The mystique diamonds hold is different from any other investment in the world. The combination of rarity and desirability makes diamonds the truest treasure of the ages. Diamonds hold many properties that make them alluring. Diamonds refract light and produce flashes of color better than any other gem. In 1477, the engagement ring tradition began. Archduke Maximilian presented Mary of Burgundy with a diamond ring to seal their marriage vows. The third finger on the left hand was chosen because it was thought the finger was connected to the heart through the vein of love.
Out of all jewelry a woman acquires, the diamond engagement ring is held nearest and dearest to her heart. It becomes part of her from the moment you slide it on her finger. The style and quality details are important aspects to consider before the purchase. In order to ensure you are a hero, there are a few important cues to watch for in order to select the perfect ring. First, take notice when she admires someone else’s ring. Second, look at the other jewelry she wears, whether it is simple or intricate and white or yellow metal. Third, take her into a dependable jeweler and watch her facial expressions when she tries on rings. The ring that makes her eyes light up and smile widen is sure to win.
Every engagement ring is unique. Each has a different mix of personality and grace. Generally speaking, there are eight main diamond shapes: Round, Marquise, Emerald, Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart, and Radiant. All shapes offer their own individuality and sparkle. Regardless of the shape, each diamond has four important variables to keep in mind.
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The 4 C’s: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight measure diamond’s value.
CUT:
Mother Nature determines a diamond's color, clarity, and carat weight, but a master diamond cutter brings forth the beauty and brilliance of a diamond by expertly cutting a stone. A diamond is cut such that light will reflect from one mirror-like facet to another - dispersing light through the top of the stone, spilling forth like a grand fireworks display. If a stone is cut too deep or shallow, the light will be dispersed through the sides and bottom of the stone, allowing the diamond to lose that explosive brilliance.
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 COLOR:
Diamonds are graded by the absence of color, starting at D and continuing through the alphabet. Truly colorless diamonds, graded D, are found less frequently in nature and as a result are of greater value. Color variations can be subtle, like the differences between a bouquet of white and cream roses.
Most people describe colorless (D-F) and near colorless (G-J) diamonds as crisp and phenomenal. Diamonds with more traces of color (K-Z) have more noticeable hints of yellow or brown tones. There is also a type of diamond known as a "Fancy" colored diamond. These stones have well defined color and are considered rare and highly prized. The rainbow array of colors includes yellow, orange, blue, green, purple, pink and red. This intensity of color in each of the shades is defined as fancy, vivid, and intense.
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CLARITY:
Virtually all natural diamonds contain varying characteristics that identify the manner in which Mother Nature has created them. The more pure the stone, or the greater a diamond's clarity, the more brilliant and pleasing to the eye it will appear.
A diamond is scrutinized by a jeweler, either with a 10x-magnifying loupe or microscope, to identify all of its "inclusions" - or nature's birthmarks. If a stone is found to contain no such inclusions, they are categorized as "internally flawless" - and are extremely rare. Diamonds with small inclusions, which are invisible to the naked eye, are graded from VVS1 to SI1 (sometimes SI2). Stones with larger inclusions, are considered a lower grade, and as such, a less rare diamond. Inclusions that can be seen with the naked eye are graded I1, I2, or I3.
CARAT:
Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, they are rarer, which in turn increases their desirability. Additionally, a larger diamond shows off a diamond's fine color and cut, which includes its brilliance and beauty to the best of its abilities. A diamond's size is measured in carat weight, and each carat is equal to 100 points. A .50 carat diamond is the same as a 50-point diamond or a 1/2-carat stone. Diamonds of equal size, however, will vary greatly in value and beauty due to the factors of cut, color, and clarity.
So now that you are ready to start shopping, how do you know you’ll get the best value and service?
As with all major purchases, family owned businesses offer quality reassurance. Jewelers who have served families for generations in the same town have proven track records for being consistently dependable. Another wise consideration to finding a qualified jeweler is personal referrals. There is a peace of mind when you sail charted territories, like shopping with someone who has offered a good experience to a friend. Another aspect to consider is which diamond grading certificates and appraisals jewelers offer. GIA and AGS are the most well respected diamond grading companies in the USA. Diamonds that have been graded with precise quality standards allow you to compare “apples to apples” if you are shopping around. Jewelers who buy diamonds direct from DeBeers site holders also enable you to receive better prices, due to the elimination of middlemen. Lastly, establishing a relationship with a jeweler you are comfortable with is very important. Not only will you be at ease when it comes to after sales service, but future purchases as well.
Shopping for the perfect engagement ring should be like falling in love all over again. As you journey to find the ultimate diamond to enhance her flawless beauty for the next 50 years, just think of the look she’ll give you when you present it. All your attention to detail will be worth it time and time again.
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