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Love is in the air … but buyer beware

Top 10 tips for the perfect ring to pop the question

It's a moment she will remember, for better or worse, 'til death do you part!  Whilst celebrities like Vince Vaughn and Christina Applegate choose Valentines Day itself to pop the question and say I do, many other love struck couples keep the day unique but the cosy Winter months are always followed by Wedding bells.  This is the season to get engaged so whether the proposal is traditional, novel or downright outrageous, love is definitely in the air and diamonds are a girl’s best friend for these couple of months.

However, the thought of purchasing a diamond can be overwhelming with certificates, inclusions, grading scales, not to mention the four c’s and fancy shapes that can baffle even the most ardent Romeo!  Thomas Gear Jewellers in the Ilac Centre is one of Dublin's longest established Jewellers, creating beautiful crafted pieces for over 40 years.  His top 10 tips for the perfect diamond to pop the question are as follows: 

1.      Determine Your Budget. Contrary to popular belief, you can have a dazzling diamond engagement ring that will attract every eye in the room, without going into debt to do so. Remember, the engagement ring is a once-in-a-lifetime purchase but shop around and make sure you get the absolute best value.  Recessionary times have obliterated the old rule-of-thumb which indicated that an engagement ring should cost the equivalent of two months salary.  Now it is advisable to spend as much as one can afford but not a cent over and above this.

2.      Be a CUT above:  The cut is the first of the famous four ‘c’s and dictates how light reflects and exits the diamond, an effect known as its "fire".  The cut will also determine the shape of the diamond. The most common shape is the round cut, but others include the emerald, the pear, the marquise, the princess, the oval and the heart shape. Ask to see all of these shapes, if only in a picture, to make sure you have covered all your options.  The round cut allows the most cuts so is considered to have the most sparkle.

3.      Have a sense of COLOUR:  The second C is for Colour.  The most valuable and rare colour is white, that is to say, colourless. Jewellers grade absolutely colourless diamonds with a "D". The scale moves up to "Z" and, between these two extremes, diamonds will display subtle coloured tones. Diamonds with a very strong and distinct colour are extremely rare and are called fancies.  D, E, F, G and even H colours are considered to be of very fine quality. 

4.      Look for CLARITY:  Our 3^rd C refers to Clarity.  Many people get unnecessarily hung up over the clarity of a diamond. Look into most diamonds with a jeweller's magnifying eyeglass and you will see small "inclusions", also known as "nature's fingerprints". They look like small clouds or feathers but are usually invisible to the naked eye. As long as the stone is graded SI1 (Slightly Included 1) or better (best and most expensive is IF, or Internally Flawless; worst is I3, or Imperfect 3), you should be all right.

5.      Dangle a CARAT: The Final C refers to Carat.  The weight, and thus the size, of a diamond is measured by carat. A carat is equal to 0.2gm, or 200mgm. A good tip sometimes is to ask for stones that are slightly less than the next carat (0.8 instead of 1 or 1.9 instead of 2) – the almost indiscernible difference can add up to big savings.

6.    Choose the Setting: there are many choices form a simple solitaire setting or one could add filigree, extra side stones, and other details. There is also the choice of gold, white or rose gold, platinum, or even titanium.  The most popular settings today are white gold or platinum

7.   Get a Buddy or bring her with you:  If you can, bring your sweetheart's best friend or mom along to help you choose. Also, assuming they like the person you're buying it for, this is a great moment to bond with in-laws and get their advice.  If you bring along your fiancé, the element of surprise will be gone but you can be sure the ring is exactly what she wants.

8.   Scammed up abroad!  Think very carefully about buying abroad as often certificates can be fake and every year hundreds of Irish couples get scammed abroad. There are excellent value diamonds here in Ireland but if you do buy abroad make sure to get certified gem reports, as well as a full refund within 30 days on undamaged stones.

9.  Get a Quality Jeweler Ask for recommendations from friends and family. Make sure your ring carries the Irish Government Hallmark from the Assay Office in Dublin Castle and every diamond ring is issued with an Individual Valuation Certificate. It should include the 4 c's of color, cut, clarity and carat, as well as the shape and size. And, like your house, don't forget to get the ring insured.

10. The perfect proposal: There are many ways to make the moment special ranging from an intimate dinner for two to lighting up the sky with fireworks.  Take her away on a romantic holiday or a picnic in the mountains or back to the place you first met or had your first kiss but a dozen roses, a bottle of bubbly and a beautiful sparkler will shoot cupid’s arrow right through her heart! 

Thomas Gear is in a position to offer the best value, top quality diamonds to be found anywhere in Ireland online or in-store.  At just €1,290 for a half carat, top quality G colour, SI1 diamond ring set in 18k white gold, Thomas Gear promises to make 2012 a very special year for happy couples all over Ireland.  See www.thomasgear.com.

Thomas Gear's team of goldsmiths is among the most skilled in the world with designs that transcend time - one of their designs is on display in the Newark Museum, New York. There is a fully equipped studio design workshop on the premises at Parnell Mall in the Ilac Centre, where any item can be designed and manufactured to the customer's specification. All items carry the TJG trademark (Thomas Joseph Gear) and also the Irish Government Hallmark from the Assay Office in Dublin Castle, every diamond ring is issued with an Individual Valuation Certificate.  Thomas Gear Jewellers are offering engagement rings and diamond rings at an amazing 60% discount.  Couples can also design their own engagement ring at the store in the Ilac Centre where there is a full range of jewellery for inspiration.  Call 353 (0) 1 873 2998 or see www.thomasgear.com or call into the Ilac Centre to meet Thomas Gear in person.

ENDS

Media Contacts :

Valerie@valerieroe.com: 086 2417094 | Helen O Dwyer: Helen@Pr1.ie | 086 2332725