One of the first things that people will say if asked to describe a diamond is that they sparkle.

Imagine a diamond for a second.

The image in your mind will display a sparkling stone beaming out light and color.

Diamonds are known for their sparkle.

As a purchaser, how do you buy a diamond that sparkles?

The factors involved in a diamonds value and its characteristic features are usually classed as follows.

Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut.

In this article we will deal with Cut.

The cut of a diamond refers to two things.

The shape and the quality of the cut in regards to its proportions.

The shape of the diamond is a varied affair these days due to the amount of custom cuts on the market, but the standard and most common ones are the Round, Princess (square), Heart, and Emerald (rectangular).

Other cuts include, Baguette, Trillion, Cushion, Ascher, and the list goes on.

The shape will have an influence on the sparkle of the diamond and the way it display the light to the eye of the observer, but most have been optimized and perfected over the years to ensure all the major cuts provide maximum results.

The second factor in cut is the facets.

The facets are the faces of the diamond creating by carefully and accurately placed angled cuts on the outside of the diamond.

Take a moment to imagine the diamond as a set of mirrors all positioned to bounce the maximum amount of light from each other in an upwards direction to the eye of the observer.

If all the mirrors are perfectly positioned the maximum amount of light will follow the best possible path up to the top of the diamond and will then perform a color and sparkle display for the observer.

If the mirrors are off a little then light will follow a path away from the top and exit out of the sides or bottom of the diamond, thus resulting in reduced sparkle due to lost light.

This is primarily how a diamond sparkles.

When choosing a diamond that will provide the maximum amount of light display (sparkle) you should be sure to get the best grade of cut you can.

Cut is graded as such.

It is graded from 000 up to 10.

000 being absolutely perfect cut, basically unbeatable, 0-00 is excellent, 1-2 is a good cut, and so on until you get into the higher numbers that would be something like a beginner to diamond cutting would produce.

Obviously the better the cut the higher the price tag, so do not be disappointed if you can not raise the funds for a 000 cut, it is similar to buying a Bentley of diamonds, not everyone can do it, but that does not mean that anything lower is vastly inferior, it just means it is not of the highest grade in the world, but certainly not the lowest.

Any sales associate trained to sell loose diamonds will be able to inform you about the cut of the diamond you are viewing and any diamond over 0.50 carat weight that is of decent quality or better usually has a diamond certificate that records the cut quality, color grade clarity rating, and proportions of the diamond.

Gorgeous and stunning aquamarine engagement rings are a perfect choice for couples looking for non-diamond, affordable or unique rings. Aquamarine offers much more than just eye-catching beauty, and it is one of the best gemstones to use for engagement wedding rings.

1. Aquamarine Is Durable

Aquamarine rates a 7.5 to 8.0 on the Moh’s Hardness Scale, and rings made with aquamarine require no special care. It is a highly durable gemstone which can hold up to daily wear – on par with topaz and morganite. Aquamarine is readily found in nature too without inner inclusions or outside blemishes; high clarity gemstones with no inclusions and blemishes have minimized risks for chipping or cracking when exposed to hard knocks or increased pressure. Because of its high clarity rating, aquamarine is even more durable than an emerald.

2. Aquamarine Rings Are Priced For Any Budget

Brilliant inexpensive engagement rings made with aquamarine gemstones are available for less than $500 dollars, and exquisite ring styles featuring aquamarines and diamonds are available for more than $5,000 dollars. There is a huge selection of aquamarine rings in a wide range of prices, and couples have an almost endless amount of styles to choose from regardless of their budget.

3. Aquamarine Wedding Rings Are Unique

Gemstone engagement and wedding rings have become quite popular in recent years, and rings made with aquamarine offer a unique take on the more popular sapphire, emerald and ruby engagement rings. Plus, the subtle water blue of aquamarine combined with vivid flashes of light showcases a clean and classy look – one that is unique yet sophisticated at the same time.

