| Giving a diamond ring is a great way to say, "I | | | | When you shop for a diamond ring or other |
| love you" to that special someone or to propose | | | | diamond jewelry, be sure it is set in real gold |
| marriage. But when you set out to find that | | | | jewelry for its band, necklace, bracelet, or |
| perfect diamond ring or any diamond jewelry, you | | | | earrings. There are 14K cubic zirconia jewelry |
| can quickly become confused with all the offerings | | | | pieces that might contain what "looks like" real |
| available today. It's important that you know what | | | | diamonds, but they are actually simulated (or |
| to look for in diamond jewelry. | | | | manmade) diamonds. |
| The Four Cs of Diamonds | | | | Look for the trademark in jewelry such as 14kt |
| Look for the four Cs of diamonds. These are | | | | gold necklaces, 14kt gold earrings, 14kt gold |
| clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. Clarity signifies | | | | bracelets, and diamond rings. |
| the presence or absence of irregularities or | | | | Buying Diamonds Online |
| imperfections in the stone. Imperfections may | | | | When buying diamond jewelry online, be sure the |
| appear as bubbles, spots, or lines. The clarity is | | | | jeweler offers a Jewelry Certificate of |
| often determined by the passing of light through | | | | Authenticity. Check with Better Business Bureau |
| the diamond. The fewer imperfections the | | | | Online to be sure the retailer is trustworthy. The |
| diamond jewelry has, the more valuable it will be. | | | | BBB Online will show if there have been any |
| Clarity is graded on a scale from flawless (FL or | | | | complaints or reports of fraud against the |
| IF) to imperfect (I) according to the GIA | | | | company. This will give you peace of mind while |
| (Gemological Institute of America) quality analysis | | | | shopping. |
| scale for diamond jewelry. | | | | Use search features at jewelry sites to find just |
| The diamond's cut is also important. The cut is | | | | the right diamond jewelry. Look for the four Cs |
| what gives a diamond its brilliance and determines | | | | mentioned above and ask about the diamond's |
| the number of facets in the diamond. The "round | | | | weight if it's not provided at the website. Also, |
| brilliant" cut is the most popular diamond cut, | | | | check to be sure the shipping and handling will |
| especially for an engagement ring. | | | | keep your diamond safe. Find out if shipping |
| Diamond color also determines the value. Colorless | | | | insurance is available and what types of packaging |
| diamonds are the most valuable; however, | | | | is used. Also, ask for assistance if you have |
| diamonds with color are popular for non-proposal | | | | questions. A dependable online jeweler will be |
| gifts. Diamond colors range from D (colorless) to | | | | available to help. |
| Z. | | | | Online jewelry stores usually carry an assortment |
| A diamond's carat is the actual weight of the | | | | of jewelry items ranging from a 10kt or 14kt gold |
| diamond, not the size. One carat is equal to 200 | | | | necklace with or without attached slides or |
| milligrams. One ounce contains 142 carats. Larger | | | | stones, a pearl necklace, 10kt or 14kt gold hoop |
| diamonds usually have a greater value for each | | | | earrings, tennis bracelets, diamond rings, pendants, |
| carat. | | | | and other fine jewelry pieces. |
| Real Diamonds are set in Real Jewelry Pieces | | | | |