Diamond Wedding Ring Buying Guide

Guide to Diamond Engagement RingsGemological Institute of America (GIA) has
Congratulations!developed a grading system using alphabet letters
The wedding ring is the single most importantD to Z that compares the color of a diamond to
piece of jewelry that you will give to your spousethe color of pre-selected gems. Later letters
in your lifetime. The ring symbolizes yourindicate deeper colors.
everlasting love and devotion to your spouse. ItShape
not only symbolizes your love for each other, itRound
also marks one of the most important occasionsBy far the most preferred diamond shape, the
in your life. To make the best decision whenround-brilliant cut is also the most optically brilliant
buying a diamond ring, you should be ready withbecause of its 360-degree symmetrical shape. A
as much information as possible.round brilliant is a great choice if you want the
Diamond Grading Terminologymost sparkle and the most enduring classic shape.
A diamond's cost is based on the characteristicsPrincess
known as the "4 C's". Clarity, Colour and CutThe princess cut is a modern classic of clean,
(proportion) are the quality elements whichsquare lines and beautiful sparkle. This shape is the
together with the Carat Weight determine theperfect choice if you prefer a square or
value of a stone.rectangular outline but want the brilliance of a
1. Diamond Carat Weightround.
When shopping for an engagement ring, oneMarquise
quality that is always discussed is the diamondThe marquise cut is a regal, elongated shape with
carats. Carat is the measure of a diamond'stapering points at both ends. Its shape tends to
weight, though it is often confused with size. Oneflatter the finger, making it appear longer. A
carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams.marquise-cut diamond should be mounted with six
2. Diamond Clarityprongs: four positioned on the sides to hold the
Diamond clarity is critical for engagement rings.body of the stone securely and two V-shaped
Nature seldom creates flawless diamonds, andprongs to protect the points at either end, the
most stones have various types of flaws.most vulnerable part of the diamond.
Inclusions are additional minerals that may cause aEmerald
streak or stripe through the stone, and fracturesThe emerald-cut diamond is among the most
are miniscule cracks and splits that look like tinyclassic of diamond shapes. Its clean lines come
crystals, clouds or feathers. Clarity is the scale offrom step-cutting, or parallel line facets. It is
perfection established by the Gemological Institutealways cut with blocked corners and is usually cut
of America (GIA) that measures the number andto a rectangular outline, although a few are cut to
magnitude of flaws in a diamond.be more square.
3. Diamond CutOval
The cut of a diamond refers to the angles andThe oval cut is most similar a round-brilliant cut
proportions of the stone and has nothing to doand combines the round's sparkle with a flattering,
with its shape. Diamond cuts are designed cut toelongated outline. It makes a good choice for
internally reflect light from one mirror-like facet tosomeone who wants a unique shape but loves
another, dispersing and reflecting it through thethe fire and brilliance of a round diamond.
top of the stone. This brilliance is known as theHeart
diamond's "fire."The heart-shaped diamond is the most romantic
4. Diamond Colorof diamond shapes. It is similar to the pear shape
Diamond color ranges from clear to varyingbut has a cleft in the rounded end that forms the
shades of yellow and brown. A diamond's colorlobes of the heart. The complexity of the shape
rating refers to its degree of coloration, and therequires skilled cutting to ensure proper brilliance.