| Buying an engagement ring is an important and | | | | These diamonds are very rare as often very |
| emotional event for the bride to be. At the same | | | | small contaminants are inside a diamond - known |
| time it should also remain enjoyable and | | | | as inclusions. |
| memorable. | | | | Inclusions are 'natures fingerprints' and nothing to |
| The first thing you need to know about the | | | | be worried about as long as you can't see them. |
| diamonds in your Engagement ring is: | | | | Internally Flawless diamonds are essentially pure |
| 1. The Reporting: A detailed report should be | | | | and clean of any inclusions; the next level down is |
| available for each diamond. These enable a safe | | | | VVS which means 'Very Very Slight' these |
| and secure purchase without actually viewing the | | | | inclusions are microscopic only visible through 50 x |
| diamonds involved. | | | | magnification. |
| The most trustworthy and accurate Gem grading | | | | 5. The Cut |
| report is the GIA (Gemological Institute of | | | | This refers to both the general shape of the |
| America). | | | | diamond and also how well that shape has been |
| The main characteristics in a report include the | | | | made. We'll refer to it as cut micro and cut |
| colour, clarity, cut and carat and should also include | | | | macro. |
| the measurements and angles. | | | | Diamond cut macro is the general shape of the |
| The GIA is viewed as the supreme authority in | | | | diamond. Diamond rough in octahedron form |
| diamond reporting; after-all they did invent the | | | | naturally gives itself to cutting round brilliant |
| system used today. | | | | diamonds. |
| 2 Carat: This refers to a measurement of weight | | | | Other diamond rough shapes like 'flats' suit shapes |
| as opposed to size. Originally a 'carab' was a seed | | | | like emerald cuts and tear-drops. The shape of a |
| which was used as a weight measure - this | | | | diamond is usually guided by diamond rough |
| adaptation is where carat derives its name. | | | | retention as this increases the finished carat |
| 1 carat is equal to 100 points. Once a diamond hits | | | | weight and will command a higher price. |
| 1 carat, the price increases exponentially to the | | | | 6. Shapes |
| size. | | | | The shape of a is usually guided by diamond |
| 3.Color: Diamonds follow a color spectrum that | | | | rough retention as this increases the finished carat |
| journeys from colorless through to light yellow. | | | | weight and will command a higher price. |
| The rare diamonds have less yellow saturation | | | | The colors and qualities that diamonds present can |
| and so are more valuable. | | | | sometimes be difficult to match for a particular |
| The top color is D and the spectrum follows | | | | budget but its important to note that this will stay |
| down through the alphabet gaining more yellow as | | | | on your engagement hand for life and is a symbol |
| it proceeds. | | | | of your love together. |
| 4. Diamond Clarity: Diamonds that are 100% pure | | | | The process of choosing an engagement ring and |
| crystallized carbon are known as IF or internally | | | | a setting should be something the takes time and |
| flawless. | | | | talking to an expert should be included. |