Buying her diamond engagement ring

Where to buy diamond jewelry

Because expertise in the grading, selection and sale of diamonds takes years of training, always buy a diamond from a retailer you can trust. Look for a professional jeweler who is established in the community and has an excellent reputation for integrity and service. Let him show you a selection of diamonds and explain the subtle differences in grade and value. Use his knowledge and expertise to guide you in choosing the perfect diamond for a lifetime of wearing pleasure.

Ask if the diamond you are purchasing has been treated or altered in any way. Diamonds can be colored, tinted, coated, irradiated or heated to improve their appearance. Inclusions are sometimes removed with lasers and fractures filled with a glasslike compound. Some of these procedures are not permanent. For example, the epoxies used in fracture-filled diamonds can melt away if the stone is heated. A professional and trustworthy jeweler will let you know if a diamond's natural appearance has been altered.

Ask if the jeweler is a member of Jewelers of America, the national association for retail jewelers. Or look for the "J" mark on the door. JA jewelers are knowledgeable, and they have a wide selection of fine jewelry. They will not only help you with this purchase, but they will be there in the future to answer your questions and help you with your purchases, repairs, and custom design. JA members have signed and abide by a Code of Ethics, so you can buy with confidence from your JA member jeweler.

A Man's Guide

You fell in love. That was easy. But finding an engagement ring that's perfect for her... that seems a little more difficult, right? Not at Hurst Fine Diamonds!

Her diamond engagement ring is going to be one of the most cherished possessions she has, so it's important that you find just the right diamond. And with over two hundred rings to choose from, there's no better place to look than Hurst Fine Diamonds because where you go makes a difference in the diamond you buy.

Just What Are The Four Cs, Anyway?

Buying a diamond should be less like going to school and more like falling in love! At Hurst Fine Diamonds, we won't try to teach you what you don't want to know. That means we won't beat you over the head with the infamous "Four Cs" like some other jewelers... unless you want us to! We just want you to find exactly what you're looking for. We know the perfect engagement ring can go a long way towards making the perfect engagement. If you do want to know something about the Four Cs - color, cut, carat weight and clarity - read on. But remember, the C that really matters to you is cut. Because that's the one that most directly influences the beauty of your diamond.

How much should I spend?

Hurst Fine Diamonds is an engagement ring superstore. Because our selection of rings is simply unparalleled, you're sure to find the style you're looking for in your price range. With over two hundred rings in our store, from solitaires, to the Love Story collections and special designer lines you are sure to find the diamond ring of her dreams.

How do I know I'm buying a quality diamond?

This is an important consideration. You should know that the quality of a diamond has nothing to do with size or color alone. But it has everything to do with the 4 Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat-weight. These four characteristics are what determine a diamond's quality and value.

Terms you should know

Just like the infinite range of diamond qualities and colors, there are many different shapes and setting techniques offered by today's designers. Here is a mini-glossary of the most important ones:

Baguette - This refers to a rectangular-shaped small diamond that is often used to enhance the setting of a larger stone.

Bezel setting - A diamond is completely surrounded by a precious metal border in this setting technique that resembles a picture frame.

Channel setting - Popular for mounting rows of small, uniformly sized stones, this setting technique uses two strips of metal to hold the stones at the sides. Used for round, baguette and square-cut stones, the channel setting resembles a railroad track with the diamonds in the center.

Custom design - A process where you take a picture or idea and make it a reality.

Fancy cut - A diamond cut in any shape other than round. Fancy cuts include such shapes as baguette, emerald, triangle, pear, princess, oval and marquis.

Pavé setting - A setting technique for small diamonds in which the stones are set so closely together that no metal shows. A pavé surface appears to be paved with diamonds.

Prong setting - Metal shaped in a round or square wire to hold the diamond or gemstone.

Solitaire - The mounting of a single gemstone.

Tiffany setting - A four- or six-prong setting using long, slender prongs to hold the stone.

Trillion - A triangular shaped diamond that is often used also to accent center diamonds.

What's the best shape for a Diamond Engagement Ring?

The round brilliant is the most popular shape, but it's entirely up to you and your sweetheart to choose which shape you like best. The most popular diamond of the new millenium is the modified square brilliant called the princess cut.

At Hurst Fine Diamonds, you never have to settle for a diamond that's just "okay." Because we have a wide range of payment plans for you to choose from. We'll do everything in our power to help you get the diamond of your choice!