4. Aquamarine Is Versatile

Aquamarine is a gemstone cutter’s dream – it cuts cleanly and has a low risk for breaking or cleaving. Because the gemstone may be cut into any shape, an aquamarine can be styled to fit any engagement ring design including emerald, brilliant round, baguette, Asscher, and princess shapes. Plus, gemstone cutters often use aquamarine to experiment with new types of cuts and designs.

Aquamarine is also frequently discovered in extremely large carat sizes, including high clarity gemstones which weigh hundreds of pounds. Due to the large sizes of aquamarine which are commonly found, aquamarine rings are available in a wide range of carat sizes from tiny intricately cut gemstones to large and vivid gumball bling sizes.

5. Aquamarine Engagement Rings Are Gorgeous

Last but not least, aquamarine wedding rings are absolutely stunning. Aquamarine has a refractive index (a measure of the gemstone’s ability to capture and reflect light) of 1.57 to 1.58. The refractive index of aquamarine is comparable to an emerald, and just under a ruby or sapphire. A custom cut aquamarine gemstone has a lustrous and radiant glow – perfect for engagement and wedding rings.

Tips for Choosing the Best Aquamarine Wedding Rings

Aquamarine engagement rings are valued by the quality of the aquamarine gemstone and the gemstone’s cut and color; carat size has little to do with the price of the rings. The most highly valued aquamarine gemstones have a custom cut, a deep blue color and a perfect clarity grade. The lighter blue aquamarines, and aquamarines with light hints of green, are quite beautiful too – and often preferred for engagement and wedding rings – but they are not valued as highly as the deeper blue gemstones. To make sure you are paying the right price for your ring, examine the qualities of the gemstone’s cut, clarity and color characteristics before you buy.

Ever since it was first incorporated into fine jewellery roughly a thousand years ago, diamonds have adorned the royal, the noble, and the exquisite. Diamonds have never lost their charm, and have never been out of fashion.

What is it about diamonds that makes us swoon whenever we see it? The obvious answer is the impressive sparkle. The bedazzling appearance of a well cut, beautifully set diamond is enough to entice even the humblest of hearts.

Today the diamond still stands as the king of gemstones and the ultimate aspiration. Its durability, being the hardest substance on Earth, makes it the everlasting gift that can be passed on for generations. No wonder that it symbolises unconditional and everlasting love.

As a jewellery designer, I have the privilege of assisting my clients with choosing their engagement and wedding rings, as well as their milestone gifts (to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, new-born members of the family etc.). In other words, their precious heirlooms that will accompany them throughout their lives, and act as symbols of their love.

Most often, the token in question is an engagement ring. This is always an exciting and pleasant experience for me, not to mention the client! Deciding what the ring should look like can be quite daunting. There are so many different styles of rings to choose from, that it seems almost impossible that any woman could possible decide on just one engagement ring, and love it for years to come. The best place to start when choosing an engagement ring is with the diamond. The shape and size of the diamond greatly influences the dimensions of the engagement ring.

If you are a buying an engagement ring with the idea of it being a surprise, it is a good idea to make sure that you know what your intended fiancé would most prefer concerning the characteristics of their diamond. Is she the type of person who would want the highest purity and colour, or would she prefer to have the biggest diamond that your budget can allow, whether it be top white or not? Would she prefer the traditional solitaire, or way out of the ordinary?

When in doubt, my advice is always to keep it simple. A well made, 6-claw solitaire ring, set with a round brilliant cut diamond will always be beautiful and tasteful, and if it is well designed, it can be worn with any wedding ring. Other rings can be added later to act as enhancements for it. This in turn creates lovely opportunities for amazing birthday and anniversary gifts.

A solitaire does not need to be all traditional though. There are many different and elegant ways, besides the traditional 6-claw design, to set a diamond. The shape and thickness of the ring, openness and shape of the setting, and the finish (or texture) of the metal can all be manipulated to add unique qualities to an engagement ring, without cluttering it. Platinum especially offers endless possibilities as it is such a strong, durable precious metal.

