Thursday's Wedding Tip #26

Happy Thursday and Happy Wedding Tip Day.

Wedding tip #26-Wedding Ring Shopping Tips

The Holidays are here and I am sure you have been hearing about more and more couples getting engaged =) . December is probably the most popular month for proposals. Over a 100 million diamonds are sold each year in the U.S. , but yet most people know very little about what differentiates one ring from another.

Do you know why some rings are very affordable and massive, and yet other rings are so tiny but cost so much?It all has to do with the 4 C's. Do you know the 4 C's of Diamonds?

Cut, Clarity, Color and Carat Weight

Cut is probably the most important, but the hardest to understand. The cut is based on the original shape of the rough stone. The cut of a diamond is different from the shape. Shape only refers to the outward appearance of the diamond and not how it is faceted. To keep it simple: The more light that enters and returns from the diamond the better the cut. Bling Bling!

Clarity-Of course you want to look into your ring and not see flaws. Almost all diamonds have flaws, but some have more that others. These inclusions occur during the formation process. The number and size of these inclusions determine the clarity. The fewer the flaws, the more expensive the price.

Color-Colorless diamonds are the most desirable since they allow the most refraction of light. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has devised a set of guidelines to grade diamond color. Here is a chart to help you:

D-E-F (Most expensive)
Colorless.

G-H-I-J
Nearly colorless.

K-L-M
Faintly tinted, usually yellow.

N-O-P-Q-R
Lightly tinted, usually yellow. Tint can be seen with the naked eye.

S-T-U-V-W-X-Y-Z (Least expensive)
Tinted, usually yellow, may progress to brownish. Tint visible to the naked eye, even when mounted.

Carat- This refers to the unit of weight a diamond is measured. This is the easiest to understand. Most diamonds are small- so the bigger the better(and more expensive). You can buy small diamonds at a very reasonable price these days- think of little diamonds in your necklaces or earrings- you can have a gorgeous bracelet full of small diamonds and you won't pay a fortune. Once you put one BIG diamond in the piece- the price sky rockets. Same as with an engagement ring.


Did you read the latest Star magazine yet(December 14th edition)? Well there is a picture of Jennifer Garner's new 7 carat ring from hubby Ben Affleck. Get more info on her new ring here. WOW- I hope Ben knows all about the 4 C's!

I would suggest going with your soon to be fiancee and looking at rings together to get an idea of what you like and to learn more about diamonds. As always, it is important to buy from a reputable jeweler that you trust and can answer all your questions. It is best to compare many diamonds so you can see the value. I can go on and on about Diamonds- but I hope this helps..Enjoy!