Buying Engagement Rings - Tips on how to get it right the first time
Article by Mary Heinz, January 12th 2009Buying jewellery, unlike most other consumer goods, is an investment in a product that should last at least one lifetime before, ideally, becoming an heirloom. Bearing this in mind, it is worth doing a little research before setting foot in your local jewellery store. With the best of romantic intentions in mind, the unprepared customer can too easily walk out with an overpriced, low quality, or unsuitable item. Engagement rings, worn daily, will serve as a long-term reminder if a regrettable decision is made. How can you avoid being pressured by a salesperson pitching a romantic ideal? Know what you want and how much you can expect to pay. The internet is, without doubt, the best resource for researching prices and styles for rings. Style-wise, take a look at the jewellery your intended already wears. Does she prefer bold statement pieces or delicate feminine settings? Is she a fan of yellow or white gold?
Many jewellers, both online and traditional brick and mortar companies, limit themselves to only a few lines or quite similar designs. This is especially true of Engagement Rings . To better acquaint yourself with both modern and period designs, try visiting www.engagement-rings-of-london.co.uk . This company provides superb examples of Art Deco, Edwardian and Victorian designs in addition to a wide range of modern and unique avant garde pieces. Another benefit of this particular website is that they provide G.I.A. certification on many diamonds and publish the details of each. G.I.A. stands for the Gemological Institute of America and offers a world-wide recognised standard for diamond certification. Certification provides peace of mind and allows the customer to compare the beauty of the diamonds sight-unseen. One good indicator of a reputable jeweller is the amount of information they are prepared to share. Look for companies who list details about the centre stones, the side stones in engagement rings, the ring itself, where they manufacture, appraisals, certificates, and trade affiliations.
If you choose to purchase online, be sure that the company that lists its location on its website. An e-store that is backed by a brick and mortar store gives the customer a sense of security. In addition, many excellent online jewellers are owned by companies who have been in the business of selling rings for over 100 years. For tried and tested jewellers, who have served countless customers, London's Hatton Garden is home to Britain's jewellery quarter since medieval times. Experience is clearly unrivalled in these areas. At this point, you have your budget and her tastes pinned down and found some excellent on-line information and are ready to make a purchase. Indeed you might not even need to look any further. Online purchases of engagement rings are more and more common, particularly with return policies that allow you to examine the product and return it if unsatisfied. The benefit is that you will not be up sold beyond your budget and that you don't even need to leave the house. Check the return and shipping policies of any company before undertaking an online purchase. The perfect engagement ring is waiting. It is beautifully designed and superbly crafted and, with a little research on your part, it will be hers.
