Sparklers, Anyone? Selecting an Engagement Ring
The need for an engagement ring was decreed by Pope Nicholas I around 860 so that there will be a clear indication of intention to marry between two individuals. Traditionally, engagement rings are made of semi precious stones like sapphires and emeralds. However, the diamond increasingly became the signature gem for engagement rings, particularly in the United States.
Choosing the Diamond
Choosing a really valuable piece of diamond requires a bit of specialized knowledge; you can’t merely gaze around at displays and point to one that catches your eye unless you want to bring your would-be fiancé an enormous yet relatively worthless diamond ring.
You have to consider the diamond’s clarity, color, cut and carat. These are the most important criteria for grading a diamond and this is what you should use when you select your diamond engagement ring.
Clarity, color and carat are inherent characteristics of a piece of diamond. Nearly flawless diamonds, those that have almost no inclusions or impurities, are rare in nature so these types of diamonds are of course more valuable. When it comes to color, the more colorless the diamond, the more valuable it is. The carat is the standard weight measurement of diamonds. A two-carat diamond will always be more valuable than two one-carat diamonds of the same quality because big diamonds are rarer finds than smaller ones.
The most important thing that you have to consider in choosing your diamond, though, is the cut. The depth and the height of the cut as well as the symmetry of the diamond facets will determine how brilliant the finished gem will be.
To avoid making a mistake in choosing your diamond engagement ring, make sure to consult a trusty gemologist about your choice stone. Choose the best possible diamond that fits within your budget.
Choosing the Setting
Choosing your diamond is not the end of your task. Now, you have to consider the setting of the stone. Usually, diamonds go well with gold and platinum bands. Platinum is more expensive but it’s more enduring.
You can choose a solitaire setting with a single diamond for adornment. You can also opt for a setting with two smaller diamonds flanking your main diamond or a main diamond with tiny diamond studs all throughout the band.
Of course, after all the thought that went to purchasing your diamond engagement ring, make sure it fits. Ask her mother or filch a ring she wears on her left ring finger to find out her ring size.
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2 Responses to “Sparklers, Anyone? Selecting an Engagement Ring”
Really great information. I thought I’d add one thing I found to be very important that’s not included. I have been searching for an engagement ring for months and finally found the perfect one. Aside from the diamond and setting style, choosing the right metal is imperative. Not only aesthetically, but with regards to how it enhances the intrinsic value of the ring.
My girlfriend never wears yellow gold (my starting point). I read online that many white metal bands are actually plated to achieve their white hue. I found this to be extremely unappealing. Platinum is a naturally white metal, 90-95% pure and precious – it will never lose it’s color or luster. In addition, you won’t find a more durable and trusted metal. Platinum is an element most used in autocatalysts – who knew!
I couldn’t be happier with how the ring looks, feels, and I sleep with a hightened level of assurance, knowing the highest quality metal is holding the diamond I searched long and hard for.
By Dan on Jan 27, 2009
One final point:
I was lucky to have the help from someone who’d already gone through the engagement ring process. I had no clue what the 4 C’s meant. I knew they were important, but beyond that… A
Because this is such an important decision everyone I’ve spoke with insists on the fact that you must obtain a diamond report from GIA. They’re recognized by the jewelry industry and the U.S. government as the ultimate authority on gemology.
My friends are so intense
they sent me a quote from the Wall Street Journal, which said, “Every diamond should come with a grading certificate from an accredited gemological laboratory; the jewelers we talked to agree that the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), an independent, nonprofit organization, is the most trustworthy.”
I did my research and you can find more information on http://www.gia4cs.gia.edu . In addition, you can request reporting for diamonds that are not certified via this site.
Good Luck!
By Dan on Jan 27, 2009