The 4 C’s of Diamond Rings
November 26th, 2006 Posted in Wedding Planning and IdeasWhether you are already engaged or looking to pop the question, understanding diamond rings will allow you to select one that will last forever. Do your research before buying. With all the diamond selections available, you may be overwhelmed with the choices. Should you choose yellow gold, white gold, platinum or two-toned? Which cut better fits her personality: round, marquise, triangle or princess? Three stone or solitaire? The one thing that does not have to be overwhelming is jewelry basics. Below you will find a basic guide to diamond rings, including the common – and not so common – jargon used by jewelers.
Cut
Cut is often used by the general public to refer to a diamond’s shape. But its cut includes much more. A well-cut diamond sparkles. The way in which a diamond is proportioned and angled will determine how the light enters and exits the gem. The most brilliant cuts reflect light out through the gem’s top rather than its sides, where both light and brilliance are lost. Brilliance will also be lost if a cut is either too deep or too shallow. When it comes to a diamond’s sparkle and dazzle, the round cut is by far the most popular choice.
Color
A white diamond varies in color. The more colorless the diamond, the more rare it is, and needless to say, the more expensive it is. Experts have designed a letter scale from D-Z that categories a diamond’s color, with D being the purest and Z having yellow tones. To keep it simpler than the letter scale, a diamond can be classified in one of these 5 categories: colorless, near colorless, faint yellow or brown, very light yellow or brown, or light yellow or brown. A beauty of a diamond’s color is truly a matter of personal preference. While one woman may admire the radiance of a colorless diamond, another may prefer a more yellow diamond for its warmer tones. One word of advice. The setting can affect a diamond’s appearance. White gold or platinum settings bring out a diamond’s yellow tones, while yellow gold settings mask them.
Clarity
Nearly all diamonds have inclusions, or natural “birthmarks.” These inclusions were created naturally during the diamond’s formation. They are often pieces of other minerals or slight fractures or blemishes. While some inclusions may be invisible to the naked eye, others may appear as tiny crystals, clouds or feathers. A diamond’s clarity is based on the quantity, size and location of these inclusions. The fewer, the more valued the diamond. Even diamonds with several inclusions can be among the most stunning. The other 3 Cs can greatly reduce the ability to see a diamond’s birthmarks with the naked eye.
Carat
Carats measure a diamond’s weight. Larger diamonds are less frequently discovered than smaller ones. So, the larger the carat weight of a diamond, the more expensive it is. It is best to first choose the cut, color and clarity of your diamond, and then select its carat weight based on the wearer’s style and finger size, as well as the size of the setting and of course your budget. Keep in mind that two same-sized diamonds worn by two different women may appear smaller on one woman’s hand and larger on the other’s. A 1½-carat diamond solitaire looks much larger on a size 4 finger than a size 8. The most important aspect in selecting a diamond is personal preference, for all diamonds are truly a woman’s best friend.
Two other important Cs include Certification and Care. Each diamond is issued a certification known as a grading report or diamond quality document. This report includes all information relevant to the diamond, including the 4 Cs as well as other important information such as its dimensions, symmetry and polish. This report is proof that the diamond has been professionally and carefully inspected and will live up to its standards. Yet, the certification alone will not ensure that the diamond lasts forever. Care is equally important. Although diamonds are the hardest material on earth, they are not indestructible. Dirt and residue can build up over time and diminish your diamond’s sparkle. A simple cleaning and polishing will renew its shine. It is also important to maintain the diamond’s setting. A lose setting may result in a lost diamond. When searching for a jeweler, select one that is not only interested in selling you your dream diamond but is also concerned with maintaining it for a lifetime!