Popping the question requires a great deal of preparation and planning. Where is the perfect location? What is the ideal time? How exactly should you ask your significant other that life changing question? What kind of engagement ring would he or she like?

Hopefully, amongst your high priority preparation questions is the following: Where should I buy the engagement ring? Believe it or not, there are a lot of important factors to consider when you choose the right place to buy the rock. Here are a few of the most important qualities to consider in order to find the best place to buy an engagement ring.

Diamond Certification

Each diamond comes with a certificate that essentially functions as a report card, indicating details about all its distinguished qualities. Though certificates are important to learn more about the gem you’re about to purchase, they aren’t the end all be all. It’s always important to weigh the diamond’s certificate against what it actually looks like and what your needs are for your engagement ring. Having a knowledgeable associate to help you is also a great idea. You deserve diamonds of the highest quality, so it’s essential to connect with a diamond dealer who is committed to these standards of excellence.

Experience in the Business

As far as diamonds go, knowledge is power. Many places that sell diamonds have consultants and jewelers on staff who are happy to answer questions. Do some research to find out how long a jewelry store has been in business and what kind of reputation they have. Word of mouth and customer reviews are great ways to learn more about your potential diamond seller. In this business, the more experience they have, the better. Here at Mervis Diamond Importers, we've been in business since the early 1900s. 

Direct Import and Conflict-Free Promises

Does your diamond store get their gems by direct import? Are these diamonds acquired in a conflict-free fashion? If you’re shopping at a quality jewelry store, the answer to both of these questions should certainly be yes. Direct importing of diamonds ensures a lower price on your ring, and conflict-free diamonds take the weight of worry off of everyone’s hearts and minds.

Guarantees

Before you buy your engagement ring, find out if your diamond dealer has any guarantees or other helpful policies. Some stores offer a lifetime trade-in guarantee if you wish to upgrade your diamond in the future. Check your dealer’s policy on damage and repairs to ensure that you get the best customer service possible.

Purchasing an engagement ring is an important step in the process of getting married. When you’re deciding the best place to buy your engagement ring, keep the abovementioned aspects in mind to have a positive diamond buying experience.  

Jeff Cooper has been designing rings for the past 40 years. Jeff and his son David lead the label as a team, always staying true to the vision that beauty means a refined, classic look.

You can tell a Jeff Cooper ring by its simple, clean lines and precise, enduring style. The perfect way to describe this designer is "polished." The guiding philosophy behind many of the designs is to keep each ring looking pure, without any distractions, so that the true beauty of each stone, as well as the high quality of each metal, will shine through. The company accomplishes this by making each piece of jewelry individually, by hand. This method is successful--each piece looks like a treasured family heirloom.

Engagement Rings

Jeff Cooper engagement rings range in price from around $1,600 to $9,000, but the vast majority fall in the middle of this spectrum at about $4,000.

The epitome of the stark, stunning Jeff Cooper ring is the R-3272 engagement ring. The solitaire diamond looks clean and radiant, the hallmark statement of this designer.

Want more sparkle? This designer caters to more sumptuous tastes as well. Consider the R-3267 engagement ring (pictured at right), with 12 carats of diamonds, which run along the band and highlight the center stone.

For the best of both worlds, try on the R-3149/P diamond ring. The bezel set princess cut diamonds are gorgeous and elegant.

Wedding Rings

Jeff Cooper wedding bands follow the same design principals: classic, stunning, and tastefully executed. In this collection, wedding rings range in price from  $1,700 to $18,000 (though the majority hover around $4,000 in price).

For her, the Jeff Cooper tradition of clean-cut lines and traditional style continues with the R-2974/B wedding ring (pictured at right), a gorgeous, channel set style. Other styles include the R-3021 wedding ring, noteworthy for its beveled edges and round cut diamonds within the band. The thin band of the R-2931 wedding ring has a graceful delicacy that cannot be matched.

Jeff Cooper's signature statement for men's wedding rings is the grooved wedding band. In his Eternal Collection, Jeff Cooper adds .45 carats of diamonds, just enough to give this look a new energy. If you want a straightforward, solid wedding band, look no further than Jeff Cooper's R-2995 with a satin finish.

