IT’S PERFECTLY ACCEPTABLE
TO CRY AT A WEDDING
BUT BUYING THE
ENGAGEMENT RING SHOULDN’T BRING YOU TO
TEARS
SINCE 1919 REIS-NICHOLS HAS BEEN SERVING THE INDIANAPOLIS COMMUNITY FOR NEARLY 100 YEARS We’re dedicated to creating a jewelry shopping experience like no other. We’d like to personally invite you to experience it for yourself. Hope to see you soon!
The Nichols Family (from left) Cindy, Karla, Brenda, BJ, and Linda
Cover rings by Scott Kay
RELAX WE’RE SPECIALISTS WE DO THIS ALL THE TIME
We realize buying a diamond can seem a bit overwhelming. we’ll do everything we can to make it an easy and enjoyable experience. In this booklet, We’ve outlined the basics that you’ll want to consider when making your purchase. TAKE YOUR TIME, ASK QUESTIONS, AND RELAX.
Visit us online at www.reisnichols.com
CHOOSING THE RIGHT RING She’ll promise to spend the rest of her life with you. She’ll promise to wear this ring as a symbol of your love for each other every day. You want to be sure she will adore it. Here’s what you need to consider:
THE METAL When deciding which ring metal to choose, it’s important to understand the differences between platinum, karat gold and palladium. Platinum Although platinum is the most expensive metal, the strength and endurance of the metal makes it worth the extra investment. Platinum won’t wear away which means it will last a lifetime and will require less maintenance. Platinum is also the most pure metal. Karat Gold Gold itself is very soft. Therefore, metal alloys are incorporated to give it strength (and it’s color, available in white or yellow). A karat is one 1/24th of the total so the karat number indicates how many parts of the alloy, from a total of 24, are pure gold. Thus, 24k gold is pure gold. 18k is 18 parts gold— or 75% gold plus 6 parts of alloying metals. Palladium While palladium is less dense and lighter weight than platinum, it does have very similar characteristics. Palladium is a very durable and strong metal and costs far less than platinum.
THE SETTING Reis-Nichols offers a wide variety of engagement ring settings by some of the world’s most renown bridal designers. In addition, two award-winning designers are on staff to craft one-of-a-kind designs and custom exclusives, only available at Reis-Nichols. While there are countless varieties, here is a brief summary of the three main engagement ring styles. Solitaire Settings The most traditional engagement ring setting —a band with a single diamond set in the center. A four-prong setting shows a bit more diamond, while a six-prong or bezel setting offers more security for your diamond. Settings with Side-Stones A ring with diamonds or gemstones adds additional sparkle or color. Each different setting style provides a different look. Channel settings tend to be more classic or contemporary, pave settings give enhanced sparkle and bead set and engraved styles often have a vintage or antique flair.
Rings by Verragio
Settings with Matching Bands Traditionally, an engagement ring is worn with a matching wedding band, but many brides today are choosing a single ring style, or a band that complements their engagement ring, but is not necessarily made to match it exactly. Reis-Nichols does offer many settings with bands designed to match as well as Flush Fit ™ engagement ring styles that are designed to fit with any style band, even an heirloom family wedding band.
KEEPING IT A SECRET? Today engagements are rarely a complete surprise, so the selection process often times involves both partners. In some cases she’ll help select the diamond and the setting leaving the proposal up to him. In other instances she may merely guide her partner in the right direction leaving the final selection decisions to her partner. If you want absolute confidence that she’ll love the ring, we recommend that you discuss engagement ring options together. However, we realize that some true romantics love the element of surprise! We can help you select a ring that she’ll love… there are just a few things we’ll want to know. Be prepared to tell us about her lifestyle and her taste. Here are some hints:
What does she like? What color of jewelry (white or yellow) does she wear? Is her jewelry dainty or bold? Simple or ornate? Classic or unique? What is her lifestyle? What types of activities is she involved with day in and day out? This will help in picking a setting that is going to give her the appropriate protection for her diamond. Talk about it. Ask her friends and family for suggestions. They might have some insight into her style preferences. Or, buy her a bridal magazine and ask her to circle or tear some photos out of ring styles that she likes.
