So you've decided to go for a diamond engagement ring! And why wouldn't you? They are the timeless favourite of engagement rings. Not only are they traditional, but they have become associated with the enduring nature of marriage and love, with the iconic "A Diamond Is Forever" marketing campaign by De Beers in 1947 playing a huge role in making diamondĀ engagement rings an absolute cultural norm.
Choosing the perfect diamond as an engagement ring will require time and a little knowledge, as you only want to choose your engagement ring once. Diamonds are graded and certified according to the GIA, or Gemological Institute of America, which is renowned for its expertise in diamond grading, and which developed the "4Cs", which is used as a standardised system to evaluate diamond quality. Not all diamonds have a formal grading report, but these reports can help buyers understand the true quality and value of the diamond they are buying.
Understanding The 4Cs
Understanding the meaning of the 4Cs will help you choose a suitable diamond that meets both your aesthetic preferences and your budget considerations.
- Cut - how well a diamond is cut will affect the way it sparkles. The diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish all influence how it interacts with light, and the better the cut, the more sparkle and brilliance a diamond will have.
- Colour - the less colour a diamond has, the more valuable and sought after it is. Diamonds are graded on a colour scale starting from D (which is completely devoid of colour and the most valuable), right down to Z (which can have a light yellow or brown colour)
- Clarity - this refers to the presence of flaws and blemishes in a diamond. Internal flaws or features in a diamond are referred to as inclusions, and surface irregularities or external imperfections are known as blemishes. The grade runs from Flawless to Included, with the least number of inclusions or blemishes found in a diamond making it the most valuable.
- Carat - this refers to the weight of the diamond, where one carat is the equivalent of 0.2 grams. Larger diamonds generally have a higher carat weight, making them more valuable.
Prioritising the 4Cs is a great way to help you determine which part of a diamond means the most to you, and to help you choose (or eliminate) certain diamonds in your selection. Working out which C you are willing to spend more money on, and which you are willing to compromise on will help you budget accordingly.
Consider The Diamond Shape and Cut Style
The shape refers to the external outline of the diamond, and the most popular diamond shape is round because of its timeless appeal, but its brilliance will depend on the quality of the cut. The round shape complements a wide range of ring styles, and can easily be adapted to suit different styles and preferences, but there are other examples of popular diamond shapes such as rectangle, oval, pear and marquise, to name a few.
The cut refers to the angles, proportions, symmetry and polish of the small flat surfaces (facets) of the diamond, and this will impact how well the diamond reflects light, and determines its brilliance, fire and sparkle. Cut grades are based on how well the diamond has been cut, and different cut styles include brilliant, emerald or step cut, or a mixed cut combining the two.
A diamond can be any shape, but the quality of the cut will determine how well it sparkles and shines. Different cut styles can be seen on a range of diamond shapes, but the most popular shape and cut combination is the round brilliant cut, which has 57 to 58 facets to reflect the most light.
Choosing Your Perfect Diamond
Choosing the ideal diamond for you or your partner is as individual as selecting your favourite bottle of wine - what some people love, others will simply not drink. Everything about your engagement ring can be customised, including the metal you use for the band, and red gold, yellow gold, or white gold can change the appearance of your chosen diamond.
The conclusion is that there is no right or wrong diamond to choose for your engagement ring, you must select what you want depending on who the ring is for, what it means to you and them, what is important in the ring itself and what budget you have to spend. Having the courage to think outside the box, to be an individual and create a style and design that is unique and meaningful to you and your partner and the relationship that you cherish, will give you a ring that can be cherished for decades to come.
