So it's come to that point in my life where I have to buy an Engagement Ring. Looking around, and I feel like I'm absolutely overwhelmed by everything this purchase entails. I mean seriously what the...
Firstly, prices are extortionate (I suppose that should be expected).
Secondly, there must be a billion different things to consider.
Carat.
Basically different sizes of the diamond itself. But what size is good? What's the best value for money and where do I even start?
Cut.
There's round, princess, emerald etc etc. But then there's all this malarky about shape. Table (width), depth, girdle (thickness of the edge) etc. Again, what is ideal, and does any of it actually matter? I assumed width was better to have over depth, but apparently not having the correct amount of depth can mess with the mount of light reflected through. Any truth to this or is this sales malarky?
Clarity.
SI2 SI1 VS2 VS1 VVS2 VVS1 IF FL
Again what? What do these actual mean in real world terms, and what's a good clarity that's good value for money and doesn't need a microscope to actually see flaws. What is a diamond flaw anyway? They all look the same to me.
Colour.
Again, besides the obvious differences, red, blue, pink, colourless etc. Apparently even colourless diamonds have grades of colour? What?
Z-N M-K J I H G F E D
So now even colourless diamonds actually have colour? And what's this about fluorescence?
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There's more still, but above is a summary of findings thus far. So GAF, where do I start? What's a good value starting colour, clarity, carat size and cut? What's a good depth to table ratio, how thick is the rim/girdle supposed to be etc etc.
Please educate me!
Firstly, prices are extortionate (I suppose that should be expected).
Secondly, there must be a billion different things to consider.
Carat.
Basically different sizes of the diamond itself. But what size is good? What's the best value for money and where do I even start?
Cut.
There's round, princess, emerald etc etc. But then there's all this malarky about shape. Table (width), depth, girdle (thickness of the edge) etc. Again, what is ideal, and does any of it actually matter? I assumed width was better to have over depth, but apparently not having the correct amount of depth can mess with the mount of light reflected through. Any truth to this or is this sales malarky?
Clarity.
SI2 SI1 VS2 VS1 VVS2 VVS1 IF FL
Again what? What do these actual mean in real world terms, and what's a good clarity that's good value for money and doesn't need a microscope to actually see flaws. What is a diamond flaw anyway? They all look the same to me.
Colour.
Again, besides the obvious differences, red, blue, pink, colourless etc. Apparently even colourless diamonds have grades of colour? What?
Z-N M-K J I H G F E D
So now even colourless diamonds actually have colour? And what's this about fluorescence?
-----
There's more still, but above is a summary of findings thus far. So GAF, where do I start? What's a good value starting colour, clarity, carat size and cut? What's a good depth to table ratio, how thick is the rim/girdle supposed to be etc etc.
Please educate me!