Choosing the Perfect Ring

Because of what it symbolizes, choosing the right should not be a decision you make in a hurry.  There is much to consider, starting of course with what you can afford to spend. Once that’s decided, always deal with a reputable jeweler and shop around, making comparisons one dealer to another, one diamond to another.  Because most of us are not experts when it comes to selecting a diamond, it’s important to use the “4 C’s” as a guide.

 
THE 4Cs: Elements that Reveal a Diamond's Rarity

The first “C” is CARAT:  a diamond’s weight, which is the way its size is determined.  A carat is equal to 100 points.  For example, a 75-point diamond is defined as a three-quarter carat stone.

The second “C” is CLARITY:  the purity of a diamond.  Codes are utilized to define the degree of purity; for instance, FL denotes “flawless, VSI 1 denotes "small inclusions”, etc.  The number, color, type, size and position of inclusions affect a diamond’s clarity.  The greater the clarity, the more valuable the stone.

The third “C” is COLOR:  a diamond’s whiteness.  Example, DEF equals “colorless”.  The closer to colorless a diamond is, the more valuable it becomes.

Diamonds are available in a number of shapes and the one you choose is purely a matter of personal taste.  Shapes include round which is the most popular choice, oval, pear, emerald, marquise, square and heart shapes.