Terms you should know
We found a concise explanation of words to know when picking
out a diamond ring, the most important being the “cut”:
“The cut refers to the number, placement, and shape of the
‘facets’ (flat, polished planes) that create a finished diamond. The shape into
which the stone is cut determines its brilliance (white light reflection or
sparkle), and fire (reflection of rainbow colors). A good cut can release a
stone’s beauty, just as a bad one makes a stone dull. The next aspect to
consider is the clarity, which is how clear the diamond is. The imperfections
on the outside are called blemishes and the ones on the inside are called
inclusions.”1
A “carat” is the unit of measure for the weight of a
diamond. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.
Consider Her Style
Buying the biggest, shiniest ring just wont cut it! You want
to select a ring that reflects your bride’s personality and unique style. Look
at the jewelry she likes to wear (not the hideous jewelry Aunt Edna gives her
every Christmas). Is it mostly gold or silver? Is it big and showy or more
modest? Does she like vintage jewelry or does she prefer custom-made pieces?
Try looking through some bridal magazines to get an idea of what is available
and what kind of design you think she would like most to wear. You can
commission you own design or engrave a special message on the inside for a unique touch if you desire.
Determining your
Budget
In her book, Get Married Without a Hitch, author Lisa
Hilmanis suggests “Tradition has it that you are supposed to hand over two
months’ salary for an engagement ring and spend whatever you want on the
wedding rings, which are usually cheaper because they tend to be more simple.”
Diamonds come in many different colors (white and yellow are most common) and
yellow are cheaper but don’t let in the most light. Most diamonds contain some
sort of imperfection, so don’t let this aspect completely control your
decision. Finally, know that it is usually acceptable to wrangle for a lower
price.
Selecting the Perfect
One
Decide what is most important by keeping her style in mind:
is it size, sparkle, shape, color? Consider the different aspects of the
diamond and how it will be set into the ring and find the perfect balance to
fit your budget.
Source Used to Write this Article:
1Helmanis, Lisa. Get Married Without a Hitch. London: The Infinite Ideas Company
Limited, 2005. Print.
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