A diamond ring is a timeless symbol of love and marriage. The circular shape of a diamond ring symbolizes the circle of life and unbreakable love.
There are many types of diamond rings, with each style offering its own special meaning. From solitaire to three-stone to stacked, you’ll find an engagement ring to suit your tastes and budget.
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Origins
While diamonds have long been associated with wealth and bling, they were hardly the first to hit the jewelry market. The earliest recorded use of the word “diamond” came from ancient Egyptians, but it wasn’t until 1870 that the first large scale diamond mine was discovered in South Africa. Businessmen operating the mines quickly realised that the only way to keep diamond prices up was to maintain the illusion that they were rare and in short supply, so they formed the first diamond cartel.
The company’s ad agency was clever enough to hire the 鑽石 eponymous Harry Oppenheimer, who devised one of the most effective marketing campaigns in history. It was a win-win for all involved, as the campaign helped to boost sales and increase De Beers’ reputation as an industry leader.
For the real diamond buffs, the best way to shop for a diamond is to consider all the different factors and make informed decisions about what’s important to you. Choosing the most suitable diamond for your needs is a process that will require some research, testing and shopping around. The most important thing to remember is that the right diamond for you is a worthwhile investment.
Shapes
The shape of a diamond is often the first thing a consumer thinks of when shopping for an engagement ring. The most popular diamond shapes are round, princess and oval, but there are many others to choose from.
A step cut diamond is another popular style. These diamonds have long facets that resemble stairs, making them easier to see inclusions and lower color grades.
These cuts can also mask the appearance of blemishes and scratches, but they’re not as sparkly as brilliant cuts. We recommend a clarity grade of VS2 or higher for this style.
Emeralds are a great option for people who enjoy flashy, bold fashion. They’re similar to a square diamond (princess-cut) with long, linear facets that resemble stairs, and they’re ideal for women who want their rings to look extra special.
These elongated cuts are often seen as more feminine than round diamonds, and they can be a good choice for couples who want to showcase their diamonds in different ways. Their elongated outlines are flattering for any finger and they look larger when viewed face up.
Clarity
Clarity is a key factor in determining the beauty of diamonds. It is based on the presence or absence of imperfections known as inclusions and blemishes.
The clarity of a diamond depends on its size, position and depth. It ranges from Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) diamonds with no blemishes visible to experts under 10x magnification, to Slightly Included (SI) diamonds with small inclusions noticeable by a trained gemologist.
Inclusions can be found on the surface or within a diamond. Some include crystals that have formed naturally in the stone while others may be a tiny fracture inside of it.
Inclusions are often hidden by the side facets of a diamond and detract from its overall sparkle less than those located in the center of a stone. If you’re interested in larger carat weights, a diamond with less inclusions might be the best choice.
Carat weight
The carat is a unit of weight that is used to measure gemstones and diamonds. It is a standard unit that was established in 1907, at the Fourth General Conference on Weights and Measures.
Previously, gem traders measured the weight of diamonds with balance scales that compared two objects’ weights. Carob seeds were the ideal measurement tool for this purpose because they were uniform in size, which allowed gem traders to be as accurate as possible with their comparisons on balance scales.
It is important to note that diamonds are extremely rare, and thus, precise weighing scales are essential. A difference of a single point in diamond weight is not easily visible to the naked eye, but it could have a huge impact on the price of a diamond.
Staple diamond carat weights such as 0.50ct, 0.75ct and 1.00ct are key weights that jewelers refer to as “magic numbers” because their prices seem to magically increase at these sizes. A diamond that weighs just below these cutoff points is considered an under-sized diamond, which makes it more difficult to find and less desirable.