Diamonds, as we all know, are forever. And no group of objects can achieve that sort of legendary status without a few rumors circulating about them along the way. Of course, some rare stones (the Hope Diamond, for example) even develop a sort of cult status, with whispers of curses and ghost stories attached to them, but your average diamond doesn’t garner this type of attention. There are, however, several myths surrounding diamond engagement rings, and here are just a few debunked for you.
1. They’re unbreakable. You may think that just because diamonds are the hardest substance on Earth, they can’t be broken. If this were true, how would we get them out of mines and cut large chunks into smaller stones? It’s not as if they pop out of the soil in half-carat increments. If your stone has an inclusion, or flaw, the weakness can cause it to break under pressure or impact, so always treat your engagement ring with proper care.
2. It has to cost three month’s salary. This gauge for ring-buying is useful, but antiquated. Most girls aren’t concerned with the size or cost of the rock, but rather the intent behind it. So don’t wait to pop the questions just because you’re trying to save up the appropriate amount of dough.
3. Lab-created diamonds are exactly the same as natural. While lab-created stones are certainly similar to those that grow naturally, an experienced gemologist or jeweler can tell the difference. Plus, the value is about half (or less) and your certification will not list your diamond as “natural”, which could lead to questions of authenticity down the road.
4. You don’t need an appraisal if you buy from a store. You don’t have to get an appraisal, but you certainly should (even if it comes with certification papers) and the sooner the better. It not only gives you the opportunity to return the merchandise should it prove inadequate, it is also required for the purposes of insuring your ring.
5. Buying online is just as expensive and more risky. Not true! Without the added overhead of a storefront and a staff, online retailers can offer you far better prices and usually a larger selection of stones and settings to choose from. And if you use a reputable dealer, there is no more risk than buying from a store (unless you include the risk of saving a lot of money). By purchasing online, you can find the ring of her dreams while sticking to your budget.
