Which Jewelers Can I Trust?

In response to Bridget's question, it is very simple to locate honest jewelers. By simple visiting the American Gem Society's website, you can search by city or zip code for their certified jewelers. In Wilmington there are 2. Although the GIA does certify jewelers, they do not have a location link on their webiste. But they do suggest how to find the right jeweler for you. Hope this helps!!

More on Settings

A couple more suggestions on settings. If you do want to design your own ring, do it with the assistance of a credible jeweler who is certified and offer suggestions to make a high-quality ring. And it is not likely that the diamond will fall out with only four prongs, but it could happen after the ring has been worn for many years, as it is probably hit and nicked on different occasions. So to avoid this, simply take your rings in for "check-ups" every few years, so the jeweler can tighten the prongs. Although the six prong ring does add more support, I don't think it is a huge difference; six prong rings are simply more expensive and have better quality. Rachel, you cannot take a diamond out of a setting without tools; I would say that's almost impossible, unless the prongs were very loose. The diamond must also be placed with tools and by a professional; if it isn't, then there are many flaws which could occur, as I talked about in the last entry. But then again, David Blaine knows more about magic than I do!!

Setting

The ring setting is the mounting which holds the diamond in place. Most rings have 4 or 6 prongs. With 4 prongs, more of the diamond can be seen. 6 prongs holds the diamond in tighter and is of higher quality, resulting in a higher price for the overall ring. Tiffany's suggests to never build your own engagement ring, because this can effect the quality of the setting. The ring setting should always match the metal of the ring band. For example, if your ring band is platinum, make sure the ring setting is also platinum. Visit Tiffany's to see an upclose picture of a ring setting and to see a picture of one prong Tiffany's also is the place. Also, check for prong flaws. These occur when the setting is placed crooked on top of the band, the prongs do not touch the stone (and are not holding the diamond in place), and prong burrs (when extra metal is left on the prong).

Appraisals???

So, with all the comments on getting the ring appraised, I thought I would address the issue. As with all precious jewelry, the engagement ring should be appraised immediately for two purposes. The first is because you want to ensure the value of the ring is accurate. More importantly, your insurance will need verification of the ring's price and value, in case it was misplaced, stolen or damaged. This would allow the insurance company to reimburse you. The jeweler would also need to know this information to find a comparable replacement or to re-create a stolen ring. So, when the engagement ring is purchased, you should request for an appraisal from the jeweler. Make sure the jewler is AGS or GIA certified; therefore, you know they are trustworthy and their estimation is reliable. The jeweler will give you a copy of the appraisal with a picture of the ring, and also keep one in his records. The AGS states appraisals should be conducted on all jewlery every five years, to adjust for changes in the market and wear on the items, as well as, the repairs needed. So, if your fiancee does NOT receive an appraisal with the engagement ring purchase, definitely have one completed ASAP. If they already have one, it is not necessary, unless you don't trust the source or just want to know the ring's value!!

Engagement Ring Band

The band of the engagement ring (simply the metal holding the setting) is made with one of three types of metal: white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. White gold and platinum actually look like silver. Platinum is the highest quality, and therefore most expensive, type of band. The current trend in engagement ring bands is to purchase platinum, or white gold if this is too expensive. About 20 years ago (when my parents were married), the popular style was actually yellow gold engagement rings. Guys, if you are purchasing the engagement ring and are unsure which type to get, my best advice is to purchase the color she wears most. If she has more silver jewlery, go with the white gold or platinum (remember platinum will increase the value of the entire engagement ring). You can also purchase engagement rings with a combination of the three metals; this is usually done with platinum and yellow gold. The band also determines the ring size; but don't worry if you don't know her ring size, it can always be adjusted by the jeweler (if anything, make it bigger, so when you propose it fits on her finger!!).