nataliehoover44's Journal

Diamond Engagement and Wedding Rings Buying Guide
Understanding Gems

Becoming intimate with Gems

The main price of the engagement ring is often the sparkling diamond or shimmering colored gemstone that you select to adorn it. To avoid costly mistakes, it is very important to learn as much as possible about the stone you are thinking about. The best way to take the risk out of buying a particular gem is to familiarize yourself with the gem. As the average consumer can't hope to make exactly the same precise judgments like a qualified gemologist whose scientific training and wealth of practical experience give a far greater data base from which to operate, the customer can learn to judge a gemstone as a "total personality" and learn what the critical factors are; color, clarity (sometimes referred to within the trade as "perfection"), sparkle and brilliance, and weight, and the way to balance them in judging the gem's value. Learning about these factors spending some time available on the market looking, listening, and asking them questions prior to making the purchase will help you prepare to be a wise buyer more likely to get what you want, at a reasonable cost.

Picking out a Diamond

Diamonds diamond engagement ring has emerged because the universal symbol of love and commitment between two people. Not only is it the formal beginning; visible "announcement" of the your engagement, however the centuries old symbolism surrounding diamond reflects both the preciousness of the moment and commitment made by a couple for each other to cherish one another forever.
Although some woman prefer other gems to diamond, or opt for the special significant of a family heirloom, a diamond may be the overwhelming selection of today's bride.

engagement and wedding rings

Some brides-to-be probably have been surprised with the unexpected presentation of an engagement ring, but it's probably safest to go about the task of selecting the ring together. As the component of surprise is very romantic, remember that the engagement ring is meant to be worn for life. So it's especially important the bride-to-be really loves it; it reflects her personal taste and elegance. If you're a die hard romantic who would like to surprise her, we recommend putting a photo of a ring you like within the "tiny black ring box" and presenting her with this instead; it combines romance with practicality, and you are sending another essential message: not only do you love her, however, you understand the importance of cooperating on such important decision!

The prior and following articles, we'll give everything you need to know to buy diamond jewelry with greater confidence; whether you are looking for an engagement ring, wedding or anniversary band, or simply a beautiful piece of diamond jewelry to commemorate an important moment. The higher your awareness of the elements that determine diamond quality, the better likelihood of knowing what you would like, getting exactly what you're after, and deriving lasting pleasure from it.

- What is diamond?

Chemically speaking, a diamond is the simplest of gemstones. Diamond jewelry is plain, crystallized carbon; exactly the same substance, chemically, because the soot left within a glass globe following the burning of the candle; it's the same substance used in lead pencils.

Diamonds differs from these in the crystal form, which provides it the desirable properties make it so highly prized; its hardness, which provides it unsurpassed wear-ability; its brilliance; and its fire. (But observe that while diamond is the hardest natural substance known, it can be chipped or broken if hit hard from certain angles, and when the "girdle" continues to be cut too thin it can be chipped with a modest blow.)

The transparent white colorless) diamond is most widely used variety, but diamond also occurs in colors. When color is prominent it is called an expensive diamond. Diamond is often present in nice yellow and brown shades. Diamond color such as pink, light blue, light green, and lavender occur a lot more rarely. In diamonds, the colors seen are usually pastel. Deep diamond colors in hues of red, green, and dark blue are incredibly rare. Historically, most colored diamonds have sold in excess of their colorless counterparts, aside from light yellow or brown varieties. Yellow or brown in very pale shades might not be fancy diamonds but off color stones which are very common then sell for a smaller amount than colorless diamonds or individuals with true "fancy" color.

engagement and wedding rings

In addition to natural color diamonds, "fancies" that have obtained their color artificially, through contact with certain kinds of radiation and heating techniques, are readily available. The bill of sale (and any accompanying certification appraisal, etc.) should specify whether the color is natural or induced. If induced, the cost should be much less, although the gem will often be just like beautiful as you with a natural color.

- The four factors that determine diamond value
Diamond quality and value are based on four factors. These are called the "Four C's." As we were to rank then based on their important in determining the value of a diamond, we would list them the following:

- Color (body color)

- Clarity (amount of flawlessness)

- Cutting and proportioning (also known as the make)

- Carat (which affects the dimensions)

When it comes to determining beauty, however, we would rank them in a different order:

1. Cutting and proportioning

2. Color

3. Clarity

4. Carat weight

Tips on obtaining the diamond you want, affordable

If you have an unlimited budget, you may feel you need to have a large stone of the finest quality available; a "D" flawless with an ideal make. But for most of us who must work within a limited budget, choosing the correct ring is really a matter of learning how to juggle, and discovering what factors will best meet our needs, emotional in addition to financial.

