| It can be a difficult task when looking for | | | | engagement rings (or prong set as they are |
| engagement rings, especially considering the wide | | | | sometimes referred to as) hold the diamond |
| choice that exists today. There are variations in | | | | within small projections around the stone. These |
| every aspect of a ring; the setting, diamond, style | | | | claws can vary in number from three to eight. |
| of the band and the precious metal to name but | | | | The more claws, the more secure the diamond. |
| a few. | | | | Lesser amounts of claws are a more |
| Diamond engagement rings can vary enormously | | | | contemporary look. Alternative setting styles |
| in quality, and it is very important to make sure | | | | include the rub-over or bezel setting and the |
| you get the very best diamond for your money. | | | | tension setting. Both are also more contemporary |
| Certain details are essential knowledge when | | | | styles, which can be found in an enormous range |
| looking at diamond rings. It is amazing how many | | | | of designs. |
| stores sell diamonds without disclosing the most | | | | A common question raised when purchasing a |
| important details, such as the colour and clarity. | | | | diamond is – do I need a certificate. Let us |
| Most diamonds are graded by how white the | | | | just explain what a certificate is briefly. A diamond |
| stone is, with D being the very best colour. This | | | | certificate is a report produced after the diamond |
| essentially means, that it is the whitest shade of | | | | has been looked at in a laboratory. Many reputable |
| diamond possible. As we move down the alphabet | | | | laboratories exist, providing detailed documentation |
| and reach J-K colours, we start to see a hint of | | | | that identifies a diamond as unique. Measurements, |
| yellow creep in which increases as we move | | | | proportions, colour, clarity and fluorescence are |
| further along. | | | | some of the details noted on such certificates. |
| The quality is also graded. This is a measure of | | | | They provide a record of the stone, and provide |
| how marked the diamond is. Small inclusions are | | | | reassurance to the consumer that the diamond is |
| present in most diamonds apart from those | | | | the colour/ clarity etc. specified by the retailer. |
| graded flawless. Some of the best diamonds in | | | | With the recent credit crunch upon us, many |
| the world are graded D IF, which is a combination | | | | people are now turning more to the internet for |
| of D colour, the whitest along with Internally | | | | such goods. Many niche companies now offer an |
| Flawless clarity. | | | | array of designs, combined with freely available |
| It is not necessary to opt for the very best, but | | | | expert knowledge to guide you along the process. |
| if you choose a white diamond, reasonably clear | | | | Combined with exceptional quality and service, |
| of marks (generally H/I colour and SI1 clarity) or | | | | many of these rings are customised to the |
| above, you will avoid the premium that | | | | client’s requirements whilst carrying a much |
| accompanies a high colour and clarity diamond. | | | | more modest price tag than the High Street. |
| For the ring style itself, simple is often a very | | | | Anyone considering a purchase would be advised |
| wise concept. By keeping the ring style fairly | | | | to make some initial contact with the company. |
| simple, the eye is drawn not to the setting and | | | | Find out credentials; be sure that all diamond |
| surrounding ring, but to the diamond itself. This | | | | specifications are disclosed and make sure the |
| was one of the successes of the Tiffany Setting, | | | | company belongs to a professional body such as |
| which was designed to securely hold the diamond | | | | the British Jewellers Association. |
| with a simple six claw setting. Claw set | | | | |