8 Questions to Ask Before You Buy That Engagement Ring

Buying an engagement ring is a big deal. Not only is it a special piece of jewelry, but it's typically quite pricey. Plus, this ring is going to be worn, daily, for decades... Suffice it to say, you want to be completely sure about the bling you're buying so you make the best possible decision. To do that, you'll need to be totally informed about the ring itself and any policies or guarantees that come with it. So, before that big question is popped, be sure to ask your jewelry consultant the following questions.

If you're looking at solitaire diamonds, or rings with large center or side stones, you'll want to ask the jeweler to give you the rundown on each of the four Cs, which stand for color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. These standards are a universally-recognized method for assessing diamond quality, and they'll give you a good idea of the quality of the diamonds you are selecting. 

Some diamonds have a gem report, as in an evaluation by a gemologist that gives rankings of the four Cs, as well as other measurements. Ask to see the original certificate (preferably not a copy). The original will highlight any marks on the diamond, whereas a copy may not be annotated as such. 

Some certified diamonds are laser-inscribed with a certificate number on the girdle of the stone, which allows you to identify it as "your" diamond in the case of theft—or if you give your ring to a jeweler to have it cleaned and want to make sure you're picking up the right one. 

Most jewelry stores will have a loupe—a small device that magnifies up to 30X—through which you can view your diamond. This level of magnification is important for scoping out characteristics, as well as verifying that the diamond's mark or number matches the one on the certification. 

 Some certified diamonds can be traced back to its original source, but not all. Ask your jewelry consultant about their diamond sourcing policy. 

Before you buy, you'll want to know what kind of upkeep is required: White gold, for instance, needs to be re-dipped in rhodium annually to maintain its color and a diamond's setting may need to be checked regularly as well to ensure it's secure. 

Find out what the jeweler offers as far as lost stones and other damage is concerned. 

8. What insurance do you recommend? Insuring your ring is essential. Your jewelry consultant may be able to recommend a few options their company offers, however, most insurance plans are through your homeowners policy, which usually requires a diamond certification or an appraisal of the ring.