Are you are looking for an affordable, unique engagement ring? Design your own at Amazon. With a new interactive tool you can choose everything about your ring to make it the perfect symbol of your love.

Engagement rings are a big investment, both financially and emotionally. Symbolically they represent your relationship, your commitment to each other, the plans and dreams that you have for a future. Gold prices are currently at their highest levels ever and the financial investment is pretty serious, too.

In addition, many jewelry salespeople are on commission and it can be difficult to know who to trust. Many will encourage you to go deeply into debt to get a ring but is that really the way you want to start your marriage?

Amazon’s new program allows you to choose a GIA certified diamond based on several criteria:

• Price range
• Color
• Cut
• Clarity
• Shape
• Carat weight

Once you have put in your own criteria all of the available diamonds will be listed. Included in the listings are charts, appraisal notes, and a photograph of the diamond.

For example, my criteria were:

• Price range 2,000-5,000
• Shape Round
• Cut Very good
• Carat 1 to 1.25 total carat weight
• Color I-J (near colorless)
• Clarity VVS1- VVS2

In that the diamond tool found 20 loose diamonds ranging in price from$3,300 to $4,825. I chose one that had an I color, VVS2 clarity and was one carat in weight.  The cost was $4065.00.

From that point I needed to choose a setting for my ring. I prefer gold.  The tabs that allow you to see only 14k gold or 18k gold weren’t working so I did have to scroll through but selected a setting with channel set diamonds on the sides. The cost was 379.00.
 
Total cost for my custom ring, with GIA certified stones was $4,440.00. A little research led me to a similar ring for $6,500.00.

You may be a person that wants to see and touch and try on your ring and that is fine. If so then the best thing that you can do is to head for several jewelers and shop. If you are looking for an affordable alternative to a custom design ring then Amazon’s interactive design tool may be just what you are looking for.

Either way, be sure your diamond is GIA (Gemological Institute of America) certified. Here are some tips to help you get exactly what you want and can afford:

• Consider having an independent appraisal done after you receive your ring to verify the value.
• Never allow yourself to be pushed to make a decision that you are not comfortable with.
• Ask the salesperson to take the ring to a window if possible. The lighting in the case and in the store is designed to make the diamonds look great. Sometimes daylight tells a different story.
• Have your ring cleaned and the prongs checked regularly, every six months to a year.
• 18k gold will show wear faster than 14k gold because it is softer.
• Platinum is generally the most expensive material for a setting but it is nearly indestructible.

The interactive engagement ring design tool at Amazon is an innovative way to choose a custom ring and still stay within your budget. Shipping is free and you can return it within 30 days. Check Amazon for more details.

Oh, and....have a happy life!