Shopping for an engagement ring can be a fun exploration of styles, colors, and cuts if you know what you are doing. But, your guy better know what he is doing. Ladies, that means educating him early on what you do and don’t like in an engagement ring.
For those grooms who are reading this and are getting ready to propose, it is key to learn the basics so you can shop with confidence. Remembering the Four “Cs” will help guide you and will keep your engagement ring shopping and exciting discovery rather than a nightmare of uncertainty.
Making the Cut:
The cut of a diamond encompasses both the way the diamond was cut as well as its final shape. The type of cut in your engagement diamond is what determines how “lively” it is or how much it sparkles in the light.
The round brilliant cut is by far the most popular cut, while the square Princess cut is also a favorite. Step cuts have fewer facets than brilliant cut diamonds and are more likely to show defects in the clarity. If you choose a step cut diamond, purchase a high-grade stone.
Vintage cuts have recently come back into vogue and you may enjoy shopping for a diamond with classic cuts like the Old Mine Cut, the Rose Cut, or the Assher Cut. If you select an antique ring, you may find that it has one of these unique cuts, which will add to the beauty and character of your engagement ring.
Find the Clarity:
Clarity refers to the quality of the stone and the number and size of imperfections it has. Stones rated FL and IF are the most highly valued. Most engagement stones fall into the VVS1 or VVs2 range with some cuts even working well for VS1 and VS2 stones. You should be wary of SI and I rated stones as they have more defects and will not be as “lively” as those of higher quality will.
Go without Color:
Rated on a scale of D though Z, the less color a diamond has the higher is value. Diamonds that are more desirable start at the D rating and progress through the colors as rated by a certified gemologist.
Consider Carat Size
The final piece of the puzzle is Carat size. All things being equal the larger a stone is the more expensive it will be. Keep in mind that Carat refers to the weight of the diamond and individual stones may appear larger or smaller depending on their cut.
Using the concepts of the four Cs ensures that you find the perfect engagement ring for your future spouse, while staying within your budget. By selecting from the choices of cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, you can select a diamond that will look elegant on her hand for years to come while reflecting the unique taste and style that you share as a couple.
