How to Understand Diamond Ring Certificates
When purchasing diamond rings, many consumers are simply driven by the basic appearance of the diamond rings themselves. By understanding how to read the certificate that accompanies all quality diamond rings, you will not only be able to choose beautiful diamond rings, but investment quality diamond rings as well.
The certificates that are prepared for diamond rings include the rings ratings on the basis of the Four C's including Cut, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Colour.
How Brilliant Is Your Cut
Whilst most people assume a diamond rings cut is simply referring the shape a diamond has been cut into, it is actually something completely different. The shape of a stone is a matter of personal preference and has little impact on the value of the stone itself. Popular shapes of diamond rings change drastically over time which is why the shape of a diamond is not considered a value factor. The diamond rings cut instead refers to the 'brilliantness' that diamond rings posses. Essentially, the higher quality cut used to finish the stone can highly impact the way light passes through the diamond rings themselves, creating the sparkling quality that makes diamond rings so popular in the first place. Cutting diamond rings is basically adding facets, or angles, to the surface of the stone. A stone that is highly faceted will tend to shine more than one that is not. The ratings typically assigned to the cut of diamond rings are ideal, premium, very good, good, fair, and poor.
The Clarity Factor
The clarity factor for diamond rings is based on how 'perfect' or 'flawed' the stone itself may be. While diamond rings may look flawless to the un-aided eye, each stone is tested in up to 10x magnification and rated based on how many inclusions the stone possesses. An inclusion is basically a flaw in the stone that was created during the diamond's formation. The overall ratings for clarity include F, IF, VVS, VS, SI, and I. The highest rating, F, is reserved for absolute flawless diamond rings and is extremely rare as is the IF rating which indicates diamond rings with no internal stone flaws but some external imperfections. The lowest on the scale, I, indicates imperfection in diamond rings that are clearly visible to the un-aided eye. Most diamond rings fall into the VVS, very very slightly included, VS, very slightly included, and SI, slightly included, categories on the rating scale. The higher the clarity of the diamond rings, the higher the value.
Size Does Matter
The carat weight of diamond rings is the easiest classification to understand. Simply put, carat weight is the overall weight of the diamond which, in turn, determines its size. The carat weight is determined by weighing the stones in diamond rings and then determining the carat weight of the stone using the fact that each carat is the equivalent of .2 grams in weight. Because larger jewellery quality diamonds are harder to come by in nature than small ones, the higher the carat weight of the diamond rings, the harder they are to come by and the higher the prices they will fetch.
The Choice Is Clear
The colour of diamond rings rates how close to clear or colourless a diamond is which the ideal is. True colourless diamond rings are nearly impossible to come by. The colour of diamond rings is rated on an alphabetical scale from D to Z. A D rating on diamond rings indicates a true colourless stone. The majority of diamond rings on the market fall between the G through I ratings, indicating no colour visible to the un-aided eye.
By understanding the certificate accompanying diamond rings, you will not only be able to choose a ring based on appearance, but on quality as well.
Perfect Cuts for Diamond Earrings
When selecting the perfect pair of diamond earrings one if the most important decisions to make is what cut or shape of stone to choose. The appearance of diamond earrings can change dramatically based simply on the shape of stone set in them. Knowing the various shapes and styles available in diamond earrings can help you choose the perfect pair to suit your personality.
Traditional Designs
Some of the more traditional shapes diamond earrings are the round cut, sometimes also called the brilliant cut, and the princess cut. Round cut diamond earrings are the ideal shape for a traditional pair of diamond studs. As the name implies, the shape of these diamond earrings is a basic round circle. The benefit of round cut diamond earrings is that they are very traditional and very classic in design. Because of the simplicity of the shape, round cut diamond earrings look stunning in just about any carat size and in any setting. The other simpler cut for diamond earrings is the princess cut. Princess cut diamond earrings are shaped in a simple square design. Just like round cut diamond earrings, princess cut diamond earrings look good in nearly any size as well as in any setting. If you are searching for a simple pair of diamond earrings in a classic design, the round cut and princess cuts should be considered.
