When popping the question, you’ll want to give the love of your life a diamond that’s as dazzling and perfect as she is to you. Browsing through the wide selection of diamond rings for engagement doesn’t have to be an overwhelming task, as long as you’ve done your homework and know what to look for.
Choosing a Shape
If you know ahead of time what your bride-to-be’s diamond shape preferences are, great! If not, there are plenty of gorgeous options. Choose from classic princess cut, cushion cut, round cut, exotic marquise cut, Asscher cut, emerald cut, pear shaped, or the ultra-romantic heart shaped. Round diamonds make the most popular engagement diamond rings, with square princess cut coming in second.
The Four C’s of Diamond Quality
Diamonds are widely categorized according to four key characteristics: cut, color, clarity, and carat size.
Cut
The cut of the diamond refers not to its shape, but to its facets. When cut correctly, light will enter through the top of the gem, reflect off the facets, and project back out of the top. Selecting a diamond with an Ideal or Very Good cut rating will ensure the maximum amount of sparkle on her finger.
Color
White diamonds naturally range from colorless to light yellow. The closer the gem is to colorless, the higher the value. Choose a diamond ranging from D to J on the color scale for the best quality.
Clarity
Most diamonds have tiny blemishes, called inclusions. Completely flawless diamonds are rare, but that doesn’t mean you’ll end up having to settle for anything less than brilliance. Look for a diamond with a clarity rating between FL and SI2—anything less may contain inclusions that are visible to the naked eye.
Carat Weight
The larger the diamond, the rarer it is, and carat weight affects a stone’s value accordingly. A smaller diamond can be just as radiant as a larger one, though, so remember that size isn’t the only factor when choosing the perfect gemstone.
With these guidelines in mind, shopping for engagement rings in Mankato, MN, will be an experience you can treasure forever.