Diamonds are an iconic symbol of commitment. But what exactly are these stones, and how do we know they’re worthy of a ring?
Natural diamonds that are GIA certified are the standard in engagement rings. But, for those concerned about ethically-sourced gems, a lab-created diamond or a recycled gemstone can be a great alternative.
Carat
The Natural Diamond engagement ring is the ultimate sign of love and commitment. Diamonds are the traditional choice for engagement rings and represent a bride’s undying commitment to her partner. Diamonds are a classic and timeless choice that can be worn for any occasion. To help you find the right diamond, it’s important to understand the four C’s of a diamond: carat, color, clarity, and cut.
The carat is the most important of all the C’s because it refers to the weight of the diamond. A higher carat number will result in a larger diamond. However, it’s important to note that a smaller diamond can still be just as beautiful and meaningful as a larger one.
A larger diamond will generally cost more than a smaller one. However, it’s not always the case. The other factors in a diamond play an equal role in its beauty and value, including the diamond’s clarity and the way it is cut. A poorly cut diamond may appear dull and lifeless. A well-cut stone will enhance its brilliance.
The design and setting of the ring are also important. Jewelers offer a variety of settings and designs to complement the stone’s size, shape, and color. For example, a large 3-carat diamond can be made to look much more dazzling by choosing a halo setting, which features smaller diamonds encircling the center stone, than if the diamond were left alone.
Another factor that can be considered is the wearer’s lifestyle and budget. Jay says that her younger clients typically choose 1- to 2-carat diamonds, while older couples often opt for a larger stone because they have had more time to save and are farther along in their careers.
When selecting a diamond, you should work with an experienced jeweler that can give you advice on the best options based on your needs and preferences. Ask for an offer in writing that includes the weight of the center gemstone and any other diamonds or gemstones included in the ring. Also, ask about the color and clarity grade, dimensions, as well as other relevant details. A reputable jewelry store will also give you a fair and accurate assessment of diamond quality.
Clarity
It’s not enough to just go into your local jeweler and pick out a ring that looks nice. You must also consider carats, cuts, colors, and clarity. These are all factors that will influence your choice of diamond. It is important to know the importance of each aspect of a diamond so you can find the perfect match for your partner and your love.
Clarity is the number and type of inclusions in a diamond. It is also based on their location within the stone. Inclusions located near the surface of the diamond will have a greater negative impact on the clarity grade of the diamond than those that are deeper within the stone. The type of inclusion also plays a role in how visible they are to the naked-eye.
The GIA clarity scale is used to evaluate the clarity of a stone. The fewer inclusions in a diamond, the higher its clarity grade. Some diamonds may even be deemed “flawless,” meaning they have no inclusions. This is very rare, and a diamond that is internally flawless will typically have an excellent price point.
Inclusions can be present in any shape or size and can affect a diamond’s clarity grade. If they are small, and deep within the stone, they can be invisible to the naked eye. Other factors that can affect the clarity of a diamond include the shape, cutting proportions, and facet arrangement. The more relief a diamond has, the more difficult it is to see its inclusions.
Diamond engagement rings are popular symbols of commitment. They often serve as a symbol of love and promise between a couple. There are many ways to design an ring for your partner, but it’s important to choose the right diamond. The right diamond can help you show how much you love your partner and bring them tears of joy every time they see their hand.
Color
When you’re ready for the diamond of a lifetime, it’s essential to understand the famous 4Cs: carat weight (weight), clarity, color and cut. These elements are not only important for the overall look and value, but they also help you to navigate your budget. Color is a difficult metric to grasp, but once you do, you will see that it’s essential for your dream engagement ring.
The color of diamonds is rated from colorless (D – F) to near colorless, faint and light (K – Z). The exception is a highly desired fancy colored diamond, such as a ruby or pink sapphire. These stones are rarer and more expensive.
You can evaluate the color of a diamond by viewing it under a high magnification using a specialized setting. This is where the body color and fluorescence will be most readily observable, as well as any inclusions that may be present.
You should also consider the diamond’s shape when making your choice. A round diamond, for example, maximizes sparkle and suits the standard solitaire style engagement rings. However, many of our customers find themselves drawn to other shapes, like princess and emerald cuts, for their classic elegance or unique facets. In these cases a lower color can be a reasonable trade-off to get a superior cut which enhances your diamond’s visual appeal.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when selecting a diamond is selecting a higher clarity grade than what they can actually appreciate with the naked eye. This leads to people paying more for diamonds than they should. To avoid making this mistake, choose a diamond that has a clarity grade H or higher for a round stone, and VS2 for other diamond shapes. This will allow you to save on a stone which is still visually flawless. It’s a great investment for your ring. It’s important to note that a good cut can compensate a color or grade of clarity that isn’t perfect.
Cut
Diamonds are still the best friend of a girl, but today’s couples have a wider range of options when it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring. While the traditional round-cut diamond continues to be the most popular, there are now more styles and shapes to fit a variety of lifestyles and personality types.
The cut of a diamond is the most important feature. It describes how it reflects and refracts sunlight to create sparkle. A well-cut, sparkling diamond will catch the eye. However a poorly cut diamond may look dull and lifeless. The cut of the diamond will also reflect how your ring will appear on your partner’s hand.
During the 14th Century, diamond cutters reworked facets to create modern fancy cut shapes such as the pear and emerald. The simplest and oldest diamond cuts are step and emerald, which feature broad facets that produce a subtle, glowing-from-within shine and require less precision cutting work than the brilliant and other modern cuts.
Fancy shapes may be more affordable, but can also make for a unique and more stand-out ring. The pear, for example, has a rounded bottom and pointed top that can create the illusion of elongated fingers. This can be particularly flattering for women with petite or long fingers.
Consider a marquise or pear-shaped center stone if your partner is a fan of individuality. These shapes add a touch to flair and can be easily set in a variety of unique settings. If your partner prefers a classic look, a cushion- or oval-shaped stone offers a soft silhouette that can be set either in halo or solo designs.
No matter the type of diamond you choose, it is important to keep in mind your budget and personal preferences. It’s tempting to spend a lot of money on the best diamonds, but it’s important to choose a ring that will make your partner feel loved and celebrate the unique qualities of your partnership. Aim for a cut grade of ‘excellent’ or higher to get the most bang for your buck, but don’t let cost prohibit you from finding the diamond that feels right for you and your partner.
