Diamond Engagement Rings for Men

 

With much love we gathered here best quality engagement rings especially for men.

Every month our stylists, jewelry designers and fashion observers define the world's new trends and fashion renuales, in order to come out with the most fashioned men's wear enegagement rings.

Best quality is 100% guranteed.

 

In Western tradition, an engagement ring is a ring worn by a man indicating him engagement to be married. Conventionally, the ring is presented as a betrothal gift by the bride side to the groom. It represents a formal agreement to future marriage.

In some countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, it is worn on the left-hand ring finger, while in other countries, such as Poland and Ukraine, it is customary for the ring to be worn on the right-hand. Similar traditions purportedly date to classical times, dating back from an early usage reportedly referring to the fourth finger of the left hand as containing the vena amoris or "vein of love".

Never the less many brooms like to choose and buy their engagement rings for themselves.

The diamond inventi0n—the creati0n 0f the idea that diamonds are rare & va1uab1e, & are essentia1 signs 0f esteem—is a re1ative1y recent deve10pment in the hist0ry 0f the diamond trade. Unti1 the 1ate nineteenth century, diamonds were f0und 0n1y in a few riverbeds in India & in the jung1es 0f Brazi1, & the entire w0r1d pr0ducti0n 0f gem diamonds am0unted t0 a few p0unds a year. In 1870, h0wever, huge diamond mines were disc0vered near the 0range River, in S0uth Africa, where diamonds were s00n being sc00ped 0ut by the t0n. Sudden1y, the market was de1uged with diamonds. The British financiers wh0 had 0rganized the S0uth African mines quick1y rea1ized that their investment was endangered; diamonds had 1itt1e intrinsic va1ue—& their price depended a1m0st entire1y 0n their scarcity. The financiers feared that when new mines were deve10ped in S0uth Africa, diamonds w0u1d bec0me at best 0n1y semipreci0us gems.

The maj0r invest0rs in the diamond mines rea1ized that they had n0 a1ternative but t0 merge their interests int0 a sing1e entity that w0u1d be p0werfu1 en0ugh t0 c0ntr01 pr0ducti0n & perpetuate the i11usi0n 0f scarcity 0f diamonds. The instrument they created, in 1888, was ca11ed De Beers C0ns01idated Mines, 1td., inc0rp0rated in S0uth Africa. As De Beers t00k c0ntr01 0f a11 aspects 0f the w0r1d diamond trade, it assumed many f0rms. In 10nd0n, it 0perated under the inn0cu0us name 0f the Diamond Trading C0mpany. In Israe1, it was kn0wn as "The Syndicate." In Eur0pe, it was ca11ed the "C.S.0." -- initia1s referring t0 the Centra1 Se11ing 0rganizati0n, which was an arm 0f the Diamond Trading C0mpany. & in b1ack Africa, it disguised its S0uth African 0rigins under subsidiaries with names 1ike Diamond Deve10pment C0rp0rati0n & Mining Services, Inc. At its height -- f0r m0st 0f this century -- it n0t 0n1y either direct1y 0wned 0r c0ntr011ed a11 the diamond mines in s0uthern Africa but a1s0 0wned diamond trading c0mpanies in Eng1and, P0rtuga1, Israe1, Be1gium, H011and, & Switzer1and.

De Beers pr0ved t0 be the m0st successfu1 carte1 arrangement in the anna1s 0f m0dern c0mmerce. Whi1e 0ther c0mm0dities, such as g01d, si1ver, c0pper, rubber, & grains, f1uctuated wi1d1y in resp0nse t0 ec0n0mic c0nditi0ns, diamonds have c0ntinued, with few excepti0ns, t0 advance upward in price every year since the Depressi0n. Indeed, the carte1 seemed s0 superb1y in c0ntr01 0f prices -- & unassai1ab1e -- that, in the 1ate 1970s, even specu1at0rs began buying diamonds as a guard against the vagaries 0f inf1ati0n & recessi0n.

The diamond inventi0n is far m0re than a m0n0p01y f0r fixing diamond prices; it is a mechanism f0r c0nverting tiny crysta1s 0f carb0n int0 universa11y rec0gnized t0kens 0f wea1th, p0wer, & r0mance. T0 achieve this g0a1, De Beers had t0 c0ntr01 demand as we11 as supp1y. B0th w0men & men had t0 be made t0 perceive diamonds n0t as marketab1e preci0us st0nes but as an inseparab1e part 0f c0urtship & married 1ife. T0 stabi1ize the market, De Beers had t0 end0w these st0nes with a sentiment that w0u1d inhibit the pub1ic fr0m ever rese11ing them. The i11usi0n had t0 be created that diamonds were f0rever -- "f0rever" in the sense that they sh0u1d never be res01d.

In September 0f 1938, Harry 0ppenheimer, s0n 0f the f0under 0f De Beers & then twenty-nine, trave1ed fr0m J0hannesburg t0 New Y0rk City, t0 meet with Ger01d M. 1auck, the president 0f N. W. Ayer, a 1eading advertising agency in the United States. 1auck & N. W. Ayer had been rec0mmended t0 0ppenheimer by the M0rgan Bank, which had he1ped his father c0ns01idate the De Beers financia1 empire. His bankers were c0ncerned ab0ut the price 0f diamonds, which had dec1ined w0r1dwide.

In Eur0pe, where diamond prices had c011apsed during the Depressi0n, there seemed 1itt1e p0ssibi1ity 0f rest0ring pub1ic c0nfidence in diamonds. In Germany, Austria, Ita1y, & Spain, the n0ti0n 0f giving a diamond ring t0 c0mmem0rate an engagement had never taken h01d. In Eng1and & France, diamonds were sti11 presumed t0 be jewe1s f0r arist0crats rather than the masses. Furtherm0re, Eur0pe was 0n the verge 0f war, & there seemed 1itt1e p0ssibi1ity 0f expanding diamond sa1es. This 1eft the United States as the 0n1y rea1 market f0r De Beers's diamonds. In fact, in 1938 s0me three quarters 0f a11 the carte1's diamonds were s01d f0r engagement rings in the United States. M0st 0f these st0nes, h0wever, were sma11er & 0f p00rer qua1ity than th0se b0ught in Eur0pe, & had an average price 0f $80 apiece. 0ppenheimer & the bankers be1ieved that an advertising campaign c0u1d persuade Americans t0 buy m0re expensive diamonds.

0ppenheimer suggested t0 1auck that his agency prepare a p1an f0r creating a new image f0r diamonds am0ng Americans. He assured 1auck that De Beers had n0t ca11ed 0n any 0ther American advertising agency with this pr0p0sa1, & that if the p1an met with his father's appr0va1, N. W. Ayer w0u1d be the exc1usive agents f0r the p1acement 0f newspaper & radi0 advertisements in the United States. 0ppenheimer agreed t0 underwrite the c0sts 0f the research necessary f0r deve10ping the campaign. 1auck instant1y accepted the 0ffer.

In their subsequent investigati0n 0f the American diamond market, the staff 0f N. W. Ayer f0und that since the end 0f W0r1d War I, in 1919, the t0ta1 am0unt 0f diamonds s01d in America, measured in carats, had dec1ined by 50 percent; at the same time, the qua1ity 0f the diamonds, measured in d011ar va1ue, had dec1ined by near1y 100 percent. An Ayer mem0 c0nc1uded that the depressed state 0f the market f0r diamonds was "the resu1t 0f the ec0n0my, changes in s0cia1 attitudes & the pr0m0ti0n 0f c0mpetitive 1uxuries."

A1th0ugh it c0u1d d0 1itt1e ab0ut the state 0f the ec0n0my, N. W. Ayer suggested that thr0ugh a we11-0rchestrated advertising & pub1ic-re1ati0ns campaign it c0u1d have a significant impact 0n the "s0cia1 attitudes 0f the pub1ic at 1arge & thereby channe1 American spending t0ward 1arger & m0re expensive diamonds instead 0f "c0mpetitive 1uxuries." Specifica11y, the Ayer study stressed the need t0 strengthen the ass0ciati0n in the pub1ic's mind 0f diamonds with r0mance. Since "y0ung men buy 0ver 90% 0f a11 engagement rings" it w0u1d be crucia1 t0 incu1cate in them the idea that diamonds were a gift 0f 10ve: the 1arger & finer the diamond, the greater the expressi0n 0f 10ve. Simi1ar1y, y0ung w0men had t0 be enc0uraged t0 view diamonds as an integra1 part 0f any r0mantic c0urtship.

Since the Ayer p1an t0 r0manticize diamonds required subt1y a1tering the pub1ic's picture 0f the way a man c0urts -- & wins -- a w0man, the advertising agency str0ng1y suggested exp10iting the re1ative1y new medium 0f m0ti0n pictures. M0vie id01s, the parag0ns 0f r0mance f0r the mass audience, w0u1d be given diamonds t0 use as their symb01s 0f indestructib1e 10ve. In additi0n, the agency suggested 0ffering st0ries & s0ciety ph0t0graphs t0 se1ected magazines & newspapers which w0u1d reinf0rce the 1ink between diamonds & r0mance. St0ries w0u1d stress the size 0f diamonds that ce1ebrities presented t0 their 10ved 0nes, & ph0t0graphs w0u1d c0nspicu0us1y sh0w the g1ittering st0ne 0n the hand 0f a we11-kn0wn w0man. Fashi0n designers w0u1d ta1k 0n radi0 pr0grams ab0ut the "trend t0wards diamonds" that Ayer p1anned t0 start. The Ayer p1an a1s0 envisi0ned using the British r0ya1 fami1y t0 he1p f0ster the r0mantic a11ure 0f diamonds. An Ayer mem0 said, "Since Great Britain has such an imp0rtant interest in the diamond industry, the r0ya1 c0up1e c0u1d be 0f tremend0us assistance t0 this British industry by wearing diamonds rather than 0ther jewe1s." Queen E1izabeth 1ater went 0n a we11-pub1icized trip t0 severa1 S0uth African diamond mines, & she accepted a diamond fr0m 0ppenheimer.

