1. Learn about the 4Cs of Diamonds
2. Set a Budget 
3. Find out your Partner's Ring Size
4. Decide when to purchase
5. Know your Partner's Style and Preference 
6. Check whether the settings and center stones are sold separetely or not 
7. Find a Trusted Jewelry Brand

A diamond ring's beauty is its most important quality, above any other factor. The 4Cs can make or break a diamond's appearance. The grades a diamond carries in these four areas give a clear idea of the diamond's quality and the right price you should be willing to pay.

A diamond's quality is determined by the 4C's: 

    Cut refers to the angles, proportions, facets, and finishing details of the diamond: think shine quality. Cut is the most critical factor in determining a diamond's value.

    Color refers to how colorless the diamond is—the more colorless, the better.

    Clarity refers to how clean a diamond is of inclusions (age-related imperfections) and blemishes (wear-related imperfections): the fewer inclusions and flaws, the better.

    Carat refers to how heavy a diamond is — the heavier it is, the more expensive it'll be (for roughly equivalent quality).

4Cs determine its overall beauty and structure of diamons. Also make sure that your diamond is certified and all the information is written in the certification. 

One way to start is by deciding how much money you can realistically spend on a diamond ring before starting the shopping process. Read our blog post "How much money should I spend on Engagement Ring" to learn more. This will help ensure that your purchase won't put undue strain on your finances and allow you more time to find the perfect piece without feeling rushed or pressured into making a decision based solely on price point.

If you do not know it already, It can be hard to figure out your partner's ring size. It takes some creativity and a little bit of preparation. Here are three strategies we recommend:

Ask your partner directly. They may not want to be surprised by your proposal, or they may have really strong opinions about the kind of ring they want. So, first things first: Do they want a surprise proposal? 

Get in touch with your partner's friends or parents. This can be an excellent way to get insight into what they want while also getting tips on how to propose and making sure that everyone who matters knows what's going on.

Borrow a ring that fits your partner. This only works if they have a similar ring style. If that's the case, it's as easy as measuring the inside diameter and circumference of the ring. You can use either one of those measurements to determine their engagement ring size.

Women's ring sizes typically range from 3 to 9, with 5 to 7 being the most common. Men's ring sizes range from 8 to 14, but the most common size is 9. If your partner has slender fingers, you may want to choose a smaller ring size than average. It's almost always possible to get a different-sized ring within 30 days unless it was a special order or final sale.

If you're looking for a great deal on a diamond ring, don't stress yourself out trying to time the purchase of your diamond to get the best price. 
Although there are certain times when you may find a better deal, you shouldn't be too concerned about it. The differences in prices are not that significant, and if you miss the window for the best deal, you will still get a reasonable price.
As with most things in life, there is no one perfect time to buy a diamond. Because diamonds are not mass-produced like many other products, there aren't huge price swings based on market conditions. If you do want to try and save money, consider these general tips:
Diamonds are typically bought in anticipation of an engagement, so shopping after Valentine's Day can also lead to savings. However, this would also mean waiting until spring or summer to buy your ring.
You may be surprised to learn that the most reputable diamond vendors rarely offer large discounts.

We'll tell you what not to do: don't buy your partner an engagement ring they hate. This sounds obvious, but it's more complicated than you might think.
Buying an engagement ring isn't just about choosing a stone; it's also about making sure the ring is good-looking and feels right to your partner. And that means it has to reflect their style and personality to make them feel comfortable and confident wearing it.

The easiest way to figure this out is to note the type of jewelry they often wear. Does she wear jewelry every day? If so, perhaps she already has an established style or preference in terms of metal tone and shape. If not, then consider whether or not she'd want something dainty or bolder — or if color is important to her when it comes to jewelry (for instance, does she prefer only white gold?).

You can also start to try peeking at their jewelry box. Are there similarities between pieces? Or do they tend toward one metal or design element?
If your partner's got a best pal who knows her well, that person might be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to picking out jewelry. We also recommend you to check this Pinterest page and the rings that she/he has saved on the board.

Lastly, listen to your partner! If they tell you about an engagement ring or a piece of jewelry that they like, take note and keep it in mind when you make your purchase decision.

7. Trusted Jewelry Brand

If you're shopping for a gem or piece of jewelry, it's important to find a jeweler or jewerly brand you can trust. You want someone who will educate you to make an informed purchase. 
Knowing how to spot a trustworthy jeweler can be tricky since so many options exist. Here are some tips:

• Look for a jeweler who has been around for more than ten years. This shows their customers have continued to return over the years because they are educated in their field. A jeweler with a strong background in gemology will have the knowledge necessary to give you an informed purchasing decision. They should be able to answer your questions about the history of your gem, its origins, value, and durability. If you are looking for a diamond ring, they should be able to answer your questions about carat size, color, clarity, cut, and provenance,
• Look at reviews online to see how other people feel about their experiences with this jeweler.
•  Ask questions about what you're purchasing, and if they can explain things clearly, they're probably being honest with you. A reputable jeweler will strive to understand your preferences and provide you with various purchase options that best suit your needs. They should be genuine and straightforward in their dealings with you, even if it means steering you away from a particular purchase.

At the end of the day, it's crucial to find a jewelry brand that you can trust. This is especially true when you're spending a significant amount of money on a diamond ring . You want to make sure that you are getting a fair price and getting value for your money. 

Here at Minimalist Designs we have hundreds of styles to choose from which will fit both your budget and style. For any recommendation, do not hesitate to get in touch with our engagement ring experts at info@minimalistdesigns.com