The Four C's

Now that you’ve decided she’s “the one,” how do you decide on an engagement ring that will be just as unique. The most important thing to consider is probably cost. What kind of an investment are we talking about?

Two-month’s salary?!

It is often recommended that a man spend the equivalent amount to two month’s of his salary on an engagement ring. Now let’s think about this, if the average American male makes $50,000, two month’s salary would be almost 20 percent of that! In reality, this recommendation comes as another marketing gimmick from the diamond companies. The amount you should spend is entirely up to you, your budget, and whatever preferences you and your bride-to-be may have. According to one Canadian paper, however, a $5,000 ring “is on the high end for the average person,” so you have to set your own standards and expectations by getting informed. There are also several retailers that offer factory direct pricing, allowing you to skip the middle man and build your own diamond at your own budget. 

The 4 C’s of Diamond Shopping

Carat Weight

This is a unit of weight for precious stones equal to 200 milligrams. The larger the carat size of a diamond, the more expensive it will be. 

Cut

Cutting a diamond is a time consuming process, but if done correctly, the diamond will reflect light that enters the top and refract it perfectly throughout so that it exits back through the top. This ideal cut diamond is known to be more brilliant than all other cuts for it’s superiority in reflecting and refracting light.

Color

When looking at the color of the diamond, the less visible color there is, and the more expensive the diamond will be. In other words, it is rare to find truly clear diamonds and thus the price will increase as the near colorless grade increases from Z to D. 

Clarity

A diamond grader who examines the diamond under some kind of magnification determines clarity. A flawless or internally flawless diamond is extremely rare. Most diamonds have something called “inclusions” which refer to dark pockets of carbon that may lower the ability of light to move throughout the diamond. Again, the clearer the diamond, the higher the price tags. 

Image Sources

http://www.glitteringstones.com/IGI-diamond-grading-report.htm

http://www.gleimjewelers.com/gleim_diamonds.html

http://www.bloomingbeautyring.com/diamond-cuts/

http://www.gemfacts.com/grading/carat.aspx