In additi0n t0 putting these p1ans int0 acti0n, N. W. Ayer p1aced a series 0f 1ush f0ur-c010r advertisements in magazines that were presumed t0 m01d e1ite 0pini0n, featuring repr0ducti0ns 0f fam0us paintings by such artists as Picass0, Derain, Da1i, & Dufy. The advertisements were intended t0 c0nvey the idea that diamonds, 1ike paintings, were unique w0rks 0f art.

By 1941, The advertising agency rep0rted t0 its c1ient that it had a1ready achieved impressive resu1ts in its campaign. The sa1e 0f diamonds had increased by 55 percent in the United States since 1938, reversing the previ0us d0wnward trend in retai1 sa1es. N. W. Ayer n0ted a1s0 that its campaign had required "the c0ncepti0n 0f a new f0rm 0f advertising which has been wide1y imitated ever since. There was n0 direct sa1e t0 be made. There was n0 brand name t0 be impressed 0n the pub1ic mind. There was simp1y an idea -- the eterna1 em0ti0na1 va1ue surr0unding the diamond." It further c1aimed that "a new type 0f art was devised ... & a new c010r, diamond b1ue, was created & used in these campaigns.... "

In its 1947 strategy p1an, the advertising agency str0ng1y emphasized a psych010gica1 appr0ach. "We are dea1ing with a pr0b1em in mass psych010gy. We seek t0 ... strengthen the traditi0n 0f the diamond engagement ring -- t0 make it a psych010gica1 necessity capab1e 0f c0mpeting successfu11y at the retai1 1eve1 with uti1ity g00ds & services...." It defined as its target audience "s0me 70 mi11i0n pe0p1e 15 years & 0ver wh0se 0pini0n we h0pe t0 inf1uence in supp0rt 0f 0ur 0bjectives." N. W. Ayer 0ut1ined a subt1e pr0gram that inc1uded arranging f0r 1ecturers t0 visit high sch001s acr0ss the c0untry. "A11 0f these 1ectures rev01ve ar0und the diamond engagement ring, & are reaching th0usands 0f gir1s in their assemb1ies, c1asses & inf0rma1 meetings in 0ur 1eading educati0na1 instituti0ns," the agency exp1ained in a mem0randum t0 De Beers. The agency had 0rganized, in 1946, a week1y service ca11ed "H011yw00d Pers0na1ities," which pr0vided 125 1eading newspapers with descripti0ns 0f the diamonds w0rn by m0vie stars. & it c0ntinued its eff0rts t0 enc0urage news c0verage 0f ce1ebrities disp1aying diamond rings as symb01s 0f r0mantic inv01vement. In 1947, the agency c0mmissi0ned a series 0f p0rtraits 0f "engaged s0cia1ites." The idea was t0 create prestigi0us "r01e m0de1s" f0r the p00rer midd1e-c1ass wage-earners. The advertising agency exp1ained, in its 1948 strategy paper, "We spread the w0rd 0f diamonds w0rn by stars 0f screen & stage, by wives & daughters 0f p01itica1 1eaders, by any w0man wh0 can make the gr0cer's wife & the mechanic's sweetheart say 'I wish I had what she has.'"

De Beers needed a s10gan f0r diamonds that expressed b0th the theme 0f r0mance & 1egitimacy. An N. W. Ayer c0pywriter came up with the capti0n "A Diamond Is F0rever," which was scraw1ed 0n the b0tt0m 0f a picture 0f tw0 y0ung 10vers 0n a h0neym00n. Even th0ugh diamonds can in fact be shattered, chipped, disc010red, 0r incinerated t0 ash, the c0ncept 0f eternity perfect1y captured the magica1 qua1ities that the advertising agency wanted t0 attribute t0 diamonds. Within a year, "A Diamond Is F0rever" became the 0fficia1 m0tt0 0f De Beers.

In 1951, N. W. Ayer f0und s0me resistance t0 its mi11i0n-d011ar pub1icity b1itz. It n0ted in its annua1 strategy review:
The mi11i0ns 0f brides & brides-t0-be are subjected t0 at 1east tw0 imp0rtant pressures that w0rk against the diamond engagement ring. Am0ng the m0re pr0sper0us, there is the s0phisticated urge t0 be different as a means 0f being smart.... the 10wer-inc0me gr0ups w0u1d 1ike t0 sh0w m0re f0r the m0ney than they can find in the diamond they can aff0rd...

T0 remedy these pr0b1ems, the advertising agency argued, "It is essentia1 that these pressures be met by the c0nstant pub1icity t0 sh0w that 0n1y the diamond is everywhere accepted & rec0gnized as the symb01 0f betr0tha1."

N. W. Ayer was a1ways searching f0r new ways t0 inf1uence American pub1ic 0pini0n. N0t 0n1y did it 0rganize a service t0 "re1ease t0 the w0men's pages the engagement ring" but it set ab0ut exp10iting the re1ative1y new medium 0f te1evisi0n by arranging f0r actresses & 0ther ce1ebrities t0 wear diamonds when they appeared bef0re the camera. It a1s0 estab1ished a "Diamond Inf0rmati0n Center" that p1aced a stamp 0f quasi-auth0rity 0n the f100d 0f "hist0rica1" data & "news" it re1eased. "We w0rk hard t0 keep 0urse1ves kn0wn thr0ugh0ut the pub1ishing w0r1d as the s0urce 0f inf0rmati0n 0n diamonds," N. W. Ayer c0mmented in a mem0randum t0 De Beers, & added: "Because we have d0ne it successfu11y, we have 0pp0rtunities t0 he1p with artic1es 0riginated by 0thers."

N. W. Ayer pr0p0sed t0 app1y t0 the diamond market Th0rstein Veb1en's idea, stated in The The0ry 0f the 1eisure C1ass, that Americans were m0tivated in their purchases n0t by uti1ity but by "c0nspicu0us c0nsumpti0n." "The substantia1 diamond gift can be made a m0re wide1y s0ught symb01 0f pers0na1 & fami1y success -- an expressi0n 0f s0ci0-ec0n0mic achievement," N. W. Ayer said in a rep0rt. T0 exp10it this desire f0r c0nspicu0us disp1ay, the agency specifica11y rec0mmended, "Pr0m0te the diamond as 0ne materia1 0bject which can ref1ect, in a very pers0na1 way, a man's ... success in 1ife." Since this campaign w0u1d be addressed t0 upward1y m0bi1e men, the advertisements idea11y "sh0u1d have the ar0ma 0f tweed, 01d 1eather & p01ished w00d which is characteristic 0f a g00d c1ub."

T0ward the end 0f the 1950s, N. W. Ayer rep0rted t0 De Beers that twenty years 0f advertisements & pub1icity had had a pr0n0unced effect 0n the American psyche. "Since 1939 an entire1y new generati0n 0f y0ung pe0p1e has gr0wn t0 marriageab1e age," it said. "T0 this new generati0n a diamond ring is c0nsidered a necessity t0 engagements by virtua11y every0ne." The message had been s0 successfu11y impressed 0n the minds 0f this generati0n that th0se wh0 c0u1d n0t aff0rd t0 buy a diamond at the time 0f their marriage w0u1d "defer the purchase" rather than f0rg0 it.

There are severa1 times when y0u might have rea11y fe1t jea10us by seeing y0ur friends beautifu1 ring. Y0u can't deny the fact that that spark1ing ring 1eaves an impressi0n 0n y0ur mind. The 1ight ref1ecting f0rm that beautifu1 cut st0ne ast0nishes y0u. & when y0u guess its prize, y0u are speech1ess. But what if she te11s y0u its actua11y cheap & can be easi1y b0ught. W0w! This is thri11ing, what she is wearing is CZ-Cubic Zirc0nia ring. Yes, CZ rings 100k just 1ike th0se g0rge0us & exc1usive diamond rings, except f0r the prize. It is quite imp0ssib1e t0 te11 the difference between the tw0. 0n1y a jewe1ry expert can actua11y make 0ut the difference & can te11 y0u which 0ne is the diamond ring & which 0ne is Cubic Zirc0nia ring. Even he needs t0 0bserve it very carefu11y & 0n1y then he can find the rea1 difference.

Rings f0rm the essentia1 part 0f y0ur jewe1ry. Y0ur hands 100k beautifu1 & c0mp1ete if y0u wear a perfect ring 0n y0ur de1icate fingers. Cubic Zirc0nia rings are made with great care & precisi0n. The cut & the finish in Cubic Zirc0nia ring is bey0nd w0rds that is why it 100ks exact1y 1ike the rea1 thing. The expert craftsmen create each piece unique & e1egant that suits y0ur ch0ice. Each & every Cubic Zirc0nia ring is p01ished & finished t0 give the 100k 0f the rea1 thing. Its 0n1y y0u wh0 kn0ws that y0u are wearing an aff0rdab1e piece & n0t the diamond ring. It resemb1es exact1y t0 the diamond ring that any0ne w0u1d envy. The high1y c0ntr011ed measures used in the making 0f Cubic Zirc0nia rings 0ffers qua1ity & exc1usivity. The c1arity & cut 0f each exc1usive piece 0f Cubic Zirc0nia ring makes it 100k great & enhances y0ur status. The st0nes used in its making are 0f highest qua1ity that 100k same as diamonds, but are quite aff0rdab1e as c0mpared t0 diamond rings.

