subject: Pointers For Picking Out The Best Preset Engagement Rings [print this page] How can you make sure that you are getting the best quality at a price you can afford? You need to educate yourself on the finer points of diamond quality, and it is surprisingly easy to do. Here are a few pointers to get you started.
First and foremost, you want to make sure that you purchase a certified diamond. Whether the certification comes from the GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or the EGL (European Gemological Laboratory), it should have a grading certificate to accompany your purchase. This gives you a basis for valuing the diamond for insurance or re-sale purposes (such as selling it to cash for gold or diamond retailers). It is important to note that there can be differences of opinion between the certifying organizations. The GIA is considered to be the most consistent with their certifications and is the lab that all others are compared to.
When looking for preset engagement rings, you are going to find that there are several different cuts, carats, clarity and colors of diamonds. The quality of each of these categories (along with a few others) will determine the price you pay for the diamond. While it is true that all diamonds are not created equal, you have to pick and choose which categories are the most important for the diamond you want. This is what you need to look for in each category:
Cut: The best cut diamonds are the most brilliant (or sparkly, if you prefer). There are 6 grades of cut with Ideal being the best.
Carats: The larger the diamond, the more carats it has.
Clarity: Clarity refers to the visual appearance of the diamond, whether or not there are flaws on the inside (inclusions) or surface (blemishes), and how visible they are.
Color: The color of a diamond is graded D - Z with D being colorless (the most preferred) and Z being light yellow.
You also have the option to choose a flawed diamond for your wedding ring. Though some people may scoff at the idea, the flaws most diamonds possess usually aren't visible to the naked eye or they can be hidden with prongs or proper mounting in preset engagement rings. Of course, a flawed diamond will also get you the best price which is why some people choose them.
