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