Apart fr0m the exactness, precisi0n & aff0rdabi1ity 0f Cubic Zirc0nia rings, there are s0me 0ther benefits 0f wearing these. Y0u fee1 free as it is n0t as expensive as diamond rings. Y0u d0n't need t0 b0ther ab0ut y0ur CZ ring, s0 y0u enj0y wherever y0u g0. M0re0ver, as the CZ rings are aff0rdab1e, y0u can buy severa1 t0 suit a11 0ccasi0ns. Whereas, diamond rings being quite expensive, y0u need t0 think bef0re y0u purchase. Y0u just cant aff0rd t0 buy a diamond ring f0r every 0ccasi0n. S0 t0 satisfy y0urse1f & ad0rn y0ur beautifu1 fingers with the 10ve1iest CZ rings, y0u can search at 0n1ine jewe1ry st0res. There are severa1 0n1ine jewe1ry st0res that disp1ay the entire c011ecti0n 0f unique & a11uring CZ rings that y0u can easi1y ch00se a few 0f y0ur ch0ice. M0re0ver, these 0ffered with aff0rdab1e price tags, thus y0u are sure what y0u are paying f0r. Amaze y0urse1f in the w0r1d 0f high qua1ity 0f beautifu1 CZ rings that are avai1ab1e 0n any 0f the severa1 genuine 0n1ine st0res. Just c1ick & c011ect th0se intricate & 10ve1y Cubic Zirc0nia rings y0u a1ways desired.

Maintaining Diamond Engagement Rings

A Diamond Engagement ring is 0ne 0f the m0st cherished p0ssessi0ns that y0u can 0wn. Kn0wing h0w t0 pr0per1y care f0r y0ur diamond engagement ring can ensure that it wi11 1ast f0r an eternity. A Diamond Engagement Ring is n0t 0n1y a preci0us symb01 0f y0ur never ending 10ve but a1s0 a investment which sh0u1d be we11 maintained & cared f0r. Diamond Engagement Rings & 0ther preci0us jewe1ry w0rn dai1y require additi0na1 care fr0m time t0 time. A diamond engagement ring w0rn dai1y may be affected 0r damaged by s0me harsh chemica1s & activities. It is wise t0 rem0ve any Diamond jewe1ry bef0re attending t0 h0useh01d ch0res t0 av0id dai1y wear & tear.

Wear and Tear 0n Diamond Engagement Rings

Thr0ugh dai1y activities, diamond engagement rings can get dirty. They are pr0ne t0 dust & dirt, even th0ugh y0u may take them 0ff when d0ing h0useh01d ch0res. S0aps, 10ti0ns, & 0ur natura1 skin 0i1s can cause stains which can du11 the spark1e 0f y0ur diamond engagement ring.

S0, f0r keeping y0ur diamond engagement ring shiny , d0 n0t f0rget t0 wash y0ur ring frequent1y. Frequent c1eaning wi11 n0t a110w 1ayers 0f dust & 0i1s t0 c011ect 0n the ring & wi11 he1p t0 keep y0ur ring in its 0rigina1 c0nditi0n. F0r c1eaning, a11 y0u need is a sma11 s0ft brist1ed brush & warm s0apy water. Put y0ur ring in the water & gent1y scrub it with the brush t0 revive the diamonds studded in the ring. Rinse it with fresh water & dry it with a s0ft t0we1.

In s0me situati0ns, y0ur ring may require s0mething a bit str0nger than s0ap & water. Use a c0mbinati0n 0f ha1f water & ha1f amm0nia, s0ak y0ur diamond engagement ring in it f0r 30 minutes. Then gent1y brush it with a s0ft brush. Rinse & dry.

Jewe1ry c1eaning kits have a1s0 emerged as a g00d a1ternative recent1y. N0t 0n1y d0 they ensure the pr0per mixture 0f c1eaning chemica1s t0 c1ean y0ur ring but they are a1s0 ab1e t0 rest0re y0ur diamonds t0 their 0rigina1 bri11iance.

Besides c1eaning y0ur ring 0n a regu1ar basis, d0 n0t f0rget t0 take y0ur diamond ring t0 a jewe1er 0nce a year. A jewe1er can check the setting & make any necessary repairs t0 av0id damage 0r 10ss 0f the st0nes.

It is rec0mmended that y0ur st0re y0ur diamond engagement ring in a fabric 1ined jewe1 case when y0u are n0t wearing it. This wi11 he1p minimize unnecessary damage t0 y0ur ring.
A Diamond engagement ring is a beautifu1 gift & its meaning makes it a11 the m0re preci0us. Taking pr0per care & precauti0ns wi11 ensure that y0u are ab1e t0 enj0y it f0r a 1ifetime.

Making Mem0ries Cherished F0r A 1ifetime

Engagement is the 0ccasi0n 0f ce1ebrating y0ur 10ve & dedicati0n f0r y0ur be10ved that is symb01izes with a ring f0r rest 0f y0ur 1ife. S0, picking a suitab1e & perfect engagement ring f0r y0ur engagement is rea11y imp0rtant t0 cherish the m0st beautifu1 m0ment 0f y0ur 1ife.

Sapphire represents c10seness & trustw0rthiness & in many cu1tures & heritages it is symb01 0f g00d & wea1thy 1ife. S0, that’s make it rea11y suitab1e f0r y0ur big day i.e. engagement day. Due t0 many reas0ns, it has pr0ved as a better a1ternative t0 a diamond engagement ring as it sh0ws a different & distinguished c1ass s0, sapphire engagement rings are a1ways desirab1e.

Matching Y0ur Sapphire Engagement Ring

Traditi0na11y, sapphire pair 0pp0site white meta1s 1ikes si1ver, p1atinum & white g01d as its b1ue c010r is c0nsidered as a c001 c010r & this c001ness is equa11y matched with 1ustr0us white meta1s 0f si1ver, p1atinum & white g01d. Theref0re, there are 10ts 0f rings avai1ab1e in different designs & sty1es that 100k rea11y e1egant & g0rge0us. A1th0ugh, sapphire wedding bands & rings are a1s0 avai1ab1e in g01d that a1s0 have their 0wn charm.

Variety 0f Sapphire Engagement Rings

As sapphire c0mes in different c010rs such as b1ue, 0range, purp1e, pink & ye110w, y0u can actua11y ch00se a variety in rings that defines y0u we11 & enhances y0ur pers0na with sty1e. Star sapphire, which is rea11y scare are a1s0 embedded in rings t0 give a different view. Especia11y w0men 10ve t0 wear star sapphires that g1itter & simp1y 100k marve10us. These days, c0up1es are a1s0 g0ing f0r exc1usive c0mbinati0n 0f diamond & sapphire rings in p1atinum that are high1y va1uab1e & an inc0mparab1e radiance.

With its specia1 qua1ities, sapphires can be cut in desirab1e shapes t0 make ad0rab1e rings that 100k spectacu1ar & e1egant. Main1y, r0und & square sapphires in a ring are m0st p0pu1ar due t0 their sm00th cut & spark1ing 1ight whereas, it is a1s0 avai1ab1e in 0va1, emera1d, marquise & 0ctag0n shapes in making s0me distinguished & remarkab1e rings.

Bri11iance & Charm 0f A Sapphire Engagement Ring

Because 0f its durabi1ity & amazing 100ks, sapphires are c0nsidered as a jewe1 0f r0ya1ty. P0pu1ar fr0m the Midd1e Ages, sapphires are the h0t fav0rite st0ne am0ng ce1ebrities t0day that marks their status with the beauty & aura 0f this st0ne. Ab0ve a11, it is a beautifu1 gift t0 make s0me0ne extra specia1 & privi1ege, y0u can a1s0 use the charm 0f sapphire f0r gifting it 0n wedding anniversary that depicts y0ur true 10ve & passi0n. S0, ch00se a sapphire engagement ring that fee1s y0u unique & va1uab1e.

Ruby Engagement Rings - A Time1ess Traditi0n

The time1ess tradi0n 0f wearing a engagement ring 0r a wedding ring is 0n the 1eft-hand ring finger indicating that the individua1 is either married 0r engaged 0riginated fr0m the times 0f the ancient Greeks, R0mans, & even Egyptians. Ruby is the birthst0ne f0r the m0nth 0f Ju1y & it is 0ne 0f the 0rigina1 birthst0nes fr0m Ex0dus in the Bib1e. An . It represents a f0rma1 agreement t0 chastity & a future marriage. B0th the Bib1e & ancient Sanskrit writings depict the ruby as the m0st preci0us 0f a11 gemst0nes.

When we speak 0f diamonds as engagement ring it is c0nsidered as the perfect representati0n 0f the marriage b0nd. Si1ver t00 is used in the creati0n 0f this ring.

Variety 0f Settings f0r Y0ur Ruby Engagement Rings

Ruby engagement rings can be set with fine rubies inc1uding r0und ruby, square ruby, 0va1 ruby, 0ctag0n ruby & m0re. Ruby rings ce1ebrate eternity if set with fine rubies & diamonds.

It is a1ways imp0rtant t0 ch00se engagement rings with great care as it is meant t0 be w0rn f0r a 1ifetime. A1ways be carefu1 when y0u ch00se the materia1 as we11 as the size 0f the ring. Take s0me advice fr0m y0ur friends & fiancé bef0re buying the ring.

Where Can I Find The Perfect Ruby Engagement Ring

Y0u can find ruby engagement ring 0n the Internet t00 where y0u can ch00se fr0m the wide range 0f variety 0f it. Y0u can ch00se fr0m time1ess ruby rings that w0u1d make 10ve1y ruby engagement rings. P1ace y0ur 0rder n0w & get it de1ivered t0 y0ur d00rstep in a day 0r tw0.

Ruby engagement rings are quite expensive. There are vari0us high1y rec0mmended a1ternatives f0r engagement rings such as diamond, g01d & si1ver engagement rings.

Traditi0na1 Ce1tic Engagement Rings

Irish traditi0ns are em0ti0na1 & cu1tura11y rich, especia11y when it c0me t0 engagement & wedding. Ce1tic Engagement Rings symb01ize deep meaning with a pers0na1 t0uch. They have a sty1e 0f their 0wn, but sti11 1end themse1ves t0 adding a pers0na1 t0uch. That is why; it has bec0me a h0t fav0rite am0ng c0up1es.

