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| Diamonds | |||
| Diamond rings are not only the most emotionally significant piece of jewelry you will ever own, but they are also one of the most versatile. You can wear diamonds with jeans or gowns, they are complimented by pearls, gold, colored gemstones and more diamonds. Diamonds are unique in their beauty, durability and prestige, so you should create a ring that reflects all of those qualities. | |
| We'll start with selecting your diamond here, but remember that you can begin with the setting selection just as easily. Diamonds are a big-ticket item. In order to make sure you're getting your money's worth, we recommend the following due diligence course of action before you actually shop. You might think that the 4Cs are the place to begin. But, there are three crucial factors that you must consider before any C comes into play: Shape: From round to emerald, marquise to heart, choose the shape based on occasion, type of use, personality, etc. For instance, if you are selecting the diamond for an engagement ring, a ring that will be worn every day for many years to come, you may want to consider a beautiful round stone. Not only are round diamonds more durable than other shapes (due to the smooth edges) but, also, round cuts never go out of style, insuring a timeless, subtle statement that can be worn with any outfit and any mood. If, on the other hand, the diamond is to be placed in a fancy cocktail or occasional ring, imagine the entrance you'll make with a dazzling marquise or heart shaped diamond on your finger. |
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Budget: You wouldn't shop for a Rolls Royce if your budget calls for a Honda. Likewise with diamonds, determine how much you want to spend realistically, set that amount in stone, and don't be swayed by glittering goodies in the window. There are plenty of beautiful diamonds available in every budget, enjoy all the fire without burning too big a hole in your pocket. Size and Quality: Now decide what is most important to you. Do you want the biggest possible diamond for your money at the expense of quality? Or are color, clarity and cut quality of utmost importance? If you are on a limited budget, keep in mind that the higher the quality, the smaller the stone. You can also go middle of the road and find a nice size diamond with a few flaws. "Ready to shop?" Not yet. Now that you've determined the shape, price range and quality-size ratio, it's time to get down to the serious business of making sure you get the best value available. You can learn the intricacies of the 4Cs, fluorescence, depth percentages, and other diamond value factors at the gembeat.com diamond guide. Look at all the variables and decide on the range of quality you'd like in each category in order to narrow your search. With over 49,500 possible quality combinations, choosing your range of focus is a crucial step toward finding the right diamond for you. "Now, can I go shopping?" You're getting there. Its time to compare diamonds. Even shopping within the quality range you've determined, diamond prices will vary, sometimes dramatically, with each combination. That's why it's so important to take the time to look at a lot of stones. Of course, nothing replaces the experience of comparing actual stones side by side. So, we highly recommend that you visit several local jewelers and examine their offerings within the quality/budget you've set. |
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