It’s an exciting time getting engaged, but it can also be an anxious and overwhelming one. Probably the first thing that we buy is an engagement ring and a Diamond to go in it. Your significant other half may have dropped a few hints along the way, which is great. SO where do you start? do I go into a Jewelry shop? do I ask my friends? or am I the person that needs to know what I’m spending my money on and do some research.

All three are great ideas, but one of the more popular ways these days it to buy online from the comfort of your home or office. But we have to be careful where we shop online, all of us do. In is brief ‘how to buy a diamond online’ guide I will take you through the steps you should be doing prior to making your big purchase. Other important Diamond research is a Must! and something you should do on your own.

Are you already saying, “I don’t have time for this?” then reach out and I will help you. I don’t charge anything, I get a Commission from selling the Diamond like a Real Estate Agent sells your house.

Let’s talk Money – The first step

Consider your ballpark budget, whether it’s $2k-$3k or $20-$30k you have to start with a figure in mind. There’s no point looking at $30k diamonds if you have $3k right.  Start somewhere and go from there to start looking.  I had a client recently who showed me an Engagement Ring that his Finace had been eyeing off in her phone for months. This ring, had a gorgous Pear Cut centre Diamond of at least 2 cts and a full Halo setting with diamonds. My client thought that $5k would cut it for the entire ring. We are working together to make it happen the best it can. But we have to be realistic, a 2ct Diamond and ring for $5k, no sorry!, even with a Lab Grown Diamond but we have to start somewhere.

But “how much should I spend on an Engagement Ring” you are not alone asking that question, many of my own customers ask the same.  That’s not an easy question to answer someone or yourself, it depends on your budget and your income doesn’t it, how much can you afford? 

Many years ago ‘De Beers’ Diamonds had a promotional saying, “Is one month’s salary too much to pay for a lifetime”. This was meant to increase a consumers overall spend per Diamond Engagement Ring.  The campain was extremely successful because it actually gave people some idea of how much they should spend.  Although it is somewhat biased being told by the Diamond Cutters themselves on how much to spend.  Even today I think that this figure is something one can work with.

After reading a few of my articles you should be able to select a Diamond confidently (if your not sure I’ll find it for you – “Find My Diamond”), taking into account your budget and a suitable size that not only your bank balance feels comfortable with but your fiancé is happy with. From these top three Diamond Retailers you will be able to select that dream diamond one you consider. Consider the four c’s—cut, clarity, carat, color, Quite often a Princess Cut being slightly cheaper since the Natural Crystal of a Diamond is an Octahedron (two pyramids joined together. When cutting a Princess they merely have to split the middle and then cut the facets with a minimum of waste. But also look at what you can get in mm sizes not just carats. You might be after the magic 1 or 2 carater, but selecting a diamond that weighs just 2-4 pts lower, 0.96ct or 1.96ct you will probably save a few $. Why you ask? well some Diamonds are sought after eg; 1ct, 2ct, 3ct are in demand so dealers put a slight premium on those stones. Below I delve into the top three Online Diamond Dealers in the USA.

James Allen Diamonds – Whiteflash Diamonds – Brian Gavin Diamonds