- In diamonds, go for color and sparkle first

For those who have a limited budget, you need to compromise on something; either the size, color, clarity (flaw grade), or liveliness. Of those four factors, one can see size, color, and liveliness. In terms of what most people notice on the finger, the clarity is the lowest in our opinion. Personally, on a limited budget we'd select a stone using the best possible color and liveliness personality.

What most people do not understand is the fact that even just in SI2 diamonds, flaws are not really noticeable when the diamond has been worn and, generally, can't be seen at all without needing a magnifier. Actually, for a well cut one carat D-color and FL (Flawless)-clarity diamond and hold it nest to a well cut one carat D/SI2 diamond, you will not see any difference with the naked eye. Contrary to what many think, it is not the clarity grade that determines how lively an brilliant diamond jewelry will be, But its cut and proportioning. And you may feel much more sparkling yourself if you can spend $7,500 for a diamond, D/SI2, that may look like a $36,000, D/IF, diamond to anyone with no magnifier!

Diamonds brilliance and liveliness is as important as its color. In the end, that's what sets the gem apart from glass and cheap imitations. A well cut diamond has more sparkle; more brilliance and "fire," than every other gem. But the key to the sparkle is in its being well cut. We have seen diamonds which were badly cut that they had no life whatsoever. Actually, one could too be looking at a bit of glass.

For this reason, we prefer diamonds with very fine makes. Diamonds that are cut to look just a little larger than they really are may also be pretty, however when they're cut too spread, they'll be lifeless. In our opinion, we'd rather buy a diamond that's cut exceptionally well; a diamond that actually dances prior to the eye, even though it costs more. Because it does are more expensive, we'd consider decreasing the color grade just a little in exchange for the best possible "make," or coming down in dimensions just a little. While you look around, pay attention to the way a diamond is cut. Ask to see diamonds with "ideal" makes. You'll soon have the ability to spot differences in brilliance and liveliness. Then your eye will help you find the correct balance for your own personel budget.

- A small difference in points can produce a big difference in dollars.

The cost of diamond jewelry increases significantly if this reaches the full, 1 carat. However, try to look for diamond jewelry that weight 90 points (or 9/10 of the carat). When set, few can easily see the main difference from a 90 points diamond and one that is a full one carat diamond. The main difference, however, is very noticeable in dollars. Where a fine one carat diamond (G/VS1 quality) might cost $9,800, the same quality diamond weighting 90 points cost only $8,500. The money you save could purchase an attractive diamond studded wedding ring!

A word of caution: Be cautious that you are not sold a diamond that's too "spread" (a term used to describe a diamond that is cut to look bigger than its real weight). We've seen diamonds weighing 90 points that are actually LARGER in dimension than 1 carat diamond that is cut well. These diamonds usually don't have the brilliance and sparkle of a well-crafted diamond. You may be happy with with their size, but make sure you are pleased with the sparkle. After all, if you're spending money on diamond jewelry, you deserve a stone that demonstrate its full beauty.

- Baby when choosing the colour grade.

D-color may be the rarest and most expensive color in white diamonds. You will find very few diamonds that receive this high grade. Diamonds graded from D through H around the GIA scale are graded within the "white" by other grading systems and, when mounted, can look white. I and J colors are colored "slightly tinted" by other systems and you'll see some yellowish or brownish tint in the stone body color. K and L may also be called "tinted white," and you will easier see the tint. M through Z can also be called "tinted color" or "off white" and appearance yellowish or brownish white.

The difference in cost between D and E color, however; despite the fact that both considered "white" diamonds, could be significant.

You should remember that whenever a diamond is set, it is extremely hard to differentiate between D, E, and F colors without comparing them immediately nest to one another. For all those on a tight budget, selecting a diamond with E, F, or G color instead of D might allow you to bets meet all of your expectations; a "white'" diamond with lots of sparkle in a pleasing size.

- The colour of the setting can make your diamond appear more white.

