Amongst all of the traditions we use in matrimonial ceremonies and celebrations, none is more familiar or meaningful than the wedding ring. The time honored tradition of couples wearing bands to signify their unyielding love and devotion for one another goes back perhaps farther than recorded history. In modern tradition, the wedding ring is typically a band of 18 karat gold, but that tradition has changed in recent years. Today there are many more designs in wedding rings available than there were even as recently as when your parents were married. The traditional plain gold bands are still available, of course, but so are more intricate and ornate designs, as well as bands made of white gold, platinum, and a popular new choice: titanium. In fact, titanium wedding rings are getting more and more popular and there are several reasons for this phenomenon.
Most certainly a part of the reason for the steady increase in the use of titanium wedding rings is the price. Titanium wedding rings cost considerably less than gold or platinum rings but are every bit as beautiful. A titanium wedding ring can cost hundreds of dollars less than comparable rings made of the other precious metals. This is an important consideration for many couples who, due to budgetary limitations, may have had to buy the poorest quality gold rings or do without wedding rings entirely. Titanium rings are a good choice for the budget conscious.
Titanium wedding rings are also more durable than the traditional gold rings. Titanium becomes scratched less easily than gold and can stand up to more of the wear and tear that can result from a person wearing the ring all the time. This is especially true of the men’s rings as men tend to be much harder on their wedding rings than women are. Titanium is more resistive to heat and cold and extreme pressure than gold or platinum are. Think about it. Titanium is used in the space shuttle. It is an alloy that can take a beating.
Titanium is a very smooth alloy as well. Due to this, titanium wedding rings tend to be very comfortable and there is less chance of skin irritation. Also, there are some people who, due to an allergic reaction, can not wear gold jewelry at all. In the past the only option for them has been the far more costly platinum rings. Now titanium wedding rings are a viable alternative for these people.
When it comes time for you to choose wedding rings for yourself and your intended spouse, you may want to look into titanium. Many jewelers as well as online marketers carry an impressive array of titanium wedding rings that are every bit as lovely as their more traditional gold, white gold, and platinum counterparts. In an aspect of life that is full of tradition and similarity all through history, it’s nice that there are now more choices available. Titanium wedding rings are now just one more of those choices that may be right for you.
Tuesday, 7 June 2016
Monday, 6 June 2016
Unique Mens Wedding Bands, – For When Common Won’t Do
Wedding rings are a symbol of union. A union between a man and a woman. This tradition of publicizing the union between the man and a woman is a tradition that goes way back to the ancient Egyptians.
Then the use of a ring was slightly different then than now. A ring consisted of something that was more commonly available to the Egyptians. Rushes from along the banks of the Nile.
Rushes were used to symbolize the union between male and female by braiding a small piece around the finger. This created a never ending circle that symbolized eternity. A never ending circle of love.
However although this tradition goes back thousands of years the wearing of men’s wedding bands is much newer. It was really only after the second world war that men decided that the wearing of a men's wedding band was an appropriate way to celebrate their new commitment to their bride.
Now that the wearing of a men's wedding band is fashionable men are turning their thoughts to which type of ring to buy. And as it is rare that a man will wear an engagement ring, (although not unheard of), their wedding ring is often the only piece of jewelry that they will wear. So they need to give it some thought.
So in many cases men want something unique. Something that no-one else has. A men's wedding band that stands out and makes a statement about just who they are. Something very different.
So what alternatives are there for the man who just wants to be different?
Gold, Silver or Diamonds are usually first associated with wedding rings. However for the modern man there are many more choices.
Men's Platinum wedding bands and men's Titanium wedding bands are newer but no less stunning. Both are much more recent for the crafting of rings but both make for magnificent rings.
Platinum is exceptionally strong and durable. However it’s appeal is its unique patina or sheen which it develops over time. And it can be crafted into a fascinating range of unusual men's wedding bands. The options are endless.
Similarly Titanium is exceptionally strong and also very light, a third of the weight of gold. This is a bonus for anyone worried about whether a ring on the finger may feel heavy.
