Getting Started
What to consider when shopping for an engagement ring
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Budget
First it is important to decide what your budget is for your ring. A majority of your budget will go towards the center stone. This will determine how large of a stone you would like and whether or not to choose a natural diamond or a lab grown diamond.
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Diamond Shape
There are many different diamonds shapes to consider. Some examples include: Round, Oval, Princess, Cushion, Radiant, Emerald, Pear, Asscher, Heart and Marquise cut.
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Setting
The last step is to choose your setting. You can choose a solitaire, solitaire with accent diamonds, or a halo design. There are many setting designs to choose from as well. The setting will be built around the diamond that you choose to be in the center.
Choosing Your Diamond
The Four C’s
Color
Color is one of the leading factors when evaluating your diamond. Most diamonds, although appearing colorless, actually have slight tones of yellow or brown. In your search for the right diamond, you will recognize as these tones become more apparent, the cost will decrease. Choosing a diamond with an excellent cut will magnify its rare splendor and can even mask its slight color variance because it produces such dazzling brilliant when viewed face up.
Clarity
The size, amount, location and nature of the inclusions determine the diamond’s clarity grade and affect its cost. Remember, over half of a diamonds value is based upon it appearance. If there is an inclusion that does not interfere with thee refraction of light in the stone, i.e. on the side and not noticeable to the unaided eye, then it is best to concentrate on the cut, color, and size.
Cut
Most diamonds are cut to retain maximum carat weight from the original rough, thus a heavier diamond will result but at a great cost of potential fire and brilliance. A stone cut too deep or too shallow with result in light leaking out of the bottom of the diamond with less brilliance. A stone with an ideal or excellent cut will let light enter the diamond and reflect internally from facet to facet, the reflect back through the top only, creating maximum brilliance.
Carat
Carat weight describes the weight, not the size, of a diamond. Certain carat weights are considered to be magic sizes for their desirability – 1.00 carat, 1.50 carats, and 2.00 carats. Although it is difficult to visually distinguish a 0.99 carat diamond from a 1.00 carat, the price difference can be significant.
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