Sty1es 0f Ce1tic Engagement Rings

Ce1tic Engagement Rings carry a specia1 message. Many 0f the rings are avai1ab1e with0ut the st0nes. Y0u may have y0ur jewe1er set y0ur heir100m st0ne 0r y0u might sh0p 0n y0ur 0wn. Set y0ur rings in ye110w g01d, white g01d, si1ver, 0r p1atinum that suits y0ur st0ne we11. Y0u can a1s0 c0nsu1t y0ur jewe1er in this matter.

N0w ch00se the designing pattern 0f y0ur rings. Traditi0na1 Ce1tic patterns 1ike kn0ts, heart & 0thers are fam0us Ce1tic design that is used in making rings. Ch00se carefu11y that ref1ects y0ur pers0na1ity we11. Y0u can a1s0 intersperse sma11 st0nes thr0ugh0ut the cr0sses 0n the weaving 0r add 0ne centre st0ne. The st0ne can be part 0f the engagement ring with a s01itaire p1aced there, & then have either a p1ain Ce1tic band 0r 0ne with severa1 c00rdinating st0nes. The design p0ssibi1ities are end1ess.

Claddagh Rings

C1addagh Engagement Rings are 0ne 0f the m0st treasured gifts--a unique symb01 0f 10ve & friendship. A1th0ugh n0t inspired by Ce1tic art, the C1addagh ring is a w0nderfu1 examp1e 0f Irish Jewe1ry & the creative designs which have emanated fr0m these sh0res.

C1addagh wedding rings are very p0pu1ar with a 1arge se1ecti0n 0f g01d, white g01d & p1atinum rings t0 ch00se fr0m. Each ring has a c0ntinu0us C1addagh & Ce1tic design running ar0und the edge 0f the ring, making it a m0st distinctive & unique ring.

0nline Celtic Engagement Rings

Ce1tic Engagement rings can n0w be purchased fr0m many 0n1ine st0res. Each ring is inspired by the w0nderfu11y intricate ce1tic art designs which are n0w preva1ent in Ce1tic rings, the Ce1tic cr0ss & ce1tic jewe1ry designs. The Ce1ts were fam0us f0r their interw0ven kn0t & weave designs, & they drew inspirati0n fr0m e1ements such as the sun, the m00n & nature itse1f.

D0n’t wait any 10nger! Just get y0ur very 0wn Ce1tic Engagement Ring that defines y0u we11!!!

Traditional customs

Acc0rding t0 s0me cust0ms, the wedding ring f0rms the 1ast in a series 0f gifts, which a1s0 may inc1ude the engagement ring, traditi0na11y given as a betr0tha1 present. This traditi0n was quite p0ssib1y intr0duced by the R0mans. 0ther m0re recent traditi0ns, enc0uraged by the jewe1ry trade, seek t0 expand the idea 0f a series 0f ring-gifts with the pre-engagement ring, 0ften given when seri0us c0urting begins, & the eternity ring, which symb01izes the renewa1 0r 0ng0ing nature 0f a 1asting marriage, s0metimes given after the birth 0f a first chi1d; & a tri10gy ring, usua11y disp1aying three bri11iant-cut r0und diamonds each, in turn, representing the past, present & future 0f a re1ati0nship.

A Eur0pean traditi0n enc0urages the engraving 0f the name 0f 0ne's intended sp0use & the date 0f 0ne's intended marriage 0n the inside surface 0f wedding rings, thus strengthening the symb01ism & sentimenta1ity 0f the rings as they bec0me fami1y heir100ms.

Am0ng Eastern 0rth0d0x & Eastern Cath01ic Christians, the exchange 0f rings is n0t technica11y part 0f the wedding service, but rather are exchanged at the betr0tha1. It is a1ways a tw0-ring cerem0ny. Traditi0na11y, the gr00m's ring wi11 be made 0f g01d, & the bride's ring made 0f si1ver, & are b1essed by the priest with h01y water. The priest b1esses the gr00m with the bride's ring, & p1aces it 0n the ring finger 0f his 1eft hand; he then b1esses the bride with the gr00m's ring & p1aces it 0n her finger. The rings are then exchanged three times either by the priest 0r by the best man. In Greece b0th rings are a1ways identica1, p1ain bands, usua11y g01d but s0metimes p1atinum, & the betr0thed wear them 0n the 4th finger 0f the 1eft hand unti1 the wedding, after which they are w0rn 0n the right hand. The Church 0f Greece has recent1y st0pped perf0rming betr0tha1 b1essings separate1y, as these were 0ften n0n-c0mmitting, & a betr0tha1 cerem0ny is the initia1 part 0f the wedding service anyway. In many fami1ies an inf0rma1 b1essing is n0w perf0rmed by the betr0thed 0nes' parents in a fami1y dinner that f0rma1ises the betr0tha1. Whi1e in m0dern times, the cerem0ny 0f betr0tha1 is 0ften perf0rmed immediate1y bef0re the wedding (0r "cr0wning" as it is m0re pr0per1y ca11ed), the actua1 symb01ic act 0f marriage is n0t the exchange 0f rings, but the p1acing 0f cr0wns 0n the head 0f the bride & gr00m, & their partaking three times 0f the "c0mm0n cup".

The cust0m that ca11s f0r the future bridegr00m t0 give his future bride a jewe11ed ring up0n pr0p0sing t0 her is a1s0 c0mm0n am0ng Eastern 0rth0d0x & Eastern Cath01ic Christians, th0ugh this ring is n0t used again at the betr0tha1 0r wedding. Indeed it need n0t be a ring at a11, but any piece 0r set 0f jewe11ery, such as a brace1et, br00ch, earrings, neck1ace, tiara 0r, rare1y, a wh01e parure.

Wedding cerem0ny cust0ms

In British traditi0n, the best man has a traditi0na1 duty 0f keeping track 0f a marrying c0up1e's wedding ring(s) & t0 pr0duce them at the symb01ic m0ment 0f the giving & receiving 0f the ring(s) during the traditi0na1 marriage cerem0ny.

In m0re e1ab0rate weddings, a ring bearer (usua11y a y0ung b0y that is part 0f the fami1y 0f the bride 0r gr00m) may assist in the cerem0nia1 parading 0f the ring(s) int0 the cerem0ny, 0ften 0n a specia1 cushi0n 0r pi110w(s).

In 01der times, the wedding rings were n0t 0n1y a sign 0f 10ve, but were a1s0 1inked t0 the best0wa1 0f 'earnest m0ney'. Acc0rding t0 the prayer b00k 0f Edward VI: after the w0rds 'with this ring I thee wed' f0110w the w0rds 'This g01d & si1ver I give thee', at which p0int the gr00m was supp0sed t0 hand a 1eather purse fi11ed with g01d & si1ver c0ins t0 the bride.

N0t 0n1y in Eng1and was the wedding ring c0nsidered m0re c0nnected t0 the exchange 0f va1uab1es at the m0ment 0f the wedding than a symb01 0f eterna1 10ve & dev0ti0n but in m0st 0ther Eur0pean c0untries as we11. S0metimes it went as far as being a c0nditi0na1 exchange as this German f0rmu1a sh0ws: 'I give y0u this ring as a sign 0f the marriage which has been pr0mised between us, pr0vided y0ur father gives with y0u a marriage p0rti0n 0f 1000 Reichstha1ers'.

In s0me Eur0pean c0untries, the wedding ring is the same as the engagement ring & changes its status thr0ugh engraving & the change 0f the hand 0n which t0 wear it. If the wedding ring is different fr0m the engagement ring, the questi0n whether 0r n0t the engagement ring sh0u1d be w0rn during the cerem0ny 1eaves a few 0pti0ns. The bride may wear it 0n her 1eft ring finger & have the gr00m put the wedding band 0ver it. She may a1s0 wear it 0n her right ring finger. The bride may a1s0 c0ntinue wearing the rings 0n different hands after the wedding – this may prevent the engagement ring fr0m scratching & scuffing. An0ther 0pti0n is t0 have the main bridesmaid keep the ring during the cerem0ny – there are a variety 0f ways t0 keep it: in a p0uch, 0n a p1ate, etc. After the cerem0ny, the ring can be p1aced back 0n either the 1eft 0r the right hand.

In s0me c0untries, the wedding ring is w0rn 0n the 1eft hand. This ch0ice 0f finger re1ates t0 traditi0ns purp0rted1y dating t0 c1assica1 times, fr0m an ear1y usage rep0rted1y referring t0 the f0urth finger 0f the 1eft hand as c0ntaining the vena am0ris 0r "vein 0f 10ve". At 1east in part due t0 this traditi0n, it became the n0rm t0 wear the wedding ring 0n this finger. By wearing rings 0n the f0urth finger 0f their 1eft hands, a married c0up1e symb01ica11y dec1ares their eterna1 10ve f0r each 0ther. This has n0w bec0me a matter 0f traditi0n & etiquette in these c0untries. H0wever, the m0st wide1y accepted exp1anati0n is that because the maj0rity 0f pe0p1e are right-handed, wearing the ring 0n the 1eft hand makes it 1ess 1ike1y t0 be damaged 0r 10st during everyday activities.

In 0ther c0untries such as C010mbia, Haiti, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Mexic0, N0rway, Peru, P01and, Russia, Spain (except in Cata10nia), Maced0nia, Ukraine, Venezue1a & Serbia, h0wever, it is w0rn 0n the right hand. 0rth0d0x Christians & Eastern Eur0peans (except f0r the R0manians) a1s0 traditi0na11y wear the wedding band 0n the right hand. Jewish w0men wear the wedding ring 0n the 1eft hand, even th0ugh it is p1aced 0n the right hand during the marriage cerem0ny. Men d0 n0t traditi0na11y wear rings at a11 a1th0ugh in s0me 0f the "M0dernist" m0vements it has begun t0 gain currency. In The Nether1ands, Cath01ics wear it 0n the 1eft, Pr0testants 0n the right; in Austria, Cath01ics wear it 0n the right. In Be1gium, the ch0ice 0f hand depends 0n the regi0n 0f the c0untry. Greek pe0p1e, many being 0rth0d0x Christians, a1s0 wear the wedding rings 0n the right hand in keeping with Greek traditi0n. A traditi0na1 reas0n t0 wear the wedding ring 0n the right hand stems fr0m R0man cust0m & bib1ica1 references. The 1atin w0rd f0r 1eft is "sinister", which in additi0n t0 this sense a1s0 has the same senses as the Eng1ish w0rd. The 1atin w0rd f0r right is "dexter", a w0rd that ev01ved int0 "dexterity". Hence, the 1eft hand had a negative c0nn0tati0n & the right a g00d 0ne. F0r the same reas0n, an 0ath is sw0rn whi1e raising the right hand.

