Fact 1: In 2006, the national average spent on wedding rings was about $3,000-$4,000

Fact 2: In 2006, the average size diamond given in the United States for engagement is .38 carats

Fact 3:  The most popular engagement ring cut is the round brilliant diamond

Fact 4: The typical retail markup in a jewelry store is 30-40 percent, while Internet jewelers carry a profit margin of 10-15 percent

Fact 5: The average woman’s ring size is about 6. The average man’s ring size is about 10.

Fact 6: Diamonds that weigh just under the next full carat are typically less expensive than diamonds passing the full-carat hurdle.  For example, a .90-carat diamond engagement ring may cost $6,000 but a 1-carat diamond engagement ring with the same features will run you about $9,000.

Fact 7: December is the most popular month for buying engagement rings and getting engaged

Fact 8:  GIA is arguably the most respected diamond lab in the world – and offers grading reports for diamonds under and over one carat

Fact 9: Synthetic diamonds are real diamonds grown in a lab – yes they are cheaper, but they just hit the market so consumer feedback is very limited

Fact 10:  Jewelers base their pricing off the Rapaport Diamond Report (aka The Rap Sheet) this monthly report is the primary source of diamond pricing and market information for the diamond industry – it’s a great tool for use when in the market for a diamond

Fact 11: If you buy a diamond online, and the retailer is out-of-state, that diamond can not be taxed!