What Should You Know About Engagement Rings?
A diamond ring is a major investment, so there’s a lot to consider before you buy. Knowing what she likes, what proper certification is, and how the “Four Cs” work are all important things you need to know prior to making a purchase.
Her Style. If the proposal — and subsequently the ring — is going to be a surprise, you can get an idea of her tastes by studying the rings she already has. Are they delicate? Consider a micro-pavé band with a quality center stone. Does she favor silver over gold? Platinum or white gold metals have a silvery look. Her mother, sister, or close friend would probably be happy to steer you in the right direction, just be aware that there’s a chance they might have trouble keeping such a happy secret.
Certification. Certification is a printed report based on a gemological analysis of a specific stone, prepared in an independent laboratory by certified gemologists. It will state your diamond’s 4 Cs, as well as describe the diamond’s shape, measurements, table and depth percentages, and grade the polish and symmetry. It should also comment on characteristics like fluorescence, graining, and imperfections. Often, the certificate will estimate the replacement value of the stone for insurance purposes. Finally, the certificate should include a detailed sketch of the diamond. A certificate assures a diamond buyer of the quality and authenticity of their stone. Your diamond’s certification should come from a well know, reputable source, such as the American Gemological Society (AGS); Diamond High Council (Hoge Raad Voor Diamant; HRD); or European Gemological Laboratory (EGL).
The Four Cs. This is a term that you should be very familiar with before you put down a dime. It stands for Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight — the traits that determine the quality of a diamond. A diamond’s Cut affects how much light is reflected from the stone; the higher the rating, the more brilliant (and costly) the diamond. Most gemologists consider Cut the most important diamond characteristic because even if a diamond has perfect color and clarity, a diamond with a poor cut will appear dull. Color is actually a measure of how little color the stone has, and the less color the better. Clarity determines how many flaws (a.k.a. inclusions) a diamond has, and how visible they are to the eye.Carat weight tells you the size of the stone, with the price rising with the weight.
Once you’ve got the basics down, you can begin shopping around for the right style, stone, and setting for the gift of a lifetime.