Titanium rings are fashioned out of a single block of Titanium and so need to be made to the exact size. The range of Titanium men's rings is, like Platinum, extensive, and there are rings to suit any taste.
However for the man looking for something really unique there are many other options. The internet has opened up a whole new world for the man looking for unique men's wedding bands.
There are now online jewelers who allow you to design your own ring. For example it is possible to design your own Titanium men's wedding band using a whole variety of Titanium colors. You choose your own ring shape, size and color or mix of colors and add any one of a variety of gemstones to it as you wish. These can be placed exactly as you desire to create a really unique men’s wedding band unlike anything anyone else has anywhere in the world.
For the really adventurous there’s more. Why not carbon fibre? How about stainless steel, or two tone bands? Or celtic men wedding bands?
And why not get REALLY adventurous if you wish. For those who want something right out of the ordinary there are many options.
Zodiac men's wedding rings are stunning. Available in all the zodiac signs a zodiac ring will turn the head. Large and very visible a zodiac ring is not for the faint hearted but for the man who wants to be noticed it is a ring that must be considered. And two tone zodiac rings are even better!
Not suitable for a wedding ring? Who says! For the man who wants to be unique it doesn’t matter. If he, and she, both like it then it works for them. That’s all that matters.
How about men's gambling rings. For the gamblers amongst us there are rings featuring all manner of gambling symbols. How about a gold and diamond roulette ring? It really does have a tiny roulette wheel, with numbers.
Or a gold and diamond spinning dice ring that really does have 2 tiny dice? Or a gold spinning black jack ring.
Even unusual gemstones can be made into the most unique men's wedding bands. Two tone rings with Tanzanite anyone? Gold with Blue Topaz? Gold, Diamond and Garnet?
So although the wearing of men's wedding bands is relatively new, it doesn’t have to be boring. These types of rings are not for everyone, but for the man who wants a really unique men's wedding band there are lots of choices.
It’s just a case of how unique do you want to be!!!
Then the use of a ring was slightly different then than now. A ring consisted of something that was more commonly available to the Egyptians. Rushes from along the banks of the Nile.
Rushes were used to symbolize the union between male and female by braiding a small piece around the finger. This created a never ending circle that symbolized eternity. A never ending circle of love.
However although this tradition goes back thousands of years the wearing of men’s wedding bands is much newer. It was really only after the second world war that men decided that the wearing of a men's wedding band was an appropriate way to celebrate their new commitment to their bride.
Now that the wearing of a men's wedding band is fashionable men are turning their thoughts to which type of ring to buy. And as it is rare that a man will wear an engagement ring, (although not unheard of), their wedding ring is often the only piece of jewelry that they will wear. So they need to give it some thought.
So in many cases men want something unique. Something that no-one else has. A men's wedding band that stands out and makes a statement about just who they are. Something very different.
So what alternatives are there for the man who just wants to be different?
Gold, Silver or Diamonds are usually first associated with wedding rings. However for the modern man there are many more choices.
Men's Platinum wedding bands and men's Titanium wedding bands are newer but no less stunning. Both are much more recent for the crafting of rings but both make for magnificent rings.
Platinum is exceptionally strong and durable. However it’s appeal is its unique patina or sheen which it develops over time. And it can be crafted into a fascinating range of unusual men's wedding bands. The options are endless.
Similarly Titanium is exceptionally strong and also very light, a third of the weight of gold. This is a bonus for anyone worried about whether a ring on the finger may feel heavy.
Titanium rings are fashioned out of a single block of Titanium and so need to be made to the exact size. The range of Titanium men's rings is, like Platinum, extensive, and there are rings to suit any taste.
However for the man looking for something really unique there are many other options. The internet has opened up a whole new world for the man looking for unique men's wedding bands.
There are now online jewelers who allow you to design your own ring. For example it is possible to design your own Titanium men's wedding band using a whole variety of Titanium colors. You choose your own ring shape, size and color or mix of colors and add any one of a variety of gemstones to it as you wish. These can be placed exactly as you desire to create a really unique men’s wedding band unlike anything anyone else has anywhere in the world.
