A diamond ring can promise marriage, a family heirloom, and personal style. Couples often view these diamonds as romantic symbols and financial investments. Here are some tips that can be helpful when selecting a diamond engagement ring:
Master the Four Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat
The Four Cs are the basis for diamond quality evaluation, and each dramatically affects the value and appearance of a stone. Diamond color grades run from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown tints). Clarity is the presence of internal and external imperfections, from Flawless to Included. The quality of a cut determines how a diamond handles light and how brilliant and sparkly it is. The size of the diamond is measured by carat weight. Understanding these characteristics helps you determine your most desired quality when picking a stone.
Choose the Diamond Shape
A diamond’s shape is the stone’s external outline, whereas the cut is the arrangement of its internal facets. A round shape often provides the best light performance and is timeless. Fancy shapes, such as oval, pear, and cushion, can look bigger than a round diamond of the same carat weight. Emerald cuts are step-cut facets that offer vintage sophistication, while princess cuts are modern elegance. Each shape sits differently on the finger and works best for different hand shapes and sizes. Choose a shape based on your partner’s style and preferences.
Check Certification and Origin
Third-party validation of a diamond’s characteristics and value is a professional certification from respected laboratories. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS) are the most reliable certification authorities. These certificates contain detailed information about the diamond’s measurements, proportions, and quality grade.
Jewelers can also review these certificates to answer questions about the diamond’s origin and ethical sourcing credentials. Today, many consumers want to know that their diamond came from a responsible, conflict-free source. Selecting stones from an ethical source can help support development and social impacts in those areas.
Examine the Diamond In Person
No certificate or specification can fully describe how a diamond looks. To assess its performance, schedule appointments to view several diamonds under different lighting conditions. Observe how the stone reacts to natural and artificial light throughout the day. Check for obvious dark areas or odd patterns in the diamond’s sparkle.
If in-person viewing is not possible, request high-quality videos. View similar diamonds side by side to see the subtle differences in their appearance and quality.
Evaluate the Setting’s Impact
The setting can significantly change how your diamond looks. Setting a center stone in a prominent position helps enhance its beauty and gives it security. Halo settings can make the center diamond appear bigger by surrounding it with smaller diamonds. Maximum protection is offered by bezel settings, but light entry into the diamond may be reduced. Cathedral settings elevate the center stone for dramatic effect but often need more maintenance. Think about how various setting styles suit your preferred diamond shape and lifestyle needs.
Choosing Ring Diamonds
Diamond engagement rings should have high resolutions and as few structural flaws as possible. Make sure the diamonds are cut, shaped, colored, and weighted to match your partner’s style preferences. If you need help selecting a ring, speak to a professional jeweler today.