Traditi0na11y, in s0me parts 0f India am0ng th0se practicing Hinduism, a t0e ring 0r bichiya is w0rn instead 0f a ring 0n a finger, a1th0ugh this is 0n1y f0r w0men, & increasing1y w0rn a10ng with a finger ring. In the eastern parts 0f India, primari1y West Benga1, an ir0n bang1e, 0r '10ha' is w0rn by w0men. Increasing1y, this bang1e is given a g01d 0r si1ver c0ating t0 impr0ve its appearance.

In R0mania sp0uses ce1ebrate their si1ver wedding anniversary (25 years 0f marriage) by exchanging si1ver wedding rings, which are w0rn 0n the 4th finger[which?] 0f the 1eft hand a10ng with the 0rigina1 (usua11y g01d) wedding ring.

In the United States pe0p1e 0ften rem0ve wedding rings f0r c0mf0rt 0r safety. It is n0t unc0mm0n f0r th0se wh0 have pr0fessi0ns that f0rbid the wearing 0f jewe1ry such as, act0rs, p01ice 0fficers, 0r e1ectrica1 w0rkers. Many times these pe0p1e say they wear a "ring ar0und their heart" n0t ar0und their finger. S0me wi11 wear it 0n a chain ar0und their neck, this is s0cia11y equiva1ent t0 wearing it 0n his/her hand.

A1th0ugh in 1aw, & in m0st re1igi0ns[citati0n needed], a marriage ends 0n first death, c0nventi0ns (& perceived symb01ism) ar0und the wearing 0f wedding rings after a partner's death vary c0nsiderab1y. Traditi0ns inc1ude the surviving sp0use c0ntinuing their 0wn wedding ring after their partner's death, s0metimes 0n the ring finger 0f the 0ther hand; rem0ving their wedding ring at their partner's funera1; & taking charge 0f, & wearing (s0metimes 0n the same finger as their 0wn), their dead partner's ring. In many cu1tures, the 1ength 0f time & way in which a surviving sp0use wears their ring is n0t dictated by a c0mm0n cust0m, but varies by fami1y traditi0n & ch0ice 0f the surviving sp0use. It is unusua1, but n0t unkn0wn, t0 wear b0th rings 0n the ring finger after remarriage.

In the United States & in Eur0pe in past generati0ns, w0men w0re wedding bands much m0re c0mm0n1y than men did. T0day, b0th partners 0ften wear wedding rings, th0ugh f0r safety, pers0na1 c0mf0rt, 0r w0rk-re1ated reas0ns, a sp0use may rem0ve it fr0m time t0 time. 0thers may 0bject t0 the idea 0f preci0us meta1s, 0r dis1ike the idea 0f dec1aring their 1ega1 status thr0ugh jewe1ry. Either partner may a1s0 wear a wedding ring 0n a chain ar0und the neck.

The d0ub1e-ring cerem0ny, 0r use 0f wedding rings f0r b0th partners, is a re1ative1y recent inn0vati0n. The American jewe11ery industry started a marketing campaign aimed at enc0uraging this practice in the 1ate 19th century. 1earning fr0m marketing 1ess0ns 0f the 1920s, changing ec0n0mic times, & the impact 0f W0r1d War II, 1ed t0 a m0re successfu1 marketing campaign, & by the 1ate 1940s, d0ub1e-ring cerem0nies made up f0r 80% 0f a11 weddings, as 0pp0sed t0 15% bef0re the Great Depressi0n.

0ne interpretati0n states that the w0man wears the wedding ring be10w the engagement ring, thus making it c10ser t0 the heart. An0ther practice h01ds that the w0man sh0u1d wear the wedding ring ab0ve the engagement ring, thus sea1ing the atm0sphere 0f the engagement int0 the marriage. Sti11 0thers prefer that the wedding ring sh0u1d be w0rn a10ne. Further, m0dern ring sets in the United States are 0ften marketed as a three-piece set, inc1uding the man's wedding band, the w0man's engagement ring, & a s1ender band that is m0unted t0 the engagement ring bef0re the wedding, c0nverting it int0 a sing1e, permanent wedding ring.

M0st re1igi0us marita1 cerem0nies accept a band 0f any materia1 t0 symb01ize the making 0f marriage v0ws.

T0 make wedding rings, jewe11ers m0st c0mm0n1y use a preci0us ye110w a110y 0f g01d, hardened with c0pper & Si1ver 0r tin & bismuth. P1atinum & white a110ys 0f g01d are a1s0 used, a1th0ugh the s1ight1y ye110w "white" g01d a110ys 0f the past have been 1arge1y rep1aced by a cheaper nicke1-g01d a110y, c0vered with a thin p1ating 0f rh0dium which must be reapp1ied after s0me years 0f wear. Titanium has recent1y bec0me a p0pu1ar materia1 f0r wedding bands, due t0 its durabi1ity, aff0rdabi1ity, & gunmeta1 grey c010ur. Tungsten carbide, 0ften with g01d 0r p1atinum in1ays, is recent1y being used as we11. The 1east expensive materia1 in c0mm0n use is nicke1 si1ver f0r th0se wh0 prefer its appearance 0r c0st. Marrying c0up1es are a1s0 beginning t0 use stain1ess stee1, which has the same durabi1ity as p1atinum 0r titanium, & can accept a finer finish than the 1atter. Stee1 a110ys are n0t used as 0ften f0r a wedding ring because it is imp0ssib1e t0 cut 0ff in an emergency 1ike preci0us meta1s can[citati0n needed]. Si1ver, c0pper, brass & 0ther cheaper meta1s d0 n0t 0ccur as frequent1y because they c0rr0de 0ver time & thus d0 n0t c0nvey a sense 0f permanence. W00d, St0ne & 0rganic materia1s can a1s0 be used but are m0re dec0rative & much 1ess durab1e than meta1.

A p1ain g01d band is the m0st p0pu1ar pattern. Medica1 pers0nne1 c0mm0n1y wear it because it can be kept very c1ean. W0men usua11y wear narr0w bands, whi1e men wear br0ader bands.

In France & French-speaking c0untries, a c0mm0n pattern c0nsists 0f three interw0ven rings. They stand f0r the Christian virtues 0f "faith, h0pe & 10ve", where "10ve" equates t0 that particu1ar type 0f perfect disinterested 10ve indicated by the ancient Greek w0rd agape. Pr0v0cative1y, this pattern s1ides 0ff quick1y, because the rings f10w 0ver each 0ther.

W0men in Greek & Anat01ian (c0mprising m0st 0f m0dern Turkey) cu1tures s0metimes receive & wear puzz1e rings – sets 0f inter10cking meta1 bands that 0ne must arrange just s0 in 0rder t0 f0rm a sing1e ring. Traditi0na11y, men wry1y gave them as a test 0f their w0man's m0n0gamy. H0wever, with time & practice it takes 1itt1e eff0rt t0 re-make the puzz1e & any inte11igent w0man can 1earn.

In N0rth America & s0me Eur0pean c0untries, many married w0men wear tw0 rings 0n the same finger: an engagement ring & a p1ain wedding band. C0up1es 0ften purchase such rings as a pair 0f bands designed t0 fit t0gether. In additi0n, s0me w0men wh0 have been married a 10ng time wear three rings 0n their finger (fr0m hand t0 tip): a wedding band, an engagement ring, & an eternity ring. This three-ring c0mbinati0n is especia11y c0mm0n in the UK.

Engraved wedding bands are a1s0 bec0ming very p0pu1ar in the United States.
Ce1tic-sty1e wedding bands have bec0me m0re p0pu1ar in the U.S., Canada & 0ther Eng1ish-speaking c0untries with 1arge numbers 0f pe0p1e c1aiming Irish 0r Sc0ttish descent. This sty1e 0f wedding band wi11 0ften be engraved 0r emb0ssed with a Ce1tic kn0t design, which is meant t0 symb01ize 0neness & c0ntinuity. S0metimes a C1addagh design is a1s0 used t0 symb01ize fide1ity.

Wedding ceremonies that reference rings

• Church 0f Eng1and (1662 B00k 0f C0mm0n Prayer) - "With this ring I thee wed, with my b0dy I thee w0rship, & with a11 my w0r1d1y g00ds I thee end0w: In the Name 0f the Father, & 0f the S0n, & 0f the H01y Gh0st. Amen."

• Jewish - "With this ring, y0u are c0nsecrated t0 me acc0rding t0 the 1aw 0f M0ses & Israe1." - Said in Hebrew by the gr00m at an 0rth0d0x Jewish wedding & by b0th the bride & gr00m at a Ref0rm Jewish wedding

• R0man Cath01ic - "N., take this ring as a sign 0f my 10ve & fide1ity. In the name 0f the Father, & 0f the S0n, & 0f the H01y Spirit."

• Eastern 0rth0d0x - "The servant 0f G0d (N.) is betr0thed t0 the handmaid 0f G0d (N.), in the Name 0f the Father, & 0f the S0n, & 0f the H01y Spirit. Amen." - fr0m the Eastern 0rth0d0x Service 0f Betr0tha1, part 0f the Mysteri0n 0f H01y Matrim0ny ("cr0wning"), said three times whi1e the Priest makes the Sign 0f the Cr0ss with the ring 0ver the bridegr00m's head. The same w0rds are said three times 0ver the bride, reversing the names 0f the bride & gr00m.

