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Rock For The Ages

Engagement ring shopping in five simple steps

SOMETIMES FINDING THE PERFECT ENGAGEMENT RING is even harder than finding the perfect mate. With so many styles available— large or small, round or pear-shaped—and with commitment as easy as swiping a credit card, true love of a ring can seem deceptively simple. But finding your one and only is more than just knowledge of the four Cs (color, clarity, cut and carat weight), it’s truly about finding your style soul mate. Use these five tips as a checklist when engagement ring shopping:

Choose a Reputable Jeweler

Whether you go by word of mouth or with a name brand you already know, pick a jeweler with established diamond expertise who will show you the ropes. A good rule of thumb is to find a store that can offer you certified diamonds graded by a trusted source (more information on certified diamonds below). Also, even when money is no object, if a salesperson is more concerned with your budget than your bauble, hit the road—you want someone who is looking for your right fit, not simply the next sale.

Go Diamond Hunting

You’ll be spending most of your money on the stone, so make it the first priority of ring shopping. Don’t necessarily be swayed by statistics— buying solely on color and clarity may not necessarily lead you to your ideal diamond. According to Harold Krasner of Harold Steven’s Jewelers, a San Diego engagement ring specialist, “What you see with your own eyes is always better than what you hear with the ear. Brilliance and beauty are best seen in person—a number or letter on a scale shouldn’t be the deciding factor.” He recommends looking at a selection of loose stones without knowing any details, and then choosing based on what you love.

Setting for Your Style

Here’s where the real fun begins. Although it may seem daunting to choose a ring that you will want to wear every day, begin by thinking about your regular routine. Do you do a lot of work with your hands? Consider bezel-setting the center stone to keep it securely in place. Want a vintage design? Platinum is the go-to metal for this style, as it takes well to intricate detailing. Thinking outside the box? Colored gems flanking your diamond will make a statement. Or, opt for a custom design—the perfect way to get something completely unique. “When choosing such an important symbol of your relationship, why not imbue your personality and aesthetic into the ring from day one?” suggests Solana Beach-based couture jewelry designer Katey Brunini of K. Brunini Jewels, who creates custom engagement rings for her clientele.

Secure That Stone!

Don’t spend a dime unless your diamond is certified. Your stone should come with an independently graded and verified report that explains its characteristics. Trusted sources include Carlsbad-based Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or Gem Certification and Assurance Lab (GCAL), which offers the only guaranteed diamondgrading report that assures money back in case of error. Many jewelers also offer an identification service that will mark your diamond with a specific ID number. When saved in a database, it can be verified if the diamond is lost or stolen.

Shop Responsibly

An engagement ring should be a symbol of love, not of war, and this is exactly why the Kimberley Process was put into action. A worldwide initiative to stop the flow of “blood diamonds” that finance rebel armies fighting legitimate governments, the Kimberley Process only accepts members who certify all of their stones through a strict set of regulations. Your jeweler should be able to answer these questions: How can I be sure that none of your jewelry contains conflict diamonds? Do you know whether your diamond suppliers participate in the System of Warranties (signed statements from buyers and sellers affirming that their stones are conflict-free)? Can I see a copy of your company’s policy on conflict diamonds? Another great way to stay socially conscious is to buy vintage. In addition to being hugely popular, antique styles also eliminate the need to mine additional stones and metal for your ring.

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