| Diamond engagement rings are proudly and | | | | Association to be declared IF-VS2 clarity, and are |
| traditionally worn by a bride-to-be as a powerful | | | | considered to be either Ideal or Premium cut. |
| symbol that she is "taken" and will soon be | | | | Alternatively, some buyers actually prefer to |
| married to her true love. The ring is viewed as an | | | | have a carbon speck deeply imbedded in their |
| indication of love, faith, fidelity, celebration, and the | | | | diamond as a reminder that the diamond is a |
| wealth of the groom. By placing the ring on his | | | | creation of nature, formed from the blackest |
| soon-to-be-wife, the groom gives the world an | | | | carbon into a thing of timeless beauty. |
| outward demonstration that he not only loves his | | | | While we generally consider diamonds as being |
| bride, but also can afford to marry her and take | | | | clear, in fact diamonds come in many colors such |
| her from her father's care. Diamond engagement | | | | as yellow, blue, or pink. Gemologists say that |
| rings, with their perfect clarity and indestructible | | | | some of the most exquisite natural diamond |
| nature, have come to symbolize the purity and | | | | colors are found in canary yellow diamond |
| eternal commitment between a man and his wife. | | | | engagement rings. Colored diamonds are always |
| Diamonds are relatively new as gemstones for | | | | the subject of delighted comments from buyers |
| engagement rings, the result of some very clever | | | | and friends of the bride who see these rings as |
| marketing by the diamond trade industry about | | | | unique and very meaningful. |
| 150 years ago. Other precious gemstones like | | | | An increasing trend among diamond engagement |
| sapphires, rubies, pearls and emeralds served as | | | | rings are cubic zirconium and moissanite stones. |
| symbols of an engagement to be married in | | | | Among diamond traditionalists, these are "fake |
| many countries, especially among royalty. Today, | | | | diamonds" of little or no worth. In reality, these |
| diamond engagement rings dominate the bridal | | | | clear white stones are diamonds, as "real" as |
| jewelry industry. | | | | those mined in Australia or Africa. The only |
| Variations among Diamond Engagement Rings | | | | difference is that these diamonds are man-made |
| Current bridal fashion favors a solitaire diamond | | | | in laboratories rather than by nature over |
| engagement ring set in a band of yellow or white | | | | hundreds of years. Both are made from carbon, |
| gold, sterling silver, or platinum. However, there | | | | both have a pure white color. In fact, the CZ and |
| are limitless rings for you to choose from, or | | | | moissanite diamonds are more refractive than |
| have custom-designed. The cut of the diamond | | | | natural diamonds, giving them a blinding brilliance |
| may catch your eye; Princess cut, Tiffany cut, | | | | than never dims. These diamond engagement |
| Cartier cut, Square cut, Pear cut, Teardrop cut, | | | | rings cost only a fraction of what a highest-quality |
| Bezel cut, or Round cut - all are stunning and | | | | natural diamond would cost. Most buyers find that |
| irresistible. The gorgeous Trilogy ring with its three | | | | the band in which the diamond is set costs more |
| equal-sized diamonds is said to represent the past, | | | | than the diamond itself! For couples with a limited |
| the present, and the future. | | | | budget but who also want a large, impressive |
| The clarity of the diamond engagement ring is | | | | diamond, the CZ and moissanite diamonds may |
| important to many brides. Clear white diamonds | | | | be the answer. |
| of SI-1 or SI-2 have no carbon specks or flaws. | | | | For more information from Brian Welsch about |
| Most diamond engagement rings must pass | | | | Diamond engagement rings check Rings for |
| rigorous tests by the Gemologist International | | | | engagement. |