Mervis Diamond Importers carries a wide selection of Jeff Cooper engagement rings and men's and women's wedding rings. Contact us today for a showing of our Jeff Cooper jewelry collection, and let us help you select the perfect holiday gift for that special someone in your life.

In 1921, Martin Flyer arrived in the US from Russia at only 14 years old. Twenty years later, after working as a jeweler and cultivating his expertise, he launched his own fine jewelry brand, called Designs by Martin Flyer.

It was a point of pride that Flyer worked not only as the director of his business, but also as its head jeweler. He was also renowned for his works of charity throughout his lifetime.

Flyer continued designing jewelry until he was 87 years old, though he remained involved in the company he built from the ground up until his death until 2001, when he was 94 years old. Today the brand honors Flyer's memory with pieces that celebrate its founder's exquisite taste and passion for gorgeous pieces, especially in bridal jewelry.

Martin Flyer rings utilize Hearts and Arrows Ideal Cut Diamonds, meaning that only the most precious metals are used  in design, and that every piece is artfully crafted by hand. Another special feature in this brand is the FlyerFit band, ensuring that rings fit perfectly and do not need to be resized. 

Five Style Options For FlyerFit Rings

Classic

What could be more iconic for an engagement ring than the VS07CU, pictured here? The halo of diamonds around the center stone (boasting .15 carats) is an elegant look for an elegant lady. FlyerFit classic styles can be more ornate or more understated, so explore this collection to find the perfect match for your loved one.

Pair these engagement rings with a FlyerFit classic wedding band to complete that classic look. 

Vintage

For a timeless style ring with the FlyerFit promise, you want the Vintage FlyerFit ring. Pair it with an iridescent wedding band for the full effect.

For Him

The Him collection (including this great band pictured here!) is stylish and masculine, providing high quality materials and timeless style in its wedding bands.

Simplicity

Simple enough: Simplicity is beauty. A solitaire diamond and on unembellished band is a graceful statement of your eternal love. Match this ring with a wedding band with a similar philosophy.

Perfected

You know you want the perfect engagement ring--prefect stone clarity, perfect band, perfect fit. As always, this Martin Flyer collection promises all of the above.

Sometimes you see the right wedding band, and you know it is the Perfect expression of your love.

Mervis Dianmond Importers prizes a comfortable and customized experience for all customers. We want to help you pick out the perfect engagement and wedding rings, to help you celebrate your special day. Contact us today to experience the magic of a FlyerFit ring.

There are many factors to consider before purchasing a diamond engagement ring, and one of the most practical aspects of this process is the question of financing the purchase.

The old fashioned rule stating that an engagement ring should cost three month's of a man's wages, is now a thing of the past. There's no hard and fast rule dictating what percentage of your income you will spend, though you can expect to spend at least $2,000 (with the average American engagement ring running near $4,000).

For example, you can get a sophisticated three-stone engagement ring, like the ArtCarved ring at right, for $1,735. In the middle of the price spectrum lies the the gorgeous, contemporary-feeling Bella Vita engagement ring, from Mervis's Halo Collection, for a little more than $3,000. On the higher end of the price range, consider the Tacori HT from the Channel collection at around $13,000--and have her feeling regal as a queen.

So now that you've found the perfect cut and style of diamond, how can you take it home with you to surprise your sweetheart? You've got two main financing options:

Through Your Jeweler

• Does this store have any lines of credit available?
• Are you partnered with any credit card companies that are running credit lines for purchases like these?
• Are there any seasonal promotions going on right now? (Usually winter holidays and Valentine's Day give rise to such promotions.)

Through Your Bank, or Other Financial Institution

Don't be intimidated by taking out a personal loan! In the world of banking, the loan for an engagement ring is relatively small (compare it with the price of four years of college tuition or a new house).

Also keep in mind that the interest rates on personal loans tend to be less than those on credit cards. Research the terms at your current banking location, and determine if it's wiser to charge the ring on your current credit card, or to take out a personal loan.

