The Basics of Not-So-Basic Diamond Engagement Rings
Most of us do not put a great deal of thought into a diamond ring we notice on someone else’s finger until we begin the search ourselves. Only then, does a man truly appreciate an elegant, shimmering diamond engagement ring that can be seen from across a restaurant as its owner casually opens her menu. Most of all, we desire such a magnificent engagement ring for the one we love.
Still, browsing a jewelry counter can be overwhelming. After all, there are so many different styles, shapes and sizes. This fact is evident all around us. For example, think about all the trendsetting celebrity engagement rings. Nicollette Sheridan wears a classic round cut diamond ring. Her ring also has two rectangle baguette diamonds on each side for added shimmer. Catherine Zeta Jones received a 10-carat marquise diamond ring from Michael Douglas. Of course, her ring seems big until you compare it to the 30 carat emerald cut
diamond engagement ring worn by Elizabeth Taylor during her engagement to Michael Todd.
Certainly, the size of your engagement ring is one of the factors you will bear in mind as you shop. But, size is not the only feature to consider when it comes to selecting a stunning diamond engagement ring. After all, your bride desires a unique engagement ring, one as beautiful as the love the two of you share. That said, there are many factors to consider and the best way to begin is by becoming familiar with the Four C’s, which are clarity, color and cut as well as carat weight.
Be Clear about Quality Engagement Rings
The clarity of a diamond describes the size, nature and number of internal and external imperfections. Also, internal imperfections are most often referred to as inclusions. Meanwhile, external imperfections are called blemishes. The following a scale is used by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) to grade a diamond’s clarity.
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Symbol
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Meaning
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Definition
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F
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Flawless
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Free from any inclusions or blemishes
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IF
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Internally Flawless
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At 10x magnification, no inclusions are visible
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VVSI
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Very, Very Slightly
Included #1
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Inclusions are exceptionally difficult to see at 10x
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VVS2
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Very, Very Slightly
Included #2
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Inclusions are very difficult to see at 10x
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VSI
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Very Slightly Included #1
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Inclusions are difficult to see at 10x
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VS2
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Very Slightly Included #2
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Inclusions are somewhat difficult to see at 10x
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SI1
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Slightly Included #1
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Inclusions are noticeable and easy to see at 10x
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SI2
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Slightly Included #2
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Inclusions are noticeable and very easy to see at 10x
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I1
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Included #1
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Inclusions are obvious and somewhat easy to see with the unaided eye
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I2
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Included #2
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Inclusions are obvious and easy to see with the unaided eye
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I3
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Included #3
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Inclusions are obvious and very easy to see with the unaided eye
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Of course, it is important to remember that some diamonds have undergone laser drilling and fracture filling, which is designed to enhance clarity. First, a tiny hole is drilled into the diamond and the black portion of the inclusion is removed. Then, a filling is added to the fracture. One major drawback to this type of treatment is that fracture filling is not permanent, which is why these procedures are not recommended. So, you should always make sure that any clarity enhancement treatments are disclosed to you before you choose a diamond for your fiancé’s engagement ring.
diamond engagement ring given to Heidi Klum when she and musician Seal decided to tie the knot? These diamonds are supposed to have color. In fact, pink, blue, green and canary yellow diamond engagement rings have become increasingly popular thanks to celebrities. These radiantly colored diamonds are rare, so you will have to budget for some additional expense if you plan to shop for one. Still, many brides dream of a brilliant, glowing white diamond. Either way, you will be better served if you review the commercial grading scale for diamond color.
Diamond Engagement Rings: Pink Ice or White Heat
Remember the pink diamond engagement ring worn by Jennifer Lopez during her engagement to Ben Affleck or the yellow diamond engagement ring given to Heidi Klum when she and musician Seal decided to tie the knot? These diamonds are supposed to have color. In fact, pink, blue, green and canary yellow diamond engagement rings have become increasingly popular thanks to celebrities. These radiantly colored diamonds are rare, so you will have to budget for some additional expense if you plan to shop for one. Still, many brides dream of a brilliant, glowing white diamond. Either way, you will be better served if you review the commercial grading scale for diamond color.
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GIA
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Commercial Grading Color
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D, E, F, G, H, I
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Colorless – White
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J, K, L
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Near Colorless – White
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M
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Faint Yellow
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N, O, P, Q, R
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Very Light Yellow
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S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z
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Light Yellow
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A diamond’s color (or lack of) is determined by a set of master stones selected by the GIA. It can also be verified by a Colorimeter, which is simply a computer designed to grade the color of a polished stone. Furthermore, just as diamonds can be treated in an attempt to improve clarity, some may have undergone color enhancement. This procedure involves irradiation treatment followed by heat treatment. Like clarity enhancement, color treatment is not recommended because the diamond’s color will most likely change over time. Of course, any color treatment must be disclosed as you shop for colored diamonds.