For the really adventurous there’s more. Why not carbon fibre? How about stainless steel, or two tone bands? Or celtic men wedding bands?
And why not get REALLY adventurous if you wish. For those who want something right out of the ordinary there are many options.
Zodiac men's wedding rings are stunning. Available in all the zodiac signs a zodiac ring will turn the head. Large and very visible a zodiac ring is not for the faint hearted but for the man who wants to be noticed it is a ring that must be considered. And two tone zodiac rings are even better!
Not suitable for a wedding ring? Who says! For the man who wants to be unique it doesn’t matter. If he, and she, both like it then it works for them. That’s all that matters.
How about men's gambling rings. For the gamblers amongst us there are rings featuring all manner of gambling symbols. How about a gold and diamond roulette ring? It really does have a tiny roulette wheel, with numbers.
Or a gold and diamond spinning dice ring that really does have 2 tiny dice? Or a gold spinning black jack ring.
Even unusual gemstones can be made into the most unique men's wedding bands. Two tone rings with Tanzanite anyone? Gold with Blue Topaz? Gold, Diamond and Garnet?
So although the wearing of men's wedding bands is relatively new, it doesn’t have to be boring. These types of rings are not for everyone, but for the man who wants a really unique men's wedding band there are lots of choices.
It’s just a case of how unique do you want to be!!!
Sunday, 5 June 2016
Wedding Bands: The Perfect Fit
The wedding band is perhaps the most important piece of jewelry worn in life. Symbolic of the bride and groom’s commitment to each other, wedding bands are exchanged as part of the marriage ceremony witnessed by family and friends. Unlike other pieces of jewelry, wedding bands are worn every moment of every day. Therefore, it is essential that a wedding band is comfortable and compatible with a couple’s sense of style.
The bride and groom-to-be should spend time viewing and researching band styles and materials prior to making a final decision. By browsing jewelry stores and Internet sites, couples can gain a sense of their likes and dislikes.
Wedding Band Materials
Wedding bands are traditionally made of gold, white gold or platinum. If a couple chooses gold bands, they should select 14k or 18k gold for sufficient quality and durability. Another less expensive choice for men’s bands is titanium. Bands may be embellished with special finishes or engraved patterns to reflect individual tastes. Diamonds or other precious stones may also be incorporated into the design.
Matching Bands
Many couples wish to have matching wedding bands to symbolize their union. Engaged pairs may purchase matching “his and hers” rings, or create a matching custom design for both bands. If a couple cannot agree on a shared band design, they may consider rings that are coordinated rather than matching. For example, bands might be made of the same material, share a similar style (e.g. vintage, classic, modern), engraved pattern, or include the same stones without being identical. If the bride and groom prefer different metals (gold vs. platinum), they may choose to create a ring that incorporates both colors.
Personalized Messages of Love
Many couples choose to engrave a meaningful sentiment or their wedding date on the inside of their wedding bands. This option can “unite” the rings, even if the pair did not choose matching rings. Engraving is offered at most jewelry stores for a small fee. However, if the couple wishes to personalize their rings with an engraving they should allow sufficient time to ensure the rings are ready in advance of the ceremony.
The bride and groom-to-be should spend time viewing and researching band styles and materials prior to making a final decision. By browsing jewelry stores and Internet sites, couples can gain a sense of their likes and dislikes.
Wedding Band Materials
Wedding bands are traditionally made of gold, white gold or platinum. If a couple chooses gold bands, they should select 14k or 18k gold for sufficient quality and durability. Another less expensive choice for men’s bands is titanium. Bands may be embellished with special finishes or engraved patterns to reflect individual tastes. Diamonds or other precious stones may also be incorporated into the design.
Matching Bands
Many couples wish to have matching wedding bands to symbolize their union. Engaged pairs may purchase matching “his and hers” rings, or create a matching custom design for both bands. If a couple cannot agree on a shared band design, they may consider rings that are coordinated rather than matching. For example, bands might be made of the same material, share a similar style (e.g. vintage, classic, modern), engraved pattern, or include the same stones without being identical. If the bride and groom prefer different metals (gold vs. platinum), they may choose to create a ring that incorporates both colors.
