Know Your Diamond Quality
Most books will go through the 4 C's:
* Cut - Cut is actually about the dimensions of the diamond itself. Though some mistake this to be the shape, this is how many facets and how deep the stone is. This is hardest to compare for the non-jeweler. However, a weell cut stone will sparkle more. So perhaps, that is the best way to describe cut - sparkle
* Clarity - It there are lots of black inclusions, your diamond also won't sparkle well. The better the clarity -- the less black spots. Using a jeweler's loupe will help you see these spots better.
* Color - If you are buying a white diamond, this is the scale of how white your diamond is. For colored diamonds (yellow, blue, pink, etc), it is how "bright" or "brilliant" the color is. For white diamonds, "D" is the best. If you Get D-E-F you will probably be very happy, though that is up to you.
* Carat - This is the part everyone seems to easily understand. The bigger the diamond (with the other factors being equal), the more valuable it is.
To learn more, read more on the FREE diamond buying guide. It tells you more in depth ways of getting a diamond that is worth your money.
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Other Places for More Rings and Information
- Engagement Ring FAQ
- Find out answers to commonly asked wedding and engagement ring questions
- Tips for Choosing An Engagement Ring
- What do you look for when buying an engagement ring? Learn about the many types, styles and choices you have
- Wedding Engagement Rings
- Includes proposal ideas, promise rings, engagement rings, bridal jewelry, wedding planning and wedding gifts
Sound off - Are Diamonds The ONLY Type of Engagement Ring YOu Will Consider?
For some people, diamonds are the only way. Yet for others, they are willing to consider alternatives. Here are some alternatives that are beautiful and lasting that may work just as well for you
* Diamond Look-A-Likes: These are stones that are often thought to mimic a diamond at a much more affordable price. They include: Moissanite, Cubic Zirconia, White Sapphire, or Zircon. Each has its own properties, so you will want to do your research. However, they are all much more inexpensive. Cubic Zirconia (CZ) is usually considered the least expensive.
* Other Gemstones: Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire are all popular in many parts of the world for engagement rings.Of these choices, I like Aquamarine Engagement Rings the best. They are the birthstone for March and have a light blue color. They are very stunning in their own right.
* Plain Band: If you are really active, perhaps a plain band will last best. Though I'm fond of stones, many are not.
* Inexpensive ring + something more permanent: One couple bought each other musical instruments and played music with each other. They did get something they could wear everything -- but their "true" engagement rings were musical.
Is a Diamond wedding engagement ring the only type of engagement ring to get?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byDiamonds are forever. The symbolism behind diamonds goes back centuries and represents love.
Diamonds are overpriced and over valued. Other stones work just as well why not use them?
EBay May Be Tempting - Be Do Your Homework!
You need to be careful, but you can buy from Ebay to get the ring of your dreams. I would be VERY careful though as descriptions can be misleading.
You would have an easie time returning to a merchant than a random seller.
If you do decide to buy from EBay, pay attention to the seller rating as well as comments about the seller. You also may want to read the description 3 or more times. Is it set in real gold (what carat)? Does it list the quality of the diamond itself besides the size? What country is the ring being sold from. There is lots to research!
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What Shape of Diamond Do You Want?
There are many shapes of diamonds - round, pear, marquise, oval, emerald, heart and princess and more. Price is determined by facets and depth ratio - not diamond shape. However, some cuts allow the diamond cutter to use more of their material than others. This can make some cuts more cost effective.Round diamonds are the most popular. However, often Princess Cut Engagement Rings are often more affordable. That is because they can sometimes hide inclusions better than other cuts.
For the super romantic person, perhaps heart-shaped diamonds are the more adored shape, but know you will be usually spending more money to get it.
Do You NEED a Designer Engagement Ring?
When one thinks about designer engagement rings, Tiffany's often comes to mind as they are so well known. Tiffany engagement rings are both elegant and classic. They help you show your affection with a gorgeous ring. A Tiffany engagement ring has 'style' no matter which type of setting you choose.
You have a choice of settings with your tiffany engagement ring. These include:
* A cathedral type setting. This has a curve with arches, and has gained in popularity over the years due to its elegant nature. The stone is highlighted as it sits in the center of the ring.
* A pave type setting. This is when the band is below the stone itself.
These options are available for most types of designer engagement rings.
Another designer is Harry Winston. He is based in California, USA, and is probably most famous, for the modern engagement rings that he designed for Ben Affleck to give to Jennifer Lopez. The diamond ring that he designed was a magnificent six carat pink engagement ring and it was probably amongst the most unique modern engagement rings that have been given to prospective brides for a long time.
Harry Winston is not just famous for his designs of modern engagement rings. Many Oscar winner stars have worn his jewelry designs. These include Halle Berry, Jodie Foster, Gwyneth Paltro, Glen Close and Whoopi Goldberg. He is said to have loaned Elizabeth Taylor pieces of jewelry with a value of $3 million, to wear in just one night.
If you are unsure of which ring to buy, most jewelers have a reasonable return or exchange policy. Just be certain to verify the policy before buying your ring. It is much more romantic to give a beautiful diamond ring rather than a slip of paper saying "good for one engagement ring"!
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