subject: How To Buy An Engagement Ring [print this page] Probably the most common of engagement traditions is the groom giving the bride to be with an engagement ring. Most often, the engagement ring is a diamond ring. While diamonds are the favored precious stones, diamonds aren't the only gems utilized in engagement rings.
To the untrained eye, most diamonds look similarly beautiful. Most people evaluate diamonds based on its size, shape, and price. A lower price usually means lower gem quality, not necessarily a bargain.
Estimating diamond quality requires skill and experience. It requires grading a ring based on a combination of characteristics like cut, clarity, color and carat weight. Such characteristics are known as the "4 Cs". A diamond's weight is measured in carats. One carat is one fifth of a gram. Usually diamonds range from 0.25 up to several carats. The largest cut diamond in the world is 530.20 carats. Sorry, it's not for sale. It's known as the Cullinan and kept in the Tower of London. The Cullinan is set in the sceptre of King Edward VII.
In addition to considering weight when valuing a diamond, color is an essential factor. Colorless diamonds are rarest and they're the most high-priced. Diamonds with a hint of yellow are regarded as less pure, and they are less costly. Diamond colors are coded from D to Z. A through D grade diamonds are the most expensive and Z are the least expensive. Diamonds graded D-F are considered colorless and they are the most expensive. Reliable jewelry shops, generally, don't sell K thru Z grade diamonds.
The most valuable color grades: A - D: Absolutely colorless. The highest colour grade, which happens to be extremely extraordinary. E: Colorless. An expert, still, thought to be a rare diamond, can detect only minute traces of color. F: Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist, but still considered a "colorless" grade and a high-quality diamond.
Another essential factor determining the price of a diamond is its cut. As any of the other characteristics, cut is equally difficult to judge for the untrained eye. The grading certificate that normally comes with the diamond will offer you a great idea. Independent testing institutions, like the GIA, provide certificates with a diamond's grading from excellent to poor. Naturally, a certified diamond means a larger price tag.
Basically, the clarity of a diamond refers to its purity. Many diamonds have minuscule imperfections called "inclusions". A flawless (no inclusions) diamond is very rare and valuable. At the same time, diamonds full of inclusions are less costly. Clarity is graded from "flawless" (FL) to "imperfect" (I1 to I2). The majority of diamonds fall between those with very, very small inclusions (VVS1) to rocks with a bit larger inclusions (S1). If you can compromise on clarity, you're likely to be able to save. To validate a diamond's clarity, look at the laboratory certificate.
If money is limited but you must have a diamond ring, avoid the big name jewelry shops. Brand name more frequently than not comes with a larger price tag. Buying wholesale may be a viable choice.
