When it comes to buying an engagement ring, we will assume some (we said some) wouldn’t know what finger to put the ring on let alone what to look for in a ring. Don’t worry, JOE is here to help.
So you have decided to take the plunge with your better half. If you thought waiting on her to say ‘yes’ was the most difficult part, think again. While we can’t stress the importance of the female agreeing to the proposal in order for the marriage to take place, the choosing of a ring is something that is often overlooked.
With Christmas looming on the horizon, some of our JOE readers will no doubt pluck up the courage and ask for their partner’s hand, and the rest of her, before deciding on a ring. Mindful of that, JOE is here to remind you of the four Cs that will be crucial in picking out the perfect ring.
Cut
Listen up lads, of the four Cs, this the only characteristic under man’s control. It is the proportions of the cut and the skill of the polisher that determine whether its full beauty is released. Cut a diamond incorrectly and the sparkle will be compromised. If the sparkle is compromised…well we can’t imagine that special lady being overly pleased.
A superbly cut diamond that is cut to perfect proportions will simply look bigger, whiter, more colourful and have greater sparkle than any other diamond at the same carat weight.
Carat
Nothing to do with the orange vegetable of course, the weight of a diamond is measured by carat. A carat is equal to 0.2 grammes and one carat is divided into 100 ‘points’. For example a half carat is 0.50 points. The modern carat system started with the carab seed which comes from the locust tree. Early gem traders used the small, uniform seeds as counterweights in their balance scales.
However, it is important to remember that it is the diamond’s carat weight along with it dimensions that influence its value.
Colour
The whiter the diamond the better and the closer a diamond is to colourless, the rarer and more valuable the diamond will be. Needless to say, your better half’s eyes will light up the more white she sees and that is why.
The Gemmological Institute of America (GIA) use a scale to describe the colour range of diamonds. This GIA D-to-Z scale is the industry standard for colour grading diamonds.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=639VIUNB8FQ&noredirect=1
Clarity
Since diamonds form under tremendous heat and pressure – don’t pretend like you didn’t know - internal and external characteristics are common. There a two types of clarity characteristics: inclusions and blemishes.
The difference is based on their locations; inclusions are inside the diamond while blemishes are only on the surface. But the fewer there are the rarer and more valuable the diamond. Clarity is the term used to indicate the extent to which a diamond is free of these inclusions under 10 times magnification.
And the good news for all of you out there looking to buy sometime soon, here is some great news. Matthew Stephens Jewellers are holding a VAT free diamond event in their Limerick store. From the 16th November to the 30th November, diamond engagements are up to 50% off! Experts will be on hand to ensure that you get the best quality diamonds at the best value.
Matthew Stephens are the diamond specialists with qualified diamond graders from London, Antwerp and New York. Click here to find out more information on all things diamonds.