Ring by Scott Kay
CHOOSING THE RIGHT DIAMOND Although there is a lot to consider when selecting a diamond, don’t let yourself get all wrapped up in the technical jargon. Reis-Nichols offers one of the largest selections of loose diamonds in the Midwest. With the right information, it’s easy to determine the diamond qualities that are most important to you and will allow you to stay within your budget.
SHAPE When it comes to a diamond shape, many women typically have a strong preference, so it is best to find out what she likes. There are many beautifully cut shapes to suit every personality. Some cuts, like the round and princess, have facet arrangements that act like tiny mirrors to reflect the most light, while others, like the emerald and asscher, have fewer facets and a look of quiet elegance.
Round
Princess
Emerald
Pear
Marquise
Oval
Radiant
Cushion
Asscher
Heart
THE FOUR Cs
Flush Fit rings by Precision Set
The combination of carat weight, clarity, color, and cut, commonly referred to as the 4Cs, is what determines the beauty and worth of each diamond. A basic understanding of these characteristics will help you select the diamond that’s right for you. Pages 8 and 9 will help you understand each of the 4Cs and their impact on the beauty and value of each diamond.
WHICH OF THE FOUR Cs IS MOST IMPORTANT? A more complete look at Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat Weight will give you a better understanding of each of the four Cs. But, probably most important of all is the cut of your diamond. A diamond’s cut has the most influence on its brilliance and beauty. Many gemologists consider cut the most important characteristic because even a diamond with perfect clarity and color will have a dulled brilliance if it has a poor cut. A poorly cut diamond should have a much lower price. Cut is never compromised at Reis-Nichols. Each diamond is hand-selected and we simply do not ever select poorly cut diamonds.
A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE FOUR CS CUT
Width of table
Height of crown
Cut refers to the proportions and the precise placement and angles of the diamond’s facets or surfaces. A well cut diamond has more “life”. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow lose light through the side or bottom, resulting in a less brilliant and ultimately, less valuable gemstone.
Our recommendation: An ideal cut diamond may not be for everyone, but don’t compromise when it comes to cut. Find a well cut diamond that fits your budget—if you need to make compromises do so with size, color, or clarity.
Depth of pavilion
Ideal Proportions
Ideal Cut
Cut too deep
Cut too shallow
*Gemological Institute of America
I J K L M n O P Q R S T U V W X
Near Colorless
H
Faint Yellow
G
Light Yellow
Our recommendation: While a range of color grades are acceptable, the most requested color grades are those in the colorless or near colorless ranges (D through J). But keep in mind, an “E” color diamond could be worth less than an “I” color when factoring in the cut and clarity.
E F
Fancy Yellow
Though many diamonds appear colorless, most contain shades of yellow, brown or gray. The GIA* created the color grading system that is accepted throughout the industry. The scale of color grades is determined by the amount of bodycolor a diamond has when viewed table-down, from its side, against a neutral white background under specific lighting conditions.
<
D
Colorless
COLOR
Flawless V VS1 V VS2 V S1 V S2 SI1
I1
I2
I3
Inclusions visible to the naked eye
SI2
CLARITY There are tiny pinpoints, crystals, and feathers encased in any diamond that identify it much like a fingerprint. These identifying characteristics are known as inclusions. Clarity grades are determined by the number, size, nature, color and location of these inclusions. The smaller and less visible the characteristics, the higher the diamond is rated. Diamonds with no inclusions are extremely rare and the most valuable.
Our recommendation: Reis-Nichols offers diamonds in clarity grades ranging from SI2 to Flawless. We have found the SI2 to V VS1 range to be the most popular for engagement ring diamonds.
CARAT WEIGHT 2.0 carat 7.77-8.35 mm diam.
1.5 carat 7.04-7.63 mm diam.
1.0 carat 5.98-6.66 mm diam.
The weight and therefore the size of a diamond is expressed in carats. One carat is equal to 0.2 gram. A carat is divided into 100 â&#x20AC;&#x153;pointsâ&#x20AC;?. For example, a diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat or 0.25 carats. Two diamonds of equal size can have very different prices, depending on the other characteristics of cut, color and clarity.
.5 carat 4.91-5.30 mm diam.