Another way of ensuring that you have a unique solitaire ring is to have a diamond that is a less run of the mill cut. Round Brilliant Cut diamonds are by far the most commonly used, followed by Princess and Emerald Cut diamonds. Few couples even consider having an Oval, Pear or Marquise Cut set in their engagement ring.

One particular option which I would like to highlight, is to have a solitaire engagement ring set with a Cushion Cut diamond. This specific cut is rapidly increasing in popularity as more and more people are discovering its beauty. Cushion Cuts, also known as Old Mine Cuts, are four sided, deep square or rectangular diamonds with rounded edges. The appearance is softer than a princess or Emerald Cut, and it has the same sparkle as a Round Brilliant Cut. Another benefit is that fancy cut diamonds are more affordable per carat than a Round Brilliant cut of the same weight, clarity and colour.

So if you ever find yourself in the thrilling position of choosing an engagement ring, keep these thoughts in mind as you choose your own beautiful heirloom.

When you want to “pop the question,” everything must be perfect, from the place you choose to propose to the way you lead up to the big moment. You want the moment to be everything she has ever dreamed of. Every aspect must be perfect, especially the ring. She will remember that moment all her life. The ring especially will be a token she will cherish from that day on.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring for ‘the one’ does not have to be difficult and can prove to be quite simple. Though the traditional engagement ring that comes to mind is the simple diamond ring, this is not necessarily set in stone. When it comes to choosing the ring keep in mind the key aspects you want to address. Allow the ring to express to her, your love and admiration for her and who she is. Consider giving her a ring that encompasses her uniqueness, a blue topaz.

Topazes are gemstones that come in many different shades ranging from yellows, browns, reds, and blues. If you are in search of the blue hues of topazes, lighter, clearer blues are much easier to come by. Rich, dark, blues are usually a great deal harder to find but definitely not impossible, especially if that is what you have your mind set on.

Blue topaz engagement rings have been gaining popularity for many reasons. The gemstone, blue topaz, stands for individuality, creativity, and confidence in decisions the perfect ring for the perfect woman in your life. This ring represents everything you fell in love with and motivated you to make the decision to ask her to become your life-long mate.

Other than the strong meaning, blue topaz is gracing the fingers of more and more women because of its beauty. Blue, pure, and gleaming, who would not want their wife to have such a beautiful daily reminder of true love?

If you are in search of an engagement ring, there are many websites you can visit to gain valuable information to help you in your search. One such website, Rings Midas, offers great information on the history, care, and symbolism of the topaz. It is always wise to research before you purchase anything. You want both yourself and your fiance to be happy with the decision.

If you are ready to propose to the woman you love, one such important factor to consider is the ring. You want the moment you propose to be a memorable, happy occasion that she will look back on with fond memories. She can have that constant reminder of your love and appreciation for her by giving her the perfect ring that encompasses her individuality and her creativity.

For more beautiful engagement rings including pear shaped engagement rings and pearl engagement rings visit SmartMusings.com

We all know that diamond ring is a representation of love. It is also considered as a token of sentiment, fidelity, seriousness and likeness which expression is not possible in world. An engagement ring is the perfect gift by which you can express your romance, feeling and love to your beloved in perfect way.

Majority of people present customary and traditional gift but there are few people who believe in offering something new, unique and exotic as well so you can express her in first meeting. Considering the popularity and high demand of engagement rings, market is flooded with various kinds of engagement rings which be found in different materials, designs and styles.

Solitaire Diamond Engagement Rings

Presently, majority of people women like to wear solitaire diamond engagement rings. Today, it is very popular because budding generation love to wear and also like to present solitaire diamond rings at the time of their engagement. By placing this ring you make lots of promises and also give the message that your love relation is an eternal.

Antique Engagement

The most important and classical ring is antique engagement because most of the women prefer to these beautiful rings. One of the exciting things of these engagement rings is that these are less expensive and cheap as well. A variety of antique engagement rings and victorian antique engagement rings one of them. This is classic ring and is set in yellow gold. Other highly known ring is Art Deco antique rings which are crafted from fancy colorful stones and gems.

