frederickmorris' Journal

Engagement and Wedding Rings Buying Guide
Getting to know Gems

Becoming intimate with Gems

The main price of the diamond engagement ring is often the sparkling diamond or shimmering colored gemstone that you select to adorn it. To prevent costly mistakes, it is crucial to learn whenever possible concerning the stone you are considering. The easiest method to go ahead and take risk out of buying a particular gem is to understand the gem. While the average consumer can't hope to make the same precise judgments like a qualified gemologist whose scientific training and wealth of practical experience provide a far greater database from which to operate, the customer can learn to judge a gemstone like a "total personality" and learn exactly what the critical factors are; color, clarity (sometimes known in the trade as "perfection"), sparkle and brilliance, and weight, and the way to balance them in judging the gem's value. Researching these factors spending time available on the market looking, listening, and asking them questions prior to making the acquisition will prepare you to be a wise buyer more prone to get that which you really want, at a fair price.

Selecting a Diamond

The diamond engagement ring has emerged because the universal symbol of affection 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 from the moment and commitment made by two people in love to cherish each other forever.
While some woman prefer other gems to diamond, or choose the special significant of a family heirloom, a diamond is the overwhelming choice of today's bride.

engagement and wedding rings

Some brides to be probably have been taken by surprise using the unexpected presentation of the engagement ring, but it is probably safest to carry out the job of choosing the ring together. As the component of surprise is extremely romantic, remember that the engagement ring is supposed to be worn for a lifetime. So it is especially important the bride-to-be really loves it; it reflects her personal taste and elegance. If you're a die hard romantic who wants to surprise her, we suggest placing a photo of the ring you want within the "tiny black ring box" and presenting her with this instead; it combines romance with practicality, and you're simply sending another essential message: you don't only love her, but you comprehend the need for cooperating on such important decision!

The previous and following articles, we'll give everything you need to know to purchase diamond jewelry with greater confidence; whether you are looking for an diamond engagement ring, wedding or anniversary band, as well as a beautiful piece of diamonds to commemorate an essential moment. The higher your awareness of the sun and rain that determine diamond quality, the better likelihood of knowing what you want, getting exactly what you are after, and deriving lasting pleasure from this.

- What's diamond?

Chemically speaking, a diamond is the simplest of all gemstones. Diamond jewelry is plain, crystallized carbon; exactly the same substance, chemically, as the soot left on the inside of a glass globe following the burning of a candle; it is the same substance utilized in lead pencils.

The diamond is different from these in its crystal form, which gives it the desirable properties have made it so highly prized; its hardness, which gives it unsurpassed wear-ability; its brilliance; and it is fire. (But observe that while diamond may be 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 even a modest blow.)

The transparent white colorless) diamond is most popular variety, but diamond can also happen in colors. When color is prominent it is called an expensive diamond. Diamond is often found in nice yellow and brown shades. Diamond color for example pink, light blue, light green, and lavender occur a lot more rarely. In diamonds, the colors seen are often pastel. Deep diamond colors in hues of red, green, and dark blue are extremely rare. Historically, most colored diamonds have sold for more than their colorless counterparts, except for light yellow or brown varieties. Yellow or brown in very pale shades might not be fancy diamonds but off color stones that are common then sell for much less than colorless diamonds or those with true "fancy" color.

engagement and wedding rings

Along with natural color diamonds, "fancies" that have obtained their color artificially, through exposure to certain types of radiation and heating techniques, can easily be bought. The balance of sale (and any accompanying certification appraisal, etc.) should specify if the color is natural or induced. If induced, the price should be much less, although the gem will often be just as beautiful as one with a natural color.

- The four factors that determine diamond value
Diamond quality and value are based on four factors. They are called the "Four C's." If we were to rank then according to their important in determining the need for diamond jewelry, we'd list them as follows:

- Color (body color)

- Clarity (degree of flawlessness)

- Cutting and proportioning (also known as the make)

- Carat (which affects the dimensions)

In terms of 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 really want, within your budget

For those who have an unlimited budget, you may feel it's important to have a large stone of the finest quality available; a "D" flawless with an ideal make. However for most of us who must work inside a limited budget, choosing the correct ring is a matter of learning how to juggle, and discovering what factors will best meet our needs, emotional as well as financial.

- In diamonds, go for color and sparkle first

If you have a restricted budget, you have to compromise on something; either the size, color, clarity (flaw grade), or liveliness. Of those four factors, it's possible to see size, color, and liveliness. In terms of what many people notice around the finger, the clarity is the lowest in our opinion. Personally, on the limited budget we would choose a stone with the best possible color and liveliness personality.

What most people don't understand is that even just in SI2 diamonds, flaws are not really noticeable once the diamond has been worn and, generally, can not be seen at all without using a magnifier. Actually, for a properly 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 use whatever difference using the naked eye. Unlike what many think, it's not the clarity grade that determines how lively an brilliant a diamond is going to be, Nevertheless its cut and proportioning. And you may feel much more sparkling yourself if you can spend $7,500 for any diamond, D/SI2, that could look like a $36,000, D/IF, diamond to anyone without a magnifier!

