring. Usually these policies dictate
certain limitations that you must respect when going to replace your ring in
order to get the maximum reimbursement possible.