How to Choose New York Jewelers When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

The famous Diamond District in NYC is home to over 4,000 jewelers as well as wholesalers. These New York jewelers congregate in a small area in Midtown Manhattan, where you’ll find a constellation of jewelry shops selling diamonds and fine jewelry—including engagement rings. This small district generates a whopping $24 billion in sales annually and over 90% of diamonds that are imported into the United States pass hands through this district before being distributed to retailers in other parts of the country.
  
Whether you’re serious about buying a diamond engagement ring or are simply looking around, you’ll likely find an overwhelming number of New York jewelers showcasing a dizzying array of diamond rings. Here are some tips on navigating this famed district and how to get the best value.

First of all, come at the right time. Sundays are no good as most shops are only open from Mondays to Saturdays, closing by 5.30pm. Some stores only accept visitors by appointment, so do call ahead.

Before you even consider handing over your credit card, check if the diamonds have grading reports from GIA or other reliable third-party labs such as AGS. Are you interested in colored gemstones and colored diamonds? Check if the color is natural or if the stone underwent any form of treatment.

To the uninitiated, NYC’s Diamond District can be a huge shark tank filled with aggressive salespeople trying to rip off unsuspecting buyers. Don’t get sucked into their scams.

Be wary of “record low prices” or “wholesale deals” because they are usually never true. Do some online research so that you know the average price of certain diamond sizes? Don’t expect New York jewelers to take time to educate you and honestly disclose the negative aspects of the diamond you are looking to buy. Come with a list of engagement rings styles plus pictures. This will make the process of finding that perfect ring much easier.

How to Choose a Wedding Venue in Atlanta That Is Right for You

There are so many wedding venues in Atlanta—from clubs to banquet halls, from gardens to hotel ballrooms. There are all sorts of places to choose from within the city or within a comfortable driving distance. Whether you want to throw low-key an outdoor wedding for 50 guests or a formal reception for 500, the key is to find an Atlanta wedding venue with the right vibe that matches the theme of your big day. Ask yourself: what is ideal for you? Here are some tips to help you figure that out.

1. Check if the architecture and overall look is your taste. You can always change the flowers and general color scheme, but you can’t do anything about the bones of the venue. Are you going for a laid-back country style vibe? Then you probably shouldn’t waste time look at gilded hotel ballrooms or Baroque-style restaurants.

2. Consider the season. Some venues look stunning in the summer but are blah in the winter, while others look gorgeous in the colder months.

3. Ask if they can provide a wedding planner if you don’t already have one. Having a professional by your side to help plan the details can ease your stress and make the day of your dreams a reality.

4. Do they offer in-house catering? If yes, be sure to schedule a tasting to see how you like their food. If your intention is to hire an outside caterer, make sure that the venue doesn’t have any restrictions (most of them do).

5. Take photos not only of the actual room or space but of the building and surrounding areas. These elements will be the backdrop of your wedding photos, so you better love them.

6. Make sure the Atlanta venue can fit your guests comfortably. Check if there are enough parking spaces, too.