Diamond rings have become an inevitable part of marriage proposals. When it comes to choosing a unique engagement ring, for some, the quality of the stones holds more importance while for others it is the setting that matters. Few others go with the appearance of the piece of jewelry than considering the characteristics of the stones used in the setting. The above-mentioned choices depend entirely on the individual purchasing the jewelry.
The Quality Of The Stones
Diamonds come in varying clarity, cut, carat and color. If you want a big stone in a great color with the least inclusions and good carat weight, you have to be prepared to pay a good price, because high quality colorless natural mined diamonds are rare and do not come cheap even during seasonal or promotional sales.
You can either custom make your jewelry by purchasing loose stones and be sure about the weight and price of the diamonds, or go with an already designed piece of jewelry and check the split-up cost to ensure that you are getting a fair deal on the stones. Be sure to ask for authentic certification of the 4Cs from an approved independent agency if you are going for large stone settings like solitaires. If you are planning to go with smaller stones, the certification would not matter much because the stone may not be as valuable as loose stones as they are when studded in a particular piece of jewelry.
The Desired Setting
If you have a set design in mind, you may prioritize that over the value and appearance of the stone. Some settings may compliment the look of a big diamond by making it look bigger and shinier, while some other settings such as the cluster setting or the halo setting may be well suited for smaller diamonds or a combination of big and small diamonds. Depending upon the budget and priorities, you can try out different stone settings in the design of your choice and go with the one that feels like the best buy.
A prepared purchase would help you get good value for money when buying diamond jewelry. Before setting out to purchase diamond jewelry, it is advisable to do some pondering on what exactly you want in your jewelry and how far you are willing to compromise on the quality of stones, the metal, the design and the budget.