Purchasing an engagement ring is no easy task. First of all, you have to consider whether your future bride or groom-to-be will like it ? after all, it?s something that they?ll be wearing every day. Secondly, the jewellery should reflect your love for them and represent your feelings. Critically, the ring also has to fit (although this is something that can be amended later) and be within your set budget.
It?s wise to educate yourself on engagement ring terms and their meanings before you go ring shopping; this way you will know exactly what you?re looking for and what to expect. Diamond ring experts Angelic Diamonds have put together this useful guide to engagement rings to help you decipher some of the key terms you might come across:
The 4Cs
The diamond is the first thing that you should look at when engagement ring shopping. There are four main aspects of the diamond that determines its appearance and cost:
Cut ? The cut of a diamond refers to its symmetry, proportions and polish. It shouldn?t be confused with the shape of the diamond.
Clarity ? This refers to the diamond?s internal features, or ?inclusions?. Generally speaking, the more inclusions that a ring has, the less appealing it is.
Colour ? Although most diamonds look colourless to the naked eye, if you look closely you might be able to see that there are subtle yellow and brown tones that separate them. Less expensive diamonds are usually the ones with the most of these tones.
Carat weight ? Carat is the uni...