While many will emphasize the importance of the “Four Cs” – Color, Carat, Cut, and Clarity – when choosing a ring, there’s a lot more to consider that often goes unmentioned.
Let’s look at what those are.
Center Stone
When deciding on the center stone or stones for your ring, take a moment to think about the type of center stone you desire.
Although diamonds have gained immense popularity and tradition over the past century due to marketing efforts, there exists a plethora of exquisite alternatives for you to explore.
A few good examples include sapphire, tourmaline, amber, aquamarine, ruby, and a whole lot more.
Color
Color is another significant factor to consider when choosing a gem. While the perception of color can vary among individuals, the general preference leans toward colorless or “white” diamonds.
Commonly, center diamonds are chosen within the F-H color grade range. However, don’t limit yourself to just these options. There’s a wide array of stunning alternatives that can dramatically alter the mood and aesthetic of the ring you’re crafting.
Setting
Much like choosing the perfect setting for your wedding, the choice of stone setting can significantly influence the atmosphere and character of your ring.
Although you might initially think there are only a couple of standard options, the reality is that there are numerous possibilities available.
Keep in mind that each type of setting has the power to entirely transform the overall appearance of your ring, offering you a spectrum of design choices to consider.
Gem Cut
Should you decide to opt for a center stone gem with a particular cut, invest some time into not only determining your personal preference but also what complements your hands.
It’s worth noting that what suits you best might not necessarily align with your initial expectations. Take a moment to consider what genuinely enhances your hands’ appearance – you might find the results surprising!
If you want to narrow it down, here are some facts to help you:
- Oval-shaped diamonds or gems excel at maximizing perceived size. Their larger “spread” showcases a significant portion of the stone’s weight on the surface, creating the illusion of greater size.
- Brilliantly cut round diamonds are renowned for their exquisite sparkle and are often the most expensive per carat due to the intricate cut detail comprising 58 facets.
- Princess cut diamonds, on the other hand, possess a contemporary angular allure that beautifully complements geometric settings. Akin to round diamonds, princess cuts come at a more budget-friendly price point.
- The workmanship and cut quality heavily impact a diamond or gem’s radiance. A poor cut can result in a lackluster and lifeless appearance, underscoring the paramount significance of a cut in the selection process.
- For a touch of vintage charm, consider cushion-cut diamonds. With their distinct shape, they exude a timeless aesthetic.
- The elongated profiles of pear-shaped, marquise, and oval diamonds contribute to the appearance of long and slender fingers.
Clarity
Lastly, you want to consider the clarity of the stone. While clarity is important, it has the least substantial influence on the stone’s overall look.
Many diamonds possess inclusions that might be noticeable to the naked eye, but the majority remain imperceptible.
Consequently, opting for a “VS2” or “SI1” clarity grade is often adequate. If clarity carries heightened importance for you, “IF” or “VVS” grades are options, although the decision primarily hinges on personal preference.
