Buying diamond engagement ring is an important and emotional event for the bride to be. At the same time it should also remain enjoyable and memorable.

Diamonds are unique in that they can be categorized by characteristics associated with the diamond, namely colour, clarity, cut, carat & certification. The value and rarity of diamonds has produced unique ways for grading these characteristics.

The first thing you need to know about the diamonds in your Engagement ring are The Reporting: A detailed report should be available for each diamond. These enable a safe and secure purchase without actually viewing the diamonds involved.

The most trustworthy and accurate diamond grading report is the GIA (Gemological Institute of America).

The main characteristics in a diamond report include the diamond's colour, clarity, cut and carat and should also include the measurements and angles.

The GIA is viewed as the supreme authority in diamond reporting; after-all they did invent the system used today.

Carat: This refers to a measurement of weight as opposed to size. Originally a 'carab' was a seed which was used as a weight measure - this adaptation is where carat derives its name. 1 carat is equal to 100 points.

Carat is the most price sensitive part of a diamond as it refers to the mass and a proportionate size. Once a diamond hits 1 carat, the price increases exponentially to the size.

Diamond Colour: Diamonds follow a colour spectrum that journeys from colourless through to light yellow. The rare diamonds have less yellow saturation and so are more valuable.

The GIA started the colour grading system in the 1950's and as such are the masters of correct colour calibration.

The top colour is D and the spectrum follows down through the alphabet gaining more yellow as it proceeds. The top colours are D-E-F as they are colourless G-H-I-J are near colourless and represent excellent value. K-L-M start to show faint colour and are suited to yellow gold jewellery.

Diamond Clarity: Diamonds that are 100% pure crystalised carbon are known as IF or internally flawless. These diamonds are very rare as often very small contaminants are inside a diamond - known as inclusions.

Inclusions are 'natures fingerprints' and nothing to be worried about as long as you can't see them.

Internally Flawless diamonds are essentially pure and clean of any inclusions; the next level down is VVS which means 'Very Very Slight' these inclusions are microscopic only visable through 50 x magnification.

The next range is VS which means 'Very Slight' that are detectable using a 10 x loupe but a good search is required and novices usually do not spot them. Then there is SI meaning 'Slight Inclusion' and these are still eye clean but are easily detected when enlarged 10 times under magnification; these diamonds are eye clean and a popular choice.

Diamond Cut

This refers to both the general shape of the diamond and also how well that shape has been made. We'll refer to it as cut micro and cut macro:

Diamond cut macro is the general shape of the diamond. Diamond rough in octahedron form naturally gives itself to cutting round brilliant diamonds.

Other diamond rough shapes like 'flats' suit shapes like emerald cuts and tear-drops. The shape of

a diamond is usually guided by diamond rough retention as this increases the finished carat weight and will command a higher price.

Diamond Shapes

The shape of a diamond is usually guided by diamond rough retention as this increases the finished carat weight and will command a higher price.

Diamonds are very unique and one can spend a lifetime understanding how the 'hardest of earth's natural minerals' can be cut and shaped to reflect light.

The colours and qualities that diamonds present can sometimes be difficult to match for a particular budget but its important to note that this will stay on your engagement hand for life and is a symbol of your love together.