Photo by tonkid at Shutterstock
When you start to research what’s a look for in the diamond engagement rings in Denver, CO, you’ll come across many articles giving you advice on how to pick one out. This may range from choosing the metal for the ring, picking a setting, and homing in on the right diamond shape. However, the qualities of the diamond itself are also very important. In this blog, we address the 4 Cs of diamond shopping.
The 4 C’s stand for the qualities to look for in a diamond, including cut, color, clarity, and carat. These are the standards used to grade and determine the value of these highly sought-after gemstones. Fortunately, the experienced team at Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry can explain each of these concepts and help you learn to use them to evaluate specific stones. So, before you offer any cash for a stunning sparkler, brush up on your diamond terminology below.
Cut Above the Rest
Many people feel that cut is the most important feature because it determines the brilliance of the diamond. So, if you want a sparkly ring, you’ll need to choose the cut wisely. The cut is not determined by the shape of the diamond. Popular diamond shapes include emerald, oval, cushion, or pear. However, cut refers to how the stone is polished and cut. It’s responsible for the brilliance of engagement rings. Proper cutting brings out the inner beauty of the diamond by ensuring that it refracts and reflects light brilliantly.
A poorly cut diamond with facets that are too deep or shallow will appear dull, without the scintillation associated with your ring. So, in order to choose an engagement ring with maximum shine, you need to know which cuts bring out the fire inside the diamond.
Color Matters, Not All Diamonds Are White
After you and your fiancé choose the right cut, it’s time to pick out a diamond color. Many people assume that all diamonds are white or clear. However, diamonds ranging color from D, completely colorless, to Z, light yellow to brown. Generally, D is the ideal color for engagement rings. Therefore, those with clear diamonds cost the most. Many couples go with diamonds ranging from G to J. Keep in mind that the cut will also affect the color of the diamond. Round and emerald cuts hide color tint and cushion, and oval cuts show them off.
Clarity Measures the Quality of the Diamond
Clarity describes the imperfections in the stone. Natural inclusions and imperfections result in a lower clarity rating. Standard systems use the following descriptions to measure the clarity of diamonds for engagement rings:
- Flawless (FL)
- Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS)
- Very Slightly Included (VS)
- Slightly Included (SI)
- Included (I)
Inclusions do not indicate a bad diamond. These spots appear in the natural formation of diamonds. Synthetic diamonds also include inclusions. It’s simply a matter of choice, with many people choosing the least included diamonds for their engagement ring.
The clarity of the diamond comes down to the number of natural inclusions, the color of the flaw, and their location inside the stone.
Carats Count
One of the first questions newly engaged people face is how many carats are in the stone. Carat refers to how much the diamond weighs. Higher-weight diamonds are rarer than low-weight diamonds. This comment in turn affects the value of each. Popular carat weights include 1.5 to 3 carats.
Oddly enough, higher carat weights don’t always correlate to a heavier diamond. Some diamond shapes make the stones seem larger than others with the same carat grade. In general, pear, emerald, and oval-shaped diamonds appear larger than cushion cut diamonds of the same carat designation.
Putting It All Together When Choosing Engagement Rings
When choosing engagement rings in Denver, CO, it’s important to balance the 4 Cs so that you can choose a diamond that is both aesthetically pleasing to the wearer and valuable in its own right. Many couples who come to Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry rely on the expertise and advice of our experienced sales team. Whether you need help understanding the difference between cut, color, carat, and clarity, or already have your perfect stone in mind, we can help you find rings that check off every box on your list.
Some couples start by choosing the shape, picking out a diamond, and then turning to the material and characteristics of the band for their engagement rings. No matter what style and size you end up with, it helps to understand how the 4 Cs play into the look, value, and cost of your ring.
Whether you choose a salt and pepper diamond with a high color rating or a crystal-clear diamond with a D rating, it’s important to choose a ring that you or your fiancé will be happy with for many years to come. There’s no rulebook you have to obey when choosing the features that appeal to you. For example, although they are less expensive, some brides prefer diamonds with more tint, less brilliance, and a unique shape.
Shopping for Engagement Rings in Denver, CO
Finding the perfect stone involves weighing each of the 4 Cs against your personal taste. At Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry, we can help you try on several rings, evaluate many types of diamonds, and give you an honest opinion on whether a specific ring meets your stated goals. We can also help you stay focused and on task so that you don’t have to try on every diamond in the shop. Instead, we focus on the rings that suit your personal tastes.
Contact Matheu’s Fine Watches & Jewelry or stop by our shop to choose from our huge selection of engagement rings.
