Diamond Buying AdviceDiamond Advice and Information on Choosing a Diamond

Picking out a diamond engagement ring is a very exciting and memorable experience. The more you know about diamonds the better you will be at finding the perfect diamond to fit your budget. To be able to choose a good quality diamond you must first understand the 4 C’s. The 4 C’s are cut, color, clarity and carat weight.

When a jeweler talks about a diamond’s cut they are not referring to the shape. The shape refers to the general appearance of the diamond. They are talking about the angles and proportions that are made when a rough diamond is transformed into a polished diamond.

The cut is probably the most important and the hardest to figure out when it comes to choosing a diamond.  The brilliance of the diamond depends heavily on its cut. The cut gives a diamond the brightness that shines throughout the diamond. Because the cut is so important there are several grading methods that have been developed to help determine the cut.  The grades are Ideal, Very Good, Good and Fair/Poor cuts.

The Ideal cut is intended to maximize brilliance and usually is more expensive.  Very Good cut diamonds will reflect most of the light that enters them creating a good deal of brilliance. The Good cut diamond can offer an excellent cost savings to you if you are trying to stay within a budget. The Good cut offers quality and beauty for a reasonable price. Most reputable jewelers stay away from cuts that are Fair to Poor, because this cut only reflects a small portion of light.

Most diamonds will contain some type of flaw or inclusions that happened during the formation process.  The number, size and visibility of these flaws determine the clarity of the diamond.  Diamonds that have less flaws or imperfections will create more brilliance and therefore are highly prized and pricier.

When it comes to diamonds, no color is the most desirable. This is because it allows the most reflection of light.  When jewelers are grading the color of a diamond, they refer to a professional color scale.  The scale begins with the highest rating of the letter “D” for colorless and a color scale continues all the way to Z. You will notice that there may be a very faint hint of yellow apparent in diamonds graded J through M. These grades of diamonds look very nice in a gold setting.

The carat is the unit of weight by which a diamond is measured.  Large diamonds are less common than small diamonds. The larger the diamond is, the higher the price.  To decide on the carat size you first need to determine your budget.  Deciding on the carat size is about striking a balance between size and quality.

These are just a few things that you should know when you are deciding on which diamond engagement ring to buy the love of your life.  It’s wise to shop around and do your homework and learn all you can about diamonds and pricing.  This is just a simple overview to give you an idea of what you need to look for.  You can do your own research and find out more about the 4 C’s and Diamond Certificates so you can make a knowledgeable decision on the ring for your fiancé.

by Lawrence Reaves

Photo by paulmcdee

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“I like the way your sparkling earrings lay against your skin…” – The Eagles

Ever wondered just what kind of earrings they could have been? Hoops, drops, or studs? The writer never said. But, whatever the style, they made so much of an impression on the songwriter, that he chose to have them (along with the girl, of course) immortalized in verse! And like the love-struck guy in the well-known song, the sparkle of diamond earrings always seem to have a hypnotic effect on anyone who happens to gaze upon them, as they lay upon the skin.

Regardless of what one chooses to wear, earrings tend to add that one special finishing touch to just about any attire. When selecting the perfect set of diamond earrings, one would do well to think about the appropriateness of style; as well as of any occasions where they may be worn. While oversized chandelier or drop earrings are certainly lovely complements to formal attire; depending on style and size, they may be a bit overwhelming for everyday wear. This is where the personality of the wearer has to be considered , and where a happy medium can be reached with a choice falling somewhere between simple and elaborate. This is especially true when it comes to hoop and drop earrings. Hoop earrings can be almost as huge, or as small in circumference as the wearer’s heart (or budget) desires.

The same can also be said when it comes to drop earrings. They range in style… from close to the earlobe; to dangling past the shoulders. Diamond stud earrings can be especially versatile; as they are available in a variety of carat weights, and are appropriate for just about any occasion. Hoops, drops, chandeliers, or studs? Just what is your style?

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“Big Girls Need Big Diamonds” – Elizabeth Taylor

Elizabeth Taylor - One BIG Diamond

Well, there is no doubt about it. The time to purchase an engagement ring for your beloved has finally arrived. You thought that you were ready, but in all of the excitement, find that you have not really given full consideration to the desired carat weight. Although you have found the perfect style and setting, you have yet to decide what size diamond you should really aim for. This one is a personal choice, and will require a bit of soul searching.

By now, you should have also figured out any budgetary considerations, if necessary. If you have not done so, be sure to check with your trusted jeweler. Ask yourself: Just what will she be expecting? Is she a petite person with small fingers? Or, is she tall, with long slender fingers? Will the main stone be offset with companion stones? Is size more important than sparkle and brilliance?

Although a diamond of any carat size would be more than likely accepted with gratitude and excitement, it certainly will bring more joy and happiness, if the selection has been meticulously planned; and if serious thought has been put into the choice made.  Trust an expert on this one:  No girl is going going to turn down a whopper!  In any case, be sure to make a choice that you both can be proud of.  Don’t forget what Liz said! (This can also be true for even most “little” girls) ;-)

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