Our Reis-Nichols sales professionals will work with you to determine the ideal combination of Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight to match her style and your budget.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT JEWELER OK. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve covered a lot. Now relax. You are prepared with the basic knowledge to help you choose just the right diamond engagement ring for your proposal. Because purchasing a diamond is such a significant event, it is imperative that you allow the right kind of jeweler to assist you with your selection. Carefully consider selection, quality, price and above all service and reputation when looking for a jeweler to help you through this decision of a lifetime.
Reis-Nichols offers you everything you need to make shopping for a diamond engagement ring enjoyable, educational and most importantly stress-free. Pages 12 through 16 describe some of the benefits of choosing Reis-Nichols.
Band by A. Link
Beyond the engagement ring, choosing the perfect wedding or anniversary band is just as important. Diamond bands are so versatile and can be worn on either the left or right hand. Traditionally a wedding band is worn underneath the engagement ring from the day you are wed, for all time. Many celebrate anniversaries or other milestones in their lives by wearing a diamond band on the right hand ring finger. Often, the number of diamonds in a band is relevant, like five diamonds in the band to signify a fifth anniversary.
Reis-Nichols Offers: THE FINEST DIAMONDS AT THE BEST PRICE We travel to the diamond capital of the world to handpick the most beautiful diamonds available. Only those that provide the best combination of cut, color and clarity are selected. By dealing directly with the cutters, we eliminate the middleman and negotiate the best buys. To maximize our buying power we buy in large quantities and always pay cash. What does this mean to youâ&#x20AC;Ś more diamond for less money.
AN UNPARALLELED SELECTION Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like going to four or five different stores all at once. With thousands of mountings and hundreds of diamonds to choose from, the possibilities are endless.
DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING CAPABILITIES Work directly with our national award-winning designer to craft an extraordinary, unique piece of jewelry. Your custom piece will be transformed from a pencil sketch to a wearable piece of art completely in-house giving you first hand involvement in the process.
APPRAISAL SERVICES Reis-Nichols has several Graduate Gemologists (GIA) on staff. Appraisals are provided free of charge with most Reis-Nichols purchases.
PROFESSIONAL SALES STAFF Reis-Nicholsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sales staff is one of the most knowledgeable in the industry. With over 100 years of experience, our staff has made it their profession to know and teach you about diamonds and jewelry. We will always provide you with the most accurate and up to date information.
CONFIDENCE Reis-Nichols is a member of the American Gem Society which is awarded only to select jewelers who possess proven gemological knowledge and follow the highest ethical standards. Our membership is your assurance of our reliability and capability.
FINANCING OPTIONS Several finance options are available including layaway and 90 days same as cash plans.
WARRANTIES & GUARANTEES We want you to be absolutely confident in making a purchase at Reis-Nichols which is why we stand behind everything we sell, and we put it in writing. Money Back Guarantee You may return your non-special order purchase for any reason within 30 days in its original condition for a complete refund. Lifetime Wedding Ring Diamond Protection Guarantee* We guarantee to replace your diamond if it is damaged or lost from its mounting through normal wear. We recommend insurance to cover theft and damage/loss situations. Maximum warranty coverage: $10,000 Lifetime Craftsmanship Guarantee* We guarantee our jewelry is free from defects in materials or craftsmanship for the life of the jewelry. We will replace or repair any purchase found to be defective at no cost to you. ADDITIONAL SERVICES Lifetime Trade-In Guarantee If you ever decide to trade your Reis-Nichols diamond, we will give you your full purchase price against another item of greater value. Lifetime Clean & Polish We will clean, inspect and polish your purchase at no cost for the life of the purchase. Lifetime Appraisals We will provide you with appraisals for your purchase at no cost for the life of the purchase. Complimentary Sizing We will size your purchase one time at no cost regardless of when it was purchased. (Note: Some items are not sizeable.) *Requires semi-annual cleaning and inspection
Indianapolis
Greenwood
Reis-Nichols Fashion Mall Commons 3535 East 86th Street Indianapolis, IN 46240 317-255-4467 Hours: Mon-Fri Sat
10-7 10-5
Reis-Nichols Greendale Centre 789 US 31 North Greenwood, IN 46142 317-883-4467 Hours: Mon Tues-Fri Sat
10-5 10-7 10-5
www.reisnichols.com