The holiday season is about creating memories with the ones you love. For some, that means asking the question they’ll never forget: Will you marry me?
If you're planning a holiday proposal, choosing the right diamond is a crucial step in creating a perfect moment. With so many options available, it can be challenging for inexperienced buyers to confidently navigate the space. That’s where we come in.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect diamond for your holiday proposal.
Let’s Talk About the Four C’s
Before visiting a diamond retailer and diving headfirst into the selection process, it's important to familiarize yourself with the Four Cs – cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These characteristics determine a diamond's overall quality and appearance, as well as its value for potential buyers.
Read below for a brief description of each of “C.”
Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to its shape and facets faceted (note: facets are the small, flat, and polished surfaces on diamond). It significantly influences the diamond's brilliance and overall appearance in a range of lighting conditions. A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating a sparkle effect.
When choosing a cut, much of the process comes down to personal preference. Consider the shapes the recipient will prefer – whether it's round, princess, cushion, or another popular shape – opt for one that complements your partner's style and personality.
Color
Diamonds come in a range of colors, from colorless to faint yellow and even brown. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light color).
While color preferences are subjective, many people prefer diamonds in the near-colorless range (G-J) for a balance of quality and value. Colorless options are what many would think of as the “traditional” diamond color. Though it sounds simplistic, in most cases, you can’t go wrong with colorless. With that being said, if your partner has a unique personal style, it may be worth asking if they’d prefer a more unique color option.
Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of imperfections or inclusions within the diamond. Most diamonds have natural flaws, but the fewer and less visible they are, the higher the clarity grade. The spectrum of clarity grades goes from Flawless (no inclusions visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions visible to the naked eye).
Of course everyone wants a flawless diamond, but it’s still important to choose a diamond that you can afford. (Your future-spouse thanks you in advance!) Choose a clarity grade that strikes a balance between quality and budget, ensuring the imperfections are not noticeable without magnification.
Carat Weight
The most popular of all the C’s, carat weight refers to a diamond’s size. It can be tempting to focus on this number, but bigger doesn’t necessarily mean better. Instead, focus on finding the right balance of carat weight and the other three Cs.
Once again, it’s necessary to think about what your partner’s list of diamond priorities. Some may insist that they want a large diamond and have less concerns about color, cut, and clarity. In contrast, others maintain that quality is much more important than carat size. If you’re unsure where your partner fits on this spectrum, there’s only one thing to do: ask!
Beyond the C’s
The four C’s are measurable, but choosing the perfect ring means going beyond the numbers and grades. For example, the shape and setting come down to personal taste and style.
Depending on whether or not your proposal is going to be a surprise, you might be searching for answers to questions you haven’t explicitly asked your partner. For example, does she want a ring that’s white gold, yellow gold, or platinum?
You could always ask, but if you want to keep your ring purchase a secret there are a few ways you can get the information you need. The next time your partner dresses up for an event, take note of the jewelry they’re wearing. If it seems like everything they like wearing is yellow gold, that may be your best option for an engagement ring.
In terms of the setting style (solitaire, halo, three-stone, etc.), consider reaching out to one of your partner’s friends for guidance. If they aren’t able to help, tell your Mervis Diamond assistant about their typical style preferences and we’ll provide recommendations accordingly.
Your final decision involves choosing a diamond shape. Think about whether your partner gravitates toward traditional tastes or if bold and unique is more their style.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the number of options, just remember that you know your partner better than anyone else. Trust your instincts and you’ll feel confident when it’s time for the big day.
Let Mervis Diamond Prepare You for Your Holiday Proposal
A marriage proposal is one of the most memorable moments in anyone’s life. Because you want everything to be perfect, it’s essential to find a diamond retailer that you can trust to provide a high-quality gem that’s fit for the occasion.
Our diamonds are hand-selected by Zed Mervis, a true diamond expert. No matter your style, color, or setting preference, we’ll help you find the piece you’ve been dreaming of since the day you made the decision to propose. Book an appointment online or visit us in-store today to experience the Mervis Difference for yourself.