The Engagement

The Debut

Name: Miss Annapolis

Fiancé: Mr. Military

Age: Twenty-something

Profession: Health Industry & Business (Graduate Student)

How They Got Engaged:

After a long day at the hospital, Miss Annapolis changed from scrubs to pajamas grabbed the puppy and headed for a casual, summertime, back-porch dinner w/ the military boyfriend. After cracking a bottle of wine Mr. Military dropped to one knee and said,

"I planned to make a big production of this on a hot air balloon w/friends and family as audience but tonight is too perfect. I want to spend the rest of my life --- just like tonight... us in our PJs, dining on the porch with new additions to our family (looking at the puppy)… Will you marry me? And of course she said yes!”

And the Ring….

PICTURED ABOVE: It’s a beautiful 2-carat, round brilliant, GIA certified (white gold setting w/ 4 platinum prongs.)

Many guys head out to the local jeweler to buy a ring and that's okay for most people. But, if you really want to impress her with the ring of her dreams (within budget) -bring her ring shopping. At the very least, make sure you have a good idea of “her style”. Ask her mother, sister and/or best friend for advice. Don't make the mistake of buying the wrong diamond, at the wrong place, at the wrong price. She will be wearing your mistake for the rest of her life... and you (gentlemen) will be hearing about it for the rest of your life.

Mr. Military proposed with a RingPop (diamonds are NOT exactly his area of expertise) so he asked for assistance in selecting a conflict-free stone and together we’ve designed a stunning ring.

WHAT I LEARNED:

(http://4diamond.com/Certify/) Explains diamond buying best.

THE 4 C’S:

Cut, clarity, color, carat-weight

THE RULES TO PURCHASING THE PERFECT DIAMOND:

1- Shop around (different shapes, sizes, colors, qualities appeal to different people) and not every shop has what you’re looking for

2- Compare Apples with Apples…. that is, compare GIA certified diamonds with GIA certified diamonds

3- Have a jeweler show you the different clarities, color & shapes under a loup… (say “LOOP”)

4- After purchasing a diamond… take it to another jeweler ---- Make sure your diamond matches the certification

WHICH CERTIFICATE?

Only a few are considered reputable and widely used. GIA (Gemological Instutute of America), EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), and HRD (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant). But it’s an undisputed fact amongst jewelers that GIA certificates are best. So what is the bottom line? Insist on a GIA certified diamond

UNCONVENTIONAL/BEAUTIFUL/MONEY SAVING!!!!

Mr. Military and I explored the unconventional methods of attaining a diamond. WE PURCHASED OUR DIAMOND ONLINE! (http://www.overnightdiamonds.com/) --- McGivern’s shop based in Ohio. Although, it required additional steps (to ensure the safety and quality of our diamond,) It was a great shopping experience and it saved so much money!!! LOWER PRICE & NO TAX (shipped state-to-state)

What I was worried about:

Internet sales of jewelry – has such a high risk of fraud (high values associated with such small items) Say for example, I received an empty package…. how can I prove that I did not receive a diamond? Or, what happens if I don’t like it when it arrives and I ship it back to the store, only to hear the store received an empty box?

Talk to the jeweler! If they want your sale, they’ll find a way to make you comfortable.

For example: they might send a diamond to a reputable store/jeweler near you, so that you can inspect the diamond and the purchase.

Other helpful sites:

www.gemnation.com. You can download and print actual diamond sizes pretty cool