| Buying a diamond engagement ring is a very | | | | and if you are opting for loose diamonds setting |
| personal affair and an exhilarating experience. | | | | them takes couple of weeks. |
| Sometimes this can impair your judgment and | | | | Step 6 |
| you could end up making wrong decisions. | | | | Ask for the diamond grade certification report |
| Therefore the most reliable approach on how to | | | | before you purchase and make sure you have it |
| buy a diamond engagement ring is to be unbiased, | | | | appraised by an independent appraiser. The |
| objective and scientific. | | | | keyword here is 'Independent'. Do not settle for |
| Here are some simple steps to ensure that you | | | | an in-house or a recommended appraiser. It should |
| make informed decisions | | | | be your choice on whose appraisal service you |
| Step 1 | | | | wish to use. |
| Begin with knowing exactly how much you are | | | | Step 7 |
| willing to spend on the ring. A useful bench mark | | | | Read and make sure you understand the return |
| to know how much to spend is the standard two | | | | policy before you make your purchase. All |
| months salary. Most people settle for this budget | | | | reputable jewelers have about a 30 day return |
| however it is simply a starting point. | | | | policy. Just to be safe, ask your jeweler if they |
| Step 2 | | | | will agree for a full refund if a third party |
| Consult a reputable, quality jeweler. It is even | | | | appraiser grades don't match up to the grades |
| better if you have time to consult several to | | | | your jeweler provided. If they cannot provide |
| know your options. The jewelers will give you a | | | | such a guarantee, walk away. |
| good overview on how to go about buying | | | | Step 8 |
| diamonds as well. | | | | It is a good idea to have your appraised diamond |
| Step 3 | | | | engagement ring insured. Generally insurance |
| If you are buying for your partner, observe what | | | | covers theft but may not cover damage or loss. |
| she wears and know what her tastes are like. | | | | So always read the policy carefully. |
| When comes to buying a diamond engagement | | | | Step 9 |
| ring most women prefer to choose their own and | | | | The diamond on an engagement ring signifies |
| do so in most cases. But if you want to surprise | | | | deep emotional feelings. Do not let it be muddied |
| her than it is critical that you at least know her | | | | by buying conflict diamonds with a history of pain |
| likes and dislikes. | | | | and abuse of human rights. Always ask to see |
| Step 4 | | | | your jeweler's policy on conflict diamonds and ask |
| Buying loose diamonds and then having them set | | | | if their suppliers comply with Kimberly Process and |
| is a cost effective option as set diamonds tend to | | | | has a System of Warranties certificate. |
| cost more. An added advantage to this is that | | | | In the end, remember no matter what quality |
| loose diamonds are easier to appraise and you | | | | diamond engagement ring you get for your loved |
| can even design your own ring. | | | | one, if you have made sacrifices to save for the |
| Step 5 | | | | diamond engagement ring. You will have added a |
| Do not leave buying the engagement ring for the | | | | sentimental brilliance in your diamond ring even a |
| last moment. It takes time to choose properly | | | | flawless diamond cannot outshine. |