Understanding the Basics of Diamond Engagement Rings

Is the big question about to be asked? While you as a consumer may think a diamond is a diamond, there is actually some basic information you should keep in mind when searching for diamond engagement rings. Some of the most beautiful diamond engagement rings meet a set of criteria making them as excellent and valuable as they are. These basics are known as the four Cs of diamonds.

The Carat is Not a Vegetable

Those unfamiliar with gems may thing that a carat is a reference to a root vegetable you can find in the garden. In fact, the carat of the diamond ring is one of the most important parts of the diamond description and quality you can find. Many consumers fall into the trap of labelling their diamond engagement rings as high in quality simply because they have a larger carat. The carat is a unit used to measure a diamond. Every 200 milligrams (0.2 grams) is considered to be one carat. Depending on the cut, which we will get to, the table of a diamond can actually cause it to appear larger than it is. Be sure you are aware of the carat weight of the diamond engagement rings you are considering.

Colour is Not Merely for Rainbows

Have you ever wondered how those diamond engagement rings sparkle so? This is a true sign of grade when it comes to a diamond. The more the diamond lacks in colour or the more purity or whiteness it contains the more desirable it is because it is able to refract light in such a perfect way as to cause great sparkle and shine. That is not to say that coloured diamonds are not beautiful to many, but as far as the value of that diamond is concerned lack of colour is vital.

Clarity is Key to Flawless Beauty

Blemishes and marks can make a persona special and their own person. For diamond engagement rings, blemishes and flaws are not something to be desired. For diamond quality you want diamond clarity and this means a grade level of FL which stands for flawless. Of course, FL diamonds are few and far between. Also considered excellent clarity are VVS and VS.

Understanding the Cut of Diamond Engagement Rings

When you sum up all the factors of carat, colour and clarity you are still left with a basic diamond that is pretty but doesn't really pop. It takes the right cut in order to put the diamond engagement rings in the light and draw a crowd. This is not to say the shape of the diamond is the factor here. Diamonds can be pear shaped, oval shaped, square, rectangular or even heart shaped. The cut of the diamond is the way in which a jeweller cuts into the diamond to use the refraction of the light to the diamonds advantage creating the deepest sparkle possible.

Regardless of your choice in diamond engagement rings you will likely have an easier time of picking just the right one for your someone special by understanding the process and the basics of diamonds. This will allow you to understand what you need to have accomplished in order to achieve the perfect diamond for your budget.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for diamond rings, engagement rings, or a wedding ring, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

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Design Your Own Diamond Ring

If you are finally ready to pop the big question, you need to make sure the moment is absolutely perfect. This means planning everything down to the very last detail. A unique first step you may want to consider is designing your own diamond ring.

Can I Design a Diamond Ring?

Designing your own engagement ring is not as difficult of a process as it may seem. You can either start by choosing the setting and then selecting a complimentary centre stone and surrounding diamonds, or you can spark your creativity by looking through bridal magazines. You may find several looks you'd like to combine to create one perfectly unique diamond ring. Don't rule that thought out. Many of today's most beautiful engagement rings are created by master jewellers who used ideas or drawings to create a one-of-a-kind ring.

If you're thinking about designing a diamond ring from a setting, here are a few tips and jewellery terms so you'll know what to expect.

Setting - The setting you choose sets the stage for the diamonds and surrounding stones. Yellow gold, white gold, and platinum are the most common settings. Choose a design that will be eye-catching, but will compliment her finger with its size and shape. Sometimes with settings, simplicity is key.
Diamond Cut - Choosing a diamond involves selecting the cut you think she will love the most. A round diamond often has the most lustre and shine. This is simply because the cut is circular and reflects the light uniformly. The round diamond is the most common. Other cuts include marquis, square, oval, and heart shaped.
Diamond Side Stones - With some settings, you can also choose side stones. These are small diamonds that are placed in the band on either side of the main diamond. These stones may only appear once or twice or can circle the entire band, depending on the setting. Gemstones can also be used as side stones instead of diamonds.
Diamond Colour - While most diamonds are transparent and colourless, not all diamonds appear this way. You may be able to choose diamonds that are pink, blue, orange, red, or a variety of other colours. Some are artificially enhanced, while others are natural.
Diamond Carat Weight - The weight of the diamond you choose is important. Decide what's right for your budget as a starting point. Sometimes cost can be kept to a minimum by using an illusion head, which provides the appearance of one single centre stone, but is actually several (usually four) which are set closely together.

Once you have sorted out the small details of your diamond ring, you are set to design the perfect ring for the love of your life. If you are still confused and not sure where to turn, a consultation with a reputable jeweller will help finalize your decisions.

Above all else, remember, this is a gift of love. There are no mistakes. Choose the setting and stones you feel will look best on her and trust your judgment. When you see the appreciation on her face you'll know you made the right choice. Anyone can purchase a diamond ring, but not everyone chooses to design an original.

Global Diamonds is your source for the finest in jewellery. Whether you are looking for engagement rings, diamond rings, precious gems, or a specially designed piece of jewellery that you helped create, Global Diamonds has exactly what you are looking for. With skilled jewellers on staff, Global Diamonds creates timeless designs for your special occasion, made to last a lifetime. Visit our website for more information on your next diamond or fine jewellery purchase.

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How to Arrive At the Best Engagement Proposal Ideas

You can get the best engagement proposal ideas in the simplest of things. Think about it- your proposal needs to be simple and sensitive. It does not need to be elaborate or over the top in order to be effective. After all, a few years down the line- your partner will not really remember how elaborate you made it. She WILL remember the sentiments though! Here are a few marriage proposal ideas that are high on sentiments but low on the details....

• Few women can resist a man who knows his way around the house. Why not base your engagement proposal ideas on something like this? For once- take the burden off her. Clean the house, prepare a lavish dinner (all without her knowing of course!)- and then lay out cute signs that lead her to you! You should be waiting with a ring in your hand of course. If she's like most women- she won't be able to resist you!

• Go for walks often? A beautiful evening through the Central Park can give you just the setting you want for a formal proposal. If simplicity's your forte- this can be just the thing you need. Grab a few Starbucks lattes and go for a walk together- you'll have all the time (and room) in the world for a leisurely proposal! You could even wait for her to get hungry and then give her a walnut to crack. Just make sure you hollow it out beforehand and store the ring inside! It's simple, sensitive- and doesn't require you to invest a fortune!

• A holiday may give you just the chance you need for an engagement proposal. Whether it's New Years Eve, the 4th of July or even Christmas, you enjoy a few advantages already! Your partner's already relaxed, in all probability, and the whole world is celebrating! Why not make a Christmas present out of your ring box? Go for increasingly smaller boxes till the last one reveals your ring!

• Even simple engagement proposal ideas can be fun! Is your partner an incredible gossip? Few women can resist gossip (okay- that's sexist!). But you could get an advantage here. Why not 'leak' your plans to the biggest gossip in her family or circle of friends? Let word get around- till your partner catches a whiff! It's your job to be prepared with a ring at that moment.

Just make sure you're not proposing on someone else's special day. For instance, a wedding or someone else's baby shower is not the right occasion for you to propose marriage to your partner. After all, it is someone else's special day- and the focus should be firmly on that person.

The simple proposal ideas can be the best. Just remember to keep your sweetheart's likes and dislikes in mind when you're thinking about the one that works for you. After all, the best engagement proposal ideas are the ones that say- 'you are special'!

Mark West invites you to find the perfect engagement ring at Wedding Ring Guru. The most affordable wedding ring dealer in the universe!

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