Denver Engagement Rings: A Crash Course

Woman trying on Denver engagement rings

Thinking of popping the question, but feeling overwhelmed when it comes to searching Denver for engagement rings? We don’t blame you. There’s so much information out there, and a lot of it isn’t entirely correct. If you’re going to invest in your future with your partner, it’s essential that you have a good idea of what you’re purchasing. Below, our experts put together a crash course that gives you the skinny on all things engagement rings.

Sale!
Sale!

CUT

The cut of a diamond on Denver engagement rings refers to the diamond’s proportion, polish, and symmetry. A properly cut diamond will show off its brilliance (which is the interior polished diamond and the different facets of the surface allowing the light’s reflection).
 
A diamond’s proportion is defined by the size and shape of the facets, as well as the angle. A grading system exists to assist consumers in determining if a diamond has a good cut. Several established groups have developed standards for grading the cut of a diamond. Generally, the range goes from “poor” to “excellent.” Here at Mark’s Diamonds, we only carry “excellent” cut diamonds.

COLOR

Or should we say lack thereof? With diamonds, color actually refers to the lack of color. Trace amounts of nitrogen present during the diamond’s formation cause slight amounts of yellow, gray, or brown hues to form in the diamond. Diamonds with fewer hues (or colors) are considered rarer and thus have a higher value.

When a diamond has less color, its brilliance and fire (the colorful flashes of light) are more prominent. A gemologist will give these diamonds a higher color grade, which means less color. Diamond color ranges from D (colorless) all the way to Z. Typically, you want to stay within the D to G range. However, each diamond is unique and different.

CLARITY

The clarity of a diamond defines the cleanliness, or clearness, present. During the diamond’s formation, natural and unique microscopic attributes become trapped within. These inner attributes form tiny cracks and are called ‘inclusions.’ Inclusions can appear to be white and cloudy or black. When these attributes appear on the outside, they are known as blemishes.

The clarity of the diamond will measure the size, amount, and location of internal ‘inclusions,’ as well as external ‘blemishes.’ The clarity grades are assigned as ‘flawless,’ with almost no imperfections, to ‘included,’ which contain several imperfections visible to the naked eye.

It is a misconception that you need a ‘flawless’ diamond to have a high-quality stone. The grades VVS1, VVS2, VS1, and VS2 appear “flawless” to the naked eye.

CARAT

The diamond’s carat refers to the weight of the diamond. The higher the weight, the more pricey the diamond is. Many people think that they can tell the weight of a diamond by its size, but a smaller diamond can have more weight than a larger one based on its cut.

WHAT IS FLUORESCENCE?

Fluorescence is the emission of a soft-colored glow that a diamond emits when exposed to ultraviolet light. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has found that 25 to 30 percent of diamonds have fluorescence at some level, and consumers should not consider it a significant factor in deciding to purchase a diamond. They offer a word of caution that if the diamond has a strong, or very strong, fluorescence, it will indicate it doesn’t have enough body color.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING DENVER ENGAGEMENT RINGS

First and foremost, you must consider your budget before making a purchase. Your budget is going to depend on what the diamond is for. Your budget for buying engagement rings or wedding bands will likely be higher than buying a pair of diamond earrings or a necklace.

Next, you’ll need to decide on the shape of the diamond. For engagement rings, you’ll want to listen to the hints of your fiancé, but if they haven’t given you any, then you should consider the types of other rings she wears. Also, consider her personality and what diamond shape will look good on her hand. If you’re still unsure, try eliciting help and advice from a trusted friend.

ROUND CUT

– the most popular shape, but choose a high-quality grade to bring out the most amount of brilliance

PRINCESS CUT

– exceptionally brilliant due to their cut and a very unique color. The princess cut shows a distinct color in each corner, as well as the center of the diamond. This cut is available in both rectangle and square shapes

MARQUISE CUT

– maximizes carat weight by showing off its size through its unique shape

CUSHION CUT

– often called a ‘pillow-cut’ diamond, the diamond is named for its pillow-like shape. This diamond usually has an immaculate brilliance and clarity in appearance due to its larger facets and rounded corners. This cut is available in square and rectangular shapes

 

EMERALD CUT

– providing an unparalleled visual appearance due to the rectangular facets that are step-cut

 

RADIANT CUT

– features trimmed corners, combining the sharp lines of the emerald cut with the round cut’s brilliance

PEAR CUT

– a combination of the marquise and round cuts, pear-shaped diamonds are uniquely cut to produce the most brilliance

OVAL CUT

– this cut provides a classic look with a contemporary feel. A popular cut in a variety of jewelry, specifically engagement rings, it provides an immaculate brilliance

ASSCHER CUT

– more square than it is rectangular, and is often mistaken for an emerald cut due to the similar cut style

Choosing a Setting:

The next thought you should give when shopping for a diamond is the setting for the diamond, which will add to the diamond’s appeal and charm. Be sure to consider the wearer’s activity, personality, and design preference.

PRONG

Holds the stone like a claw and generally has 3, 4, or 6 prongs holding the gemstone in place. With the prong style, the diamond’s base (girdle) is more exposed to capture the light. But the downside is that the diamond is also more susceptible to receiving damage.

BEZEL

The metal rim of the bezel setting surrounds the diamond from every side, and its smooth surface protects the ring and other objects. Although this is a popular choice, the bezel setting does encircle the diamond, limiting its brilliance.

CHANNEL

Channel set in a grooved band, this setting is mainly used for wedding bands or as an accent to the larger center stone in the engagement ring. The channel is also suitable for active lifestyles due to the lack of sharp angles.

PAVE

This setting places several small princess cut or round diamonds together like a paved path. Sometimes, the pave setting will incorporate small prongs to provide additional strength. Although flush with the band, the prongs can still catch threads from fabric.

ASK FOR A GRADING REPORT

Asking for a grading report will give you valuable information on the diamond that you, as an amateur, couldn’t possibly know, no matter how much research you do on Denver engagement rings. However, you should never make your purchasing decision based solely on the certificate grade. That’s because two different diamonds that look identical and are certified by the same laboratory will not necessarily be equal in value.

You have a trusted jeweler at Mark’s Diamonds. Mark can bring a custom design to life, and Mark will stand by his ring and design for its lifetime. At Mark’s Diamonds, we have a bench jeweler on staff who can help maintain the ring. We can complete many repairs on the same day. Book your appointment now and ease your mind!

Loading...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *