The first step toward finding the perfect diamond engagement ring is to locate the appropriate jeweler. Different jewelers offer different services, price ranges, and styles that a couple must consider. Just as the ring is a lifetime investment, the jeweler that goes with it should be one that will last for years.

Which Ring From Which Jeweler

The first consideration when choosing a jeweler is deciding what type of ring you’re interested in acquiring. Small jewelry stores may have a fine selection of classic, traditional rings, but for a more exotic choice such as Pave Setting Engagement Rings or Asscher Cut Engagement Rings, you may need to find a more individualized jeweler with a larger, more carefully selected range of rings. Furthermore, if you are interested in purchasing loose stones to set into a customized ring, most small jewelers will not be able to accommodate your needs.

The best option is to visit several types of jewelers, from single-store operations to national chains, and investigate the different rings they each offer. Once you have decided on a basic style, you can narrow your choice of jeweler further through other considerations.

Mall Stores Vs. Independent Jewelers

Many people warn against purchasing an engagement ring from a mall jewelry store, but the truth is that both mall stores and independent jewelers offer different conveniences for their customers. While an independent jeweler may have a more exotic collection, many mall stores are affiliated with large chains and can purchase their stones at a lower general price, potentially lowering the final price for the consumer. Independent jewelers may be able to provide more detailed information about the stone’s origin, which is a particular concern when you wish to avoid Conflict Diamonds, but mall jewelers can often provide faster routine maintenance. Independent jewelers, on the other hand, are typically more experienced and can give more informed views of the different gems they have available.

Your future plans should also factor in to your choice of jeweler. If you are sentimental about the store and wish to purchase further pieces from them for anniversaries and other special occasions, a mall store may be a better choice. That way, if you relocate you have a better chance of being near the same chain store. While an independent jeweler may one day go out of business, a chain is unlikely to disappear completely. This can be a concern if you purchase a warranty on your engagement ring that is contingent on regular inspections – if the store closes, your warranty is lost, but if it is a chain, you can simply move it to another branch.

Services

Before choosing a jeweler, you should investigate what services they will provide for the life of the ring. Can they easily provide routine cleanings and general maintenance? What about more extensive repairs? What if you decide years later to reset the diamonds into a different ring? While nearly all jewelers will be able to accommodate these types of requests, they may simply be sending your jewelry out to a different location rather than completing the services on site.

Furthermore, the jeweler should be open and honest when discussing your purchase. They should be able to provide documentation about the ring's quality, and be willing to provide you a loupe to inspect the minute details of the ring if you so desire.

The warranty a jeweler offers should be a prime concern when dealing with such an expensive investment. Most jewelers offer a basic plan included in the price of the ring – for example, if you bring the ring in for periodic inspections (usually annually or every six months), you may qualify for discounts on repairs or free basic services. Before accepting such a policy, however, you should investigate plans that cover larger repairs, including damage to or the loss of the stone itself.

Credibility

Finally, before selecting a jeweler, you should investigate their credibility with the Better Business Bureau and any local organizations. Ask to see their certification from various gemological organizations, and inquire if they are willing to provide client references. These simple steps insure that you are choosing a reputable, reliable jeweler who will be able to upkeep the quality of your investment for many years to come.

Exclusive Online Jewelers

More and more small jewelers are turning to exclusive online sales in order to expand their businesses while shrinking overhead expenses. Because they do not maintain physical stores, these exclusive online merchants can often offer high quality engagement rings at lower prices. This is also a way for a small business (often a single craftsman or a family-run business) to compete with larger stores by offering their products to a wider geographical range.

Online Auctions

Many engagement rings are available through online auctions. When Buying an Engagement Ring at an Online Auction, however, always thoroughly investigate both the ring and the seller before placing a bid. Verify the ring’s quality, ask about return policies, and check the seller’s integrity before agreeing to a sale. Always try to view multiple pictures of the ring as well, to get as good of a visual inspection as possible.


Wholesale Online Dealers

Wholesale engagement ring dealers are similar to exclusive online dealers in that they do not operate a physical store and can thus offer their rings at substantial discounts. Online Jewelry stores such as NuvoStyle.comhave a wide variety of finished engagement rings. Most other online stores, however, have a limited selection of styles, perhaps even rings that have been discontinued by other manufacturers and are now available at even greater savings. They offer less customization or alterations to their rings than actual jewelers.

Precautions for Online Engagement Rings

When buying online engagement rings, there are several precautions you should take before handing over your credit card numbers. First, always thoroughly investigate the merchant before proceeding with the sale. The first indication of a quality merchant is a professional, quality website: misspellings, missing images, and poor organization may indicate a less than desirable dealer who does not pay as much attention to quality as possible. Second, investigate the business through the Better Business Bureau to insure that it is legitimate and has not had multiple complaints filed against it.

Once you are satisfied with the merchant’s integrity, you must examine the engagement ring itself. While this is easy in a physical store, with online engagement rings you must rely on photographs and the posted statistics (grade, color, clarity, etc.) of the ring in question. The merchant should be able to provide you with the ring’s certificate once you purchase it, as well as other documentation about the stone’s authenticity. Because much of the information will be industry jargon, it is especially important that you are familiar with Judging Diamond Quality and terms such as Diamond Cuts, Diamond Clarity, Diamond Carats, and Diamond Color.

Before completing your purchase, you must investigate return options in case the ring is not as you anticipated. A reputable jeweler will offer a limited return policy in writing, as well as provide you with shipping insurance (perhaps at a small additional fee) to protect your purchase.