| Looking for the "perfect" engagement ring can be | | | | learning about the number of and location of |
| a bit of a challenge. Sometimes the stone is ideal | | | | inclusions in the diamond. The fourth and final |
| but the setting just isn't what you're looking for, | | | | criterion is carat weight. This is often confused |
| and other times you find the ring and setting of | | | | with size, but carat weight refers to the weight |
| your dreams, and you want to be very choosy | | | | of the diamond when it is measured on a scale. |
| about the stone you place in it. In circumstances | | | | Familiarize yourself with stone cuts: Although you |
| like the latter, it can be very beneficial to pick | | | | do not need to know exactly which stone you |
| your stone first so you can have your ring | | | | want, it helps if you have some idea of diamond |
| specifically tailored to the stone you chose. To | | | | shapes and cuts before you go stone shopping. |
| feel confident about the ins and outs of buying | | | | Some stone cuts might be too cumbersome on |
| loose diamonds for a ring, adhere to the following | | | | the ring and setting that you choose, and other |
| seven tips. | | | | might be too difficult to accommodate. Knowing |
| Identify and work with the jeweler you want to | | | | which stone you prefer (say, an emerald cut over |
| make your ring: Many jewelers are happy to | | | | a pear shaped diamond) will also cut down on the |
| make custom rings based on the size and shape | | | | stone you have to pick through, and should |
| of the loose diamond you choose. Once you have | | | | ensure your shopping experience is a pleasurable |
| determined the jeweler you want to purchase | | | | and easy one. |
| from, let them know all of the specifications of | | | | Understand how a diamond is graded: Just like in |
| your diamond. The size of the diamond will | | | | school, diamonds get assigned a grade based on |
| determine what size the setting (also known as a | | | | their color and clarity. Color grading is determined |
| collet) is. For a brilliant cut diamond, the jeweler | | | | by comparing the stone to a pre-determined |
| may need to know the carat, or weight, of the | | | | group of "control" diamonds whose definite color |
| diamond. The carat weight of a round stone is | | | | is noted. The gemologist examining and grading |
| directly related to the size of the stone, in this | | | | the stone will then assign a color grade based on |
| instance. For a princess cut diamond, the jeweler | | | | how it compares to the control diamonds. The |
| probably needs to know the width, length and | | | | clarity is figured out by looking at the number of |
| carat weight of the stone in order to properly | | | | inclusions on the stone and noting their size, |
| create and fit the setting. | | | | location and how many there are. |
| Know your "Four C's": The four C's are basic | | | | Beware of sales: This is not suggesting that you |
| criteria that can be used to judge the beauty, | | | | can't find a loose diamond at a great price, but |
| price and value of a diamond. The first is the | | | | beware of deals that seem to good to be true. |
| diamonds cut, which obviously has to do with the | | | | They probably are. |
| way a diamond is cut and shaped. The amount | | | | Create a budget and stick with it: While you |
| that is removed from the diamond has the most | | | | definitely want to make sure you are getting the |
| direct impact on the final way that a loose | | | | right diamond for your ring setting and lifestyle, |
| diamond will look. The second criteria is the | | | | making a budget and adhering to it will make you |
| diamonds color. Diamonds are graded on a scale | | | | feel good about your purchase without breaking |
| of D-Z, where D is the most favorable coloring. | | | | the bank. |
| The color helps to describe the overall appearance | | | | Compare, compare, compare: It will be a lot |
| of the diamond, ranging anywhere from white to | | | | easier to compare and contrast diamonds of a |
| yellow. The third criterion is clarity, and this is | | | | similar size, cut, shape, weight and color. That |
| graded from FL (flawless) to I3 (Many Visible | | | | way you can have an easier time finding the best |
| Inclusions). When learning about clarity, you will be | | | | deal for the exact diamond you want. |