Shopping for wedding rings usually means buying diamonds that have been mounted into an exquisitely crafted ring made from gold, or even platinum. Even if the couple should opt for plainer gold or platinum bands without a gem setting however, diamond engagement rings for women are still quite popular. Nonetheless, wedding rings remain the most popular type of diamond jewelry. It’s still a big investment however, and there are some things to know when buying diamonds.
It Starts With Certification
Certified diamonds are gems that have been examined and graded in a gemology lab by geologists who specialize in this field; it is the first step the creation of diamond jewelry pieces such as diamond engagement rings. Diamonds are evaluated for:
– Carat
– Clarity
– Color
Carat refers to how large the diamond is in terms of weight and mass (a “carat” is approximately 1/5 of a gram). Clarity and color are exactly that. Diamonds for sale may be crystal clear, or may have cloudy patches inside the stone. They may also be any number of colors other than white; some colors are extremely rare and therefore much more valuable.
Although how a diamond is cut also factors into the equation, this is a less objective criterion than the other three qualities, and is subject to personal taste or what qualities of a diamond is emphasized. The cut can have a great effect on a diamond’s fire, or sparkle.
Nonetheless, the purpose here is not to place a monetary value on the diamond; it is simple meant assign a grade to the gem. However, this grade is used in the actual appraisal of certified diamonds.
Mounted or Not?
It is uncommon for most people to buy diamonds in their loose form; despite the value and beauty of cut diamonds, they can be difficult to sell on the open market, and therefore are not the most liquid investment one can hold. However, depending on who is selling diamond engagement rings or other types of diamond jewelry, you may have the option of purchasing what is called a “semi mount,” or piece into which a gem has yet to be mounted.
Buying diamonds separately from diamond engagement rings and other diamond jewelry pieces allows people to choose the type of gem they prefer in terms of cut and color. Some will like “emerald cut” diamonds that accentuates the gem’s clarity, while others prefer the fiery sparkle of the princess cut. Table cuts actually offer the best of both worlds in this respect; such decisions are a big part of buying diamonds for wedding jewelry today.