Well, finally the moment has arrived and you think your man of how many year is about to pop the question. Your best friend has giving you a hint by asking “Nikki, what size are your rings?” When you heard those six words in your lovely ears, your heart just about jumped out of your chest. I know, I’ve been there.
Since we’re in December and this is the month when most men propose to that special lady in their lives, I thought this is a great opportunity to write about one of my absolute favorite things on the planet; Diamonds. Whatever the occasion, birthday, anniversary, Christmas, my husband knows that he can never fail if he has 1-a nice Tiffany’s box or diamonds. I’m a very simple girl.
Gentlemen, I know a lot of you love online shopping, as do I; and although doing your ring shopping online may save you time…it can also get difficult. You might need her to get to try the ring on. See how it sparkles and feel the weight. What looks good in a magazine may not be what she imagined when she is wearing it. I promise you that I don’t think there’s ever such a things as “to big” when it comes to diamonds, but in all fairness, I have to tell you that if you have a 4-carat ring in mind, it may be too much for her petite hand. What kind of cut does she like? She may prefer an Emerald cut, but loves the luster of the Radiant cut or Cushion cut. This is one purchase you want to take your time with.
Finding the perfect ring may not be as easy as it looks. I promise you if you know and remember the big 4 C’s in the diamond bible, selecting a diamond will be much easier. What are the 4 C’s you ask? Cut, Color, Clarity and Carat Weight off course! Although knowing the art & science to your diamonds is important, you still should leave it up to the pros to help & guide you through the process.
The 4 C’s.
Carat Weight
Diamond size is determined by its carat weight. One carat is divided into 100 points. A 50 point diamond is 1/2 carat or .50 carats. Carat was derived from (believe it or not) the use of the carob plant seed. See our charts in the drop down info menu’s above to get an idea of the physical size of a diamond.
Cut
This term is used to describe the quality of the cut (not the shape) of the diamond.
A well cut diamond is better suited to handle light internally creating more scintillation and sparkle (fire). Proportions and symmetry as well as polish are taken into consideration.
Very Good-Exceptional brilliance with few and only minor outer marks.
Good-Good brilliance. Some outer marks.
Medium-Slightly less brilliance. Some larger outer marks.
Poor-Less brilliance. Large or many outer marks
Color
A diamonds color is at its best by not showing any color at all. Diamonds are mined in a range of color, white to faint yellow or brown, to the very rare fancies such as pink, blue and green
D or EF are Colorless
G or HI are Near Colorless
J or KLM are Faint Yellow
N OPQR are Very light Yellow
SZ Light are Yellow
Clarity
A Diamond’s clarity is determined when viewed by a trained eye under 10 power magnification. Most diamonds contain internally tiny natural birth marks known as inclusions. Fewer and smaller inclusions result in increased passage of light. This is the essence of a diamond’s brilliance and fire.
IF Free of inclusions under 10 power magnification
VVS Very few, very small inclusions under 10x magnification, difficult to find
VS Some small inclusions recognizable by an expert under 10x magnification
SI Several small inclusions, recognized under 10x magnification
I1 or PI Inclusion recognizable under 10x magnification. Not diminishing the brilliance
I2 or P2 Larger and or many inclusions, slightly diminishing the brilliance recognizable with naked eye
I3 or P3 Large and or many inclusions diminishing the brilliance
Below is just a guide to give you ideas of the different cuts and because these are diamonds, I have to tell you that I absolutely, positively love each and every single cut. But my very favorite had to be this stunning little number which is featured first. As always, I would love to know your thoughts on the rings below. Have you and your man started to look for rings? Gentlmen, have you started to look for a ring? If so, what are your thoughts on these rings? What kind of ring are you looking for? Best of all, how will you propose? I would love to know your plans for a future post on the best proposals and you’ll be entered to win a grand prize. More details to come….
With my grooms in mind,
Violaine Diogene
For the courageous trendsetter always looking for something unexpected, this platinum and diamond engagement ring, pictured with a round brilliant-cut center stone, features diamond studded thrice-split cathedral shoulders. Rare pink diamonds are set in rose gold in the central channel.
Display some shine with this unexpected engagement ring, featuring three bright diamonds encircled by Tacori’s signature milligrain. The ring’s unique criss-crossing shoulders are accentuated with alluring diamond pave.
Brighten an emerald-cut diamond with two emerald-cut side stones and a milligrain-accentuated shining, streamlined band of channel-set princess-cut diamonds. The sides of the band are finished with signature crescent silhouette diamond details.
Stylish and classic at the same time, snappy trillion-cut diamonds make this diamond engagement ring soar. A crown of round diamonds bloom a beautiful oval center stone for sophistication and glamour.
High-polished and straightforward, this diamond engagement ring is for the woman who knows what she wants: streamlined, with tapered baguettes and diamond design details, for a ring that is divine from every angle.
Elegance and opulence come together with this engagement ring for an oval-shaped diamond. The band tapers with fans of baguettes, sharp hand-engraved signature Tacori flourishes and lacey crescent silhouette details along the sides of the band.
I love this luminous setting, with two trapezoid-shaped side stones and sleek channel-set princess cut diamonds illuminating a princess cut center stone. Tapered platinum and crescent silhouette details give this ring a splendid finish.
A beautiful juxtaposition of modern, yet traditional; classic, yet unconventional. A stunning emerald-cut center stone with two intensifying emerald-cut size stones on a shimmering, pave-set platinum band, is made even more refined with alluring secret diamond details on the sides.
