Rings: What to look for

 Purchasing rings for your wedding doesn’t need to be overwhelming, said Gene Sanders, owner of Hogan’s Jewelers in downtown Gaylord.
“Don’t be afraid to go into a store and ask questions,” encouraged Sanders. “Let them educate you.” Knowing what you are looking at and knowing the difference in various types of diamonds and settings can help you make a sound decision. “If you are educated, you can compare,” said Sanders.
There are many things to think about when selecting an engagement ring, and the jeweler can explain what to consider, and give you printed information to look over at home. The following points should all be considered before making a decision on a ring.

What does your budget allow?

The size of the diamond, cut and mounting will determine price.
“For a pretty engagement ring, you don’t have to go for size,” Sanders assured. There are countless options for customizing a ring.
It is important to remember that the diamond is going to be the majority of your expense, with prices based on supply and demand. Your jeweler should allow you to take a close look at the stone to see the clarity.
Diamonds have various grades of clarity, Sanders explained. On the clarity grading scale, an SI grade diamond might be a good choice when shopping for rings. Though an SI may have more inclusions than a VS or VVS grade (very slightly or very, very slightly included), it is a beautiful stone and the difference cannot really be seen, said Sanders. And, he noted, the SI grade is less costly than the higher-grade diamonds.

What shape of diamond is attractive to you?

The most popular shape of diamond is the round brilliant, but other shapes include oval, marquise, heart, emerald, princess (square), trillion (triangular) and pear shaped.
“You want the diamond to fire back at you,” said Sanders, noting that the right cut will refract light through the top of the stone to create that sparkle. “You want it to dance.”
All diamonds have a fingerprint, and no two are alike, said Sanders. They are also branded with a serial number and sometimes a logo, as well. This laser inscription provides security for the owner of the stone. If you take a piece of diamond jewelry in for repair or cleaning, you know you are getting your own stone back, as it is identifiable by the branding.

What color of diamond are you interested in?

While white diamonds are the most popular, diamonds can come in a range from colorless to yellow.

What kind of mounting do you like?

“It’s the focal point of the ring,” said Sanders. Many couples like the vintage flair with beaded edges and fine lines, while thinner bands and simple designs remain popular.

What color mounting do you like?

White gold and platinum are the most popular for mountings, and it is important to remember that the diamond will take on the color of the mounting, that is, a yellow gold mount will cast a yellow tint onto the stone. White gold is stronger than yellow, and although platinum is the strongest, it also scratches deeper than white gold.

Cut:
The cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. A master diamond cutter shapes the stone with the right facets for the perfect light refraction.

Color:
Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and range from D (colorless) to Z (yellow). Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy.

Clarity:
Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity.

Carat weight:
Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size.

And a fifth C, added Sanders, is confidence: It is important to have confidence in your jeweler to ensure you get the proper rings to suit your taste and your budget.

Up North Bride Home » Older Articles » Rings: What to look for