Choosing an Engagement Ring
So are you looking to buy the perfect engagement ring for your partner abut are
unsure how to go about making such an important purchase? Well we hope we can help
with this decision.
Quality in diamonds is as meaningful as it is in every other aspect of life. How
can you recognize a high-quality diamond? Well the 4C's rule can help.
The 4Cs are the four distinct characteristics that combine to determine a diamond's
value. Since no two diamonds are exactly alike, you should examine each of the 4Cs
in order to find a stone that offers the best combination of qualities.
A diamond's size is measured in carat weight. The size you choose is a matter
of personal taste and of course budget. It's important to know that large diamonds
are rarer in nature than small ones, and a bigger diamond shows off a fine stone's
dazzling cut and colour the most.
Diamonds of the same size may vary widely in value, depending on their qualities
of colour, clarity, and cut. If you place one size diamond next to another, the
one that has better colour and is more pure and sparkling will be worth more.
Clarity - The Purity of a Diamond
The number, colour, type, size, and position of surface blemishes affect a diamond's
clarity. Major inclusions can interfere with the path of light that travels through
a diamond. So the greater a stone's clarity, the more brilliant, valuable, and rare
it is.
Diamonds categorized as flawless reveal no inclusions or imperfections under a microscope.
However, truly flawless stones, which can only be identified with a gemmologist’s
powerful microscope, are the most unique of all.
Colour - A Diamond's Whiteness
Colourless diamonds are treasured for their rarity. The closer to colourless a diamond
is, the more vividly it can reflect light and glorious flashes of the rainbow spectrum.
While most diamonds appear colourless, many actually have subtle yellow or brown
tones that can be detected by a trained eye. Colour grades range from totally colourless
to light yellow. A single colour upgrade will increase the value of a diamond significantly.
Diamonds in well-defined colours include red, pink, blue, green, and canary yellow
are highly prized and as rare as truly colourless stones.
Cut - A Diamond's Brilliance
A properly cut diamond, regardless of its shape, scintillates with fire and light-offering
maximum appeal, durability, and value.
While nature determines a diamond's colour, clarity, and carat weight, the hand
of a craftsman is necessary to release its sparkle and beauty.
A master cutter devotes hundreds of hours to carving a stone that makes optimal
use of light. When a diamond is cut to proper proportions, light will bounce from
one mirror-like facet to another and disperse through the top of the stone.
Diamonds which are cut too deep or too shallow lose light that spills through the
side or bottom. As a result, an improperly cut diamond will be less brilliant and
beautiful -- and certainly less rare.
What to spend
Diamonds are available in a range of prices. Spend wisely, and you'll be rewarded
with a gem of maximum quality and value.
If you're planning to buy a diamond engagement ring, which after 500 years remains
the No. 1 choice as the gift that seals a vow, you may want to use the commonly
accepted guideline of two months' salary.
How can you be sure to choose the perfect diamond for her? She may already have
dropped hints by admiring a picture or someone else's. If not, ask what she
likes. Take her diamond shopping. Share your knowledge of rarity with her. Later,
surprise her with the ultimate gift of love.
As a symbol of love's declaration, rare diamonds fully capture the magic of
a lifetime shared.