The Four C’s
The Four C’s
A diamond is one of the largest purchases most people make in their life time. As with any large purchase you should understand what you are buying and take the time to educate yourself as to what to look when shopping for a diamond.
The value of a diamond depends on certain characteristics of the diamond that are graded. Diamonds are examined and graded by trained workers at laboratories using grading criteria established by The Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Four of these criteria are essential to understand when buying a diamond. When you apply these four criteria accurately and completely, you can be confident that you are getting the best diamond quality and value for your money.
Keep in mind that the Four C’s should only be applied to a loose diamond and not to a diamond mounted on a ring. Known as the Four C’s,” these criteria are: Color, Clarity, Carat and Cut.
With an understanding of the Four C’s, you will be able to comparison shop and buy the best diamond at a fair price. But buying a diamond shouldn’t be done on a whim or rushed. Give yourself plenty of time and shop around, see what is out there to be purchased, then decide on the shapes and styles that appeals to you.
Silver
Silver as a Ring Metal
Silver is a precious metal that is bright-metallic-white in color. It is relatively ductile, second only to gold. However, it tarnishes easily when exposure to air and will turn greenish to black with age. Fine silver (99.9% pure), like gold, is too soft for making every day wear jewelry, so the silver is usually alloyed with copper to give it strength. The silver used for jewelery is called Sterling Silver, which is at least 92.5% pure and 7.5% other metals, usually cooper.
Silver is the least popular of the precious metals to use for any type of engagement ring because it tarnishes easily and needs to be cleaned and polished very frequently. It is not a strong metal, even with its typical alloys, and will not hold up as a setting for a precious gemstone or diamond.
Other Popular Metals Used For Engagement Rings: Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Titanium
Metals for Engagement Rings
Gold is the most common and popular metal used for diamond engagement rings. However, platinum and palladium are also gaining in popularity as alternative metals to gold for use in rings today.
Just like the diamond or other gemstone that you decide to mount on your engagement ring, the choice of metal for the ring depends on you personal taste and financial situation. But generally the metal you choose for your engagement ring should be pleasing to the eyes, compliment the diamond or whatever gemstone is used, and strong enough to hold the diamond or other gemstone without breaking from day to day wear. Just like gemstones, some metals are more suited than others for use in an engagement ring.
To help you make an informed decision when choosing between a yellow gold engagement ring, a white gold engagement ring or a platinum engagement ring, here are some distinguishing characteristics for the popular metals used for today’s engagement rings: Gold, Platinum, Palladium, Titanium and Silver.
Which ever metal you decide to use for your engagement ring, you should choose a metal that looks visually pleasing, that compliment the diamond or what ever gem stone you decide to use, that will be strong enough to hold up to day to day wear, and that will fit within your budget.