| The solitaire diamond ring is the engagement ring | | | | Cut: This is the diamond's shape. A diamond with |
| that everyone pictures. And with good reason. | | | | a good cut means that all the facets are in the |
| Although other gemstones such as emeralds and | | | | right proportions to each other, and different |
| sapphires are becoming fashionable for | | | | shapes, such as emerald, oval or round, have |
| engagement rings, a solitaire diamond is still the | | | | different, perfect, angles. |
| classic, safe choice. | | | | Avoid Conflict or Blood Diamonds |
| Why? Because a diamond is traditional, and it goes | | | | Blood diamonds, or conflict diamonds, are stones |
| with everything from blue jeans to a little black | | | | from countries such as Angola, Sierra Leone and |
| dress. | | | | the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the |
| How to choose a good diamond | | | | proceeds fund military and terrorist operations. |
| You've probably heard about the 4Cs: clarity, | | | | While wars in many of those places have |
| color, cut, and carat. Before you buy a diamond, | | | | decreased in intensity, blood diamonds from |
| make sure it has been independently appraised | | | | certain areas are still being sold, and have caused |
| for all four of these qualities. | | | | massive human suffering. |
| Clarity: this refers to the purity of the diamond, | | | | Your engagement ring should reflect your joy and |
| and it's the primary factor in determining the price. | | | | love. You can do your part by ensuring that the |
| Clarity refers to how easily you can see | | | | proceeds from your diamond will not been used |
| imperfections in the diamond. The fewer the | | | | to harm people in other countries. Jewelers |
| flaws, the more the light is reflected, and the | | | | committed to selling conflict-free diamonds often |
| more the sparkle. | | | | have systems in place to ensure no blood |
| Color: This is where the diamond gets it sparkle. | | | | diamonds get in. Ask them about certification to |
| Diamonds range from colorless to faint yellow. | | | | ensure that the diamonds are conflict free. |
| The brightest and most expensive have the least | | | | Buying an engagement ring can be confusing. |
| color. | | | | There are several other aspects that you should |
| Carat: this is the weight of the diamond, which | | | | be aware of in choosing the gem and the setting, |
| determines its size. Diamonds are measured in | | | | before you buy that special engagement ring. |
| carats, with 1 carat weighing 0.2 grams. | | | | |