There are a multitude of things that should be carefully considered before buying diamond rings, all of varying importance. These include the four C’s, the shape, the band and the setting – all of which can impact on the value of the ring overall. However, the biggest factor in determining the price of a ring comes down to the diamond. This article provides some more things to consider when it comes to buying diamond rings.
The Four C’s
The four C’s of diamonds are colour, cut, clarity and carat.
Colour: White diamonds usually have a yellow discolouration to them. The value of the diamond depends on the absence of any colour and yellow tints. Of course, fancy coloured diamonds are also on the market in colours such as blue or pink. Their colour is measured by their intensity and vibrancy.
Cut: The cut of a diamond is intended to maximise the sparkle of the diamond by optimising the reflection of light. It refers more to the underside of the diamond than the shape.
Clarity: All diamonds contain some imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes. The clarity refers to how many of these are visible. Quite often, these features are not visible to the naked eye, so the importance of clarity depends on the preferences of the buyer of the diamond ring.
Carat: Carats are a measure of weight used for diamonds. Sometimes a smaller diamond may have a higher carat weight than a diamond that appears larger, so a higher carat does not always mean a bigger diamond.
Shape
The shape of the stone is often the first thing that’s noticed about a diamond ring. There are many different shapes, including round, oval, marquise, pear, emerald, princess and radiant.
Round: For a classic diamond ring, it’s hard to go past a round diamond. They offer the most sparkle of any shape, making them the most expensive option.
Oval, Marquise and Pear: These three shapes are elongated, which reduces their sparkle a small amount. However, these shapes can make a diamond appear larger than it is and have a very flattering effect. Diamond rings with oval, marquise or pear shaped diamonds are currently experiencing a rise in popularity.
Emerald, Princess and Radiant: These are all square or rectangular shapes. The emerald is the most classic of these three, with bevelled corners and step facets. Princess cut diamonds are a more modern invention, designed to imitate the sparkle of a round ring. Radiant diamonds are in-between these two shapes and are a more modern alternative to the emerald cut.
Setting
Diamond rings can come in a range of settings and combinations. The choice comes down to your own preferences and practicalities. Decide whether you’d prefer a solitaire diamond or multiple stones, and consider how the appearance will change with different settings. You should also determine how often the ring will be worn. If the diamond ring is to be worn daily, a Tiffany setting may be impractical compared to a lower setting, as it can get caught on clothes and other materials.
Band
When considering the band, you should first decide on the size. This can be done by trialling different diamond rings to find one you’re happy with, or bringing an old favourite ring in to be measured. Another factor of the band is the colour, with silver, gold, rose gold, platinum and white gold all popular choices with their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, platinum is a far stronger and more durable material than gold, but it doesn’t have the same shine to it. The colour of the band also depends on the diamond. It’s recommended not to get a gold band with a yellow diamond to avoid losing the diamond in it.
Once you’ve thought about all these factors and have a good idea of what you’re looking for, it’s time to hit the shops. Consider purchasing your diamond ring online from a reputable retailer to reduce costs and avoid the stress of in-store shopping.
