Bharat SainiLast Updated on February 7, 2023 by Bharat Saini
Are you engaged? If so, congratulations! The next step is to pick out the perfect diamond ring for your big day. Every woman anticipates the day when she will wear a diamond ring. It is said, with reason, that diamonds are a woman’s best friend.
Diamonds are a timeless symbol of love and dedication. As such, you want to ensure that you choose the perfect diamond ring for your special day. Whether you’re looking for something simple and classic or something more unique, like a diamond cocktail ring, countless options are available. That’s why we’ve created this comprehensive guide to diamond rings.
Understanding Diamond Engagement Rings: Everything You Need to Know
Diamonds symbolize strength, eternity, and commitment. This makes diamond engagement rings popular for couples ready to tie the knot. While diamond cocktail ring can be seen as a symbol of luxury and extravagance due to the larger-sized stones used in this style of ring. No matter what type or style of diamond ring you’re looking for, below are some tips that can help you find the perfect piece:
The 4Cs
The four Cs are the main criteria that define the quality and value of a diamond: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.
Cut
A diamond’s cut is the most critical factor, as it determines how much light reflects from within the diamond. It affects a diamond’s symmetry, brightness, fire, and how sparkly the stone appears. Diamond cuts include round brilliant (the most popular), princess, emerald, Asscher, radiant, and more.
Clarity
Clarity is necessary for determining a diamond’s rarity and beauty. The higher the clarity grade and the more beautiful the diamond, the fewer blemishes or inclusions there are. In short, blemishes or inclusions determine the diamond’s clarity. They are rated from FL (flawless) to I3 (included).
Carat
Carat weight is how much a diamond weighs and is related to its size. Larger diamonds are rarer and more valuable than smaller ones of the same quality.
Color
Color determines a diamond’s beauty; the less color, the higher the grade, and the more beautiful the diamond. It is the amount of yellow (or lack thereof) that appears in a stone. Diamonds range from D (colorless) to Z (yellowish).
Choosing The Perfect Stone Shape
Once you’ve figured out the 4Cs, the next thing you want to look at is the stone’s shape. It is an important factor to consider when choosing a diamond engagement ring. The most popular shapes are round, marquise, oval, pear, cushion, emerald, princess, Asscher, and radiant. Each shape has its own unique look and can be used to create different styles of rings.
Keep in mind that the shape of the stone may affect its clarity. For instance, you can easily spot inclusions on step-cut shapes like baguettes and emeralds. Brilliant cuts like the oval and round shapes tend to hide inclusions, so they sparkle more. All in all, your choice comes down to personal taste and style.
If you’re looking for a diamond cocktail ring that’s sure to turn heads, you’ll want to go for a style with a large, statement-making stone. That being said, diamonds come in various forms, so pick the one you like most. Below is a list of some of the most popular diamond shapes:
- Round diamonds are the most popular shape and are perfect for creating a classic look.
- Marquise diamonds are elongated and have a unique shape that is perfect for creating an elegant look.
- Oval diamonds are also popular and have a similar look to round diamonds.
- Pear diamonds are shaped like a teardrop and are perfect for creating a romantic look.
- Cushion diamonds are square or rectangular with rounded corners and are perfect for creating a vintage look.
- Emerald diamonds are rectangular with tapered corners and have a regal look. It is a timeless option that’s sure to wow.
- Princess diamonds are square with pointed corners and have a modern look.
- Asscher diamonds are square with octagonal corners and have a vintage look.
- Radiant diamonds are rectangular with tapered corners and have a modern look.
- Heart diamonds are the perfect shape for creating a romantic look.
Make sure the ring is comfortable to wear, whatever style you choose—you don’t want it slipping off your finger when you’re dancing the night away!
Ring Settings
When it comes to choosing the perfect ring for your big day, you want to make sure that you choose one that is as special and unique as possible. As such, you pick the most appropriate setting for your stone.
Remember that the selection of your ring setting is just as important as the diamond itself. While the stone is the focal point of an engagement ring, the right setting can enhance everything from the stone’s cut to its color. It can make a small stone appear bigger and even protect stones from loss or damage.
There are a variety of settings to choose from that will make your ring unique and reflect your style. This quick guide will help you narrow down your choices.
- Prong Setting
This classic setting is one of the most popular styles. It allows a lot of light to enter the diamond, making it sparkle more than in other settings. Prongs can be shaped in various ways, such as round, pointed, or V-shaped, depending on the look you want.
- Bezel Setting
If you prefer a sleek design, this is for you. With this type of setting, the metal band wraps around the entire stone, creating a rim and protecting the diamond from damage.
- Halo Setting
The halo setting is perfect if you are looking for a more glamorous option. This design features a larger central diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, giving the illusion of a larger stone. The halo adds extra sparkle and emphasizes the center diamond’s beauty. It is an excellent choice for those who want their engagement ring to stand out from the crowd.
- Pavé Setting
A pavé setting involves small stones set close to each other. It allows light to reflect off them all at once and create maximum sparkle! The surface of the metal is slightly indented, featuring tiny holes where individual stones are placed. It makes it appear as though one large diamond has been used.
Although many different types of settings are available, these four should give you a good starting point when selecting the right style for your diamond engagement ring. Remember, don’t be afraid to experiment and choose something unique! It’s your big day, so make sure you find the perfect setting that reflects who you are.
Price Range
Diamond rings can indeed be expensive. Fortunately, there are ways you can ensure that you still get a cheap engagement ring that’s still stunning. You can compromise on color and clarity to get a larger diamond. You can also give up on the color and go with a brilliant cut. If there are any imperfections, the different stone cuts will hide them. But if you want a step-cut stone, you must choose clarity over color. However, you decide to play around with these options, you are bound to come up with one unique diamond ring.
Certification
Ask your jeweler if the diamond ring includes any certifications from independent gem labs such as GIA or AGS. These certificates guarantee that the diamonds used in your ring have been ethically sourced and meet specific quality standards.
Insurance Options
You’ll want to ensure that your diamond ring is protected with insurance if anything happens to it. It’s best to find out what kind of coverage your insurance provider offers before making a purchase.
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider when buying a diamond ring. Still, the crucial thing is finding a ring that fits your personal style. With so many different designs and styles available, it can take time to determine the right one. However, by keeping in mind the four Cs of diamonds (cut, clarity, color, and carat weight), you can narrow your picks and find the perfect ring.
