Regardless of whether you’re interested in getting married, you’ve likely read or gossiped about something related to weddings (or newlyweds) recently. Because you don’t need to be engaged to enjoy wedding culture, we asked industry experts about the things to think about while you’re “just looking”–no proposal necessary.
Kristen Trustey is a PR manager and diamond expert at Forevermark, with more than 10 years experience in the jewelry and diamond industry. We asked her how to get a headstart on narrowing down a potential engagement ring (probably the only thing more important than an obsessive pre-wedding skincare routine), and what to look for in a high-quality diamond.
What can people do to get a feel for what they want in an engagement ring?
One of the most important things to consider is shape. Visit a local jeweler and try on as many shapes and styles as possible. What you think you like might can be different from what looks best on your finger—elongated shapes like oval, emerald, or pear are very flattering. Also consider your personal style: Are you more classic or fashion-forward? Do you wear mostly white, yellow, or rose gold? Do you work with your hands?
If someone suspects a proposal is imminent, how can they give input on the ring?
More and more, couples are going together before they get engaged to look at styles, or are even proposing with a placeholder ring or a loose diamond and then designing the ring together afterwards. This can be a fun and intimate experience for the couple, and you end up with something completely personal to you.
How can someone find a reputable jeweler?
Jewelers should take their time, ask you lots of questions, and make you feel comfortable—a good one will never rush or try to push you into a purchase. To find one you can trust, ask friends and family for recommendations, read reviews, or easily search Forevermark’s database of authorized jewelers, all of whom are are highly vetted.
How should people evaluate a diamond?
It’s a good idea to do a little research on the basics of the four Cs, but know that two diamonds can have the same four Cs and still look very different. At the Forevermark Diamond Institute, a diamond will go through, at minimum, a seventeen-step process. We select only the most beautiful individual diamonds against additional rigid criteria such as symmetry, polish, transparency, and durability.
As far as the four Cs go, which is most important?
A well-cut diamond will reflect and refract light with optimum light performance, meaning how much your diamond will sparkle. Cut can also affect its visual size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can appear to be different sizes depending on the depth or shape of their cut. Stand with your back to a window and hold the diamond or ring facing you at eye level. The natural light will really let you see the diamond’s true sparkle and color.
What makes the diamonds in the Forevermark Black Label collection so special?
With this collection, fancy-shape diamonds are as scintillating as round brilliant cuts for the first time. Our Black Label diamonds are available in round, ideal square, oval, cushion, and heart shapes, and because they are crafted especially with symmetry and reaction to light in mind, they sparkle more than any other diamond.
What, to you, is the ultimate criteria for diamond quality?
Less than one percent of the world’s diamonds are up to Forevermark’s strict standards. These receive an inscription of a unique identification number that’s one five-thousandth the depth of a human hair, and can only be seen with a Forevermark Viewer, a device that provides magnification and clarity. Using your diamond’s ID number, you can register it on forevermark.com, which is linked to your diamond’s grading report. The inscription promises that the diamond is beautiful, rare, and responsibly sourced.
This is paid content produced for an advertiser by New York Brand Studio. The editorial staff of The Cut did not play a role in its creation.