Cut: The Secret to Beautiful Engagement Rings
When you think of a diamond’s cut, your first inclination most likely involves shape. After all, there are so many exquisite shapes and your blushing bride is sure to fall in love with one (or more) of them. But, we will get back to that topic later. Before you decide upon a shape, you should know that there is much more to a quality cut than just its shape. In fact, there is a general consensus that a stone’s cut has a direct impact on its beauty. For instance, a round brilliant diamond that is cut too shallow loses light through the bottom while too heavy of a cut results in a loss of light through the sides.
As you can imagine, a well cut stone translates to a gleaming
diamond engagement ring. A stone with the right cut catches the eye of a common observer like a flame. How fiery is your romance? The right cut may serve as a reflection of this, if you choose wisely.
Furthermore, the quality of a diamond’s cut is evaluated by its proportions, symmetry, finish and polish. Like diamond color, the quality of cut is also determined by a computerized system. This system, called the Dia-Mension System, can evaluate the cut in a matter of seconds. Also, you may come across a chart that measures the stone’s cut.
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Premium Cut
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Tolkowsky
Ideal Cut
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Excellent Ideal Cut
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Total Depth
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58.8% – 63.8%
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58% – 63.8%
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59.2% – 62.4%
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Table Size
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58% – 61%
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53% – 58%
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52.5% – 58.4%
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Crown Height (Top portion above the girdle)
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13% – 17%
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14.2% – 16.2%
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------------------------
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Crown Angle
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32.7 ° – 36.3°
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33.7° – 36.8°
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32.5° – 35.4°
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Pavilion Depth (Lower portion below the girdle)
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41.7% – 45%
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42.2% – 43.8%
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41.5% – 44.4%
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As tedious as the mathematics may be, the cut is very important. Thus, most jewelers will insist that the cut is more important than any of the other three C’s.
The Shape of your Love
If you are yawning from the previous section, fret not. Now is your opportunity to ponder the shape of your fiancé’s
diamond engagement ring. For most brides and grooms, this is the most intriguing aspect of ring shopping.
If you plan to surprise your dearly beloved, consider her personal style when selecting a shape. For instance, when she shops for earrings, does she usually prefer round or square stones? Once you make this determination, you must also decide how round or how square you should go. For example, your bride may prefer round stones but you can dazzle her with a brilliant oval diamond. This would give her the round shape that she loves as well as a unique engagement ring with an oval stone. Furthermore, this stylish cut is popular among famous personalities like Katie Holmes who wears an engagement ring with an oval cut center stone.
Of course, when it comes to rounder stones, a simple, timeless round brilliant cut diamond is sure to melt her heart. In fact, round cut diamonds have the most facets, which means they emit the most light, making them the most brilliant of all stones. Speaking of hearts, if the lady of your life is a hopeless romantic, you may want to consider surprising her with a heart diamond engagement ring. For those who like to capture your attention with size, marquise diamonds often have a bigger look to them because of their long, slender cut. For this reason, many brides favor the marquis cut.
If your bride-to-be likes square stones, you will sweep her off her feet with a princess cut diamond engagement ring. What’s more, Star Jones, Court TV diva, wears this elegant shape. If you are interested in more unique engagement rings with a square look, you should consider surprising her with an emerald cut diamond engagement ring. After all, if an emerald cut engagement ring is good enough for Paris Hilton, (never mind the short engagement) it will certainly impress the woman of your dreams.
Carat Weight: Does Size Matter?
The answer to this question depends on your dearly beloved. Of course, it also depends on your budget. If a big diamond agrees with your budget and your fiancé likes to dream big, you might want to consider sweeping her off her feet with two or more carats in a
diamond solitaire engagement ring. But, if your plans to do not include a large stone, do not feel discouraged by Paris Hilton’s 24 carat rock. As a matter of fact, the latest celebrity trend is less weight with more distinctive settings and/or ornate stones. Jessica Simpson, for example, wore a four carat pear cut engagement ring with two side stones. Meanwhile, Eva Longoria wears a five carat emerald cut engagement ring made of white gold. There is also a special message engraved inside the band.
Furthermore, you find it both economical and fashionable to focus on total combined weight (TCW) rather than the carat weight of a single stone or a few stones. Because larger diamonds occur less frequently, the value per carat increases with size. Smaller diamonds (usually those that are one carat or less) are more cost efficient. For instance, rather than looking for diamond solitaire engagement rings with a 1.25 carat weight stone, try looking for three-stone engagement rings with accent diamonds. Your ring might have three half-carat diamonds and smaller accent diamonds around the band of the engagement ring and wedding band, for example. You get the same carat weight as well as the radiance offered only by precious stones and surpassed only by her beauty.
Take your time shopping for diamond engagement rings
Perhaps the most important thing to remember when selecting a
diamond engagement ring is to take your time. Learn about the Four C’s, different shapes, settings and styles before making the big purchase. Allow yourself enough time to become familiar and comfortable with the process. And remember, no matter what you choose, if it comes from your heart, you will surely win hers all over again.
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