If you are on a limited budget, remember that if you feel you can't afford a diamond as white as you would like and have the dimensions and sparkle that's important, setting the stone in a white gold or platinum could make the diamond appear more white of computer really is. Less white diamonds (L through M colors) can actually look more white in a white gold or platinum setting; the whiteness of the metal is reflected in to the diamond and masks the yellow, making diamonds appear whiter. Yellowish tinted diamond ( M - Z Colors) usually look whiter inside a gold setting, where the contrast with with the bright yellow of the setting masks the yellowish tint of the diamond and frequently causes it to be appear whiter.

- Flaws may mar the beauty of your diamond ring less than you believe.

On a budget, they may add beauty! As discussed previously, flaws cannot normally be seen in a mounted diamond with the naked eye before the classification I1 clarity! As well as diamonds classified as "I'" flaws are not immediately visible once the diamond is set, particularly when worn. So, while it's important to understand what the flaw grade is to be sure you're paying the correct price, this is the factor you can stretch the farthest without having affected the beauty of diamonds you select. It's an area by which juggling can dramatically modify the budget whilst not affecting the sparkle. Therefore, we normally recommend trying to meet your individual preferences concerning the other three factors first. The cost distinction between Flawless and Internally Flawless, and each successive grade, can be dramatic. Exploring the diamonds without needing a loupe, the D/SI@ would look like the D/IF!

- Consider shapes apart from round.

As the round brilliant cut diamond is considered by most to become the cut that best reveals the diamond's maximum beauty, it normally looks small compared to diamonds cut in other shapes. Today women are showing an increased interest in other shapes. In comparison to the round, pear shaped diamonds and marquise shaped diamonds look larger.

- Think about a design that uses several small stones than one large diamond.

As you can see in greater depth in previous articles, may beautiful designs use several small diamonds rather than one large diamond. These designs provide a beautiful way to keep the budget down. The smaller diamonds, the lower the cost per carat. For instance, a 1 carat round brilliant cut diamond set in a solitaire ring greater than a ring containing three diamonds using a total weight of one carat (each diamond weighing 1/3 carat). A solitaire, even though it is typically the most popular ring style among new brides-to-be, is also the most expensive.

Look for the innovative designs available in multi gemstone rings. These present an alternative that may create a extremely important and individual look.

- Illusion settings.

Certain settings create an illusion that diamond is larger than.

- Bold designs in gold and platinum add importance and distinctiveness to smaller diamonds.

New designs reflecting today's more independent woman have had a significant effect on the diamond engagement ring and wedding band market. Using wider, innovative designs in metal can create a spectacular look, utilizing a smaller diamond (less that one carat) in addition to larger diamonds.

- Pay attention to your heart as well as your head.

The most important consideration in the choice of your diamond engagement ring is when you feel about it. You need to feel a thrill; you want to feel excited; you would like it to be your decision. Should you really prefer yellow gold, don't let someone talk you into platinum; if you really like the pear shape diamond, don't allow someone talk you into round shape diamond.
Our clients was torn between two diamonds; you the best possible color D and she or he knew it was the "better" diamond.

Another was a little larger also it was not as white, F color, however it were built with a magnificent make and also the sparkle was really dazzling. She selected the slightly larger diamond, even though it was F color, because she was honest with herself and her fiancee; she really preferred diamond jewelry which was just a little larger, she was constantly drawn back to that diamond due to the "personality." Another diamond would be a "rarer" stone, color-wise, which made it more costly around the per carat basis, however it was not the main one she really felt excited about. She made the right choice in choosing her heart and not her head!

Diamond Grading report (certificate)

Today, few fine diamonds more than one carat are sold with no diamond grading report (or certificate, as they are also known as) from the respected laboratory. Reports from the GIA, Gem Trade laboratory, are the most favored in the United States as well as in many countries around the world.
A grading report does more than certify the diamond's genuineness; it fully describes the stone and evaluates each of the critical factors affecting quality, beauty, and value. The data they contain can offer verification from the facts as represented by the seller and enable one to create a safer decision when choosing diamond jewelry. Another important function of the reports would be to verify the identity of the specific diamond at some some future time. Also for insurance purposes, the the data provided on the report will ensure replacing the lost or stolen diamond with one that is truly compatible quality.

The availability and widespread use of these reports can, when properly understood, enable even those without professional skills to make valid comparison between several diamonds and much more informed buying decisions.