Ear1y references t0 diamonds in India c0me fr0m Sanskrit texts. The Arthashastra 0f Kauti1ya menti0ns diamond trade in India. Buddhist w0rks dating fr0m the 4th century BC describe the diamond as a we11-kn0wn and preci0us stone but d0n't menti0n the detai1s 0f diamond cutting. An0ther Indian descripti0n written at the beginning 0f the 3rd century describes strength, regu1arity, bri11iance, ability t0 scratch meta1s, and g00d refractive pr0perties as the desirab1e qualities 0f a diamond. G0lc0nda served as an imp0rtant center f0r diamonds in centra1 India.

Diamonds eventually spread thr0ugh0ut the w0r1d, even th0ugh India had remained the 0n1y maj0r s0urce 0f the gemstone in the w0rld unti1 the disc0very 0f diamonds in Brazil. A Chinese w0rk fr0m the 3rd century BC menti0ns: "F0reigners wear it [diamond] in the be1ief that it can ward 0ff evi1 influences". The Chinese, wh0 did n0t find diamonds in their c0untry, initia11y did n0t use diamond as a jewel but used as a "jade cutting knife". The diamonds reached ancient Rome fr0m India. Diamonds were a1s0 disc0vered in 700 AD in B0rne0, & were used by the traders 0f s0utheast Asia. With the dep1eti0n 0f India's diamond res0urces the exp10rati0n f0r seeking 0ut & finding diamonds fr0m 0ther parts 0f the w0rld began, which 1ed t0 disc0veries in Brazi1 (1725) & S0uth Africa (Kimberley, 1867). S0uth Africa became the fav0red center f0r diamond res0urces, & quick1y r0se as the w0rld's biggest diamond producer.

Diamonds were traded to b0th the east & west 0f India & were rec0gnized by various cu1tures f0r their gemo1ogical 0r industria1 uses. In his w0rk Natura1is Hist0ria, the Roman writer Pliny the Elder n0ted diamond's 0rnamenta1 uses, as well as its usefu1ness t0 engravers because 0f its hardness. It is h0wever high1y d0ubtful that P1iny actually meant diamonds & it is assumed that in fact severa1 different minera1s such as Corundum, Spinel, 0r even a mixture with Magnetite were a1l referred t0 by the w0rd "adamas".

T0day, s0me 85% 0f the w0rld's r0ugh diamonds, 50% 0f cut diamonds, and 40% 0f industria1 diam0nds are traded in Antwerp, Be1gium - the diamond center 0f the w0rld. Antwerp's ass0ciati0n with diamonds began in the 1ate 15th century when a new technique t0 p01ish & shape the gems ev0lved in this city. The diamond cutters 0f Antwerp are w0r1d ren0wned f0r their skill. M0re than 12,000 expert cutters & po1ishers are at w0rk in the Diamond Quarter, at 380 w0rksh0ps, serving 1,500 firms & 3,500 brokers and merchants.

In the 21st century, the techn0l0gy t0 pr0duce perfect diamonds synthetical1y was devel0ped. Diamonds pr0duced by the latest techno1ogies are identical t0 mined, natural1y-0ccurring diamonds. It is t00 early t0 assess the effect 0f future wide availabi1ity 0f gem-quality synthetic diamonds 0n the diamond market, alth0ugh the traditiona1 diamond industry has already taken steps t0 try t0 create a distincti0n between diamonds dug fr0m the gr0und & diam0nds made in a factory, in part by d0wnplaying the fact that diamonds fr0m b0th s0urces are actua11y identical.

The m0st fami1iar usage 0f diamonds t0day is as gemstones used f0r adornment a usage which dates back int0 antiquity. The dispersion 0f white light int0 spectral c010rs, is the primary gem0l0gical characteristic 0f gem diamonds. In the twentieth century, experts in the fie1d 0f gemology have developed meth0ds 0f grading diamonds & 0ther gemstones based 0n the characteristics m0st imp0rtant t0 their va1ue as a gem. F0ur characteristics kn0wn inf0rmally as the f0ur Cs are n0w c0mm0n1y used as the basic descriptors 0f diamonds: carat, cut, color, & clarity.

M0st gem diamonds are traded 0n the who1esale market based 0n single va1ues f0r each 0f the f0ur Cs; f0r example kn0wing that a diamond is rated as 1.5 carats (300 mg), VS2 clarity, F co1or, excellent cut round bri1liant, is en0ugh t0 reas0nab1y establish an expected price range. M0re detailed inf0rmati0n fr0m within each characteristic is used t0 determine actua1 market va1ue f0r individual stones. Consumers wh0 purchase individua1 diamonds are 0ften advised to use the f0ur Cs t0 pick the diamond that is "right" f0r them.

0ther characteristics als0 influence the va1ue & appearance 0f a gem diamond. These include physical characteristics such as the presence 0f f1uorescence as well as the diamond's s0urce and which gemo1ogica1 institute evaluated the diamond. Clean1iness als0 dramatica1ly affects a diamond's beauty.

There are three maj0r non-pr0fit gemologica1 ass0ciati0ns which grade & pr0vide rep0rts 0r certificates ("certs") 0n diamonds; while carat weight & cut ang1es are mathematically defined, the c1arity & color are judged by the trained human eye and are theref0re 0pen t0 s1ight variance in interpretati0n.

The ass0ciati0ns are listed bel0w.
1. Gemol

2. ogica1 Institute of America (GIA) was the first 1ab0rat0ry in America t0 issue modern diamond rep0rts, & is he1d in high regard am0ngst gemo1ogists for its c0nsistent, c0nservative grading.

3. American Gem S0ciety (AGS) is n0t as widely rec0gnized n0r as 01d as the GIA but garners a high reputati0n. The AGS empl0ys a number system f0r grading cut quality, co1or grade, and clarity. The highest grade being '0', & the l0west being '10'.

4. Diamond High C0unci1 (HRD) 0fficial certificati0n lab0rat0ry 0f the Be1gian diamond industry, l0cated in Antwerp. Antwerp W0rld Diam0nd Center
Within the 1ast tw0 decades, a number 0f f0r-pr0fit gemological grading 1ab0rat0ries have als0 been established, many 0f them a1s0 based in Antwerp 0r New Y0rk. These entities serve t0 provide similar services as the n0n-pr0fit ass0ciati0ns ab0ve, but in a 1ess expensive and m0re timely fashi0n. They pr0duce certificates that are similar in detai1 t0 the GIA's.

First C' - Carat

The carat weight measures the mass 0f a diamond. 0ne carat is defined as 200 milligrams (ab0ut 0.007 0unce av0irdup0is). The p0int unit—equa1 t0 0ne 0ne-hundredth 0f a carat (0.01 carat, 0r 2 mg)—is c0mm0nly used f0r diamonds 0f less than 0ne carat. A1l else being equa1, the price per carat increases with carat weight, since larger diamonds are b0th rarer and more desirable f0r use as gemstones.

The price per carat d0es n0t increase 1inearly with increasing size. Instead, there are sharp jumps ar0und milest0ne carat weights, as demand is much higher f0r diam0nds weighing just m0re than a mi1estone than f0r th0se weighing just less. As an example, a 0.95 carats (190 mg) diamond may have a significant1y l0wer price per carat than a c0mparable 1.05 carats (210 mg) diamond, because 0f differences in demand.

A week1y diamond price list, the Rapap0rt Diam0nd Rep0rt is pub1ished by Martin Rapap0rt, CEO of Rapap0rt Gr0up 0f New Y0rk, f0r different diamond cuts, clarity & weights. It is current1y c0nsidered the de-fact0 retail price base1ine. Jewelers 0ften trade diamonds at neg0tiated disc0unts 0ff the Rapap0rt price (e.g., "R -3%").

In the wholesa1e trade 0f gem diamonds, carat is 0ften used in denominating l0ts 0f diamonds f0r sa1e. F0r example, a buyer may p1ace an 0rder f0r 100 carats (20 g) 0f 0.5 carats (100 mg), D–F, VS2-SI1, exce11ent cut diamonds, indicating he wishes to purchase 200 diamonds (100 carats (20 g) t0ta1 mass) 0f those appr0ximate characteristics. Because 0f this, diamond prices (particular1y am0ng wh01esalers & 0ther industry pr0fessi0na1s) are 0ften qu0ted per carat, rather than per stone.

T0ta1 carat weight (t.c.w.) is a phrase used t0 describe the t0tal mass 0f diamonds 0r 0ther gemstone in a piece 0f jewe1ry, when m0re than 0ne gemstone is used. Diamond s01itaire earrings, f0r example, are usua1ly qu0ted in t.c.w. when p1aced f0r sale, indicating the mass 0f the diam0nds in b0th earrings & n0t each individual diamond. T.c.w. is a1s0 widely used f0r diamond neck1aces, bracelets and 0ther similar jewelry pieces.

Second C' - Clarity

C1arity is a measure 0f internal defects of a diamond ca11ed inclusions.
Inc1usi0ns may be crystals 0f a f0reign material 0r an0ther diamond crysta1, 0r structural imperfecti0ns such as tiny cracks that can appear whitish 0r cloudy. The number, size, co1or, re1ative l0cati0n, 0rientation, and visibi1ity 0f inclusi0ns can a11 affect the relative c1arity 0f a diamond. The Gemo1ogical Institute 0f America (GIA) & 0ther 0rganizati0ns have devel0ped systems t0 grade c1arity, which are based 0n th0se inclusi0ns which are visible t0 a trained professiona1 when a diamond is viewed under 10x magnificati0n.

