The Perfect Ring w/ Mark Patterson

Mark Patterson & The Perfect Ring

I don’t know about you, but for me 2015 has been the year of weddings. Every time I turn around someone is getting engaged and I’m marking the calendar for more wedding festivities. Love is in the air, and many of you, with or without your significant other, are starting to search for that perfect ring. It got us thinking… How does one pick the perfect engagement ring? We were lucky enough to speak to the owners and masterminds behind the beautiful, one of a kind designs at Mark Patterson in Corona Del Mar. With their expert advice on what to look for and the most important characteristis to consider, you’re sure to get the engagement ring you’ve always dreamed of. Be sure to stop by the Mark Patterson Studio in CDM and keep them in mind for all your jewelry needs.

When shopping for an engagement ring what is most important to consider?

A budget. It is important to do lot of research online before walking into a jewelry store.

Which should one choose first, the stone or the setting?

It can be either way. Often she will have more influence on the ring design and he will have more influence on selecting the center diamond. It’s probably best to start with the center diamond, which may influence the ring design.

What is the difference between choosing the Diamond vs. the setting?

On average, 2/3 to 3/4 of the budget is for the center diamond. There is more information available online about buying a diamond then there is for ring designs and quality of craftsmanship. For the ring you need to touch it, feel it, and sense the quality.

What’s the most important characteristics to look for when choosing a diamond? How do these relate to price and quality?

It is always a compromise between size and quality. I recommend to settle on quality versus size. Of the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity and cut, we highly weigh an excellent cut grade. After all, the superior optical properties are why we buy diamonds.

What is an inclusion and how does it effect the diamond?

Inclusion are internal imperfections that are found in most diamonds. They typically are small fractures that we call feathers or small diamond crystals inside the host diamonds. We typically sell a clarity grade in which the inclusions can not be seen by the unaided eye.

Is it best to stay within a certain color quality when selecting the diamond?

On the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) scale, we like to stay at or above ‘I’ color. Below ‘I’ color, one can notice a yellow or dark hue. We only offer GIA certified diamonds because they grade to the highest standard.

What type of engagement ring stye do you see are the most popular?

It’s about fifty fifty of those who want a halo, small diamonds that borders the center stone, and those who don’t.

Remember to discuss with Mark a budget and any sense of her desires, or expectations. Always take into consideration when designing the engagement ring how the band will enhance it, and pick a timeless design. The majority of our rings are made in Platinum which is the superior metal for rings to last a lifetime. Your ring will always be custom made to our highest standard of craftsmanship in our studio in Corona del Mar. It will be made to fit your diamond and her finger size.