Characteristics of Diamond Rings

Choosing a diamond ring requires you to consider a number of different characteristics. We'll explain the basic features of diamond rings and discuss how to use them to inform your purchasing decision here.

Six Essential Attributes of a Diamond

You've probably heard of the four C's for judging a diamond's quality: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. However, there are actually six total criteria for determining a diamond's quality, and we've explained each below.

1. Cut - the cut of a diamond determines how brilliantly it will shine. Diamond rings with quality cuts will cost more, but they will also exhibit the most stunning brilliance.
2. Color - the more color a diamond has, the less colorful its fire, or flashes of colorful light, will be. Most quality diamond rings will be colorless to the naked eye, and the best diamonds will have no color even at a microscopic level.
3. Clarity - clarity refers to a diamond's lack of flaws, or inclusions. The most expensive diamonds will have no flaws, internally or externally, upon inspection under a microscope.
4. Carat weight - carat weight describes the size of the stone in diamond rings. Increases in carat weight cause the price of the diamond to rise exponentially.
5. Shape - shoppers tend to confuse a diamond's cut with its shape, but they are two different criteria. Shape refers to the exterior appearance of the stone, whereas cut refers to how well the diamond reflects light. Common shapes include round, princess, heart, and others.
6. Certification - a document proving that a diamond ring or other jewelry has the qualities the seller professes it to have.

The Metal

Diamond rings are made out of one of three metals: gold, silver, or platinum. Here is a brief summary of the pros and cons of each metal:

• Gold - gold is the most traditional of all three metals, particularly for diamond engagement rings. Gold's ability to resist rust, tarnish, and corrosion are one of the reasons it is popular for jewelry metal. In addition to its traditional yellow color, gold also comes in white gold (a silver color) and rose gold (a pinkish color). When you purchase gold, you will have to select a karatage, symbolized by a 'k' after a number, that indicates how pure the gold is. For example, 18k gold is 75% gold and 25% alloy.
• Silver - pure silver is very soft and easily damaged, which is why the silver used in diamond rings is actually a mix of silver and other metals. Sterling silver, for example, is a mix of silver and a small amount of copper. Unlike gold jewelry, silver diamond rings will tarnish if they are not polished regularly.
• Platinum - regardless of the metal you choose for your diamond ring, the setting will almost always be platinum. The qualities of platinum enhance the brilliance of diamonds, which is why it is the metal of choice for stone settings. Platinum is also very popular in diamond engagement rings because it is extremely durable; it does not scratch or tarnish.