How to Choose the Perfect Diamond Ring

Choosing the ideal diamond ring comes with a lot of factors, and one of them is the understanding of some key elements that describe the quality of any diamond. When it comes to diamonds, the authorities use the Four C’s: clarity, color, cut, and carat eight. So, let us take a closer look at each of these necessary aspects and give you useful tips on where to buy a beautiful diamond, whether it is a princess cut, emerald cut, oval diamond ring, or a radiant cut 3-carat ring.

1. Diamond Clarity

Clarity is the factor that determines the colorlessness and transparency of a diamond, and hence its worth. Diamonds are ranked on a scale according to how many internal flaws or inclusions they possess. The more inclusions, the less the diamond's beauty becomes, and thus the more costly the diamond becomes. While diamonds that are flawless, without imperfections whatsoever, can be found in a normal course of events and on a few occasions at all, their use is virtually restricted to museums or exhibitions. Most buyers, however, prefer diamonds that are simply “eye flawless." This entails that any imperfections found are not visible to the eye, hence guaranteeing beauty and worth. There are several raw diamond clarities : F, IF, and VVS.

Here is the classification of the graduated diamond clarification.

• Flawless F : these diamonds are regarded as perfect; they are valued F, and these diamonds are the most difficult to find among people.
• Internally Flawless (IF) : No inclusions visible even with a microscope, but exceedingly uncommon.
• Very, very slightly included : inclusions that are so minute an expert may even fail to see them inside even with optical tools.
• Very Slightly Included (VS1, VS2) : Inclusions are so small that only the microscope can reveal them, while they cannot be perceived by the eye.
• Slightly Included (SI1, SI2) : These kinds of inclusions can be seen using devices such as magnifying glasses but are often not seen with the naked eye.
• Included (I1, I2, I3) : inclusion detectable even without tool of magnification.

When one wants to buy a diamond, one also has to find a well-balanced clarity that combines value and appearance. Most people choose VS1 or SI1 clarity, refusing to make the inclusions visible to the naked eye while at the same time saving money for the wedding or even a bigger stone.

2. Diamond Color

The hue of diamonds is another factor that contributes to their grading, which ranges from colorless to shades of yellow and brown. A colorless stone is able to refract light more successfully, which is why the stone has that sparkling characteristic. On this color scale, the diamonds are rated from D (having no color at all) to Z, which has shades of yellow and brown.

• D-F (Colorless) – These are the most popular and valuable diamonds, as they are very clear. If you want to impress your fiancée, a clear diamond would be the most appropriate, as it would show beauty.
• G-J (Near Colorless) – These diamonds are good at value because they are almost white when seen without any loupe. Most of the popular selections originate in this set.
• K-M (Very Light Yellow) – These diamonds have a pale yellow tint, and while they can be gorgeous, especially in yellow gold settings, their color can sometimes be a drawback.
• N-Z (Tinted) – Such diamonds have constructive color, thus reduced price, but these diamonds do not glitter like the colorless beauties.

If you choose a princess cut, emerald cut, or oval diamond ring in a colorless shade, be assured that the stone will be clean and shimmering, be it sunlight or man-made light indoors.

3. Diamond Cut

However, the cut present in diamonds enhances the gleaming property of the diamonds to a great extent. In all other C’s, cut refers to the natural virtues of the diamond, while in this particular one, cut has everything to do with the skill of a diamond setter. The cut of the diamond is that which determines its explosion of brilliance by allowing the entry and exit of light in and out of the stone, respectively.

In descending order of popularity, some types of cuts are :

• Princess Cut : This refers to a squarish or rectangular diamond that sparkles the most. The princess cut diamond has grown in popularity among brides who prefer contemporary, sleek, and stylish designs for their engagement rings.
• Emerald Cut : This is a rectangular-shaped diamond where more complex step patterns of facets are incorporated for a design. For those with a clean look in mind, the shape of the emerald cut diamond makes it suitable for conventional taste.
• Cushion Cut : A diamond-shaped diamond known for its corners, which are rounded, and large facets along its sides, a cushion cut diamond has a vintage approach with a modern feel.
• Radiant Cut : Looking at the combination of both the emerald and the brilliant cuts, a diamond that is of a radiant cut has a certain shape that maximizes its beauty. In case one is looking for a big stone, a radiant cut 3-carat ring does not take a back seat.
• Oval Diamond : An oval diamond ring of this shape offers elegance to the wearer without losing the edge of creativity since it is elongated to fit the finger and the diamond in it adds additional luster.

Cutting could be said to be the most crucial element in ensuring its aesthetic appeal. Diamonds are cut so well that they are full of fire and brilliance that no one can ignore.

4. Carat Weight

Diamond enthusiasts, especially ladies, who have a particular penchant for bling would tend to look out for the carat weight in the diamond rather than other aspects. Carat is the measurement of a diamond's weight, regardless of its shape. One carat is equal to two hundred milligrams. Nonetheless, the carat size should take into account the rest of the C's. A well-made, high-clarity 2 carat diamond might appear much more beautiful than an averagely made 3 carat diamond ring.

For those who would wish to go all out, the best option would be the radiant cut 3-carat ring, which combines extreme size and brilliance, making it hard not to notice as a focal piece. Nevertheless, even a 1-carat diamond with very good symmetry and polish will gleam exceptionally well.

How to Choose the Perfect Diamond for Your Ring

There are a lot of factors that come into play, so finding the best diamond ring is merely a question of working out the Four C’s hierarchy as per individual preferences and budget. Here are some considerations that you might want to look at to assist you :

• Set up your order of preferences : For example, are you comfortable choosing a bigger diamond with lower clarity than a smaller one with higher clarity? Nevertheless, this perception will also help you in choosing the best diamond for yourself.
• Look at other shapes : Deciding if you want a princess cut, emerald cut, or oval diamond ring is simply a matter of one’s taste; the same goes for the design of the diamond. For instance, cushion cut or radiant cut have their own distinctions where style and brilliance are evenly worked to produce a cut.
• Be sure to consult an expert : A jeweler will help you comprehend the Four C’s and how they relate to your own situation. They can also help you select a diamond that will give you the most bang for your buck.

It does not matter whether you prefer a traditional asymmetrical cut, a semi-precious diamond oval diamond ring, or a showy radiant cut 3-carat ring; the key thing is, when choosing the most desired ring, remember one that will make the two of you grin every time you set your eyes on the ring.

Last but not least: To help in choosing the ideal diamond engagement ring, that is, the right diamond based on diamond clarity/grade, color, cut shape, and weight, it would help to ensure that a suitable one is selected for an affordable price range. Enjoy your cost-effective diamond buying!