Diamonds brilliance and liveliness is as important as its color. After all, that's what sets the gem aside from glass and cheap imitations. A well cut diamond has more sparkle; more brilliance and "fire," than every other gem. But the key towards the sparkle is within its being well cut. We view diamonds that were badly cut that they no life at all. Actually, one could too be checking out a piece of glass.

For this reason, we prefer diamonds with very fine makes. Diamonds which are cut to appear a little larger than they actually are can also be pretty, but when they are cut too spread, they'll be lifeless. Within 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 is more expensive. Because it does cost more, we would consider lowering the color grade a little in return for the best possible "make," or coming down in size a little. As you look around, be sure to pay focus on what sort of diamond is cut. Ask to see diamonds with "ideal" makes. You'll soon be able to spot variations in brilliance and liveliness. Your eye can help you find the correct balance for your own personel budget.

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

The price of a diamond increases significantly when it 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 see the difference between a 90 points diamond and something that's a full one carat diamond. The main difference, however, is very noticeable in dollars. In which a fine one carat diamond (G/VS1 quality) might cost $9,800, exactly the same quality diamond weighting 90 points might cost only $8,500. The cash it will save you could purchase a beautiful diamond studded wedding ring!

A word of caution: Be careful that you are not sold a diamond that's too "spread" (a phrase accustomed to describe a diamond that's cut to appear bigger than its real weight). We've seen diamonds weighing 90 points that come LARGER in dimension than 1 carat diamond that is cut well. These diamonds usually don't have the brilliance and sparkle of a well made diamond. You may be pleased with using their size, but be certain that you're pleased with the sparkle. After all, if you are spending money on diamond jewelry, you deserve a stone that show its full beauty.

- What to consider when choosing the color grade.

D-color is the rarest and many expensive color in white diamonds. There are not many diamonds that receive this very high grade. Diamonds graded from D through H on the GIA scale are graded in the "white" by other grading systems and, when mounted, will appear white. I and J colors are colored "slightly tinted" by others and you'll see some yellowish or brownish tint within the stone body color. K and L may also be called "tinted white," and you will easier see the tint. M through Z may also be called "tinted color" or "off white" and appear yellowish or brownish white.

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

It is important to keep in mind that whenever a diamond is set, it is very difficult to tell the difference between D, E, and F colors without comparing them immediately nest to each other. For all those on a budget, picking out a diamond with E, F, or G color instead of D might enable you to bets meet all your expectations; a "white'" diamond with a lot of sparkle in a pleasing size.

- The color of your setting could make your diamond appear whiter.

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

- Flaws may mar the good thing about your diamond ring less than you think.

On a budget, they may add beauty! As discussed previously, flaws cannot normally be seen inside a mounted diamond with the human eye alone before the classification I1 clarity! And even in diamonds classified as "I'" flaws are not immediately visible when the diamond is set, especially when worn. So, while you need to know what the flaw grade is to be sure you're make payment on correct price, this is the factor you are able to 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 attempting to meet your personal preferences concerning the other three factors first. The cost difference between Flawless and Internally Flawless, and every successive grade, can be dramatic. Looking at the diamonds without using 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 be the cut that best reveals the diamond's maximum beauty, it normally looks smaller than diamonds cut in other shapes. Today women are showing a heightened interest in other shapes. In comparison to the round, wrong diamonds and marquise shaped diamonds look larger.

- Consider a design that utilizes several gravel than one large diamond.

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

Look for the innovative designs obtainable in multi gemstone rings. These present an alternative that can produce a extremely important and individual look.

- Illusion settings.

Certain settings create an illusion that diamond is larger than it is.

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

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

- Pay attention to your heart along with your head.

The most important consideration within the choice of your diamond engagement ring is how you feel about it. You need to feel a thrill; you want to feel excited; you want it to be your decision. Should you really prefer 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; one had the best possible color D and she or he knew it was the "better" diamond.

Another would be a little larger and it wasn't quite as white, F color, but it had a magnificent make and the sparkle really was dazzling. She selected the slightly larger diamond, 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 because of its "personality." The other diamond was a "rarer" stone, color-wise, making it more costly around the per carat basis, but it was not the one she really felt excited about. She made the right choice in going with her heart and not her head!

Diamond Grading report (certificate)

Today, few fine diamonds more than one carat can be purchased without a diamond grading report (or certificate, because they are also known as) from a respected laboratory. Reports from the GIA, Gem Trade laboratory, would be the most widely used in the usa and in many countries all over the world.
A grading report does a lot 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 provide verification of the facts as represented by the seller and enable one to create a safer decision when purchasing diamond jewelry. Another essential 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 information provided around the report will ensure replacing the lost or stolen diamond with one that is truly compatible quality.

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