Platinum Engagement Rings

Platinum engagement rings called as a modern age engagement rings which are very expensive and it is the most precious metal. This has been used for many decades but because of its antique look and modern appearance it is still highly popular among the loved ones. You can purchase solitaire diamond engagement ring set in platinum as it looks beautiful and your beloved will also love to wear it.

If your beloved is fashionable and like creativity, then three stone diamond engagement rings would be very suitable for her and she will like very much. It is very popular among the women of the world because of aesthetic look and artistic appearance. Some rings experts believe three stones diamond engagement rings represent past, present and future of your relation. So by gifting three stones diamond engagement rings you communicate the message that you loved her, you love her and you will love her for rest of the life.

The price of diamond ring entirely depends on its color, cut, carat and clarity. By having information about 4C’s of diamond, you can determine its value of diamond and prices as well. Furthermore, price of ring also depends on the type of side stones which are used in your engagement ring. Always keep in mind that no matter what type of ring you have picked for your ladylove but must ensure that the ring you are going to select must suit her preference and lifestyle.

When it comes time to find the perfect engagement ring, women seek the advice of family and friends, pour over images in magazines and websites, and visit every jeweler and engagement ring store in town to get an idea of what style looks best on her hand. The choices are endless: for the setting, do you go with platinum or palladium or white gold? How about yellow gold? Do you lean more towards a vintage style or a modern look? How about a classic solitaire, with a simple round diamond? And of course there’s the budget which is the primary factor in determining whether you go with a 1/2 carat, a 1 carat or even a 2 carat or larger center diamond. And of course the way the ring feels and looks on your hand is of the utmost importance.

Engagement ring designer Bridget Durnell brings into focus the key elements of truly inspired, heirloom quality rings. Integrity of design, finesse in craftsmanship and relentless attention to detail are behind every ring created by Bridget. Her inspiration comes from areas as diverse as the romantic periods in history, observations from nature and a love of architecture. This collection was inspired by the Art Nouveau period. Each ring features a Nouveau inspired forget-me-not flower to express the romance of an era when a man gave his love a forget-me-not flower as a symbol of his everlasting love.

Each ring designed for the collection incorporates Bridget’s philosophy of quality. Bridget has designed several styles including the Halo engagement ring, another with a split-shank that is a favorite ring style of celebrities, and a modern-vintage style with a setting for a large center diamond and highlighted with dozens of micropave diamonds on each side. Many of the styles in the Bridget Engagement Ring Collection can accommodate the center diamond of your choice, from round cut diamonds to princess cut diamonds, emerald cuts to heart shaped diamonds.

When it comes to the perfect day, it’s not a secret that most women have a very particular day at heart. From the cake to the dress – and everything in between! – the wedding isn’t just a celebration for showcasing the love that two people share, it is a chance for the bride and groom to show off their impeccable tastes and unique sense of style and spirit. The most memorable weddings are the types which pay homage to the bride and groom’s personalities!

A Diamond engagement ring works in the same manner, as it’s a testament to the bride-to-be’s style, taste and personality. And as it’s a diamond gemstone that she’ll wear throughout her lifetime, why not make certain that her ring is the ideal reflection of the woman you simply fell in love with?

Custom made diamond engagement rings offer happy couples the chance to showcase their style before the nuptials, in a fashion that suits their personal taste and elegance. You name the style, and there’s a diamond ring which can be designed: from the diamond engagement ring that emulates the ring of her favorite celebrity, to wedding rings that are inscribed with the date when you first met, the sky’s the limit!

So how exactly are you able to customize your personal diamond ring? From your stone shape to the setting, the style and design of the ring is entirely up to you. Does your sweetheart have a soft spot for heart-shaped diamonds? Then customize your diamond ring to have the heart-shaped stone as the focal piece. Does she have a favorite song lyric that always makes her think about when you first met? You can inscribed that memorable line around the diamond engagement ring band – don’t forget to decide on your preferred metal, platinum, white or yellow gold, or a combination of colours!

