| When setting out to choose the perfect diamond | | | | the parallel or a step cut. These are basic to |
| solitaire engagement ring, there can be many | | | | diamond jewelry. The step cut is a faceted with |
| aspects to look at. Cost is most important, but so | | | | parallel cuts along the width or length of a |
| are the shape, cut, clarity, and carat. Men are | | | | diamond. The brilliant cut is a triangular faceted cut |
| known to purchase the engagement rings alone, | | | | for a spectacular shine when light hits it. |
| but it has become more common for the future | | | | The clarity of diamonds is based on internal and |
| bride to go along and aid in selecting the ring. | | | | surface blemishes and defects. The visibility of the |
| Traditionally the cost of engagement rings is said | | | | defects, how many there are, and the size and |
| to be equivalent to two to three months salary. | | | | location all affect clarity. The internal blemishes do |
| This is tradition and does not necessarily mean | | | | not affect how strong a diamond is, but those |
| one should save three months salary before | | | | defects on the surface, may. The more flawless |
| deciding to buy. | | | | a stone is, the more expensive. |
| Selecting the shape for a solitaire can be | | | | Last, but not least is carat size. The weight of a |
| overwhelming if there is no knowledge | | | | carat is equal to 200 milligrams. If the stone for |
| beforehand. One of the most obvious cuts with | | | | the diamond solitaire engagement ring is less than |
| diamonds is round. But in the spirit of adventure, | | | | 100 milligrams, it is not usually called a carat; it |
| there are also square, oval, princess, marquise, | | | | may be measured in points. This is just some of |
| emerald, pear, cushion and radiant cut diamonds. | | | | the information to use when taking the step |
| There are numerous cuts for a solitaire diamond | | | | toward becoming engaged. |
| engagement jewelry, but the most common are | | | | |