Diamonds are known for their unmistakable sparkle. They are often
associated with engagements and special occasions, however they can
be incorporated into just about any situation. Children have been
raised to think diamonds are a symbol of wealth and class. This is
most likely because they can be very expensive! They truly are one
of nature's most prized possessions. However, without being
polished and cut, this precious stone is somewhat ordinary.
Diamonds are made deep within the earth under extreme temperatures
and pressure, so it is only fitting that they are not very pretty
upon their ascent to the earth's surface. The cut of a diamond
determines exactly how much twinkle you will see.
When stone cutters first realized diamonds will sparkle more
depending on the manner in which they are cut, they embarked on a
journey to find the best way to showcase this stone. After years of
trial and error, they settled on one design: The ideal cut. This
cut consists of 58 facets and maximizes the brilliance and sparkle
every diamond is capable of having. Having an established jeweler
cut your diamond can mean the difference between having a great
ring and having the most perfect ring anyone has ever seen!
Diamonds can come in many colors other than your popular clear or
white variety. These colors can positively or negatively affect the
value of your stone. Understanding why diamonds are different
colors will enable you to make an educated decision as to which one
you should buy. At the end of the day it is all a matter of
preference, but with knowledge comes the power to make an educated
and informed decision pertaining to your next diamond purchase.
The scale that grades the color of diamonds ranges from D-Z. A
diamond with the grade of D would mean it is colorless and worth
more than the subsequent letters. A diamond graded as Z would have
visible amounts of color. Although colorless diamonds are preferred
by some, colored diamonds are not only increasing in popularity,
but also in price. The color of your next diamond is strictly up to
you. You do not have to succumb to society's standards when
choosing your diamond's color. This can be the one time in
which being unique can be a really great thing! Whether you choose
a white diamond, black one or anything in between, it will forever
be cherished by its recipient.
D-F: Absolutely colorless. This is the highest
color grade and quite rare.
G-J: Near to colorless. These may appear colorless
when mounted in white gold or platinum.
K-M: Diamonds in this category have a visible
yellow or brownish tinge. These diamonds are not generally
recommended for engagement rings and where large-sized stones are
appropriate.
Diamond clarity can be defined as the existence of imperfections on
the inside and outside of the stone. Most of these flaws are not
visible to the naked eye. It takes a professional jeweler to detect
these flaws and grade the diamond accordingly.
Internal imperfections in the diamond are called inclusions while
surface imperfections are called blemishes. The flaws diminish the
value of the diamond. Everyone seeks a completely flawless diamond
but they are very rare. As a result, they are very expensive. Since
diamonds are formed deep within the earth's mantle at
exceptionally high temperatures, it only makes sense that most of
the time they can possess numerous flaws. Before being polished and
cut, diamonds are actually pretty unimpressive. It takes a lot of
work to dress these stones up to the gorgeous diamonds we are used
to seeing on a variety of jewelry. Since most people cannot afford
a flawless diamond, it is likely you will end up with a diamond
that has flaws. This is completely fine because most imperfections
are not visible to the naked eye. Some people may even prefer
flawed diamonds because they are more affordable and no one will
know that it is not absolutely perfect.
Carat weight is the term used to reference the weight of a diamond.
It is typically thought that the larger the carat weight, the more
valuable the diamond. There can be an exception if the
diamond's clarity has been significantly compromised. It is
safe to say that two diamonds rated similarly on the clarity can be
more expensive as the carat weight of the stone increases. This is
a key factor to remember when choosing the right diamond for you.
Figuring out your budget will greatly narrow down which diamonds
are affordable.
There are number of factors to keep in mind when choosing a
diamond. You want to be aware of the recipient's personal
preference, finger size, the type of setting it will be placed in
and your budget. Even if your budget is not incredibly large, there
are more than enough options for you to consider. Keep in mind that
bigger is not always necessarily better. A ring that is too big can
get in the way and possibly become damaged. Above all, your lady
should fall in love with the ring the minute she sees it. That
should not be an insurmountable task considering she has already
fallen in love with you.
