<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/html4/loose.dtd'>; <html><head><title>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory | Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings - Buying The Engagement Ring</title></head><body><h3>Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings - Buying The Engagement Ring</h3><br /><br />By: <br /><br /><p>The most widespread of engagement traditions is the groom giving his bride-to-be with a ring. Most often, the engagement ring is a diamond ring. Even though diamonds are the most desired by brides-to-be, diamonds are not the only valuable stones used in engagement rings.<br /> <br /> If your selection of engagement ring is a diamond ring, be prepared to spend. The diamond jewelry retail market is a $30 billion market. More than $5 billion is invested in engagement ring in the U.S. market.<br /> <br /> To the inexperienced eye, most diamonds look very similar. Most people differentiate between diamonds depending on size, shape, and price. A lower price usually means lower diamond quality, not always a bargain.<br /> <br /> Judging diamond quality needs skill and experience, and it entails grading a ring based on a combination of characteristics for example cut, clarity, color and carat weight. The mentioned features are known as the "4 Cs". A diamond's weight is measured in carats, equivalent to one fifth of a gram.<br /> <br /> Diamond colors are coded from D to Z. A D grade is the most valuable and Z is least precious. Diamonds graded D-F are regarded colorless and they are the most valuable. Many reputable jewelry stores do not sell K thru Z grade diamonds.<br /> <br /> The most precious color grades:<br /> <br /> D: Absolutely colorless. The highest color grade, which is extremely rare. E: Colorless. Only minute traces of colour can be detected by an expert gemologist. An uncommon diamond. F: Colorless. Slight color observed by an expert gemologist, but still regarded a "colorless" grade. A high-quality diamond.<br /> <br /> Another important factor determining the price of a diamond is its cut. Just like color, cut, is just as difficult to judge for the untrained eye. The grading certificate that usually comes with the diamond will give you a great idea. Independent testing laboratories, such the GIA, supply certificates with a diamond's grading from outstanding to poor. A certified diamond also means a bigger price tag.<br /> <br /> The clarity of a diamond simply refers to its purity. Most diamonds have minuscule markings known as "inclusions". A flawless (no inclusions) diamond is very rare and valuable, while a diamond riddled with inclusions is less expensive. Clarity is ranked from "flawless" (FL) to "imperfect" (I1 to I2). Most diamonds fall between those with very, very small inclusions (VVS1) to rocks with slightly larger inclusions (S1). If you're willing to bargain on clarity, you can expect to save. To verify a diamond's clarity, check out the laboratory certificate.<br /> <br /> If you are on a tight budget, try to avoid the big name jewelry shops. Brand name generally comes with a bigger price tag.</p> <br /><br /><b>Author Resource:-></b> If you want more information on <a href=http://www.myvintagediamondengagementrings.com/>Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings </a>, dont read just rehashed articles online to avoid getting ripped off. Go here: <a href=http://www.myvintagediamondengagementrings.com/>Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings</a><br /><br /><b>Article From</b> <a href='http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/'>Article Directory Online : Free Online Article Submission - Articleonlinedirectory</a><br /></body></html>
