How to Choose the Perfect Diamond
The happiest occasions of our lives are often those which are capped by the giving of something precious; whether a diploma for the excited grad, or a certificate of thanks for a job well done, or some other item of value. When it comes to events of a highly personal nature, jewelry is the right gift especially in the form of a diamond ring suitable to mark an engagement, wedding, or an anniversary.
Diamonds remain the most precious of all gemstones, the right sparkler for that special moment. A diamond represents love, commitment, and endurance, three aspects of every successful relationship. To find the perfect diamond engagement ring, we offer to you the following shopping tips.
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When choosing a diamond engagement ring, there are three components you will be looking for: the band, the setting, and the stone.
The band is typically made out of one of four metals: silver, white gold, yellow gold, and platinum. Silver doesn't have the qualities associated with a quality diamond engagement ring, but the other three metals do. A wonderful alternative to silver is white gold which has a similar look but much better properties.
Classic engagement bands are usually solid metal with a diamond solitaire, but more elaborate rings with sidestones or tiny diamonds embedded in the channel of the ring are now quite popular. Of course, the more elaborate the ring, the pricier the purchase.
The second component is the setting, the part of the ring that holds the diamond in place. The prong (or claw) setting is the most commonly used gemstone setting, very popular for solitaire diamond engagement rings. There are several different settings available with short, thin, and hooked each offering a different look.
The third component is, of course, the gemstone. Diamonds are almost always exclusively chosen for the reasons mentioned previously. But, to find the perfect diamond there are four categories (or characteristics) which must be considered.
They are:
Cut - Describes the finish, proportion and polish of the diamond. These factors determine the fire and brilliance of a diamond.
Clarity - Describes the clearness or purity of a diamond. A grade is assigned to each diamond, with "F" representing a flawless diamond to "I" meaning that the diamond has inclusions. Varying grades in between are where most diamonds can be found. Diamond buyers will sometimes choose a gem with some inclusions, as long as they aren't visible to the naked eye.
Color - From white to yellow, diamonds receive a grade for the amount of color they contain. Diamond buyers prefer colorless to near colorless diamonds, with diamonds graded J, K, and L offering the best value while offering stunning beauty.
Carat - Carat is the weight of the diamond, with one carat equaling .20 grams. The more carats, the pricier the diamond, although the other "C's" can influence your final price greatly.
Though not mentioned as one of the four C's, a diamond's shape plays an integral part in the selection of any diamond engagement ring. For example, diamonds are shaped (styled) for a particular look with:
Diamond Images and Videos
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Hearts & Arrows is the term used to describe cut diamonds that exhibit a complete and precise Hearts & Arrows
pattern. Hearts & Arrows diamonds have three distinguishing factors - perfection in polish, symmetry, and proportion. This effect is attained when all the facets are precisely aligned and the diamonds are cut and polished to perfection. The perfect symmetry of an ICE hearts and arrows diamond makes it the ultimate Ideal cut diamond. Hearts and Arrows are available in round and square cushion cuts "Ice on Fire" diamonds (not Emerald shape).
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Princess, Round, Oval, Radiant, Pear, Heart, Emerald, Asscher, Marquise, Cushion, and Radiant are the most notable shapes chosen. Most brides to be prefer round or princess shaped stones, a style often associated with marriage.
So, that's it. Tips to help you find the perfect diamond engagement ring to help demonstrate to her your love and commitment. Choose a quality ring that is made to last and you'll have a gift that will endure almost forever!
You Can Choose The Perfect Diamond Wedding Ring
Your wedding day will be one of the most significant occasions in your life - the beginning of a long term, committed relationship with the person that you love. Long after the marriage ceremony is over, the reception held, and your honeymoon a pleasant memory, your rings will remain the visible testimony of the promise you made to each other on that most meaningful day.
Choosing the perfect diamond wedding ring should never be rushed as these are the rings which you and your spouse will want to wear for many decades. A quick decision won't build confidence, creating doubt long afterward as you wonder whether the ring you chose meets your desires or not.
Just like finding the perfect diamond engagement ring, finding the perfect diamond wedding ring involves several steps, three important actions we've happily outlined as follows:
Discuss Your Budget - Your eyes may be set on having that Ladies .75 carat platinum round brilliant diamond wedding ring, but your budget won't cover that particular ring. If you choose that ring, will you be able to afford a ring for both of you? There is nothing wrong with exchanging rings with fewer diamonds or settling on white or yellow gold instead of platinum. Many couples who couldn't afford expensive rings when they wed choose to exchange eternity rings once their relationship has matured and their finances are secure.
Shop Around - You no longer need to buy your rings at the local jewelry store as on-line merchants (including James Allen) are selling comparable products via the internet. Visit your local jeweler to get an idea about styles and price, but then compare those prices with merchants including those who sell their goods on-line. By making your purchase through a reputable and quality internet merchant, you'll pay less and in some cases not have to pay sales tax. A lower overhead means savings are passed on to you, allowing you to pocket the extra cash or spring for the more expensive perfect diamond ring.
Consider The Design - Though it is possible to buy matching wedding bands, some couples choose a different tactic and allow the woman to choose a ring embedded with many small diamonds while the man wears the plain, yellow gold ring. Some men prefer a more subdued look when wearing a wedding band while their wives enjoy a ring that is fancy and inlaid with a centerpiece diamond joined by two smaller diamonds on each side. Ladies, if wearing any ring is a big issue for your man, be happy with the one he wants - up until two generations ago it was a rarity for the man to wear a band. So look for a comfort fit wedding ring for him, something he'll wear without finding it to be a hindrance as he works with his hands.
Finally, wherever you choose to purchase your perfect diamond rings, you'll want to find a merchant who stands by their work. Examine their money back guarantee, the warranty, and the GIA and AGS certificates that come with every diamond. Once you are married and living under one roof, make certain that your homeowner insurance policy covers your diamond engagement ring; in some cases you'll have to take out a separate policy, something your insurance agent can advise you on.
Additional related Articles about Diamonds:
1. Choosing the Perfect Diamond:
http://www.jamesallen.com/News/DiamondArticles
2. Which is the most perfect diamond he could give me?
http://www.theleodiamond.com/perfect-diamond.html
3. More on Diamond Education
http://www.jamesallen.com/education
4. Diamond on Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond
5. How to choose a Diamond
http://www.wikihow.com/Choose-a-Diamond
6. How to choose your Diamond
http://www.bridaldiamond.com/info/choose_diamond.cfm
7. How to Choose a Diamond Merchant
http://www.epinions.com/webs-topics-reputable_merchant
8. Diamond Knowledge
http://www.pricescope.com/diamond-knowledge.aspx
Additional Interesting Engagement Rings & Diamonds News Articles:
http://www.jamesallen.com/news/DiamondArticles/
 
 
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