When purchasing a diamond, whether it is for an engagement or wedding ring or for sheer indulgence, there are about 13 different factors that usually affect the value of the diamonds you may choose from. Often, you will hear about the "4 C's regarding the selection of a diamond ring. This is the most common way to go about choosing the best type of diamonds for your piece of jewelry.
Before embarking on this diamond-selecting journey, you should set budget limitations or you might become heartbroken when you fall in love with a particular option and find that it is way out of your realm of possibility. For a more valuable diamond that fully embraces the 4 C's (cut, clarity, color and caret weight), you should expect to pay a considerable amount of money.
1) Diamond Cut
The cut of a diamond refers to the shape, as well as the make of a diamond, which is how well the diamond has been constructed in regards to polish and its proportions. Today, there are numerous shapes to choose from that allows a wide range of personal expression and preference. While there are a few rare shapes to select, the most common diamond cuts are round, pear, oval, emerald, marquise, princess, radiant and heart-shaped. When explaining the make of a diamond, jewelers will refer the symmetry and table percentage, as well as the depth percentage of the gem.
2) Diamond Color
The highest quality of diamond is presented in a colorless diamond. The more color that a diamond has, the less rare it is considered, as seen with yellow shades of these gems. Today, it is becoming more and more acceptable to choose a colorful diamond, such as shades of pink or blue, which go against the traditional appeal of a colorless specimen.
3) Diamond Clarity
Since diamonds are a natural entity, no two diamond rings will be exactly the same. This only intensifies the allure of making the perfect diamond ring purchase, knowing that you will possess something that no one else has. All diamonds offer varying degrees of clarity that are marked by how clear and flawless they appear. When a diamond has more inclusions, it will cost less. To normal eyesight, it will still appear brilliant, but to the microscope and jewelers perception, it is a different story and is reflected in the price of the diamond ring.
4) Diamond Weight
We've all heard of them and it is a common question: "How many carets is this ring?" When a diamond ring buyer inquires about the number of carets in a diamond, they are making reference to the weight of the gem. To purchase a large diamond, you would have a diamond that is quite rare. This is shown in the price of a diamond ring that highlights a 2-caret gem versus a ring that has two 1-caret stones set in the center.
Purchasing a Diamond Ring
The quality of the diamond in a diamond ring will either increase or decrease the value of the selection, but may still appeal to the visual senses of a buyer. This is fine, but with whatever selection you choose, dealing with a reputable jeweler is a must. This is especially suggested when buying a diamond ring for an engagement or wedding ring that is meant to stand the test of time. In any event, knowing the ins and outs of the 4 C's will make you a well-prepared shopper when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond setting.
A diamond ring is an investment, and like any type of investment, you need to know what you are looking for so that you do not get taken to the cleaners in the process. Like anything else, diamonds come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, as well as a wide variety of prices. For the most part, you get what you pay for, but you should do your research so that you fully understand what you are looking at when you are making a purchase decision.
From a historical standpoint, the concept of an engagement started off as a purely religious ceremony during the thirteenth century where it was pronounced that marriages were to be publicized in churches by the priests so that well-founded hindrances, if any, could be made known. The diamond engagement ring has emerged as the universal symbol of love and commitment between two people.
Men that used diamond engagement rings to ask for a woman's hand in marriage were looked upon with respect and envy. Diamond rings are affiliated with diamond solitaire engagement rings. Engagement rings can have beautiful designs, and at the same time they are just as attractive in nature when compared to diamond rings. Typically, the engagement ring has diamonds and the wedding band does not, but that is not a hard set rule, as many women have diamonds in both the engagement ring as well as the wedding ring.
The size and quality of a diamond is measured by one criterion known as a carat. A carat is exactly 200 milligrams, but a diamond ring or piece of diamond jewelry with a full carat diamond of quality is going to be expensive. There are the Four Cs involved with defining the quality (and ultimately the price) of a particular diamond, besides carat, are clarity, color, and cut. The carat of your diamond refers to its weight ? simply put, the larger the diamond, the more valuable it becomes. Choose a carat value that appeals most to you. While a large diamond may be more valuable than a smaller one, the most important factor is how valuable it is to you.
One of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry you can own, diamond earrings are also very versatile. To get an idea of the different styles and prices that are available in diamond stud earrings it is more convenient to view them online before shopping around at local jewelry stores. One of the most beautiful pieces of jewelry you can own is a pair of diamond stud earrings.
A diamond stud earring is made up of just one perfectly cut diamond, set in fine gold or silver. Only diamonds can cut other diamonds. The diamond may have the perfect clarity and color, but its beauty can still be negatively affected if the cut is not properly made.
The informed consumer has done their research and know what they are looking for, as well as having a good ballpark idea of what a particular diamond will price at. Don't be afraid to ask the jewelry to borrow his ?loop? which is the small magnifying glass that quality jewelers will invariably have ready, where you can get a close-up view of a diamond piece of jewelry to get a clearer picture of the quality of the diamond.
Both Ricky Lake & Jon A are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Ricky Lake has sinced written about articles on various topics from Computers and The Internet, Diamonds and Education. Ricky Lake is a writer and administrator for , a site that specializes in. Ricky Lake's top article generates over 590 views. to your Favourites.
Jon A has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home, Sports Car and Acid Reflux. Jon is a computer engineer who maintains web sites on a variety of topics based on his knowledge and experience. You can read more about diamond rings and diamond jewelry at his web site at. Jon A's top article generates over 40500 views. to your Favourites.