Budget: First and foremost you need to know your budget. If you are planning to buy a wedding or engagement ring it can cost you a lot. So prepare to set aside money for this purpose.

Correct fit: Make sure to check the ring’s fit before purchase and in case it is too loose or tight get it corrected.

Diamond shape: The shape of the diamond in the ring will vary depending on the occasion at hand.

3 Cs: The three Cs of color, cut and clarity are crucial in determining the value and worth of any gemstone. Make sure that these follow established industry standards.

Crucial mistakes to avoid:

Manufacturer’s stamp: Buying a ring that does not have the trademark stamp of the manufacturer can have disastrous effects. It means the ring is definitely not genuine.

Under-karated Gold: Even if a ring has been stamped there is always the chance of being less than the specified karat. Make sure to check on the karatage of the piece.

Fracture-filled diamonds: Often in order to hide dark inclusions in the diamond manufacturers use fractures. Make sure you do not buy one of these diamonds.

Diamond education:

Check these 6 top attributes before buying any diamond:

Shape: Shapes range from round, Asscher, Radiant, Princess, Emerald, Oval, Pear, Cushion, Heart to Marquise.

Cut: The symmetry of the cut will determine the brilliance, shine and luster of the diamond. Shallow cuts cause lesser brilliance while deeper cuts result in a darker diamond. The cut is determined by crown, table, diameter, pavilion, girdle, depth and cutlet. The best cut reflects the maximum amount of light.

Color: Color grades of a diamond range from absolutely colorless which is the rarest to colorless, near colorless and noticeable color. Noticeable color variants are best avoided as these are not genuine.

Clarity: The clarity of the diamond is dependant on the number of inclusions provided. Trace minerals, scratches and other flaws are known as inclusions. Clarity ranges from FL, IF to VVS1, VVS2, VS1, VS2, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 to I3. ‘Eye clean’ diamonds are said to have the best clarity.

Carat weight: The carat weight determines the price of the diamond. Smaller sizes are best for active people.

Certification: Certification grades are essential to signify the quality of the diamond. Cut, clarity, symmetry, polish and dimensions determine the certification.

Pearl guide:

Natural pearls: The rarest of all pearls these are also known as cultured pearls. Implantation of a bead into the oyster triggers formation of mineral and protein coatings (nacre) resulting in a natural pearl.  

Color: Colors of pearls range from pink, white, yellow, cream to even black and silver. Secondary overtones are also seen due to light reflection.

Shape: Perfect round pearl shapes are of the best quality while asymmetrical ones are of lower standards.

Luster: The luster of the pearl depends on the extent of light reflection over the nacre. Larger the pearl more will be the luster.

Markings: Bubbles and spots sometimes appear over the surface of the pearl and the smoothest surfaces command the highest price.

Size: Sizes vary from 3 mm to as much as 7 mm in diameter. Largest known pearls have diameters touching 13 mm (found in Akoya pearls).

Gemstone guide:

Color, size, clarity, cut and enhancements determine the quality of any gemstone. Color is dependant on tone and hue while clarity is determined by the number of inclusions or flaws inside. The cut needs to be symmetrical to evenly reflect light. Enhancements on gemstones are part of industry standards.

Engagement ring guide:

Make sure to keep a tab on budget as engagement rings can be costly. Know her preferences to select the perfect ring for her. Select the right diamond shape and color and go for a reputed jeweler.