Wedding Engagement Rings

Diamond Engagement Rings

Because of their beauty and durability, diamonds are the first choice among brides today for an engagement ring. At 3 billion years old, a diamond is the oldest thing anyone will probably ever own that they can hold -- or wear.

When looking at diamonds, it is important to know the 4 C's: Color, Carat, Cut and Clarity. Most diamonds may seem colorless, yet the only diamonds that are truly colorless are called "white" and that is how the Gemological Institute of America grades diamond color. The "ideal" Cut is not too deep or too shallow, which allows the shine to escape from the bottom and sides. Carat refers to the weight, or size, of the gem. The term ctTW is the total carat weight of all stones on one piece of jewelry. The final C is Clarity, which addresses any inclusions, flaws, specks or cracks within the stone. A stone's certification sheet should note the grade of the 4 C's.