How to Choose a Diamond Engagement Ring with High Quality

Whether you're shopping for an engagement ring or any other piece of diamond jewelry, it's important to get the most value for your money. Here's how to get a great diamond for less.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• willingness to learn
• pen and paper
• computer with internet

1. Learn a lot about diamond quality, starting with the four C's - Cut, Carat, Color and Clarity. This is a simple guide to help you determine whether a diamond is worth it or worthless. Once you begin to find diamonds you like, take notes of the ratings on the 4C's scale and the price. Choose the best diamond.

2. Cut is the overall shape of the diamond; round, pear-shaped, oval and square/princess are all common cuts. Round is the priciest, but make sure to get something that suits her style.

3. Carat is the weight of the diamond. In general, when everything else (cut, color and clarity) are the same, a bigger diamond is more expensive. Beware of paying the price for a huge diamond if it seriously lacks in the other three C's - you may be getting ripped off. Most engagement rings range from 0.5 carat to 1.0 carat.

4. Color describes how clear a diamond looks. Diamonds can range from D (colorless) to Z (so brown it is never used for jewelry). Generally, a diamond between D and H is preferred, but you can sometimes find affordably priced, less magnificent diamonds in the I-K range. These diamonds will look dirty, grey or white, rather than clear.

5. Clarity describes whether a diamond is scratched, both inside and on the surface. These scratches cannot be fixed by a jeweler. Clarity ranges in order (from best to worst) from Internally Flawless, Flawless, Very very slight 1, very very slight 2, very slight 1, very slight 2, included 1, included 2 and included 3. Anything above VVS2 will not have scratches visible to the naked eye.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to find the best balance of these four C's in your price range.
• Don't forget to incorporate her style! If she's laid back and not showy, don't buy her an elaborate, expensive ring!
• Consider personalizing a ring with both of your initials, or choose a Celtic style ring if you both ooze with Irish pride.
• If you decide to buy online, be sure to choose a reputable company and research thoroughly before you buy.

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on 7/9/2009 Excellent Work! Great article! 5*