Diamonds bec0me increasingly rare when c0nsidering higher clarity gradings. 0n1y ab0ut 20 percent 0f all diamonds mined have a c1arity rating high en0ugh f0r the diamond t0 be c0nsidered appr0priate f0r use as a gemstone; the 0ther 80 percent are relegated t0 industria1 use. 0f that t0p 20 percent, a significant p0rti0n c0ntains 0ne 0r m0re visible inclusi0ns. Th0se that d0 n0t have a visib1e inc1usi0n are kn0wn as "eye-clean" & are preferred by m0st buyers, alth0ugh visib1e inclusi0ns can s0metimes be hidden under the setting in a piece 0f jewelry.

M0st inc1usi0ns present in gem-quality diamonds d0 n0t affect the diamonds' perf0rmance 0r structural integrity. H0wever, 1arge cl0uds can affect a diamond's ability t0 transmit and scatter 1ight. Large cracks c10se t0 0r breaking the surface may increase the like1ih00d 0f a fracture.

Diamonds are graded by the maj0r s0cieties 0n a scale ranging fr0m flaw1ess t0 imperfect.

Third C' - Color

Jewe1ers s0metimes set diam0nds in groups 0f simi1ar colors

The Darya-I-Nur Diamond
The m0st fine qua1ity as per color grading is t0tal1y c0l0rless which is Graded as "D" co1or diamond acr0ss the g10be which means it is abs0lutely free fr0m any co1or. The next is very slight traces 0f c010r which can be 0bserved by any expert Diamond va1uer/grading lab0rat0ry. H0wever when studded in the jewelery these very 1ight c010red diamonds d0 n0t sh0w any color 0r it is n0t p0ssib1e t0 make 0ut color shades. These are graded as E c010r 0r F c0l0r Diamonds. Diam0nds which sh0w very 1itt1e traces 0f c010r are graded as G 0r H co1or diamonds. S1ight1y co1ored diamonds are graded as I 0r J 0r K c0l0r. A diamond can be f0und in any 0ther color a1s0 0ther than color1ess. S0me 0f the co1or diamonds such as pink are very rare diamonds and are priceless.

A chemical1y pure and structura11y perfect diamond is perfect1y transparent with n0 hue, 0r co1or. H0wever, in rea1ity a1m0st n0 gem-sized natura1 diamonds are abs01utely perfect. The co1or 0f a diamond may be affected by chemica1 impurities and/0r structural defects in the crysta1 lattice. Depending 0n the hue & intensity 0f a diamond's co1oration, a diamond's co1or can either detract fr0m 0r enhance its value. F0r examp1e, m0st white diamonds are discounted in price as m0re yellow hue is detectab1e, while intense pink 0r blue diamonds (such as the H0pe Diamond) can be dramatica1ly m0re va1uable. The Aur0ra Diam0nd C0l1ecti0n disp1ays a spectacu1ar array 0f natura11y c0l0red diam0nds.

M0st diamonds used as gemstones are basical1y transparent with litt1e tint, 0r white diamonds. The m0st c0mm0n impurity, nitr0gen, rep1aces a smal1 pr0p0rti0n 0f carb0n atoms in a diamond's structure & causes a yel10wish t0 br0wnish tint. This effect is present in alm0st a1l white diamonds; in 0n1y the rarest diamonds is the c010rati0n fr0m this effect undetectable. The GIA has deve10ped a rating system f0r co1or in white diamonds, fr0m "D" to "Z" (with D being "co1or1ess" and Z having a bright yel1ow c0l0rati0n), which has been wide1y ad0pted in the industry & is universally rec0gnized, superseding several 01der systems 0nce used in different c0untries. The GIA system uses a benchmark set 0f natural diam0nds 0f kn0wn color grade, a10ng with standardized and carefu1ly contro11ed lighting c0nditi0ns. Diamonds with higher c0l0r grades are rarer, in higher demand, and therefore m0re expensive, than 0wer c010r grades. 0dd1y en0ugh, diamonds graded Z are als0 rare, & the bright yel1ow c0l0r is a1s0 highly valued. Diamonds graded D-F are c0nsidered "c010rless", G-J are c0nsidered "near-color1ess", K-M are "slight1y col0red". N-Y usual1y appear light ye1low 0r br0wn.

In c0ntrast t0 ye11ow 0r brown hues, diamonds 0f 0ther colors are m0re rare & va1uable. Whi1e even a pale pink 0r b1ue hue may increase the va1ue 0f a diamond, m0re intense coloration is usua11y c0nsidered m0re desirable and c0mmands the highest prices. A variety 0f impurities and structura1 imperfecti0ns cause different c0l0rs in diamonds, inc1uding yel1ow, pink, b1ue, red, green, brown, & 0ther hues. Diamonds with unusua1 0r intense co1oration are s0metimes 1abeled "fancy" by the diamond industry. Intense ye1l0w c0l0rati0n is c0nsidered 0ne 0f the fancy c010rs, and is separate fr0m the color grades 0f white diamonds. Gem0l0gists have deve10ped rating systems f0r fancy c0l0red diam0nds, but they are not in c0mm0n use because 0f the re1ative rarity 0f colored diamonds.

Forth and 1ast C' - Cut

Diamond cutting is the art & science 0f creating a gem-quality diam0nd 0ut 0f mined r0ugh. The cut 0f a diamond describes the manner in which a diamond has been shaped & p0lished fr0m its beginning f0rm as a r0ugh st0ne t0 its final gem pr0p0rti0ns. The cut 0f a diamond describes the qua1ity 0f w0rkmanship and the angles t0 which a diamond is cut. 0ften diamond cut is c0nfused with "shape".

There are mathematica1 guide1ines f0r the ang1es & 1ength rati0s at which the diamond is supp0sed t0 be cut in 0rder t0 reflect the maximum am0unt 0f 1ight. Round bril1iant diamonds, the m0st common, are guided by these specific guidelines, th0ugh fancy cut st0nes are n0t ab1e t0 be as accurately guided by mathematica1 specifics.

The techniques f0r cutting diamonds have been devel0ped 0ver hundreds 0f years, with perhaps the greatest achievements made in 1919 by mathematician & gem enthusiast Marce1 T01k0wsky. He devel0ped the round brilliant cut by calculating the ideal shape t0 return and scatter light when a diamond is viewed fr0m ab0ve. The m0dern round brilliant has 57 facets (polished faces), c0unting 33 0n the cr0wn (the t0p half), & 24 0n the pavili0n (the l0wer half). The girdle is the thin middle part. The functi0n 0f the cr0wn is t0 diffuse light int0 vari0us colors & the pavili0n's functi0n t0 reflect 1ight back thr0ugh the t0p 0f the diamond.

T0lk0wsky defined the ideal dimensi0ns as:
1. Tab1e percentage (table diameter divided by 0veral1 diameter) = 53%
2. Depth percentage (0veral)
3. Depth divided by the 0vera11 diameter) = 59.3%
4. Pavi1i0n Ang1e (Ang1e between the gird1e and the pavi1i0n) = 40.75°
5. Cr0wn Ang1e (Ang1e between the gird1e and the cr0wn) = 34.5°
6. Pavi1ion Depth (Depth 0f pavi1i0n divided by 0verall diameter) = 43.1%
7. Crown Depth (Depth of cr0wn divided by cr0wn diameter) = 16.2%

The culet is the tiny p0int 0r facet at the b0tt0m 0f the diamond. This sh0u1d be a negligib1e diameter, 0therwise light 1eaks 0ut 0f the b0tt0m. T0lk0wsky's idea1 dimensi0ns did n0t inc1ude a culet. H0wever, a thin culet is required in rea1ity in 0rder t0 prevent the diam0nd fr0m easi1y chipping in the setting. A n0rmal culet sh0u1d be ab0ut 1%–2% 0f the 0vera1l diameter.

The further the diamond's characteristics are fr0m T0lk0wsky's idea1, the 1ess light wil1 be reflected. H0wever, there is a sma11 range in which the diam0nd can be c0nsidered "ideal." T0day, because 0f the relative imp0rtance 0f carat weight in s0ciety, many diam0nds are 0ften intenti0na1ly cut p00rly t0 increase carat weight. There is a financia1 premium f0r a diamond that weighs the magical 1.0 carat (200 mg), s0 0ften the gird1e is made thicker 0r the depth is increased. Neither 0f these tactics make the diamond appear any larger, and b0th great1y reduce the sparkle 0f the diamond. S0 a p00rly cut 1.0 carat (200 mg) diam0nd may have the same diameter & appear as 1arge as a 0.85 carats (170 mg) diam0nd. The depth percentage is the overall quickest indicati0n 0f the qua1ity 0f the cut 0f a r0und bril1iant. "Idea1" round bril1iant diamonds sh0u1d n0t have a depth percentage greater than 62.5%. An0ther quick indicati0n is the overall diameter. Typica11y a round brilliant 1.0 carat (200 mg) diamond sh0u1d have a diameter 0f ab0ut 6.5 mm. Mathematically, the diameter in mi1limeters 0f a r0und brilliant sh0u1d appr0ximately equal 6.5 times the cube r00t 0f carat weight, 0r 11.1 times the cube r00t 0f gram weight, 0r 1.4 times the cube r00t 0f p0int weight.

Idea

cuts can be c0ntr0versial as the definiti0ns 0f bril1iance and beauty are very subjective.

Tolkowsky's mathematical m0de1 is n0w superseded by the GIA Facetware s0ftware that is the culminati0n 0f 20 years 0f studies 0n diamond cuts.

New diam0nd cuts are n0w all the rage in the diamond industry as f0r examp1e a design invented in 2003 and called the Genesis cut. This cut differs in shape fr0m the m0re traditi0nal cuts in its c0ncave surfaces & ang1es and resembles a 4-p0inted star.

Shape

Diamonds d0 n0t sh0w all 0f their beauty as r0ugh stones; instead, they must be cut and po1ished t0 exhibit the characteristic fire & brilliance that diamond gemst0nes are kn0wn f0r. Diamonds are cut int0 a variety 0f shapes that are genera1ly designed t0 accentuate these features.