Let’s face it: your sweetheart will probably be wearing her diamond ring for the rest of her life. It’s the one piece of jewelry that will be the focus of the relationship – why be satisfied with a cookie-cutter band from the cookie-cutter diamond ring store? Let your individual tastes speak on their own by purchasing a beautiful customized engagement ring!

Before you go into the purchase, be sure that the vendor features a long and happy history of satisfied customers, in addition to supplying certified diamond certificates and appraisals for your purchase. It’s the easiest method to guarantee that your custom diamond engagement ring in Adelaide reflects not merely your tastes, but your attention to quality and detail as well!

Your relationship with your girlfriend is satisfactory, you have been going out for considerable time and are getting to know each other well enough to believe that you are compatible in many areas. Your feelings of mutual love are strong and steady and you just cannot even imagine living without her. You may be already acquainted with each other´s families and maybe even living together. You are sure that she is “the one”. What was that saying that your grandmother used to tell you? “Son, don’t marry the girl that you can live with: Marry the one that you cannot live without!”

Next step, to follow proper tradition in our western culture, you need to buy an engagement ring and propose to her. You already know she will say yes, and that she is waiting for you to take that step.

What kind or ring should you get? Your mother and aunts got diamond gold rings when they were asked in marriage. Would she be expecting you to do the same? But she knows you can´t afford it at this point, there is a global recession and although you have a steady job, nothing is certain anymore these days and you could lose it. You wouldn’t want to start your marriage with liabilities or debts.

Silver is a beautiful noble metal loved by all women. It is more affordable too. You heard that pure silver may get damaged easily because it is soft. You read online about sterling silver jewellery and would like to check it out. Sterling silver is usually an alloy composed of 92.5% pure silver and %7.5 another metal to make it more solid, usually copper. You can find beautiful engagement rings made of sterling silver. Take it a notch further and chose an alloy of gold or platinum. It won’t be such a difference in prize but it will make a difference in quality. She is worth of a little more sacrifice on your part, isn’t she? After all you are just getting 7.5% gold or platinum, which is big saving already. Engagement rings traditionally come with mounted precious gems. You can choose a real semi-precious stone, or a Cubic Zirconia diamond (synthetic diamond). It is very impressive and looks just like a real natural diamond. Some say that they are even harder, more perfect and durable than the real ones. It takes a diamond expert in gemstone jewellery and advanced technology to tell the difference. You can get a nice CZ diamond sterling silver engagement ring for about $300.

She will love it! You can honestly let her know that you wish you could get her a real diamond, but that this one is the closest there is. You can tell her that the ring is made of gold mixed with silver and that you chose that one because you knew she would really like it. The ring is just a symbol of your promise to marry her. When you get the marriage alliance rings, then you can invest in real gold or platinum.

Emerald cut diamond engagement rings are a type of step cut, one where the facets actually look like “steps” carved into the gem. As opposed to a brilliant cut, the facets are broad with flat planes resembling the steps of a stair. That’s why it is referred to as a “step” cut. Unlike the Marquise brilliant, there is no bow-tie effect on an emerald cut diamond.

Specifically, the emerald cut diamond takes the rectangular shape with slightly cut corners. Initially, the emerald cut was made for use on emeralds, but its classy look immediately led it to be a popular choice for diamonds as well. The long lines of the rectangular shape gives it less overall brilliance than popular round shapes, but the flashes of color in emerald cut engagement rings will be more obvious as they are reflected in the shiny stone.

Some people are confused with the Emerald Cut, Asscher, or the Princess. To make it clearer, these cuts all look similar, but knowledgeable consumers can easily spot the differences. Emerald cuts are long rectangles with only slightly cropped corners. Asscher cuts are squares with deeply trimmed corners while Princess cuts are squares without any trimming.

