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Diamond Wedding Ring Selection Tips
By Tatyana
Diamond wedding rings are a great choice for any couple. But diamond rings are much more difficult to select, than wedding bands when you don't have to worry about the gem. How to find the best diamond in your price range? There is much more to finding a perfect diamond than just weight.
Here are many styles of diamond rings available. Bear in mind that you will wear that ring for many years, so choose classic, timeless styles. Your wedding ring is a sign of your feelings to your partner, so it should be as unique, beautiful and durable as your love. No matter what style of ring you will choose, the diamond will be the center of attention in your ring. So basically choosing the right wedding ring comes to choosing the right diamond.
Characteristics of diamonds
Diamonds are greatly varied in price and quality. And the size is not the only thing that affects your gem price; in fact there are five main characteristics:
- Weight in carats
- Color
- Clarity
- Cut
- Diamonds shape
Carats - your wedding ring diamond weight
Most people know that the more carats the better. Larger diamonds are more rare and more valuable. However, don't try to get the largest stone you can afford. Sometimes smaller diamonds have more charm. Don't just look at the gems market value, but think of how valuable it is to you.
Diamond color
Most diamonds are clear, but still there are variations in color. Some stones look a little "dirty". Clear stones obviously cost more. Color of your diamonds is indicated by letters. D is the color of most rare diamonds and it is described as absolutely colorless. This is the highest color grade, and you usually don't find such stones in ordinary jewelers. Next one down is E grade, it is called colorless. These diamonds are also very rare, the tiny traces of color can be detected by experts. F is another colorless grade, only slightly less clear than E. F diamonds are usually the best of what most people can afford for a wedding or engagement ring. Next two down are G and H diamonds which are called nearly colorless; they are of a good market
value.
Bear in mind, that the difference in diamond grades can mostly be noticed by the experts when comparing diamonds to the more clear ones. To the ordinary person a G or H diamond will look as good as D or E diamonds. Compare diamonds of different color yourself and you will see how minor the difference is.
Diamond clarity
Clarity of your diamond is related to its color. Clarity describes how clear the diamond is. No diamond is absolutely perfectly clear, but the ones close to perfection are the most valuable. When light hits them they are unbelievably beautiful. Don't be surprised to find that smaller diamond with higher clarity can cost more that a larger not so clear stone.
Diamond cut
You diamond's cut is greatly important and affects your ring look. Even most clear large diamond will not sparkle if it is not cut properly. The cut refers to diamond proportions, not its shape as many people mistakenly think. The cut should be just right, because if your diamond is too shallow or too deep, it will not catch the light properly and won't sparkle.
Since you are not a professional, it would be difficult for you to judge cut by yourself. You will have to trust a jeweler on this. But just by looking at the stone sometimes you can say if the cut is good. If you really like the look, chances are good that your diamond is cut right.
Diamond shape
Another important characteristic of a diamond is its shape. Most popular are round and princess shaped diamonds. You can also find emerald, asscher, oval, marquise, pear, radiant, cushion and heart shaped diamonds. This is not a question of what is better or worse, but a matter of personal preference. Look at different shapes and see what appeals to you the most.
Take your time when selecting a diamond wedding ring; don't let them convince you that the stone is good if you don't like it. Every diamond is unique, and you should get the one you fall in love with, not the one jeweler pushes on you.
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