Personalized Messages of Love
Many couples choose to engrave a meaningful sentiment or their wedding date on the inside of their wedding bands. This option can “unite” the rings, even if the pair did not choose matching rings. Engraving is offered at most jewelry stores for a small fee. However, if the couple wishes to personalize their rings with an engraving they should allow sufficient time to ensure the rings are ready in advance of the ceremony.
Saturday, 4 June 2016
What Do Wedding Rings Speak About?
Wedding rings, also called wedding bands, are an eternal sign of love between two engaged partners. Most weddings require an exchange of rings taking place between the uniting groom and bride before they could be pronounced husband and wife. The ring itself is stated to be a symbol of an unending love, due to its circular shape. Similarly, the ring finger is traditionally believed to house a direct vein to heart, which describes the intense emotional bond that might develop between two engaged individuals. One could find many similar stories prevailing around the world while trying to learn more about wedding rings.
There is a rich history behind how wedding rings got introduced in the Christian way of life. It wasn't until the days of Pope Innocent III that couples were asked to wear two rings, one during engagements and the other while finally being married. Families offered rings just to seal engagements prior to this historical pronouncement by the Pope. He also asked the engaged couples to observe a waiting period before they could finally marry. These orthodox dictates slowly grew into colorful traditions, as Christianity traversed across the world over a period of many centuries.
Wedding rings are normally placed on left ring fingers of couples from the USA, France, Sweden and the UK. They are placed on right ring fingers however, in the case of Germany, Spain, India, and Chile. Interestingly, while Jews traditionally place wedding rings on their left hands, like the orthodox Christians, they prefer wearing it on the right ones after being married. There are also varying norms for the period when one of the partners has died. This universally gets deemed to be the end of any wedding concerned in most societies. However, much of this differentiation of norms might stem from the fact, which part of the world you were looking at.
A hardened alloy of Gold, Bismuth, Tin and Copper is often made use of in manufacturing wedding rings. Sometimes Platinum, Nickel and Titanium are also introduced to yield varying results. Platinum is mixed up with white gold for manufacturing a separate class of Platinum wedding rings. Similarly Titanium and Tungsten carbide are also used to produce durability, affordability, varying textures and shades of eye-catching ring designs.
However, less costly metals like Silver, Brass and Copper are scarcely used compared to the more expensive ones due to the former's corrosiveness. Aluminum and some other toxic metals are hardly ever made use of in the manufacture of either wedding rings or similar other ornaments. However, the widest and cheapest known alloy of the modern world, stainless steel, is surprisingly gaining ground as one of the options these days. Its durability, which is at par with that of Platinum and Titanium, could be attributed for this wondrous growth.
Retail shops may normally quote wedding rings at $600 and more, but could easily be procured at lower rates from various online resources. A brief look at some of the existing jewelry sites might suggest how they were selling most jewelry items at a reduced cost, including those from the latest wedding rings. These websites could easily meet with the demands of all market segments, starting from the casual jewelry buyer to the seeker of high-end ornaments.
There is a rich history behind how wedding rings got introduced in the Christian way of life. It wasn't until the days of Pope Innocent III that couples were asked to wear two rings, one during engagements and the other while finally being married. Families offered rings just to seal engagements prior to this historical pronouncement by the Pope. He also asked the engaged couples to observe a waiting period before they could finally marry. These orthodox dictates slowly grew into colorful traditions, as Christianity traversed across the world over a period of many centuries.
Wedding rings are normally placed on left ring fingers of couples from the USA, France, Sweden and the UK. They are placed on right ring fingers however, in the case of Germany, Spain, India, and Chile. Interestingly, while Jews traditionally place wedding rings on their left hands, like the orthodox Christians, they prefer wearing it on the right ones after being married. There are also varying norms for the period when one of the partners has died. This universally gets deemed to be the end of any wedding concerned in most societies. However, much of this differentiation of norms might stem from the fact, which part of the world you were looking at.