Elegant Designs
If you are seeking a classic design that may not be as traditional as round or princess cut diamond earrings, then you may want to consider a pair of diamond earrings in an oval or pear cut. Oval cut diamond earrings offer the same simplicity as round cut diamond earrings with just a slightly different design appearance. They are yet another style of diamond earrings that are perfect for any occasion, casual or formal. Pear shaped diamond earrings are a very elegant cut as well, curved at the bottom and pointed on top resembling a sparkling teardrop. The key to both of these styles of diamond earrings is choosing a setting that will allow the diamond earrings to stay in their proper upright position. With the correct fit, this shouldn't be a problem.
Royal Beauties
Some of the more regal shapes of diamond earrings that are typically associated with royal jewellery are the emerald cut and radiant cut. Emerald cut diamond earrings have always been a popular design choice as well as the radiant cut. The clean angles of both designs lend themselves to an air of royalty. While emerald cut diamond earrings are basically rectangular in shape, radiant cut diamond earrings are the same but with slightly rounded edges. Both varieties of diamond earrings are suitable in any size and can be worn for any occasion.
Unique Designs
If you are looking for a more whimsical or unique cut of diamond earrings, the asscher cut and heart shape styles may be ideal. Heart shaped diamond earrings are not only one of the most popular gifts for Valentine's Day, but they are also the most charming of all the other shapes. The asscher cut, on the other hand, was never truly well known until a ring bearing the shape appeared on an episode of Sex in the City, the hit TV show. Since that episode, the asscher cut has become one of the most demanded in diamond earrings and rings. Asscher cut diamond earrings are similar to princess cut diamond earrings except for the use of slightly angled corners.
Whatever your personal preferences in diamond earrings may be, there is definitely a wide variety of choices from which to choose your perfect pair.
Cost Considerations for Eternity Rings
While eternity rings have long been things of great beauty, they can also, unfortunately, be things of great price as well. As with any piece of quality jewellery, eternity rings can be considered an investment. The decisions that must be made before buying eternity rings is how much of an investment are you willing to make. By exploring all of the available options in eternity rings on the market today, it is still possible to find a ring that not only meets your budget but also manages to take your breath away.
How Precious Is Your Metal
One of the most basic choices when it comes to buying eternity rings is what type of metal to have them set in. Yellow gold eternity rings are moderately priced and provide a nice colour contrast to clear diamonds as well as coloured gemstones. White gold, platinum, and titanium eternity rings all provide mirror like finishes that almost reflect the dazzling qualities of the stones set within them. The main difference between the three varieties of 'white' metal on first glance is the price. Platinum eternity rings are often some of the most expensive, while white gold eternity rings was usually more affordable. With the rise of titanium eternity rings in the market, an even more cost effective way to achieve that mirrored shine is now possible. Regarding strength and durability, even though platinum eternity rings were once considered the superior metal, titanium engagement rings are now far more durable. If you are looking for high quality at an affordable price, titanium eternity rings may be your best bet.
Eternity Rings-Half or Full
The basic design of eternity rings can significantly affect the price. Full eternity rings require a significantly larger number of stones in the ring design since they are set completely around the band itself. Half eternity ring tend to be substantially cheaper in price since the stones contained within them are only set on the top half of the ring with the bottom half of the band being plain metal. Most people prefer this option if they are interested in a more affordable ring, or if they simply want to have larger stones set in their eternity rings.
Buying Eternity Rings Isn't Always a Clear Cut Decision
While traditional eternity rings are set with diamonds, that is by no means a requirement. Some people simply appreciate the design of eternity rings regardless of what stones may be set within them. In fact, it is becoming more and more common to have eternity rings set with coloured birthstones, either in addition to or in place of the traditional diamonds. Birthstone eternity rings not only appeal to individuals on a tighter budget, they also offer yet another way to make eternity rings slightly more personalized in their design.
If you do prefer to stick with diamonds, the overall quality of the stones used on the eternity rings can have a tremendous impact on the price as well. If going with a white metal, it is recommended to choose diamonds for you eternity rings that are as close to colourless as possible. With yellow stone eternity rings, lower quality diamonds that are slightly yellower actually work better for some people and tend to give an overall warmer appearance to the rings.
Another option for the budget conscious shopper who wants the perfect looking diamond without the price tag is synthetic stones. Eternity rings set with lab created stones, diamond or otherwise, have the same beautiful appearance, oftentimes at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Because of the amazing replication qualities of lab created stones, always make sure if you are buying high quality eternity rings that they have come from a reputable dealer.
