A diamond ring is an ancient symbol of love and commitment. The circular shape of the stone symbolizes eternity and the unbreakable bond between two people.
Before you buy your next ring, learn about the four Cs of diamond quality: clarity, cut, color and carat weight. This will help you understand your options and find the perfect diamond for your budget.
History
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For centuries, diamonds have been a symbol of enduring love and commitment. They’ve been used as engagement rings since ancient times, and they’re still a popular choice for weddings.
When miners discovered diamond mines in Africa in the 19th century, diamond engagement rings became more affordable for the general public. In 1947, the diamond monopoly De Beers launched an advertising campaign that focused on diamonds’ durability and made them an emblematic symbol of marriage.
They also made diamonds glamorous symbols of romance, by recruiting Hollywood stars and using their pictures in ad campaigns. This enticed women to want a diamond ring even more, and diamond sales skyrocketed.
Symbolism
Whether you’re looking to gift your loved one with the ultimate symbol of forever or just want to add a touch of sparkle to your engagement ring, diamonds have a rich history and a multitude of meanings. They’re the hardest naturally occurring stone and are known to represent inner strength, longevity, and beauty.
In the West, diamonds were once a symbol of power and status. However, during the Renaissance, people started using diamonds in engagement rings 鑽石 to symbolize their unbreakable love and bond.
While they’re most associated with white diamonds, colored diamonds are also available in shades such as red and orange. These hues are formed when diamonds come in contact with boron and nitrogen, respectively.
Value
While the international market price of a diamond is determined by its 4 Cs, there are other factors that influence its value. Some are subtle and easy to overlook by a layperson, but they make a big difference in the resale value of diamonds.
Carat weight, cut style, clarity, and color are all elements of the GIA diamond grading scale that affect its value. Similarly, the type of inclusions present and the degree of precision in the cut are important.
A diamond ring’s resale value is usually calculated by multiplying the retail price of the ring by 20-40%. If you’re unsure about the actual resale value of your ring, try getting an appraisal from a certified professional.
Shapes
Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, from timeless rounds to the more complicated outlines of fancy cuts. Popular shapes include round, princess, cushion, oval, emerald, pear, marquise, asscher, radiant and heart shaped diamonds.
Some exotic shapes are also available, including Baguettes, Bullets, Half Moons, Trillion, Old Mine, Rose and Horse head. Each diamond shape offers its own unique sparkle and fire.
The shape of your diamond ring speaks volumes about you and your partner’s personality. For example, women who are drawn to pear cut diamonds often have a romantic and traditional taste but are also adventurous. They are unafraid of expressing their sentiments, and they rebel against conventional norms.
Setting
A diamond ring’s setting can be a great way to enhance the sparkle of a center stone. There are a few key factors to consider when selecting the right setting for your engagement ring.
The most common type of ring setting is the prong style, which uses a minimal amount of metal to hold your diamond securely in place. This setting is ideal for smaller, less expensive stones but can also be a good choice for larger, more extravagant diamonds.
Another popular choice is the bezel setting, which surrounds your diamond with a protective metal border. This setting is a wise choice for people with active lifestyles and can prevent your diamond from snagging on clothes, knocking against surfaces or scratching other things.
