If you’re thinking of buying a pre-set diamond engagement ring, you probably won’t be surprised by the incredible number of beautiful designs available to choose from. Still, it’s important to head into ring shopping mode armed with at least some basic  knowledge of diamond quality and characteristics in order to know the value of the rings you are drawn to, and to get the highest quality ring available within your budget.   Many couples are not jumping on the “design-your-own-ring” bandwagon out of fear that their knowledge of diamonds is too limited, or because they prefer to choose from a variety of preset rings for the instant visual gratification. And that’s OK; there are so many beautiful preset diamond engagement rings out there today, crafted from talented jewelry artisans - there is surely a perfect preset ring out there for you too.   There’s a lot to be said for the fun that goes with the search as well, and in the process you will learn more about diamonds, settings, precious metals (for the setting), which designs are most flattering on your hand, and which settings are most adaptable to your lifestyle. Whether you’re a groom-to-be hoping to surprise your girl with a stunning diamond solitaire, or an excited couple looking forward to the prospect of choosing the perfect ring together, this should be one of the most enjoyable episodes in your engagement.   Pre-set engagement rings spare you from choosing a loose diamond because the jeweler has already paired the diamond and the setting. Although you don’t get to pick a loose diamond , buying a preset diamond engagement ring does offer some great advantages.   Pre-set diamond engagement rings are fun and easy to shop for. Keep in mind, the diamonds used in preset rings are often not high quality. Ask your jeweler, whether you are purchasing your pre-set ring from an online jeweler or a storefront, about certification for the diamond or diamonds already set in the ring you choose.   Be wary of mall jewelry stores and others that offer pre-set diamond rings with either no diamond certification, or just their own in-store certification. If the diamond in your pre-set ring is .5 carats or larger, you should ask for the diamond’s independent certification, issued by GIA, IGI, AGS, EGL or HRD.   Without a third-party unbiased assessment of a diamond’s true quality and value, a jeweler’s personal grading holds no merit. Unless the jeweler agrees to have the stone removed from its setting and sent to either GIA or AGS for an accurate grading, walk away and look for a ring that does have the appropriate certification to go with the diamond. There are plenty of reputable diamond sellers both online and in storefronts who offer certified diamond pre-set engagement rings, and those are the sellers you want to work with. Even if you are not spending a huge amount of money on your diamond engagement ring, a diamond grading report is still a necessity for several reasons:   1.  Diamond rings without a diamond grading report or certificate are often sold within a carat weight "range.” This means that the diamond merchant may tell you that you are buying a 1.00 carat diamond, but it may in fact be as small as 0.95 carats, or as large as 1.17 carats. Carat weight is the most important factor when determining a diamond’s price.   Keep in mind that  a diamond just under 1.00 carat can often be found at a much lower price than a diamond above 1.00 carat because it falls just under the price jump for the popular 1.00 carat diamond size.   2.  Pre-set engagement rings sold with no diamond grading report are often listed with a color and clarity range - for example, a diamond could be listed H/I color or SI2/I1 clarity. But this color and clarity “range” doesn’t give an accurate representation of the diamond's actual color and clarity. When it comes to purchasing diamonds, even in a pre-set ring, the devil is in the details. Make it your business to know the difference between a diamond grading report and a subjective in-store listing system, as this directly affects a diamond’s quality and price.   Without a diamond’s grading report, you will not be able to assess the diamond’s cut, which is the most critical factor in determining a diamond’s true value.   It may seem like a lot of information to digest, but purchasing a pre-set diamond engagement ring is really easy and extremely fun. Stick with a credible diamond jewelry retailer and enjoy finding the diamond engagement ring of your dreams!   ###