The Latest Trends In Diamond Engagement Rings
Author: Ciara McNamara

The engagement ring is a symbol of a promise. The promise is
the intention to marry. Such "promise" or "betrothal" rings
have probably been around since the 4th century, but their
style and has changed dramatically, even if the meaning and
tradition remains unchanged.

It began with the Roman Empire. Those betrothed wore an iron
ring in private and adorned a more elaborate gold ring during
public appearances. The traditional diamond engagement ring
didn't come into play until about the 18th Century. Prior to
that, other gem stones started coming into play to dress up the
plain gold band.

Selecting an engagement ring with diamonds is an education in
and of itself. One learns quickly about the 4 Cs of selecting a
diamond. Understanding the 4 Cs will help you make the best
choice for your budget.

The 4Cs consist of "Cut," "Clarity," Carat," and "Colour."

Cut: The cut refers to the shape of the diamond. This can be
round, oval, princess (a square shape), Emerald (more
rectangular like an emerald), or marquis (pointed on either
end.) The cut can greatly impact the brilliance because certain
cuts provide more facets to the diamond therefore the
opportunity for more light to reflect. A round cut has the
greatest number of facets, and if properly proportioned, will
appear the most brilliant. An emerald cut diamond has the
fewest facets, so larger stones are need to make an impressive
display.

Clarity: All diamonds, except the most rare, has some kind of
mark, nick, or cloudiness to them caused by flaws. The clarity
of the diamond is measured by an alphabetical and numerical
scale with the diamonds in the "F" category being completely
flawless. Most average jewelry stores carry diamonds in the
range of VS1 to S1 ratings where slight flaws are still very
difficult to see at 10x magnification.

Carat: Carat is the weight of the diamond. Many eager young
couples focus too much on size. A one-carat diamond can be
impressive, but if the quality of colour and cut don't compare
with the size, it will not be such a brilliant looking ring.
Many couples opt to have a better quality diamond that in the
proper setting appears large and put more emphasis on clarity
and colour.

Colour: The colour of a diamond is also measured
alphabetically. D-I are the whitest, with D being the very
whitest. A diamond rated J-L will still be near colourless. The
farther down the scale the more yellow the diamond will appear.
There are some people who value a large, perfectly cut yellow
diamond, but most traditional engagement rings focus on the
brilliant white appearance.

Diamond Engagement Rings Today

If you are not necessarily one to stick with tradition, then
you may choose an antique ring with smaller diamonds. It may be
a sapphire ring with diamonds on the side.

The role of religion or tradition may play into your decision
about your engagement ring. If you are Jewish or Christian you
may want a ring with meaning related to your faith. A Celtic
ring may be a must for those of Irish decent or others who love
the rich tradition behind the intricate scroll work.

Whatever style you prefer, just be sure to shop around. There
are so many different qualities that make up a special
engagement ring, that you can't rely on price alone to tell you
its value.


About The Author: Ciara McNamara reveals many articles for
http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com. Within the website she is
publishing on issues like
http://www.engagement-rings-tips.com/diamond-engagement-ring.html
and wedding tips.