Diamonds, Engagement Rings And Choices
Most people are aware that there are basically four components of buying diamonds for engagement rings or other types of jewelry. These four components include the diamond's color, cut, clarity and carat. Although this seems to be common knowledge, most people really don't know what these four terms refer to in a diamond. Since the diamond is the central focus on engagement rings, learning a bit about diamond grading is important.
Carat, a weight measurement equal to 0.2 grams, is perhaps the easiest diamond grade to understand. Engagement ring settings that feature solitaire diamonds often have very large carat stones because they are central to the ring. However the diamond should also be a perfect as possible since any flaws will be very noticeable.
Color actually refers to the lack of color within a diamond. For most engagement rings a G grade will mean that any slight colorations of the diamond are basically undetectable to the eye and the diamond will appear to be completely clear and colorless. Other options include a colored diamond or even diamond chips that have a very slight coloration of yellow. If the setting and band are gold, a very slight yellow coloration is often undetectable and can allow you to purchase a larger diamond for the same amount of money.
Diamonds for engagement rings should be free from external or internal marks, blemishes or bubble type formations. Inclusions inside the diamond will impact on reflection of light and damages to the surface will likewise detract from the appearance of the gem.
The larger and more central the diamond is in the setting the better quality it should be with regards to at least cut, color and clarity. Every diamond in engagement ring settings or other jewelry is going to have some slight flaw, but the larger the stone size the more important a flawless appearance will be.
Engagement rings that feature diamonds with a good cut are going to be more reflective and brilliant than those with a poor cut. Cut is not the same as the shape, rather it refers to the facets and if they are in the right location within the diamond to reflect the light through the gem. Cut is very important in larger, solitaire diamonds and is perhaps the most important factor in choosing the right stone for the setting.
Antique engagement rings and new rings are a great way to start trying out your diamond grading understanding. Older rings often feature very traditional shapes that are easier to work with. Once you get the hang of it you can then start looking at different settings or stick with traditional types of engagement rings.
Engagement rings that feature the best possible cut, color, clarity and carat to fit your budget are really the best option. Many jewelers can help maximize the beauty your choices in engagement rings by changing the shape of the diamond to maximize the 4 c's given the style of ring you have selected.
Related posts: