A Symbol of Marriage, Promise, and Everlasting Love
An engaged couple can expect to invest a bare minimum of $150.00 into their diamond engagement ring and can easily have this symbol of their love reach up and stretch into the thousands of dollars.
This is where understanding the features behind the value of this precious stone become very important.
Diamonds have been treasured since ancient times and even today the diamond remains a very valuable commodity, not because of its rarity but more because the diamond market itself is strictly controlled. This regulation insures that these gems remain highly prized and similarly priced.
Diamonds Have Long Been Considered a Precious Stone
In ancient days it was believed that supernatural powers could be found within a diamond's brilliant rays of light. It was believed that a man heading out to do battle would be protected no matter the number of enemies that he encountered if he wore a diamond bound on his left arm.
Diamonds were a very powerful force and one to be held in awe. Early symbolism and beliefs are the basis as to why in today's world diamonds have come to represent romance and eternal love.
The diamonds ability to attract iron may be the reasoning behind this theory as this jewel had the amazing strength to steal the very power itself from magnets and lodestones rendering them inactive.
The Diamond Sutra dated AD 868 is the oldest dated printed book in the world. Found within a cave in China this book lays claim to the power of a diamond not in reference to a diamond itself but in reference to a diamond blade that can reveal reality by cutting through illusion.
Size Definitely Matters When You are a Diamond
Generally the size of a stone can be a good indicator of its value but every now and then a lady may prefer a smaller stone because she finds it easier to wear.
A diamonds size is judged by its weight which is measured in carats. The word CARAT comes from the word carob which is the seed that in ancient times was used to balance scales. These tiny seeds appeared so similar in size and in weight to each other that they were used as a method of measurement. One carat is equal to 200 milligrams.
Logically, the size of a diamond does have a definite influence on its value. Many couples though choose a diamond of smaller weight due to financial restraints or simple preference.
How a Diamond's Cut Determines its Value
There are five C's that generally influence value and selection.
Cut
Clarity
Color
Carat
Certificate
The CUT of a diamond is perhaps the greatest influence to its quality. A skillfully cut gem can enhance the overall weight, clarity, and color of the jewel and thereby increase its value significantly.
A diamonds ability to reflect and refract light is the feature that is accentuated in the cutting of the stone. As in ancient times it is the diamonds ability to reflect and refract light that make it appear to be of a magical force.
There Can be More to Your Diamond Than is Seen by the Eye
How to Judge a Diamond's Clarity
When the CLARITY of a stone is discussed it refers to flaws or blemishes or the lack of these within a stone.
Most diamonds contain some degree of imperfection. Some of these are visible to the naked eye but most are not.
Some flaws are hidden in the process of cutting the diamond while others are minute and only become visible under the scrutiny of magnification. By reason of logic the more perfect a stone is then the more its value and desirability increases.
How to Judge a Diamond's Color
Diamonds come in a range of color shades
Diamonds with the least visible amount of COLOR are generally considered to be the most valuable stones. This being because the clearer the gem the greater are its reflective abilities.
Diamonds come in a range of colors. Clear diamonds are referred to as white diamonds. The only diamonds more valuable than these are diamonds that are of a very rare coloring. Generally the rarer the color or clarity of that diamond than the higher its value will be.
It is logical that the more unique an item is than the higher its value is likely to be. The more an item is desired and sought after the higher its price will rise. The demand for a rare article then tends to set its price.
The Beauty of the Ring is in the Eye of the Beholder
Check the Details of Your Diamond on its Certificate
A diamond ring is a symbol of lasting love. It is the perfect compliment to the wedding rings which bind two individuals to one another. Diamonds and gold are enduring symbols of love, romance, and the promise of loyalty to one anther.
The least recognized but equally important C in purchasing a diamond is the gemstone's CERTIFICATE. A diamond's certificate will tell you its identity, approximate value, weight, measurement and also offer details pertaining to its cut and quality.
This certificate is not an appraisal of the stone. It is a report filed on behalf of your gem, a system of grading drawn up to describe each individual diamond, and this certificate is also therefore generally as reliable or trustworthy as the company which writes it.
Always allow the beauty that shines from within the diamond to guide you in the selection of your perfect stone and keep in mind the five C's that intensify its value. If you are ever in doubt have a professional aide you in your choice.
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