Tips on how to get the most bang for your buck

Carat weight is indeed a weight measurement, with 100 points making up one full carat. As the diamond gains weight, it becomes more rare. As a result, at each 1/4ct increase in weight, the price per carat increases.  So try to find a diamond that weighs 90-points (9/10ths carat), for example, rather than a full 1-carat, and you will miss a “price per carat” increase that happens at 1.00ct exactly. When set, no one can see the difference, but you’ll enjoy a big savings in cost. The same thing happens at .50ct. and .75ct.  Always try to find a diamond that slides in slightly under each quarter carat interval and you will get the look and save some money.

Consider a design that uses several stones rather than one large diamond. A fine diamond weighing one-carat, set in a classic Tiffany-style setting, might cost $7,500, while the cost of a ring containing three stones with a total weight of one-carat, only $3,250; or a diamond band containing nine diamonds with a total-weight of one-carat could be less than $2,000.

A diamond does not have to be Flawless to be beautiful and precious. Don’t ignore diamonds in the slightly included (SI) range. In a brilliant-cut diamond—round, oval, pear-shape, marquise, heart-shape—no one can see any difference between a stone that is graded flawless and one graded SI, even though the SI is 7 grades lower. There is absolutely no visible difference. It is much less rare, but no less beautiful. Try to avoid diamonds whose clarity grade is I1 to I3.  These diamonds have eye-visible inclusions (flaws) that can be easily seen without magnification.
You won’t see the flaws in a well cut stone, but you will see big savings! And as a symbol, what could be more appropriate for marriage…being able to see and appreciate the beauty within, despite a few, unimportant imperfections.

When considering a metal choice, pricing can also be a big factor.  Even though the price of gold has gone up considerably over recent time, it is still not a expensive as Platinum. If you are considering white metal for your engagement ring, Platinum is certainly one choice you have.  It is a very prestigious pure metal. Most rings made of Platinum are at least 90 to 95% pure Platinum.  If you choose 18k white gold, there will be more gold than alloy by about two thirds.  White gold is still less expensive and with regular maintenance, will last a lifetime.  Palladium is another white metal of choice, being even less expensive still.  Palladium is a hard metal, harder than Platinum and Gold, and does not have a tendancy to get dingy over time like 18k white gold can. Palladium is a relative newcomer to the fine jewelry arena, but more and more Bridal jewelry designers are using Palladium in their offerings.