Article fashion jewelry

The most widespread of engagement traditions is the groom presenting his bride to be with a ring. Most frequently
the engagement ring is a diamond ring. Even though diamonds are the most desired by brides to be
diamonds are not the only precious stones used in engagement rings.

If your choice of engagement ring is a diamond ring
be prepared to spend. The diamond jewelry retail market is a $30 billion market. Over $5 billion is spent on engagement ring in the U.S. market.

To the untrained eye
most diamonds look very similar. Most people differentiate between diamonds based on size
shape
and price. A lower price usually means lower diamond quality
not necessarily a bargain.

Judging diamond quality requires skill and experience
and it involves grading a ring based on a combination of characteristics such as cut
clarity
color and carat weight. The above characteristics are called the "4 Cs". A diamond's weight is measured in carats
equivalent to one fifth of a gram. Usually diamonds range from 0.25 up to several carats. Weight is only one way of valuing a diamond
color is another. Colorless diamonds are the most rare and they are the most valuable. Colored diamonds with a hint of yellow are more common and less expensive.

Diamond colors are coded from D to Z. A D grade is the most valuable and Z is least valuable. Diamonds graded D-F are considered colorless and they are the most valuable. Many reputable jewelry stores do not sell K thru Z grade diamonds.

The most valuable color grades:

D: Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade
which is extremely rare.
E: Colorless. Only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist. A rare diamond.
F: Colorless. Slight color detected by an expert gemologist
but still considered a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.

Another essential factor determining the price of a diamond is its cut. Just like color
cut
is equally difficult to judge for the untrained eye. The grading certificate that typically comes with the diamond will give you a good idea. Independent testing laboratories
such the GIA
provide certificates with a diamond's grading from excellent to poor. A certified diamond also means a bigger price tag.

The clarity of a diamond simply refers to its purity. Most diamonds have minuscule markings called "inclusions". A flawless (no inclusions) diamond is very rare and valuable
while a diamond riddled with inclusions is less expensive. Clarity is ranked from "flawless" (FL) to "imperfect" (I1 to I2). Most diamonds fall between those with very
very small inclusions (VVS1) to rocks with slightly larger inclusions (S1). If you are willing to compromise on clarity
you can expect to save. To verify a diamond's clarity
examine the laboratory certificate.

If you're on a tight budget
try to stay away from the big name jewelry stores. Brand name usually comes with a larger price tag. Buying wholesale may be an option. Normally the wholesaler's core business is selling diamonds to retailers
but they also sell to the public. Because they do not advertise in the traditional methods
nor are they located in shopping malls
you have to seek them out. You will find some wholesalers listed as diamond merchants in the Yellow Pages.