Getting Married? 5 Tips for Choosing a Great Engagement Ring

In choosing the perfect engagement ring, you will need to know more than what type of ring that you would like to buy. It also requires knowledge of the perfect jewelry store. It is important to research your local jewelry store options before you commit to making a purchase. After all, you want to obtain a quality ring that your bride to be will adore forever as opposed to an inferior product that is masqueraded as the real deal. The following five tips will tell you exactly what to keep an eye out for when you select a jeweler.

1) GIA Certified Gemologists and an Educated Staff - If a jewelry store does not have a certified gemologist and a knowledgeable staff, then you should not buy an engagement ring there. The staff should be fully educated in the usage of color grading trays, diamond scales and brilliance "loupes." With these tools, they can provide you with verification of a diamond's weight, color grade and sparkle quality.

2) Quality Rings - Onsite creation of the ring assures customers that the quality of the product is top priority of the jeweler. Besides onsite supervision of your ring's production, the true value of the ring is important as well. This can be determined through an appraisal. The appraisal of the ring is not only important for determining the quality of the ring, but also can help with insuring the ring too. 

3) Beautiful Diamonds - The most important aspect of the engagement ring is the diamond, so it is vital for it to be beautiful. Brilliance loupes are utilized to easily demonstrate the brilliance and sparkle level of a diamond. When in doubt, ask the jeweler to demonstrate these important qualities versus another similar ring. The diamond that stands out the most is the one that will truly grab your fiance-to-be's attention.

4) Custom Design - Every woman wants to feel like a princess when she shows off her engagement ring, and there is no better way to give her this feeling than to present her with a custom wedding ring. According to L.A. jewelers, Icing on the Ring, another terrific option is for a designer to customize a one-of-a kind engagement ring that is perfectly suited to her style and size. By giving her a unique ring, this truly demonstrates how important she is to you.

5) Warranties and Trade Ups - No matter how careful your bride-to-be is with her engagement ring, there is still a chance that something unforeseen could damage it. This is why it is crucial to purchase from a jewelry store that offers a good warranty. The best locations will also include free inspections, cleanings and appraisals along with a trade up program that enables you to switch to a more expensive diamond at a later date.

As you can see, there is a lot more to buying an engagement ring than simply the ring itself. Even if a jewelry store offers you a really good price on an engagement ring, it may not end up being as good of a deal in the long run. By fully researching your options, you can present your bride-to-be with a ring that will be the envy of all her friends.

Krista Langford is an experienced engagement ring shopper and a contributing writer for Icing on the Ring. This top-notch jewelry store is located in the Los Angeles jewelry district, and provides outstanding customer service as shown in online reviews found in Wedding Wire, Project Wedding, and Yelp. Come discover the difference!