The Diamond Ring

The Four C's

Over the years, the diamond still stands as the strongest symbol of

love. There are no two diamonds that are alike. The "Four C's" of

diamond value are:

Color

Diamonds without any color are extremely rare and valuable. Pale blue

shades are desired while yellow, brown, or black shades reduce the value

of the stone. The color scale for diamonds begins at D (colorless) and

ends at Z (yellow).

Cut

This is the shape, style, and finish of the diamond.  Most diamonds are 

cut to have fifty-eight facets, which transforms them into a prism that breaks 

up light into all colors of the spectrum. A perfectly cut diamond will reflect all 

the light upward for the most brilliant look.

Clarity

This is the freedom from imperfections (cracks, bubbles, and specks).

Clarity is rated on a scale of F1 for flawless through F13, imperfect.

Carat Weight

This is the size of the diamond. 100 points are equivalent to 1 carat.

Shapes of Stones

Marquis

Oblong shape that is pointed at the top and bottom

Pear

Round shape at the bottom and pointed at the top

Heart

The shape of heart

Round

The traditional cut also known as a brilliant cut

Oval

Oblong shape that is rounded at the top and bottom

Emerald

Rectangular cut that looks like it has steps on the side

Other Gemstones

Diamonds are not the only gemstones used for wedding rings. Colored

gemstones in wedding rings date all the way back to early European

aristocrats. These colors add a special uniqueness to wedding rings. The

three most popular choices of colored stones are the Sapphire, Ruby, and

Emerald.

Sapphires

This vibrant stone is a symbol of faithfulness, which dates back to the

Persians. They believed the color of the sky was actually a reflection

of a sapphire on which the earth rested, and it was said that the tablet

on which the Ten Commandments were written was a sapphire

Rubies

Rubies have been considered to be the ultimate gemstone. In biblical

times, the Ruby was considered to be the "King of the Gemstones." This

July gemstone will cause an eye to be caught by its beauty while being

enhanced by a diamond.

Emeralds

The emerald has been known as a precious stone, which was thought to

have special powers that could cure ailments including infertility and

poor eyesight. A deep colored emerald is valuable and, as opposed to

other stones, inclusions do not decrease the stones value.