Diamond rings are the ultimate symbol of anything magical! Whether it’s for a proposal, celebrating a milestone, a gift for someone special, or other exciting reasons, a diamond ring is the best gift for others and yourself.
But with so many options, it may be challenging to pick the perfect sparkling stone set in precious metals. Worry not—just continue reading, and we will cover everything you need to know about choosing the perfect diamond ring!
Fun facts about diamonds
Before we go into details on how to choose the perfect diamond ring, below are exciting facts about one of the most loved gems in the world:
- The word “Diamond” is from the Greek word “Adamas,” which means unbreakable.
- Some diamonds are older than dinosaurs that once roamed Earth. They are formed billions of years ago and are within our planet’s crust.
- The brilliance and hardness of a diamond comes from its unique crystal structure. It is the only gemstone made of one element, which is carbon.
- Ancient civilizations donned these sparkly gemstones for additional courage and strength. In the Middle Ages, diamonds were believed to have healing effects on their wearers.
- Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave Mary of Burgundy the first diamond ring as a sign of engagement and eternal love.
Factors to Understand the Worth of Diamond Rings
Diamond 4cs, or the Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight, are essential to understanding the quality and value of a diamond ring.
Cut – A diamond’s cut is not just about its shape but how gracefully the gem has been professionally shaped and sliced. Diamond rings with the perfect cut precious stone reflect and dance flawlessly in the light, showcasing a gorgeous sparkle anyone will love.
Go for a well-cut diamond ring for maximum brilliance. It can outshine even those with higher diamond quality, rare colors, and clarity.
Color – Diamonds are available in many gorgeous colors. However, classic white diamonds are valued more when they have fewer colors. The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, grades diamonds from colorless or D to light yellow or brown, or Z.
- D-F or colorless are rare, top-tier, and expensive
- G-J or near colorless are generally excellent in value
- K-Z has noticeable hues and are more affordable but are not preferred for diamond rings
Graded D diamonds are the unicorns! It is immaculate and breathtaking, but if your budget is limited, opt for G-H or near-colorless diamonds, as they are visually the same to the naked eye.
Clarity – A diamond’s value is also measured based on its clarity, which is the absence of internal flaws or inclusions and external flaws or blemishes. The GIA has a Clarity Scale featuring 11 grades, ranging from Flawless (FL) to Included (I).
Here is the summary of GIA Clarity Grades:
Flawless (FL) – No visible blemishes or inclusions as checked by a skilled grader using 10x magnification
Internally Flawless (IF) – There may be slight imperfections on the surface.
Very, Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Extremely difficult to see inclusions, even for a professional diamond grader.
Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Diamonds have noticeable inclusions but do not affect overall appearance.
Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Has obvious inclusions that can affect the diamond’s shine, clearness, and durability.
Carat weight – The diamond carat weight is a measurement unit equal to 200 milligrams. However, diamond rings with smaller, higher-quality diamonds are more impressive compared with those with bigger, low-graded stones.
Are Diamond 4Cs important?
Although having the 4Cs in a diamond is essential, below are other features used in assessing its quality:
Fluorescence – Some diamonds can glow or show fluorescence under UV lights. The fluorescence can add a pleasant sparkle, making the gem look different under special lights.
Polish and Symmetry – Diamond rings with outstanding polish and symmetry are must-haves. The precious stone must have a mirror-like finish, and its facets are perfectly aligned, making the diamond sparkle immaculately.
How to choose the best diamond ring
After learning how to assess a diamond’s quality, here are the best tips for picking the perfect diamond ring:
1. Set a spending limit
Aside from being exquisitely attractive, diamond rings are an investment. Consider the size, clarity, color, and cut if you are on a budget. Remember that the price of the ring is not significant but the thought and reason for buying is.
2. The setting of the ring
Determine the setting of the ring you will purchase. Popular designs include:
