How to pick the right diamond and right wedding rings.

First pick the right jeweler! Weddings today are far different from the ceremonies that took place some 500 years ago, but there are at least two ancient traditions that have stood the test of time, the giving of a token of commitment (today's engagement ring) and the exchange of the wedding bands.

One of the larger purchases of a lifetime may be your engagement ring. Before the engagement ring is purchased the ultimate question in your mind should be "where do I find a jeweler I can trust" and should you NOT have this question in mind then one of the potentially largest purchases of your life could end up being one of the costliest purchases of your life (not necessarily a good way to begin a marriage.)

Choosing a diamond ring takes research and a jeweler that will take the time to help educate you is what you should be looking for. It's very easy to get swept off your feet, but remember to ask the jeweler a LOT of questions. A trustworthy jeweler will welcome questions to help the groom (or the bride and groom) achieve a real comfort level.

Now let's give you an organized path to making a decision of where and what to purchase:

1. Take a look at the store....is it open warm and friendly? Can you watch the jeweler at work? If you end up asking yourself "what's wrong with this picture" you are NOT in the right shop!
2. Ask to look at several loose (unmounted) stones, if the jeweler offers you his loop (the tool used by jewelers to magnify the stone) this is probably a good sign.
3. Think of how you are treated and educated by this jeweler. Did you feel a rapport being established? Was the jeweler very helpful or very condescending? Remember, you are the one about to spend the money - you are the one to be catered to. If you end up in the LEAST BIT uncomfortable you are NOT in the right shop!
4. Think about how much you know about the jeweler and the jeweler's business. Ask about the jeweler's experience; ask about appraisals; are they free; what will the diamond appraise for; ask about what type of WRITTEN warranty the jeweler offers; and, ask about the possibility of eventually trading up to a larger diamond!
5. Be careful when a jeweler offers you a deal like selling you a diamond for "only 1/2 of the appraised value". If the diamond appraises (an appraisal is the diamond's estimated value) for twice as much as you are going to pay for it how is the jeweler staying in business? - is the jeweler not charging enough for the diamonds? - are the diamonds marked up so high that 50% of the established cost is all they are worth? - is the jeweler really giving you a fair and true appraisal of the diamond?

Many of today's knowledgeable shoppers are turning to independently owned jewelry stores because they feel they receive more personal service.

Once again, if you have to ask yourself "what's wrong with this picture" you are NOT in the right shop. Many of day's more knowledgeable shoppers are turning to independently owned jewelry stores because they feel they receive more personal service.

A trustworthy jeweler will be sure you understand the 4 C's of diamond analysis; Color, Cut, Clarity and Carat weight. These characteristics determine a diamonds quality and value.

Color refers to the diamonds natural color. Diamonds are measured on a color scale ranging from D to Z stones. Stones in the Z range are called fancy or colored diamonds. Be aware that a jeweler has the means to synthetically color a stone - this is NOT the same as the real thing!

More than anything the Cut and finish of a stone determines how sparkly and fiery the diamond will be. Although most diamonds can be cut in a variety of shapes the most popular and common are oval, marquise, emerald, pear, round and radiant.

Clarity refers to the presence or absence of flaws (including small specs of black carbon or other minerals) inside the stone. The more flawless the more expensive the stone.

Carat refers to the weight of the diamond.

Remember this is likely to be a MAJOR investment. Learn as much as you can from as many qualified sources as you can find. When you start looking for the jeweler that can best help you make sure you are totally comfortable with your choice -- if you have ANY reservations you are NOT in the right place.

Also remember that after making this extremely important purchase you should have become knowledgeable, comfortable with your decision and you should have made a new lifetime trusted friend in the jeweler you finally selected.