How to shop for your best friend

It is a fact universally known that diamonds are a girl's best friend. That women love to adorn themselves with jewellery fashioned with them is another well known matter. And as much as women love all articles of jewellery, rings tend to hold a special place of their own.

Those dainty little circlets, resplendent with intricate designs and beautifully set precious diamonds add the right amount of finishing touch and sparkle to one's look. Diamond rings are rather significant in their own right, owing to their indisputable status as the most popular choice for engagements the world over. For centuries lovelorn men have gone to great lengths to acquire the most precious rocks to secure the affection of their ladyloves. As much fun it is to receive a diamond ring, shopping for one can be quite daunting. So many stores offer so many options; it can be difficult to choose the right design at the right price. What's more, the quality of diamonds is of paramount importance. If you are planning to shop for diamond rings anytime soon, read on for important pointers that you can keep in mind to get the best deal!

For starters, the quality of diamonds should be priority for any buyer. A stone that is clear to the core, with minimum or zero flaws is the coveted one, and is very rare to come across. However, slightly flawed and relatively colourless stones are available, and they are the quality ones to lookout for if shopping for solitaires. When it comes to clusters, individual stones should all have a uniform sparkle. Keep an eye out for cracks, major flaws and cloudy stones that do not reflect light. Next is the cut and setting of the stone.

The true beauty of a stone is best expressed through its cut. Its setting is also equally important. A well cut stone should be properly set on a sturdy band. These details are crucial in determining the quality of the overall piece.

Another aspect that one should pay attention to is the size of the stone. It goes without saying that as far as diamonds are concerned, size matters. The bigger the stone, the higher the price. However, a big stone does not necessarily mean it's of the best quality. So certification is key. Many stores offer certified stones that have a unique code which traces their root. A gem that has a GIA or IGI certificate is the real deal, though it might fall in the pricier category. That is not to say that stones without certificates are all inferior.

In this case, a trusted source will ensure the stone's quality. Purchasing diamonds from a reputed jeweller is always a good idea. Jewellery houses such as Apan Jewellers, Jarwa House and Gitanjali are some among many others that are trustworthy and have quality stuff.

Prices for diamond rings depend on the quality of the diamond, and its size. Many stones that are sourced from Europe and South Africa are a bit on the higher side, those that are from India are usually priced rather moderately. The range starts from 25,000tk in most places, and goes up from there. Clusters are less expensive than solitaires, and those inlaid with other precious gemstones are likely to be more expensive. In this matter, it is wise to browse through a couple of shops before making the decision. With these guidelines in mind, you are likely to make the right decision and sparkle with your shiny new bauble! 

Photo: LS Archive/Sazzad Ibne Sayed
Jewellery by: Gitanjali Lifestyle