Buying a Diamond on a Budget

Tips for saving on your wedding ring.

Buying a great diamond on a budget is easier than you think, says Erika Winters, Consumer Education Director from pricescope.com .

Focus on Cut: Of the 4 Cs, cut, clarity, color and carat weight, the cut has the biggest impact on a gem's brilliance. If you're on a budget, save by choosing a diamond that has the best cut you can afford. Well-cut diamonds appear larger and brighter than diamonds that are poorly cut.

Understand Clarity: While the gift of a flawless diamond is a noble gesture, it comes with a high price tag. Save money by choosing “VS” to “SI” clarity diamonds that are “eye clean.” An eye clean diamond is one that has no flaws visible to the naked eye.

Pay Attention to Color: Color quality is assessed on a grading system of D through Z. Well-cut G-J color diamonds are more sparkly than poorly cut diamonds in the D-F range.

Heavy Metal: There’s a metal option for every budget. While a platinum setting is the most popular, no one but your jeweler will know if you’re wearing white gold or palladium (both cost much less).

Trend Alert
Michael O’Connor, jewelry expert for Platinum Guild International, shares what’s hot:

Rose Cuts: "Vintage rose cuts are popular now because of their sparkle. They’re not cut for “flashy-sparkle” the way modern diamonds are. With today's trend in jewelry toward vintage settings and themes, this cut conveys a soft romantic sparkle."

Diamond Slices: "Diamond sliced-cuts (thinner pieces of a diamond) have a highly reflective surface that provides a wide, polished area for the jewelry designer, and it also makes the stone look bigger. Often, the slices will have some tinges of color."

Rough Cut Diamonds: "The rough cut reflects a more natural trend in jewelry. These gems have a wonderful glow, without being flashy. The rough cut offers a nice juxtaposition to the sleek sparkle of polished settings."