So i am beginning the grand journey to find an engagement ring, and i havent the slightest clue to diamond quality or clarity. Anyone please help, tell me the kinds of things i should look for and what to expect to pay for the better. I definately want something quality. Where is a good place to look for such diamonds would be another question.

6 Comments so far

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   I say buy a loose diamond and have it mounted in the ring of your or her choice.
   Here is a suggestion
   Good Luck

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   being a girl Im nuts about all this stuff…
   check out http://www.topazery.com its an awesome U.S site that is very addictive..it has lots of customer letters which is REALLY important if you shop on the net.
   If your lady likes antiques in good condition there’s
   http://www.georgianjewellry.com these guys are amazing!!
   Go for something unique dude, Im so excited for you, it’ll mean more if no one else has it, all the new styles are modelled on classic stuff like the Art Deco period.
   Think about the length and width of her fingers when considering diamond shape..long fingers can take chunkier styles as can short stubby fingers (Think heart, round Asscher in larger {2-3 k}sizes). Thin short fingers find a marquise shape or oval shape more flattering, not beyond the first knuckle!
   GET GIA certs and learn to pick all the info up by doing tonnes of research, I did a mini course on the GIA website.
   If you get a “set” ring GET THE MEASUREMENTS of the ring north to south etc (topazery does this) THE PHOTOS CAN BE MISLEADING…
   I agree with getting a loose stone, and dont forget Rose gold is absolutely warm and stunning!!
   OH MY GOSH HAVE SO MUCH FUN!!!!

3. ---

   Clarity and cut. find a reputable local dealer, trust what he says, and buy from him. Enjoy your marriage, congratulations!

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   http://mdcdiamonds.com/Default.cfm is the best place.

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   When buying loose diamonds, or any other diamonds, a buyer should consider the now-famous 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity and carat. These four aspects of grading a diamond allow a buyer to determine its quality. The 4 C’s also determine the cost of loose diamonds – and set diamonds. However, a buyer has to determine which of these takes precedence in choosing a diamond.
   Cut is different from shape. Shape concerns whether the diamond is round, emerald-cut, or pear-shaped. The cut of a diamond has a great deal to do with how it looks to the naked eye – how it sparkles. Buyers should look for cuts that are rated at least “good.”
   Color determines how much yellow tinge is present in the diamond. Some diamonds in the “H-J” range may appear nearly colorless, but much “warmer” than diamonds with less color. They are also usually less expensive.
   Clarity refers to flaws or “inclusions” in the diamond. These grades range from the very rare flawless to “slightly included.”
   Carat is often thought to regard size, but in reality, it refers to weight. Of course, a heavier diamond is usually a larger one, but carat does strictly mean weight.
   Before purchasing a loose diamond or a diamond jewelry piece, it is important to learn these aspects of diamonds so that you can determine the exact worth of your expenditure.
   You can always check online website like http://www.b2cjewels.com/ , to find engagement ring as per your liking.

6. ---

   Get a copy of “Gemstones”, by Keith Wallis, ISBN: 1851494944 and ISBN: 9781851494941.
   You want a diamond with the fewest possible number of inclusions. You also want a stone that is as flawless as possible…in order of desirability, from most desirable to least desirable, the grades are FL, IF, VVS (1-10), VS (1-10), SI, 11, 12, 13. If you get her a 12 or 13, she’ll leave you.
   The book has notes on cuts, facets, etc. Make sure that you examine the girdle to be sure that your diamond isn’t two stones glued together. The glue eventually gives out.
   You might frankly want to buy the stone cut but unset, and get the setting made by someone in school for jewelry making. It’ll be cheaper.
   You might also consider having it set with smaller, lesser stones. Flanking it with small rubies and emeralds on a gold setting makes a striking piece. Blue stones around it on a silver or platinum setting can also be very attractive.