“I was a bit surprised, to say the least,” says Christine. “But Mark had such a straight face on that I took the ring, and then I noticed that the diamond part had a hinge.” She opened the toy ring, and there, nestled on a bed of black velvet, was a single loose diamond, sparkling in the moonlight.
“After hours looking for the perfect diamond setting that Christy would love, I decided to go the loose diamond route,” explains Mark. “The toy ring was just a fun way to present her with the most gorgeous diamond I could find.” Mark is not alone in leaving the setting purchase to his fiancée and proposing with a loose diamond instead. Diamond market experts say loose diamonds have never been hotter commodities, with consumers opting for certified loose diamonds without settings for a variety of reasons.
If you can’t decide on the right engagement ring setting, buying a loose diamond may be the perfect proposal option.
Among the many reasons cited by customers for choosing to purchase their diamonds sans settings is price. When you buy diamonds loose, you have the maximum control possible on all the factors influencing the value of the diamond, such as cut, color and clarity. Once you find the perfect stone that fits your ideal criteria, whether it is a simple half-carat round stone or a four-carat Asscher-cut rock, you can always find a setting or have one created that will hold and highlight your diamond.
Plus, when you purchase a loose diamond, you will have the rare opportunity to look at your stone completely on its own, without any setting covering any portion of the stone. Knowing this, most diamond retailers who specialize in certified loose diamonds will send you a jeweler’s magnifying glass, or loupe, so you can see your loose diamond up close and personal.
If you are looking for an unusual diamond shape, like the cushion cut, buying a loose diamond may be your best bet.
Another reason to choose a loose diamond, even for a proposal, is customizability. Once you have the diamond in hand, you can have any setting in the world custom-made for your stone. This is a great option for couples who want to incorporate personal themes or motifs into their engagement and wedding rings.
Most of all, loose diamonds are a lifesaver for guys, like Mark, who just can’t settle on an engagement ring setting without their fiancee’s help. “The nice thing about buying the diamond loose was that it was so easy,” recalls Mark, who bought his diamond online. “That way, I got the best of both worlds: I proposed with a proper diamond, but Christine got to pick out her setting all by herself!” Call it a match made in heaven.
