A guys guide to purchasing the perfect engagement ring

Love is in the air. You’ve found the perfect girl and planned the perfect proposal, now all you need is a dreamy diamond to lock in the deal. Wading through the world of engagement diamonds is a tricky task—where is a guy supposed to begin? Pinterest a ring-spiration nightmare, and asking her girlfriends left you a little more lost than when you started your search for the perfect ring.

Contrary to popular belief, engagement rings are affordable if a guy knows where—and how—to look. We promise that we can show you how to buy an engagement ring that she will adore (almost) as much as she adores you. Our knowledgeable jewellery consultants can help you find something special to steal the show, without sending your bank account into the negatives.

We will guide you into newly-engaged bliss with answers to the questions guys ask about how to purchase an engagement ring.

Why does the price vary between diamonds that rank similarly for the Four C’s?

Quality is determined by a few factors. By the time you’re ready to shop, we hope you have done some research to find that the Four C’s are the biggest contenders when it comes to a diamond’s quality: cut, colour, clarity, and carat.

But how do you choose which C is most important for your darling’s dream diamond? While we can help you choose a brilliant cut or a colourless diamond in order to stay within your budget, you might want to ask your bride-to-be which of the Four C’s is most important in her dream engagement ring. Some brides rank size over sparkle; others are interested in extreme clarity.

However, quality doesn’t end at clarity. What do you look for beyond the Four C’s? Things like symmetry, polish, fluorescence, girdle, and culet measurements determine a diamond’s value and desirability outside of the Four C’s.

The symmetry of the facets on a diamond determines how the light reflects out of its core, therefore the brightness of the sparkle. The polish of a diamond refers to the smoothness of its facets; the fluorescence is the glow that a diamond emits under ultraviolet light. These finer points are important because they may save you money: the fluorescent properties of diamonds are almost impossible to see with the naked eye.

The shape is another big one. That’s right: a diamond’s shape is different from a diamond’s cut. We get it—it’s a lot to think about, but our diamond experts can walk you through your choices in the store.

Aside from the four C’s and the extra diamond details, ask for the diamond’s certification before purchasing a rock. Look for diamonds that are certified by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the American Gem Society (AGS), or the International Gemological Institute (IGI) for reliable grades. Certified diamonds are more expensive, but buyers know exactly why their diamond is worth every penny. Jewels on Ninth provides certificates with every Canadian diamond.

Can I buy the diamond ring online?

While the wonderful wide web paired with miracle stories of men who have successfully purchased a diamond ring for less online may tempt you, it’s best to actually see the diamond that signifies your lifelong love before you make any deals. Aspects like colour and clarity are difficult to judge through a computer screen. The website may say that it sparkles brilliantly, while it actually has quite a few inclusions.

Your ring likely won’t arrive as imagined, and you will probably pay more for less. To be absolutely sure of the diamond you choose, it's best to see its sparkle (and certification) in person before you sacrifice your savings. We want you to spend your money wisely—even if it is all in one place.

I chose a diamond; now, how do I choose a band?

While a great diamond is the star of the show, it’s not only about the diamond when choosing an engagement ring. Some guys forget to budget for the band or setting. The setting of your ring elevates your diamond to its full sparkle. There're a few unexpected factors to consider when choosing your setting, including your beloved’s job and everyday style.

Is style or function more important? A bezel style setting is the most secure of all, but a higher setting adds an extra character that your sweetheart might love. Is your girl a classic beauty, or does she fall for all things trendy? Engagement rings are meant to be worn daily, so you may want to pair a fabulous diamond with a more minimalistic setting for the dreamiest results. Some guys should also consider custom rings for the perfect loose diamond-band setting combination.

Jewels on Ninth knows that the source of a diamond adds to its value. Feel good about popping the question with a diamond from Canada’s Arctic.  Maple Leaf Diamonds supplies our diamond settings using only diamonds from the Northwest Territories, which happen to be the world’s highest quality diamonds. All Maple Leaf Diamonds are laser engraved with tracking numbers to ensure their Canadian origin.

Are custom designs better than ready-to-wear engagement rings?

Your perfect girl deserves the perfect diamond—for her. All brides are different, and all diamonds are different. Different diamonds can be set into different bands made from varying precious metals in all sorts of styles. Lucky for you, Jewels on Ninth specializes in custom orders. If your beloved wants a unique ring to match your love, we can help you both design the diamond ring of her dreams.  It's as easy as bringing in a photo on your smartphone of her favourite designs off Intsagram or Pintrest.

Our diamond experts will work with you to design her dream diamond. While custom orders can be a bit more expensive than an in store engagement ring, the extra money is well spent knowing your fiancé will love the finished product.

However, the flexibility and personalization of custom designed engagement rings are not necessary for all brides-to-be. Jewels on Ninth has a wide selection of engagement rings that will capture your true loves attention.

Does it have to be a diamond engagement ring?

Not necessarily. Engagement rings topped with brilliant diamonds are a trend that grew in popularity as the 20th century came to a close. Just because the rest of the world is hung up on diamonds, doesn’t mean you have to follow the trend

The second most popular gemstone for a bride-to-be is sapphire. If your beau is extraordinary, maybe a yellow, pink, or deep blue sapphire ring aligns with her imagination. The options don’t end at diamond or sapphire, either. Choose a pale pink morganite gemstone on a rose gold band; a deep red garnet embedded in a white gold setting or a princess cut tanzanite that is 1000 times rarer than a traditional diamond.

These sort of pieces are usually custom ordered, but their price tags may look more appealing than those attached to a typical diamond.

What sort of warranties and return policies do you offer?

After the initial excitement of saying yes to you, your girl may admit that the ring isn’t exactly what she imagines donning on her left hand for the rest of her life. We want your sweetheart to love her ring as much as she loves you. If she doesn’t like the one you chose, you have 15 days to return  the ring for exchange or full refund (excluding custom orders). Bring us the ring and your bride, and our certified diamond graders will help you choose the perfect engagement ring to seal the deal.

If your fiancé dreams of diamond upgrades after the wedding bells ring, we’ve got you (and your wallet) covered. Bring the ring back, and we will give you a credit of the original price towards a new ring with a heftier price tag (ask for details in store)

Diamonds are forever, and Jewels on Ninth makes sure of it. If your diamond comes loose from normal wear, we will replace it. We offer  cleaning and inspections twice yearly to our valued customers to ensure that everything is in its proper place. We want your diamond to stay sparkling and secure like your lifetime of love.

Contact  the professionals at Jewels on Ninth with any of your questions, or stop by the store to browse our selection.