subject: Important Aspects Of Diamond Rings [print this page] Shopping for diamond engagement rings requires that you be informed about a number of things. The 5 essential things are:
1. Color
2. Cut
3. Clarity
4 Caret
So what about these listed factors?
1. Color
This factor exempts the fancy colored diamonds. Be informed that the more colorless the diamond, the more valuable it is. Jeweler grade diamond on the scale from D - colorless to Z - light yellow. All diamonds more yellow than D are classified as fancy commands a higher price tag.
Do not confuse the cut to mean the shape of the diamond, most people do. cut means the way the diamond was faceted to allow light reflect from it. In a well cut diamond, light enters the diamond and reflects straight back to the viewer's eye. Some cutters will sacrifice cut to create the largest possible diamond, thus making too shallow or too deep of a cut and causing light to "leak" out the sides and bottom of the diamond.
2. Cut
Cut can be something very difficult for a layperson to evaluate, which is why it is important to get an AGS Certificate or a GIA Certificate verifying the quality of your diamond. Cut is graded Ideal, Premium, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. Generally you should seek an Ideal to Very Good Diamond. Budget-conscious shoppers may opt for good.
3. Clarity
Diamonds frequently have inclusions, or small flaws, air bubbles, scratches, or other minerals inside the diamond. The less inclusions a diamond has, the more valuable it is, and the more beautiful it is.
4. Caret
This refers to the size of the stone. While some value caret above all, others prefer a small ring regardless of budget. If you're buying a ring as a surprise for someone, consider how flashy their other jewelry is.
If they're not someone who wears a lot of designer labels or big jewelry, perhaps you'll want to opt for a smaller stone. This site has a very useful chart to see how the most common sizes look on a model's hand. Ideally, you'll be able to try on a variety of sizes within your budget to see which size looks best on you or your love.
Investment
While jewelers love to tell you that a diamond ring is a great investment, that's not necessarily true. Diamond's may or may not increase in value, but "antique" rings rarely cost as much as new ones do, because of wear and tear. Instead of looking at rings for their investment value, buy ones that symbolize your love, and that you'll want to wear for the rest of your lives.
Prior to purchasing a diamond ring
Before you purchase a diamond ring, ask the retailer to provide you with an AGS Certificate or a GIA Certificate. You will also want them to verify that the stone(s) is not a conflict diamond. These are ones mined in the most parts of Central Africa.