A hardened alloy of Gold, Bismuth, Tin and Copper is often made use of in manufacturing wedding rings. Sometimes Platinum, Nickel and Titanium are also introduced to yield varying results. Platinum is mixed up with white gold for manufacturing a separate class of Platinum wedding rings. Similarly Titanium and Tungsten carbide are also used to produce durability, affordability, varying textures and shades of eye-catching ring designs.
However, less costly metals like Silver, Brass and Copper are scarcely used compared to the more expensive ones due to the former's corrosiveness. Aluminum and some other toxic metals are hardly ever made use of in the manufacture of either wedding rings or similar other ornaments. However, the widest and cheapest known alloy of the modern world, stainless steel, is surprisingly gaining ground as one of the options these days. Its durability, which is at par with that of Platinum and Titanium, could be attributed for this wondrous growth.
Retail shops may normally quote wedding rings at $600 and more, but could easily be procured at lower rates from various online resources. A brief look at some of the existing jewelry sites might suggest how they were selling most jewelry items at a reduced cost, including those from the latest wedding rings. These websites could easily meet with the demands of all market segments, starting from the casual jewelry buyer to the seeker of high-end ornaments.
Friday, 3 June 2016
Themed Wedding Shoes
Tradition tells us that wedding shoes should be white, feminine, and simply beautiful. But times are changing, and with that, the trends on bridal shoes. A bride's wedding shoes are not limited to stilettos, mules, pumps, and kitten heels in ivory and satin. Today, the added flexibility of themed weddings allows brides to express themselves with the footwear of their choice.
The fairy tale theme is probably the most popular for brides who want to be different but remain on the safe side. Since most brides are treated like royalties on their wedding days, the fairy tale theme is highly appropriate. Fairy tale brides can play with their dress and shoes more than the classic, traditional bride. Common choices of fairy tale brides include ball gowns and princess dresses with matching tiaras. Wedding shoes are, by far, trickier. Stilettos are not appropriate since they look too modern for princesses, and ditto with sandals. A shoe suggestion for this theme would be dainty lace-up boots in a complementary color to the wedding dress. These will look fabulous with full skirts and sleeved dresses.
Outdoor garden weddings are also popular. Gardens with summer themes allow for dresses with airy fabrics and materials. To complement the "airiness" of the bridal dress, shoes should be airy and lightweight like sandals. As too pointy heels can sink in the ground, flat or platform sandals are best. Jeweled slippers with beads and embellishments are also good choices. This way, the bride does not have to worry about sinking or balancing in uneven grounds. Wedding shoes for outdoor wedding should be comfortable and relaxed to complement the relaxed and summery setting.
More adventurous brides prefer beach weddings. Beaches are usually chosen as venues if there are sentimental moments between the couple that happened in the beach like the first kiss or engagement. These are moments of surprise and the whole bridal ensemble should echo the excitement of those moments. Since the usual dresses for beach weddings show a lot of skin (think tube, haltered, short dresses), the wedding shoes should follow. Strapped heels are out because of the sand and this makes for an opportunity to use funky flip-flops and flat thong sandals. Embellished flip-flops and thong sandals with sparkly rhinestone details complement the beach vibe.
Recently, travel-themed and ethnic weddings are getting popular with jetsetter couples. Popular inspirations are Japanese, Arabian, and African cultures. Wedding dresses and the decors of the venue evoke images from the theme. A geisha-inspired dress merits wooden platforms as wedding shoes as much as a Princess Jasmine-inspired outfit matches satin slippers.
The gradual flexibility of wedding traditions allows for more personal and intimate weddings. There is no reason why brides should restrain their individual styles. Wedding shoes provide opportunities for little surprises and brides are welcome to take them. A wedding is, first and foremost, the bride's day. She can proclaim her Keds as her wedding shoes and no one is allowed to object.
The fairy tale theme is probably the most popular for brides who want to be different but remain on the safe side. Since most brides are treated like royalties on their wedding days, the fairy tale theme is highly appropriate. Fairy tale brides can play with their dress and shoes more than the classic, traditional bride. Common choices of fairy tale brides include ball gowns and princess dresses with matching tiaras. Wedding shoes are, by far, trickier. Stilettos are not appropriate since they look too modern for princesses, and ditto with sandals. A shoe suggestion for this theme would be dainty lace-up boots in a complementary color to the wedding dress. These will look fabulous with full skirts and sleeved dresses.
