Monday, March 31, 2008

Engagement Rings, Diamonds, And Information You Should Know

Now that you've decided to make the commitment it's time to buy the ring. An engagement ring is one of the most important purchases you will ever make and you need to get it right. To set your mind at ease familiarize yourself with some diamond-buying basics. Plan a budget and set some guidelines on what your are able and willing to spend. the rule of thumb is 2 months salary, but your personal circumstances may allow you to spend more or less.

The Basics: Diamonds are measured by weight. The bigger the number, the bigger the diamond. Size, however, is not a reliable indicator of quality. Diamonds come in a variety of cuts and shapes and weight alone does not determine value. The cut refers to the width, depth, and number of facets cut into the diamond. The objective of a good cut is brilliance. The facets reflect white light and give the diamond its sparkle. A cut that is too broad and shallow will lack brilliance as will a cut that is too deep and narrow. The shape of the diamond may be round, square, rectangular, pear, tear drop, oval, marquise, or even heart-shaped. Round brilliant is by far the most common and popular shape and cut.

Diamonds also vary in color. Generally, the less color the better when it comes to the quality of the diamond. Some diamonds may appear unflatteringly yellowish or cloudy; however, a few colors of diamonds are extremely rare and can have a higher value. Clarity goes hand in had with color. Imperfections and flaws in the stones, although they may be imperceptible to the average person's eye, lower the value of diamonds.

Now that you have picked a diamond it's time to look at settings. The variety of styles is staggering. The solitaire set in yellow gold is possibly the most common setting. White gold, titanium, and platinum are also excellent choices. Be sure your setting has a sturdy set of prongs to hold the diamond in place. The beauty of the center stone is often accentuated with smaller stones. This is an easy way to make the diamond look bigger. A Bezel setting completely surrounds the center stone. When choosing the setting take your fianc's personality into account. If she prefers simple elegant clothing she will likely admire the same quality in a ring.

By Lulu Dallas

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