Everything You Need To Know About Shopping For A Diamond Engagement Ring

"The 4 Cs are a bit like a blueprint to a house, describing the characteristics of a diamond in Carat weight, Cut parameters and shape, Color, and Clarity. But, it's not solely the 4 Cs that indicate the value, rarity, or beauty of a diamond," explains Jeffrey Skaret, Forevermark's Vice President of Partner Development and Training. "It is important that a diamond be cut precisely, to result in outstanding symmetry and transparency. This determines the diamond's ability to refract and reflect light – which, most importantly, affects how much the diamond will sparkle."

"The eyes don't lie. Look for diamonds that have a lot of scintillation, fire and brilliance – which all begin from characteristics either inherent or absent within the original rough diamond, but are ultimately the result of superior craftsmanship in cutting and polishing the diamond to bring it to life," explains Skaret. "Forevermark Black Label diamonds were developed to be the pinnacle of precision when it comes to maximizing the brilliance, scintillation and fire of a diamond."

"First and foremost, choose a diamond and a setting that complement your lifestyle and your aesthetic, but be sure the setting doesn't overpower your diamond, and makes it the hero and focal point," says Skaret. Marc Kiselstein of J. Albert Johnson Jewelers (a Forevermark Black Label Jeweler) adds, "The more traditional woman is attracted to classic-shaped diamonds like round and square-cut solitaires. There are also fancy shape diamonds, like Asscher, emerald, oval, pear, marquise and more for the woman who wants something a little different."

"Currently, trends in engagement rings include vintage settings – lots of detail, miligrain, side diamonds, hand engraving and filigree," says Kiselstein. "Modern, minimalistic settings that have clean, sleek lines are also rising in popularity, while classic solitaires and three-stone settings remain timeless."

Marc Kiselstein explains, "While a plain solitaire diamond with a round center is considered to be the most classic and timeless, a non-traditional bride may be interested in a colored diamond center stone, like a Fancy Yellow diamond, or setting a fancy shape diamond in an east-west setting, instead of north-south."

"It is key that beauty be the top priority over everything else – size included," says Skaret. "In the long run, you will likely be happier with a slightly smaller diamond that really dances in the light. You want to be proud of it each and every time you wear it and look at it."

"Find a reputable jeweler that you trust so can be assured and proud of your diamond, and have a professional to help you when you need it, advises Skaret. "One should also seek to do business with legitimate jewelers who carry ethical diamonds that are not only beautiful and rare, but are also responsibly sourced. Sourcing diamonds responsibly means that throughout their journey from rough to polished diamonds, particular care has been taken to ensure responsible business practices, support for the advancement of women and protection of the natural world."

"A mistake brides make when purchasing their wedding band is not considering how it will sit next to their engagement ring. Try them together to ensure they complement one another," advises Kiselstein. "The day of the wedding, a bride should wear her ring on her left hand if she prefers to and not feel forced to abide by tradition, as many brides will wear the engagement ring on their right hand until after the ceremony. If it doesn't fit on their right hand (the dominant hand is usually larger), they may ask a bridesmaid to hold the ring until after the ceremony. That way, the wedding band will go on first and they can stack the engagement ring up with it after."