The fastest growing trend in diamond engagement ring design? How about designing it yourself? That’s right, from choosing the shape, size, and even color of your diamond (or diamonds), to selecting a band that you love, to creating the diamond engagement ring of your dreams for probably less  money than you would pay for a pre-set ring in a mall jewelry store – all done online, at your own pace. Most likely you are already aware of the phenomenal software that online jewelers now make available to create your own ring – simply log on to a trusted diamond site and start designing the diamond engagement ring you will wear for a lifetime. But in case you’re not familiar with the design-your-own-ring process, here’s your chance to learn more.   The fact is, more and more people have taken to buying loose diamonds online through reputable diamond distributors because of the cost savings. Online diamond sellers today are highly credible, selling certified diamonds (with all the appropriate paperwork) through Internet transactions. These diamond merchants keep a large inventory of quality diamonds, and they display their inventory live on their website. Diamond shoppers can search for exactly the stone they want, and most likely are going to get a larger diamond than they expected to be able to afford.   Online diamond sellers comprise perhaps the fastest growing branch of the diamond and jewelry industry. Their success is based in part on the fact that with no storefront, their overhead is zero, or close to it. In recent years, serious diamond shoppers – people like you who are looking for the best price on a quality diamond engagement ring (or for a diamond for another special piece of jewelry).   The amazing software available through these online diamond sellers is unbelievably sophisticated. Anyone can sit down at their laptop and begin designing a diamond engagement ring within minutes. In fact, the hardest part will be tearing yourself away once you get started.   Once you log on, you’ll immediately see the selection of diamonds available to buy, listed by the 4Cs -  color, clarity, cut and carat weight. A scanned copy of the diamond’s certificate and grading report is there for you to view as well. The diamond styles themselves – round brilliant, marquis, princess, Asscher, pear, oval, cushion, emerald and heart shaped diamonds are easily viewed with full descriptions.   Remember, diamonds .5 carats or larger will be certified from the top recognized independent laboratories issuing diamond certificates or grading reports. You get a complete description of the individual diamond’s features, including the 4Cs.  If you are a little bit intimidated by selecting your own diamond, no worries; a little homework will arm you with the information you need to make an excellent choice on a diamond that fits your budget.   What makes purchasing a loose diamond for your engagement ring (or any piece of jewelry for that matter) online so great is the fact that you will probably be able to buy a larger diamond than you had originally expected because of the lower prices. So if you began your engagement ring search with a budget you assumed would keep you in the .5 carat range or smaller, you may very well find a .65 or larger diamond within your budget! Remember, with no brick and mortar overhead, no staff to pay and no building to maintain, online diamond sellers can pass extra savings on to buyers like you. It really is no secret that the Internet is the preferred venue for buying loose diamonds at the best prices, but is it safe? Of course it is, provided you select a reputable diamond seller who is available to advise you if you need it, and answer your questions.   You will find a large inventory of settings you to choose from – most often gold and platinum, but some online jewelers offer silver and other precious metals as well. You can start by looking at different diamond shapes and sizes, and literally ”plop” any diamond you like into a setting to see how it looks. The diamonds offered will rank anywhere from good to excellent in quality, fire, brilliance, and other criteria.   Since you’re designing your ring from the comfort and privacy of you home, there are no salespeople pressuring you, no clock ticking before the store closes, no waiting in line for service . You have all the time you need to peruse the online inventory of diamonds and settings, and play with different options to find the ring of your dreams. It’s a great option for couples to choose an engagement ring together. And it’s fun!   Once you have found a few diamonds that interest you, ask for the name of an affiliate nearby who can show you the stones in person if you wish. Shop online for loose diamonds and then see them through affiliate programs like GemFind.com. You can even have the option of purchasing a smaller cut stone up front, and trading up to a larger diamond in the future, when budget permits. Reputable diamond sellers will make these options available to their customers, so don’t hesitate to ask.   Enjoy designing your engagement ring. When you are the one choosing the stone and setting, you are creating an intimate symbol of your love, a bit of personal history  that will stay with you for the rest of your life.   ###