When shopping for a wedding ring (perhaps one of life's most important major purchases) there are a number of factors to consider. This handy guide should go some way towards helping you make an informed decision as we take you through the numerous options available and explain them in unpatronising detail. When selecting the diamond (or diamonds) for your wedding ring the major factors you'll need to take into account are the carat weight, colour, clarity, cut and shape of the diamond.
The carat rating is how diamonds are weighed with the most expensive diamonds clocking in around 3 carats. Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless, rare and expensive) to Z (noticeably coloured and practically unsellable) and as a rule of thumb, the more coloured the diamond, and the less valuable it is. Clarity meanwhile is graded on a similar scale to colour from FL (flawless with no external or internal blemishes and thusly very expensive) to I (noticeable inclusions and blemishes which render the diamond practically useless).
The cut and shape of the diamond might sound like they amount to the same thing but there is more to it than that. The cut refers to the size and angle relationships between the diamonds various facets as well as the finish, which determines not only how beautiful the diamond looks but also how well it refracts light. The shape meanwhile refers to the diamonds outward appearance and the options here are plentiful from classic 'round' diamonds to more extravagant 'princess' diamonds and 'heart' shaped diamonds that will really make your wedding ring stand out.
Of course it's not just the diamond itself you have to think about when buying your wedding ring, the band itself and the way it compliments the diamond is of almost equal importance. The Style of your wedding ring can be customised into one of 3 main options. The most popular and conventional option is the 'solitaire', which sees a single diamond set into a sparse ring whereas for more elaborate tastes there are the 'trilogy' and 'shoulder-set' options to consider. The trilogy sets 3 similarly sized diamonds into a ring and the shoulder set compliments the main diamond with a dozen tiny ones studded around the ring.
Finally the way your diamond sets into your wedding ring needs to be considered with your options here being (mercifully) a little more limited. The basic 'claw' option refers to the fine metal clasps that hold the diamond into the ring and they come in 3, 4 or 6 claw options. The rub-over setting meanwhile sets the diamond into your wedding ring via a rim of fine protective metal that wraps around the stone. Other factors such as the type of metal used on the band (platinum, gold or palladium) also need to be taken into consideration but the diamond itself is of prime importance and with this guide you should have no difficulty in finding the right one for your fianc.
The carat rating is how diamonds are weighed with the most expensive diamonds clocking in around 3 carats. Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D (colourless, rare and expensive) to Z (noticeably coloured and practically unsellable) and as a rule of thumb, the more coloured the diamond, and the less valuable it is. Clarity meanwhile is graded on a similar scale to colour from FL (flawless with no external or internal blemishes and thusly very expensive) to I (noticeable inclusions and blemishes which render the diamond practically useless).
The cut and shape of the diamond might sound like they amount to the same thing but there is more to it than that. The cut refers to the size and angle relationships between the diamonds various facets as well as the finish, which determines not only how beautiful the diamond looks but also how well it refracts light. The shape meanwhile refers to the diamonds outward appearance and the options here are plentiful from classic 'round' diamonds to more extravagant 'princess' diamonds and 'heart' shaped diamonds that will really make your wedding ring stand out.
Of course it's not just the diamond itself you have to think about when buying your wedding ring, the band itself and the way it compliments the diamond is of almost equal importance. The Style of your wedding ring can be customised into one of 3 main options. The most popular and conventional option is the 'solitaire', which sees a single diamond set into a sparse ring whereas for more elaborate tastes there are the 'trilogy' and 'shoulder-set' options to consider. The trilogy sets 3 similarly sized diamonds into a ring and the shoulder set compliments the main diamond with a dozen tiny ones studded around the ring.
Finally the way your diamond sets into your wedding ring needs to be considered with your options here being (mercifully) a little more limited. The basic 'claw' option refers to the fine metal clasps that hold the diamond into the ring and they come in 3, 4 or 6 claw options. The rub-over setting meanwhile sets the diamond into your wedding ring via a rim of fine protective metal that wraps around the stone. Other factors such as the type of metal used on the band (platinum, gold or palladium) also need to be taken into consideration but the diamond itself is of prime importance and with this guide you should have no difficulty in finding the right one for your fianc.
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A wedding ring can be a difficult purchase, so be sure to check out jewellery retailers online.