Outdoor garden weddings are also popular. Gardens with summer themes allow for dresses with airy fabrics and materials. To complement the "airiness" of the bridal dress, shoes should be airy and lightweight like sandals. As too pointy heels can sink in the ground, flat or platform sandals are best. Jeweled slippers with beads and embellishments are also good choices. This way, the bride does not have to worry about sinking or balancing in uneven grounds. Wedding shoes for outdoor wedding should be comfortable and relaxed to complement the relaxed and summery setting.
More adventurous brides prefer beach weddings. Beaches are usually chosen as venues if there are sentimental moments between the couple that happened in the beach like the first kiss or engagement. These are moments of surprise and the whole bridal ensemble should echo the excitement of those moments. Since the usual dresses for beach weddings show a lot of skin (think tube, haltered, short dresses), the wedding shoes should follow. Strapped heels are out because of the sand and this makes for an opportunity to use funky flip-flops and flat thong sandals. Embellished flip-flops and thong sandals with sparkly rhinestone details complement the beach vibe.
Recently, travel-themed and ethnic weddings are getting popular with jetsetter couples. Popular inspirations are Japanese, Arabian, and African cultures. Wedding dresses and the decors of the venue evoke images from the theme. A geisha-inspired dress merits wooden platforms as wedding shoes as much as a Princess Jasmine-inspired outfit matches satin slippers.
The gradual flexibility of wedding traditions allows for more personal and intimate weddings. There is no reason why brides should restrain their individual styles. Wedding shoes provide opportunities for little surprises and brides are welcome to take them. A wedding is, first and foremost, the bride's day. She can proclaim her Keds as her wedding shoes and no one is allowed to object.
Thursday, 2 June 2016
Adding Personal Touches to Your Wedding
A perfect wedding isn’t only beautiful, it’s personal. It’s got carefully selected details that are meaningful to you and your fiancé.
Here are some very simple ways to add your own subtle, unique touches to your ceremony and reception:
Here are some very simple ways to add your own subtle, unique touches to your ceremony and reception:
- Write your own wedding vows. It doesn’t have to read like poetry; the important thing is that it comes from your own heart. Print it out on an index card and keep it handy during the ceremony.
- Compile a CD with songs that symbolize your relationship or how it evolved. Play this during your reception or even burn a copy and distribute as souvenirs. Insert a small piece of paper explaining why you chose those songs.
- Instead of tossing your bouquet, present it to your mother (or a dear friend or mentor) during your reception. You can also have an additional bouquet made for your groom to present his mother at the same time.
- Guests often have free time on their hands during their reception. In the center of the table, place several pens and small pieces of paper in a pretty basket. Ask them to write their wishes, prayers, or advice for you and your fiancé. Compile in a scrapbook.
- Most wedding reception programs revolve around the couple: friends give speeches. Do something for the guests. Make a video of you and your fiancé talking about the people who’ve taught you what true love means. Mention friends who’ve demonstrated real loyalty, or family members who made great sacrifices for you. Intersperse your video with their photos. This is your chance to say thank you to all of them.
- If you have a close friend or family member who passed away, make him or her part of the occasion by inserting a small photo in your bouquet, or lighting a tribute candle at the church ceremony.
- If you have ethnic roots, incorporate a marriage ritual from your culture into your ceremony or perform it during your reception.
- Wear an heirloom. For example, you can use your grandmother’s veil, or wear a locket that belongs to your mother. This is an excellent way of creating a sense of continuity between generations, celebrating your own family even as you go on to begin your own.
- Prepare an audio-video presentation that will be played during the last dance of the bride with the father. This can be just a simple montage of childhood photos. A guaranteed tear-jerker!
- If you have kids, help them feel like they’re part of the new family by asking them to stand next to you as you say your vows.
