The beauty and rarity of
diamonds go back to ancient Greece, where the diamond
obtained its name from the Greek word "adamas",
meaning "unconquerable". Since that time, the
diamond has been the symbol of love.
The most important investment you make in buying a diamond
ring is an investment in beauty. Make sure you know exactly
what you want in a ring. Sometimes that little extra knowledge
will keep you from making an expensive mistake. In making
your choice, rely on the 4C's - cut, colour, clarity and
carat. Each of these factors determines the value of a
diamond.
Cut
Refers to the way a stone is faceted, and should not be
confused with the shape of a diamond. The cut allows the
greatest amount of light to be reflected through the stone,
bringing out its sparkle, hence its brilliance.
Colour
The best diamonds are the ones with no colour. A diamond
may be blue, yellow or even brown, but the less the colour,
the more valuable it is. Diamonds are graded between D
and Z. D being the most valuable and rare with no colour
and Z being the least valuable.
Clarity
This refers to the degree a diamond is free from tiny
flaws or blemishes, known as internal inclusions. The
fewer the inclusions the more valuable the diamond is.
The clarity of a diamond can be graded, whereby, F1 means
flawless and 1F means internally flawless with minor blemishes.
Carat
The weight and size of a diamond is measured in carats.
One carat weighs 0.2 grams. Usually the larger the diamond
the more expensive, however, the carat of a diamond is
insignificant if the other 3C's are poorly rated.
Shapes
The shape of any gemstone depends on the individual's
taste and does not influence the value. The most popular
shapes include: brilliant or round, pear, marquise, oval,
emerald, square or princess and heart.
Setting
The setting is simply the design of the ring and the way
the stones are arranged within the metal of the ring itself.
Some popular settings are bezel, tiffany and illusion.
Bezel - The metal encases the sides of the stone. Tiffany
- A single stone high on the band. Illusion - Several
stones surrounding a large stone.
Carats
The purity of gold is measured in carats. The carat number
is expressed as the number of parts of gold in 24 parts
of an alloy. The most popular carats are 24, 18 and 9.
24 carat gold is soft and can bend easily. 18 carat gold
is more durable and less inclined to bend. 9 carat gold
is harder, lighter and cheaper.
Engraving
You can engrave anything you like as long as it fits.
Most couples have their initials and date of wedding engraved.
For example, VA to DK. 02-07-94. Other options include
a bible verse. A popular one is Mt. 19:6 which reads "Whatsoever
God hath joined together, let no man put unsunder".
Other Gemstones
Although diamonds are the most popular choice, there are
many other gems that are equally as beautiful. Many couples
opt for the traditional birthstone.
|
MONTH
|
STONE
|
MEANING
|
| January |
Garnet |
Constancy |
| February |
Amethyst |
Sincerity |
| March |
Bloodstone |
Courage |
| April |
Diamond |
Innocence,
purity |
| May |
Emerald |
Love,
success, hope |
| June |
Pearl |
Health |
| July |
Ruby |
Contentment,
passion |
| August |
Sardonyx |
Married
happiness |
| September |
Sapphire |
Repentance,
clear thinking |
| October |
Opal |
Loveableness,
hope |
| November |
Topaz |
Cheerfulness,
fidelity |
| December |
Turquoise |
Unselfishness,
prosperity |
Wedding Rings
The standard wedding ring is a simple circular gold
band, however, you can select a variety of shapes and
designs to your taste. Choose one that will match or
sit comfortably with your engagement ring.
Ring Care
Have your ring professionally cleaned and the settings
checked every year to ensure all diamonds are secure.
Throughout the year you can clean your own ring. Gently
scrub it with a toothbrush in warm water and give it
a quick rinse in clear water.
Conclusion
There are many points to consider when buying your engagement
and wedding rings. Your jeweller should take time to
explain all your options and help you pick the ring
which best suits your taste, lifestyle and budget. So
choose well because wedding rings are a symbol of eternal
love and should never be removed.
|
