With This Ring: March 23, 2018

22 With This Ring
4Cs FOR
Diamond Dazzle
While diamonds are dazzlingly beautiful, valuable
and the most sought-after jewel for engagement
and wedding rings, they are also the hardest
substance on earth and will therefore last a lifetime.
All over the world, jewellers and gem experts rate diamonds
according the 4 Cs of Cut, Carat, Clarity and Colour.
CUT makes the diamond dazzle according to number of
surfaces or facets that reflect the light. Most diamonds are
cut with over 50 facets and geometric angles. These act as
mirrors and reflect the light from one to the other before
dispersing through the top of the stone. If the cut is too deep
or too shallow, light escapes and the sparkle is reduced.
CARAT refers to the weight rather than the size of the
diamond. Originally calculated on scales against carob seeds
that weighted 0.2g each, modern metric measurements define
a “carat” as 200mg. Each carat is further divided into 100
points thus allowing precise categorising of diamond value.
CLARITY relates to the brilliance of the stone and is
graded according to the combinations of mineral traces,
imperfections or visible fractures within it. Completely
flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore extremely
valuable as they offer the most natural brilliance.
COLOUR is also related to the diamond’s ability to reflect
light. While we think of diamonds as white, the colour varies
from white to yellowish. Jewellers grade a diamond’s colour
on a scale from D (colourless) to Z which can contribute or
detract from its overall value.
Your Diamond Investment
For future proofing your investment, buy the best diamond
you can afford. To stay within your budget you can
compromise on size, colour and clarity of the diamonds,
but don’t compromise on the cut. But be sure to choose
your diamond and rings from a reputable jeweller who will
provide you with a valuation certificate for insurance and
proof of purchase.
For Her:
The unbroken shape of the ring has traditionally
symbolised the enduring vows of marriage and is a
custom of many cultures, especially in the western world.
Although wedding rings are still predominantly made
of gold, the use of other metals can provide modern and
creative alternatives.
Yellow gold in 18 carat or 9 carat is often chosen for its
longevity and its association with quality and riches. Since
12th century royal wedding rings have been traditionally
made of Welsh gold. Yellow gold keeps its bright golden
appearance, looks good with most precious stones and will
usually last a lifetime if the design is not too delicate.
White gold, either 18 or 9 carat depending on the amount
of alloy added, is a popular alternative and is well suited to
diamonds and ornate settings. You will sometimes see “bimetal”
wedding rings featuring both white and yellow gold
in the design. Rose gold is a combination of yellow gold
and the addition of copper to produce a reddish metal.
Platinum’s silvery look is currently in vogue for wedding
rings. It is also the strongest of metals and will last a
lifetime. Special skill is required to work with platinum
consequently it is also the most expensive wedding band
option.
The wedding ring should always match and fit with the
engagement ring in style, shape and colour of the
metal. They are often designed as a set and
can be purchased together, or the
wedding band put on “layby” until
nearer the date of the wedding.
For Him:
Modern chunky bling has really caught on for wedding
rings that are masculine statements of style and
engineering! Shunning shiny gold for their wedding rings,
many bridegrooms are choosing innovative designs in
black, silver and steel.
The popular, weighty industrial look of steel
can be polished, engraved or set with stones
for bling that’s rock-star bold! Tungsten is
often chosen for its strength and longevity
– it’s scratch resistant, hypo allergenic and
won’t tarnish. But it does have a down side –
you can’t cut a tungsten ring if your fingers or
hand are injured!
Platinum and white gold rings are often
more traditional, but the “beaten” look is
more contemporary and may also complement
the bride’s rings without losing ruggedness of
style. Traditionally the wedding ring is worn
on the third finger of the left hand, based on a
Greek legend that a nerve from this finger led
directly to the heart.
Ensure you buy your precious rings from a
reputable jeweller. If they are members of a
recognised jewellers association, standards of
design and codes of ethics can be guaranteed.
On purchase a valuation certificate should be
issued to make sure that the ring is
adequately insured.
RING TONES