Diamond Engagement

The search for perfect diamond solitaire engagement rings can be an exciting time in the life of any couple. But long before this sparkling gemstone was regarded as the symbol of marital commitment, it held the fascination of many civilizations. The ancient Greeks and Romans believed that these stones were splinters from falling stars. The practice of giving diamond rings as a symbol of the promise to marry dates all the way back to 1477 when Archduke Maximillion of Austria proposed to Mary of Burgundy. That royal tradition continues today as couples choose the perfect stones, settings and cuts of diamonds to honor their promises of love. Whether the preference is for traditional round shape or delicate princess cut diamond engagement rings, or any number of styles, the excitement of purchasing this precious stone still holds great meaning and symbolism. The Bible talks about the value of a healthy marriage; "House and riches are the inheritance of fathers: and a prudent wife is from the Lord." (Proverbs 14:19)

Perhaps part of the fascination with these stones lies in their uniqueness. Each gem is one of a kind with no two stones alike. In days past, these precious stones were strictly the domain of royalty and the extremely wealthy. In 1870, diamond mines were discovered in Africa, making the stone available to the ordinary man or woman who could afford one. Early ring designs were cluttered with ornamentation and did not show the stone off in its full beauty. The idea of creating simple diamond solitaire engagement rings came along much later, and the startling brilliance of the stone itself was allowed to take the spotlight. These stones are formed below the earth's surface under great heat and pressure. Volcanic eruptions bring ore to the surface of the earth, ore that brings with it precious gems for mining. Eighty percent of today's stones are mined in seven countries; Russia, Angola, Zaire, Namibia, South Africa, and Australia.

One choice that the consumer must make when selecting an engagement ring is the cut. Popular choices are princess cut diamond engagement rings. The princess cut is a relatively recent design. A combination of cuts make this shape unique, incorporating step cuts around the top edges of the stone which leaves a small, flat table on the top. Brilliant cuts below give the stone more facets and therefore more vivacity and spark. Both the princess and the radiant cuts have a square appearance, but the princess shape has a smaller table allowing for a different type of refraction. Other popular stone shapes are the round shape, the oval shape, the emerald shape, the pear shape, the radiant shape, the trilliant shape, the asscher shape, the cushion shape, the heart shape, and the marquis shape. Each shape has its own benefits and drawbacks. An emerald shaped stone requires a stone with few flaws since these flaws are very obvious in this cut. The marquis is another popular shape for engagement rings and is often used in conjunction with other stones. The oval shape can be a good style for women with smaller hands.

Whether selecting diamond solitaire engagement rings or a ring with a combination of stones, diamond certification is an important safeguard. Consumers should think of certification as a report card for their stone. Independent laboratories grade the stones and guarantee their quality and value. The grading process looks at the four C's of diamond quality, cut, carat weight, clarity, and color. Any imperfections are noted and explained and the florescence of the stone is examined. Florescence is determined by placing the stone under ultra violet light and checking the amount of light the stone gives off. Color of the stone can range from colorless, the highest grade, to yellow, the lowest grade. No matter what choice has been made regarding ring styles, whether choosing princess cut diamond engagement rings or any other style, the proper cut on a stone will allow the gem to reflect the largest amount of light. The importance of certification is to give the consumer the peace of mind that comes from knowing that the stone that they are purchasing is genuine and of good quality.

Many consumers are concerned about purchasing stones that are considered conflict free. Before the industry was properly regulated, rebel leaders in diamond producing countries took advantage of these loose restrictions by using profits from the sales of these stones to finance acts of violence and war. Steps have now been taken to regulate gemstone trade and insure that most stones available across the globe are conflict free. Once a ring has been selected, issues such as appraisal and insurance need to be considered. Insuring something as financially valuable and emotionally meaningful as an engagement ring is a smart move. Often precious jewelry can be protected on an existing renter's or homeowner's insurance policy. Taking care of any diamond solitaire engagement rings also involves making sure that they are protected in case of theft or loss.

Many business offer consumers the opportunity to design their own engagement ring. Popular choices such as princess cut diamond engagement rings can be given a personal twist through these design services. The consumer is taken step by step through each choice from stone shape to the choice of gold, silver or platinum, to the addition of side stones if the consumer prefers. In addition to this service, most jewelers stock a wide variety of ring mounts and settings, making the available choices almost endless.

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