ok im a totally clueless guy who wants to go out looking for an engagement ring for my sweetheart but im confused on one thing, what's the deal with the carats, what does more or less mean as far as what the ring looks like? im sorry im just lost
2007-03-08 16:12:02 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Family & Relationships ➔ Weddings
Most of the stores will have a chart that you can take home. It will show the carats (size) and clarity (mistakes/flaws/color). It is best if you can check the ring on a woman who has a hand similar to you girlfriend's. Some rings will look beautiful on some women and UGLY on others. I find that after talking to many women, that the favorite is one with three stones. The center should be a little bigger than the other two.
An example...
If she has a smaller hand, then a .5 carat and two .3 carats would look beautiful on her hand. If her hand is much bigger, then get bigger diamonds.
Don't listen too much about everyone saying that size matters. That's for the honeymoon. (Sorry! BAD joke.) What will matter the most is how beautiful the ring looks. If you have what I said above, most women would love it. But make sure that it looks really pretty. After you decide, take a couple of female friends to look at it. And remember what I said about having a woman with similar sized hands trying it on first.
I originally was going to buy my girlfriend a two carat diamond, but when I had my friend try it on, it looked absolutely ridiculous. It looked like a ring from a bubblegum machine.
In other words... A big diamond could look stupid, but a smaller, not tiny, could look absolutely beautiful on her finger.
And most importantly of all remember that this diamond is going to help you make her say "Yes!"
2007-03-08 16:35:30 · answer #1 · answered by A dad & a teacher 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The most important thing is to go with the best that you can afford. Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. People usually say bigger is better, but I personally would want a better overall quality diamond than one that is big but has a lot of flaws in it. Clarity and Cut both play a huge part in how much sparkle you will get from the diamond. The sparkle is usually what will catch peoples' attention first. Anything too big (unless you're really financially well off), and people will wonder if it's fake (cubic zirconium or worse!) or they'll assume the quality isn't that good.
Most places you buy from will either set the stone in a temporary setting and let you pick a setting with your fiance or will agree to free sizing. Depending on what type of girl she is, she might want to pick the setting with you (that's become more popular recently), but some girls really go in for the surprises, so do what you know she'll appreciate.
Check out this website: www.diamondsonweb.com
It has a lot of information about diamonds (the four C's, etc) and really has great deals on rings and loose diamonds.
Good luck!
2007-03-09 03:14:13 · answer #2 · answered by Patty 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Firstly, only get what you can comfortably afford, don't go into debt over a ring. The stuff about it being two or three months' salary is just hype. Do some research first, but most mature women are thrilled with anything, since it is coming from you and you chose it. The average price is around $800 for an engagement ring.
2007-03-09 06:42:20 · answer #3 · answered by Lydia 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You also want the shape of the stone to go well with her hands and fingers.
If she has shorter stubbier hands, you want a marquie shapped gem (like the shape of a diamond)
If she has very long thin fingers, a round or square gem will be good too. As long as she doesnt have quare shaped hands.
1 carat is a good start... If you really cant afford 1 get something a tad smaller, and later in the years you can upgrade to something big, when you job is pulling in more money and you are more financially established.
2007-03-09 00:22:23 · answer #4 · answered by Dawn H 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually 1/2 carat to 1 carat is good.
Suggestion, www.zales.com
Good cuts: Princess, round, or heart-shaped.
Good metals: Platinum or White Gold.
That is IF you don't know her taste.
Good way to find out her taste;; Look at her other jewelery. Especially the pieces that she wears a lot.
2007-03-09 03:05:44 · answer #5 · answered by hero_racer2001 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Carat has to do with the weight of the diamond. Most .5-1 carat diamonds cost about 1500-3000 NZ Dollars.
You need to also look at clarity - if it has a yellow or brown tinge it isn't as good as a pure white one (excluding special coloured ones like pink and blue.
I'd just go with something that looks good, is within your budget - nice and simple is best.
Don't forget to get an exchange card in case you aren't sure of your honey's style.
I just had a thought too you don't necessarily have to get her diamonds either - that has become tradition though but your bride-to-be may not be a traditional girl.
Okay so final word is, pick something you like and think she'll like and get an exchange card to go shopping for another one at the shop together.
Oh yes, and think about what colour jewelery she normally wears too - if she normally wears silver jewelery, go for a white gold ring not gold...that's like my one!
Anyway - god luck. I am sure she'll love your choice:-)
2007-03-09 00:24:34 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
if its 1 carat thats a big looker but an engagement ring doesnt have to be goddy its the thought that counts 1/2 carat looks nice and shows that your not begging
2007-03-09 00:16:45 · answer #7 · answered by blenda_dabomb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Make sure if you dont know her ring size that you measure her finger at night when she is sleeping with a ribbon and a ruler. And try and find out her taste if you dont know them.
Ask about jewlrey or something one day. If you see a big diamond ring on TV maybe make a statment and ask "Man that ring is ridiculously big...what do you think?" If you get her answer on that you should know what kind of ring to get. Ask her if she looks better in silver or gold, in her opinon. Ask her if she expects to have a huge wedding or a small one. Those help you decide the ring
2007-03-09 00:21:50 · answer #8 · answered by Ask a Health Nut 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
the bigger the number the bigger the diamond. but theres also the quality to keep in mind, and color, and shape...some girls dont mind if there are flaws some do. some dont mind the size others thats all they care about. try to get a feel for what your girl likes. i was very specific with my now husband when he was out ring shopping. the size and quality didnt matter to me, it was the shape and that it was real. (yeah i know but we were kind of low in the money department at the time). good luck and the sales people are there to help you.
2007-03-09 00:25:33 · answer #9 · answered by Shannon P 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i don't have a specific cite for you, but if you look up 'diamonds' on yahoo! or something, you can find information about good quality stones. you can get info about color, carats, shapes, what shapes shine best, etc. just do a little research...it's not all about the 'look of the ring'
2007-03-09 03:32:34 · answer #10 · answered by simple 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