Finally, know that your personal loan options from a bank are a secured, or an unsecured, loan. In a secured loan, you will offer the bank collateral--which they can repossess if you are unable to make loan payments. In an unsecured loan, you offer no collateral, but will pay a higher interest rate. 

At Mervis Diamond Importers, we believe in forming a personal relationship with our customers. Contact us today or stop in to one of our three locations in Maryland, Washington DC, or Virginia for consultations on the style and quality of your engagement ring, as well as your options for financing this purchase. We know that this is an exciting time in your life--so let us be there for you while you take the next big step: committing to the partner you love.

Engagements and weddings are important life milestones steeped in tradition and etiquette. One such tradition relates to the placement of wedding and engagement rings on the bride's ring finger.

It’s customary for brides to receive two rings. An engagement band before the wedding, and a wedding ring during the ceremony. Your first ring is a promise of marriage. The second solidifies the promise. Sometimes knowing which one goes where can be a bit confusing.

Day of the Wedding

On your wedding day, you should switch your engagement ring to the third finger on your right hand. During the ceremony, your future spouse places the wedding ring on your ring finger. The custom of the third finger on your left hand being your ring finger originated in Egypt, where people believed the vein in that finger led directly to your heart. By placing the wedding ring on that finger, the groom ensures that it is in the position closest to your heart. Yes, definitely romantic!

 
Engagement Ring Etiquette

Once you’re married, tradition dictates that your engagement band be moved back to the third finger on your left hand. When you do so, your wedding ring should remain closest to your heart (where your spouse placed it on your wedding day) and your engagement ring is placed next to the wedding ring.

Some women choose to ignore ring etiquette, and instead infuse their own style on the custom. Some variations on the traditional ring placement include:

• Continue to wear the engagement band on the right hand 
• Forego wearing the engagement band 
• Weld the rings together 

Regardless of how you choose to wear your ring, the most important thing is that it be comfortable for you and sized properly.

Follow Tradition or Become a Trailblazer

Years ago, it was tradition for a man to purchase an engagement ring with a diamond setting. However, times have changed. Other precious stones are also acceptable on an engagement ring.

Another tradition is for you and your spouse to have matching wedding bands. For instance, if you have a gold wedding band, then his would be gold as well.

Many couples are choosing to incorporate their unique style with traditional ring etiquette.
There are no rules for most faiths on how to wear wedding rings. Whether you want to become an engagement band trailblazer or stick with tradition is up to you. 

Engagement and wedding rings are more than beautiful, sparkling pieces of jewelry. They are symbols of your love and future and should be treated with care and respect.

[Image Credit]

I've added here this first picture of the actual ring and then below a more zoomed in picture of a representative looking ring, but not the actual one.



Photo by: FeeBee Photography

Today I write this blog not as a diamond retailer, but as the grandchild of a Masha Mervis, who recently lost her engagement ring. Masha is the wife of Morris Mervis, the founder of Mervis Diamond Importers, and the mother of Ronnie, Kenny, and Zed Mervis.

She is the true head of the family and so we ask for your help in returning her engagement ring.

She noticed the lost ring when buying shoes on Rockville Pike this past Wednesday afternoon. The yellow gold ring has a center emerald cut diamond and two smaller emerald cut diamonds on either side.

If anyone finds Masha's ring, we are offering a cash reward and the endless gratitude and appreciation of the Mervis family. Masha will also invite you over to the Mervis home for a feast of chicken soup and traditional South African foods.

Masha's love story with Morris is almost too good to be true. Masha had a 6 month visa to visit South Africa and escape Europe before WWII. Morris Mervis and her had been friends in elementary school in Lithuania years prior. When Morris saw her in South Africa, he followed her car and re-united on a Friday night together with  her whole family. Almost immediately, he offered to marry her "fictitiously" so that she would get immigration to South Africa and not have to return to Europe. Well the marriage lasted 67 years. He has since passed away but she always kept the ring dear to her.

If you know anything about a found ring - please email Jonathan Mervis directly at jmervis@mervisdiamond.com

Thank you!

I walked into the back room of the store the other day and my colleague Brenda shows me what has to be the most creative and unique engagement ring I've ever seen. Here's a picture of the paw print-shaped ring below and then the emailed back-story from the boyfriend who just popped the question yesterday!


