Steven Devadanam Staff Writer
Well, congratulations! You've found someone worthy enough spend the rest of your natural life with you. So whether this person is your future wife, spouse or "life partner," you'll need to propose. And to propose, you'll need a ring.
This will be challenging if the only rings you're familiar with are either around your collar or are made of onion. Thankfully, there are the "Four C's," the layman's buying guide to finding the best ring for your money.
The Four C's are carat, clarity, color and cut. Remember them and you're instantly empowered, said Amy Lauch, owner of Houston's A.A. Benjamin Antique and Estate Jewelry.
A bit science, a bit common sense, this handy guide will take the pain out of shopping (but not paying).
Carat: The measure of weight, rather than size. The ring's carat weight is the sum of its diamonds. If it's less than a carat, fractions of carats or points are used.
Clarity: The number of flaws or inclusions a stone contains. Most contain spots, bubbles or lines. If these don't impede passage of light, the stone will appear lovely and brilliant to the naked, untrained eye. The fewer inclusions, obviously, the more valuable your rock.
Color: These range from pure blue-white to murky yellow-brown. The "color spectrum" rates hue and quality by letters. The "G" through "I" color range is best for the first-time buyer: little or no color is evident.
A one-carat, round, brilliant diamond, then, that's flawless with a "D" color may be three to four times more expensive than a stone of the same weight and cut, but with an "H" color plus a few inclusions. (Think of buying a new Mercedes as opposed to a '91 BMW with a few dings.)
Fancy diamonds come in a range of colors from light yellow to pale pink through intense blues and pinks.
Cuts: There are several, from the well-known round brilliant-cut to the heart shape. Classic round brilliant-cuts are favored by traditional women, while dramatic women may prefer emerald-cut or pear-shaped stones. Marquise and heart-shaped diamonds are loved by more romantic types.
The princess-cut is a new trend, brilliant-cut but square in shape. Try this if you're adventurous.
The solitaire is the most value for a diamond and has the most impact. Pear-shaped, marquise and oval-cut diamonds usually appear larger than round or emerald-cut stones of the same shape. You can save money by choosing a ring with smaller diamonds and an intricate setting. (It's delicate, romantic and cheap!)
Antiques make truly unique rings. These and "estate" jewelry are as much as, or cheaper than, production jewelry.
If your budget is more Trump than bum, try custom design. Purchase the loose stones, then have the setting made elsewhere.
Traditionalist? Have family jewelry re-designed for a more contemporary look. Good metals are 18-carat gold or platinum. Platinum has made a comeback and is very "in."
Two months' salary is the norm in regards to cost, but if that still spells "zirconia," go for a different plan. Check rates and plans and go with jewelers who finance, but be wary of high-interest traps. Maybe you could max out the credit card for that special someone, but be smart - you're getting married!
Lastly, remember that this isn't just for her friends and family to gawk at, it's for her. Choose what she'd like, not what turns you on. This is your first chance to show her that you really care about her, her taste and understand her (and it's your chance to show her you'll need a second job to pay it off).
Shop together. Talk to her mom or best friends to see if there's a style that makes her giddy. You have decades to screw up, but play it right and you'll shine brighter than the rock on her finger.