- Add little elements that say something about your relationship as a couple. For example, if you’re giving away picture frames, insert a poem that you wrote or a copy of your wedding vows. If you met at a beach (and would rather not have a beach-themed wedding) incorporate shells into your table centerpiece.
Wednesday, 1 June 2016
Diamond Wedding Rings For Men
Diamond wedding rings are no longer just for women. Many grooms today choose to purchase a man's diamond wedding ring to match the bride's. Still others enjoy the social status that comes with wearing a diamond wedding band. Purchasing a diamond wedding ring means that the groom must consider not only the material and design of the ring, but also the quality of the diamonds.
Although often not considered to be as important as the diamonds in the bride's engagement and wedding rings, the groom's diamonds should also be purchased with care. The man should take the same "4 Cs" into consideration: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.
A carat is exactly 200 milligrams, but very few men's bands will sport a diamond of this size. Most bands will instead have several smaller diamonds that may of may not equal one full carat. A full carat is also equal to 100 points, so a jeweler may refer to a ring as having several 10 point diamonds (each of which would be equal to one tenth of a carat).
While the clarity of a diamond is often considered the least important of the 4 Cs, it is still a key consideration in your diamond purchase. The clarity of a diamond measures the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond. For the most part, a more valuable diamond will have fewer flaws. It is extremely rare that you will find a completely flawless diamond; only a couple hundred "FL" diamonds are produced a year. Although there are several grading systems used to determine a diamond's clarity, the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) score is by far the most popular. It ranks diamonds as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI), and Included (I). (Note: “inclusions” are slight specks, cracks, or other flaws in a diamond). These ranks are not subjective; the scale has extremely specific criteria that are used to differentiate between the grades.
The color of the stone, referring to how yellow the stone is, can also be graded on a GIA scale. An ideal diamond is completely colorless, being ranked as a D. The alphabetical scale ranks nearly colorless stones as I and J , increasingly yellow beginning with M/N, and a Z is a completely yellow stone. The average color for engagement diamonds in the United States is G to H.
The cut of a diamond is possibly the most confusing of the "4 Cs," since it can refer to the cutting style, the shape of the stone (round, square, heart-shaped, etc), its proportions, or the workmanship and the diamond-cutting process. The brilliant round cut is the most common cut for diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.
Although often not considered to be as important as the diamonds in the bride's engagement and wedding rings, the groom's diamonds should also be purchased with care. The man should take the same "4 Cs" into consideration: carat weight, clarity, color, and cut.
A carat is exactly 200 milligrams, but very few men's bands will sport a diamond of this size. Most bands will instead have several smaller diamonds that may of may not equal one full carat. A full carat is also equal to 100 points, so a jeweler may refer to a ring as having several 10 point diamonds (each of which would be equal to one tenth of a carat).
While the clarity of a diamond is often considered the least important of the 4 Cs, it is still a key consideration in your diamond purchase. The clarity of a diamond measures the number and extent of the flaws in the diamond. For the most part, a more valuable diamond will have fewer flaws. It is extremely rare that you will find a completely flawless diamond; only a couple hundred "FL" diamonds are produced a year. Although there are several grading systems used to determine a diamond's clarity, the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) score is by far the most popular. It ranks diamonds as Flawless (FL), Internally Flawless (IF), Very Very Slightly Included (VVS), Very Slightly Included (VS), Slightly Included (SI), and Included (I). (Note: “inclusions” are slight specks, cracks, or other flaws in a diamond). These ranks are not subjective; the scale has extremely specific criteria that are used to differentiate between the grades.
The color of the stone, referring to how yellow the stone is, can also be graded on a GIA scale. An ideal diamond is completely colorless, being ranked as a D. The alphabetical scale ranks nearly colorless stones as I and J , increasingly yellow beginning with M/N, and a Z is a completely yellow stone. The average color for engagement diamonds in the United States is G to H.
The cut of a diamond is possibly the most confusing of the "4 Cs," since it can refer to the cutting style, the shape of the stone (round, square, heart-shaped, etc), its proportions, or the workmanship and the diamond-cutting process. The brilliant round cut is the most common cut for diamond engagement rings and wedding bands.
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