There are several designs of Emerald Cut Engagement Rings. Because of the elongated shape of an emerald cut diamond, they are often matched with accent stones, particularly tapered baguettes and other emerald cuts. An emerald cut solitaire can be an attractive ring, however, particularly for a woman with thin, long fingers will serve to lengthen the stone even more. Women with very short, thick fingers, however, may appear out of proportion with a rectangular stone. Emerald cut engagement rings are as adaptable as round shapes, and they can be found in any number of designs, including bridal sets, unique styles, and contemporary rings. The most common setting is a classic four-prong arrangement that gives steadiness to the stone while protecting the delicate edges, but more unusual settings can also be found. The most unusual style of all is to find a stone set lengthwise along the band rather than perpendicular to it.

The key to a beautiful emerald cut diamond engagement ring is choosing a quality stone. Because the cut is very open, color differences and imperfections will be easily visible. Also, the precision of the cut is important for a nicely balanced, well-proportioned look. Ideally, the length-to-width ratio should range from 1.3:1 to no more than 1.75:1 for a classic emerald cut, but many people choose wider or narrower stones based on their personal preferences. To completely examine an emerald cut stone, consider viewing loose diamonds rather than finished rings. This allows consumers to examine all sides of the gem for imperfections. If this is not possible, however, be sure to ask to use the jeweler’s loupe in order to get a good look at the ring before purchasing it. You must also be particular about quality. Remember that it is better to go for higher quality Emeralds, because both inclusions and lower color are more noticeable in Emeralds than in other cuts.

In Buying Emerald Cut Engagement Rings, Most jewelers carry a selection of emerald cut rings on hand, and others will custom make or create more designs on demand. Because of the simplicity of the cut, it is generally more affordable than round cuts of similar quality, making it a nicely affordable choice for people on a budget.

Because of the stone’s lengthened shape, it may also look to be a higher carat weight than other shapes, letting the couple focus their energies on the ring’s design and details rather than the middle stone.

In recent times we have all seen great examples of fancy colored diamond engagement rings on the rich and famous. Fancy colored diamond engagement rings have been increasing in popularity quite dramatically over the past few years. A natural fancy colored diamond is generally rarer than a traditional white diamond, and this will be reflected in the cost.

Fancy colored diamonds can vary in cost depending on the actual color, as in pink, black or red, and then its intensity. Along with the more traditional white diamonds, colored diamonds share all the wonderful properties that make them so ideal for an engagement ring stone.

Fancy colored diamonds are available in more than just pink, yellow, and black. Other colors include red, purple, green, orange, violet, grey, blue, and the various browns, sometimes known as champagnes and cognacs.

The rarest of the natural colored diamonds is red, followed by green. A pink diamond will be more expensive than a yellow. The blue, orange and green will be even more costly than a pink. Black and brown fancy colored diamonds can actually be less costly than their natural white cousins, and can be a great selection for those couples wanting natural diamonds with a little color and better value for money.

Natural colored diamonds can achieve their colorings from several ways. The green diamonds have been exposed to radiation while being formed under the earth’s crust. Natural orange diamonds get their coloring from the presence of nitrogen and carbon. Blue diamonds generally get their magnificent color from containing boron, and no nitrogen.

Most of the pink and brown diamonds are mined from the Argyle diamond mine in Australia. Colored diamonds can also be mined from South Africa, Brazil, and Venezuala.

Whatever the color of the diamond, the grading system remains the same for pricing. At the lower end of the value scale is the faintest color, moving through to light, fancy, fancy dark, and then the more desirable and valuable being fancy intense, fancy deep, and fancy vivid.

Some celebrities with colored diamond engagement rings include Mariah Carey with pink, Carmen Electra with black, and Heidi Klum with a yellow, sometimes known as Canary.

Engagement rings with colored diamonds can be a great way to incorporate colors, from very subtle to intense, while still maintaining the hard wearing properties of the diamonds themselves. At the moment, the most popular of the diamond color is yellow. However, whatever your favorite color, there is going to be a colored diamond engagement ring to match or complement.