From: Javier XXXXX

Sent: Friday, September 21, 2012 1:16 PM
To: Brenda Friedman
Subject: Re: ring!

 

Its perfect.....I dont even know how to begin to thank you.  Its even better than I imagined Brenda THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!!!

I never really cared too much for dogs until I met Emily.  She showed me how awesome it was to love puppies and even bought a Puggle puppy named Tila and a Beagle/ Dachshund puppy named Yogurt aka YOGI!  Well our thing is if anything in life is cute, awesome, and or extremely fun it's paw print official meaning it gets the stamp of a paw print.  We grab the front paw of one of our dogs, make the stamp action with it and say "BAM, PAW PRINT OFFICIAL!"  Whenever I send her letters from Afghanistan, I always draw the little paw print in the corner too.  With this ring, it's going to show her that I want to put the official stamp on our love.

Those buying diamond engagement rings for the first time can feel a bit intimidated. There are a lot of things to consider beyond just your budget. Every diamond is unique, as is the person purchasing it and the person who will be wearing it.

My husband purchased my diamond engagement ring about 15 years ago. He did it secretly all on his own and bought the most brilliant and romantic diamond that, in my eyes, is something Wonder Woman could have used as a secret weapon to temporarily blind her opponents.

A few years later, we had to have the ring appraised to renew the insurance policy. My husband pulled out this certificate (who knew diamond engagement rings came with certificates?) and he told me how nervous he was back then to venture out and make this big purchase all on his own. It was his first foray into what he thought would be an intimidating diamond purchasing adventure. He went to the Mervis location in downtown DC and said he had to walk through a special doorway and worried briefly that he wouldn’t pass muster to go further. But they welcomed him in, sat him down and put him at ease by giving him a little intro on what to look for in a diamond.

The 4Cs -- Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight

CUT:

The cut is the most important of the 4Cs. The cut of the diamond affects how much light it refracts and reflects. A meticulously cut and polished diamond will manipulate the light to make for the utmost beauty and brilliance, as light reflects from facet to facet and pours out of the top (or “table”). A poorly cut diamond, on the other hand, will be less brilliant as light spills out of the bottom and sides. The cut goes way beyond the shape alone -- oval, princess, round brilliant, emerald, etc. The cut is the only factor of the 4Cs that is not dictated by nature, so it is important that you seek a diamond that was cut by the hands of a master craftsman. Gemological Institute of America (GIA) assigns grades to the cut: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.

 


 

COLOR:

“Aren’t all diamond engagement rings the same color?” you ask. No, they aren’t. The ideal diamonds are colorless, like water. They are the most expensive, because they are the rarest. The color of diamonds range from colorless to yellow, and each diamond is assigned a color rating from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). But remember that the 4Cs work together. Just because a diamond is not completely colorless on the scale, it does not necessarily mean it can’t be beautiful. Again, a meticulously cut diamond can make all the difference in the world.

Another factor in grading the color is fluorescence, or the emission of visible light when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. On a diamond certificate, you will see fluorescence exhibited as none, faint, medium, strong, and very strong. Flourescence can have a positive or negative effect on the beauty of a diamond, depending on where the diamond is on the color scale I mentioned in the previous paragraph.

 

CLARITY:
Most diamonds have tiny imperfections or “inclusions.” The fewer and less detectable those imperfections, the more valuable (and rare) the diamond. Like the previous Cs, there is a grading scale for clarity, ranging from internally flawless to imperfect:

IF - Internally flawless
VVS1, VVS2 - very, very small inclusions, category 1 and 2
VS1, VS2 - very small inclusions, category 1 and 2
SI1, SI2, SI3 - slightly included, category 1, 2, and 3

 

CARAT WEIGHT:
This seems to be the factor most people emphasize and remember when they talk about diamond engagement rings. “How many carats?” Carat weight is indicated by points, with each carat being 100 points. If a diamond is 150 points, it weighs 1.5 carats. But don’t go by weight alone. As you just learned, there are many factors that affect the beauty of a diamond and it is about so much more than just the number of carats. The 4Cs will help you determine the diamond that sings to you.