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| Photo courtesy Carlie Morris |
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| A wedding ring could arguably be the most important purchase of a wedding as the bride and groom will wear it their entire lives. Careful consideration should be given before making a decision. |
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The thought of entering a jewelry store might be intimidating, but the best way to combat this intimidation is to know the basics. A little research can go a long way in making the diamond-buying experience a little less painful.
The five C’s provide the best guidelines for buying a diamond, and a basic understanding of them benefits every consumer.
Carat
This is the weight of the diamond. In real terms, one carat weighs 200 milligrams, or .20 of a gram. Teresa Rushton, a Jensen Jewler’s associate, said, the average engagement ring in Rexburg has a center stone weighing between .25 to .5 carat.
Cut
The cut refers to the shape, proportion and finish of the diamond. The terms princess, round or emerald cut might ring a bell. The cut can affect the brilliance of the diamond.
“Girls usually come in wanting a princess cut and end up leaving the store with a round cut,” Rushton said.
The setting is also an important thing to consider when deciding the cut. Different settings are better for different cuts. The crown setting places the diamond up, making it look up to 20 percent larger, while the floating setting emphasizes the light and fire of the diamond. There are many setting styles.
Color
Color is measured on a spectrum between the letter D and Z, with D being the most clear and Z being the most yellow. In Rexburg the average diamond is between F and J, which are in the colorless to near colorless range.
Clarity
The clarity or purity of the diamond is measured on a scale in units from Fl, flawless, to I3, or the most imperfect. Most diamonds have imperfections. These imperfections include mineral deposits or tiny splits in the diamond. The average diamond bought in Rexburg is categorized as SI 1 or SI 2, SI standing for slightly imperfect.
Cost
The cost per carat in October for a diamond was between $3,500 and $4,000 (based on a diamond with SI 1 clarity and J color). As a rule of thumb engagement rings cost a consumer one to two months salary. Rexburg consumers usually spend between $1,200 and $3,000 on engagement rings, Rushton said. The best way to save money is to consider the total weight of the ring rather than trying to get a large center stone. Many smaller diamonds are cheaper than one large diamond, Rushton said.
It is also important to know that many stores offer payment plans that can fit a variety of budgets. Jensen Jewelers has a student plan that doesn’t require the customer to have a job or established credit. It has a 9.9 percent annual interest, or 0.08 percent per month. On this plan a $1,200 ring would cost $150 a month for 18 months.
“My advice to guys coming in wanting to surprise their girlfriends is to know what cut, what kind of metal and the style she likes,” she said.