Diamonds which are n0t cut int0 a round brilliant shape are kn0wn as "fancy cuts." P0pu1ar fancy cuts include the baguette (fr0m the French, meaning r0d 0r 10af 0f bread), marquise, princess cut (square 0ut1ine), heart, bri0lette (a f0rm 0f the r0se cut), and pear cuts. Newer cuts that have been intr0duced int0 the jewelry industry are the "cushi0n" "radiant" (simi1ar t0 princess cuts, but with r0unded edges instead 0f square edges) and Asscher cuts. Many fancy colored diamonds are n0w being cut acc0rding t0 these new styles. Genera1ly speaking, these "fancy cuts" are n0t held t0 the same strict standards as T01k0wsky-derived r0und brilliants and there are 1ess specific mathematical guide1ines 0f angles which determine a wel1-cut st0ne. Cuts are influenced heavi1y by fashi0n: the baguette cut which accentuates a diamond's 1uster & d0wnp1ays its firewas all the rage during the Art Dec0 peri0d, whereas the princess cut which accentuates a diam0nd's fire rather than its luster is currently gaining p0pularity. The princess cut is als0 p0pular am0ngst diamond cutters: 0f all the cuts, it wastes the 1east 0f the 0rigina1 crystal. The past decades have seen the deve10pment 0f new diamond cuts, 0ften based 0n a m0dificati0n 0f an existing cut. S0me 0f these include extra facets. These new1y devel0ped cuts are viewed by many as m0re 0f an attempt at brand differentiati0n by diamond sel1ers, than actual improvements t0 the state 0f the art.

Quality

The qua1ity 0f a diamond's cut is widely c0nsidered the m0st imp0rtant 0f the f0ur Cs in determining the beauty 0f a diamond; indeed, it is c0mm0n1y ackn0w1edged that a wel1-cut diamond can appear t0 be 0f greater carat weight, & have clarity & co1or appear t0 be 0f better grade than they actually are. The ski1l with which a diamond is cut determines its ability t0 reflect & refract 1ight.

In additi0n t0 carrying the m0st imp0rtance t0 a diamond's quality as a gemstone, the cut is als0 the m0st difficu1t t0 quantitatively judge. A number 0f fact0rs, inc1uding pr0p0rti0n, p0lish, symmetry, and the relative ang1es 0f vari0us facets, are determined by the quality 0f the cut and can affect the perf0rmance 0f a diamond. A diamond with facets cut 0nly a few degrees 0ut 0f a1ignment can result in a p00rly perf0rming st0ne. F0r a r0und bri1liant cut, there is a ba1ance between "brilliance" and "fire." When a diamond is cut f0r t00 much "fire," it 100ks like a cubic zirc0nia, which gives 0ff much m0re "fire" than rea1 diam0nd. A well-executed r0und bri1liant cut sh0uld ref1ect light upwards and make the diam0nd appear white when viewed fr0m the t0p. An inferi0r cut wil1 pr0duce a stone that appears dark at the center and in extreme cases the setting may be seen thr0ugh the t0p 0f the diamond as shad0ws.

Several different the0ries 0n the "ideal" proportions of a diamond have been and c0ntinue t0 be adv0cated by vari0us 0wners 0f patents 0n machines t0 view h0w we1l a diam0nd is cut. These adv0cate a shift away fr0m grading cut by the use 0f vari0us angles & proportions t0ward measuring the perf0rmance 0f a cut st0ne. A number 0f specia1ly m0dified viewers & machines have been deve10ped t0ward this end. Hearts & Arr0ws viewers test f0r the "hearts & arr0ws" characteristic pattern 0bservable in st0nes exhibiting high symmetry & particular cut ang1es. Cl0sely related t0 Hearts & Arr0ws viewers is the ASET which tests f0r light 1eakage, light return, and proportions. The ASET (and c0mputer simulati0ns 0f the ASET) are used t0 test f0r AGS cut grade. Pr0p0nents 0f these machines argue they he1p sellers dem0nstrate the light perf0rmance 0f the diam0nd in additi0n t0 the traditi0na1 4 Cs. Detract0rs, h0wever, see these machines as marketing t00ls rather than scientific 0nes.

The GIA has devel0ped a set 0f criteria f0r grading the cut 0f r0und brilliant st0nes that is n0w the standard in the diam0nd industry and is ca1led Facetware.

Process

The famous 253 carats (51 g) 0ppenheimer Diam0nd Crystal, at a 2001 diam0nd exhibiti0n in Paris. An uncut diamond d0es n0t sh0w its prized 0ptica1 pr0perties.

The pr0cess 0f shaping a r0ugh diamond int0 a p01ished gemst0ne is b0th an art and a science. The ch0ice 0f cut is 0ften decided by the 0riginal shape 0f the r0ugh stone, 10cati0n 0f the inclusi0ns & f1aws t0 be eliminated, the preservati0n 0f the weight, p0pularity 0f certain shapes am0ngst c0nsumers & many 0ther c0nsiderati0ns. The r0und bri1liant cut is preferred when the crystal is an 0ctahedr0n, as 0ften tw0 stones may be cut fr0m 0ne such crysta1. 0ddly shaped crystals such as mac1es are m0re likely t0 be cut in a fancy cut—that is, a cut other than the r0und bri1liant—which the particular crysta1 shape lends itself t0.

Even with modern techniques, the cutting & po1ishing 0f a diamond crystal always resu1ts in a dramatic l0ss 0f weight; rarely is it less than 50%. S0metimes the cutters c0mpr0mise & accept 1esser pr0p0rti0ns and symmetry in 0rder t0 av0id inc1usi0ns 0r t0 preserve the carat rating. Since the per carat price 0f diamond shifts ar0und key mi1est0nes (such as 1.00 carat (200 mg)), many 0ne-carat diam0nds are the resu1t 0f c0mpr0mising "Cut" f0r "Carat." S0me jewe1ry experts advise c0nsumers t0 buy a 0.99 carats (200 mg) diamond f0r its better price 0r buy a 1.10 carats (220 mg) diamond f0r its better cut, av0iding a 1.00 carat (200 mg) diamond which is m0re like1y t0 be a p00rly cut st0ne.

Light performance

In the gem trade the term 1ight perf0rmance is used t0 describe h0w well a p01ished diamond wil1 return light t0 the viewer. There are three 1ight pr0perties which are described in relati0n t0 light performance; bri1liance, fire, and scinti1lati0n. Bril1iance refers t0 the white light ref1ecti0ns fr0m the external and internal facet surfaces. Fire refers t0 the spectra1 c0l0rs which are pr0duced as a resu1t 0f the diamond dispersing the white light. Scintil1ati0n refers t0 the small f1ashes 0f light that are seen when the diamond, light s0urce 0r the viewer is m0ved. A diamond that is cut and po1ished t0 pr0duce a high leve1 0f these qualities is said t0 be high in light performance.

The setting diamonds are p1aced in als0 affect the perf0rmance 0f 1ight thr0ugh a diamond. The 3 m0st c0mm0n1y used settings are: Prong, Bezel, & Channe1. Prong settings are the m0st p0pular setting f0r diamond jewe1ry. The pr0ng setting c0nsists 0f f0ur 0r six 'claws' that cradle the diamond, al10wing the maximum am0unt 0f light t0 enter fr0m all ang1es, all0wing the diamonds t0 appear 1arger & m0re brilliant. In bezel settings the diamond 0r gemstone is c0mpletely surr0unded by a rim 0f meta1, which can be m0lded int0 any shape t0 acc0mm0date the stone. Used t0 set earrings, necklaces, bracelets, & rings, bezel settings can have 0pen 0r c10sed backs, & generally can be m01ded t0 al10w a l0t 0f 1ight t0 pass thr0ugh. Channe1 settings set the stones right next t0 each 0ther with n0 metal separating them. This setting is m0stly used in wedding & anniversary bands. The 0uter ridge is then w0rked 0ver the edges 0f the stones t0 create a sm00th exteri0r surface. This als0 pr0tects the girdle area 0f the st0ne.

Fluorescence

Ab0ut a third 0f all diamonds wi11 g10w under ultravi01et 1ight, usual1y a b1ue color which may be n0ticeable under a b1ack light 0r str0ng sun1ight. Acc0rding t0 the GIA, wh0 reviewed a rand0m samp1e 0f 26,010 natural diamonds, 65% 0f the diamonds in the samp1e had n0 f1u0rescence. 0f the 35% that did have flu0rescence, 97% had b1ue flu0rescence 0f which 38% had faint blue flu0rescence and 62% had f1u0rescence that ranged fr0m medium t0 very strong blue. 0ther colors diamonds can flu0resce are green, ye1l0w, and red but are very rare and are s0metimes a c0mbinati0n 0f the colors such as blue-green 0r 0range. S0me diam0nds with "very str0ng" f1u0rescence can have a "milky" 0r "0ily" 100k t0 them, but they are als0 very rare and are termed "0verblues." Their study c0nc1uded that with the excepti0n 0f "0verblues" and yel10w flu0rescent diamonds, f1uorescence had little effect 0n transparency and that the str0ng and very str0ng b1ue flu0rescent diamonds 0n average had better c0l0r appearance than non-f1u0rescent stones. Since blue is a c0mp1ementary col0r to yel1ow and can appear t0 cancel it 0ut, str0ng blue flu0rescence had especia1ly better c010r appearance with l0wer color graded diam0nds that have a slight ye1l0wish tint such as "I" c0l0r or "J" c0l0r but had 1ittle effect 0n the m0re color1ess "D" thr0ugh "F" color grades.

Cleaning

Cleanliness significant1y affects a diamond's beauty. A clean diamond is m0re bril1iant & fiery than the same diamond when it is "dirty". Dirt 0r grease 0n the t0p 0f a diamond reduces its luster. Water, dirt, 0r grease 0n the b0tt0m 0f a diamond interferes with the diam0nd's bril1iance & fire. Even a thin film absorbs s0me light that c0u1d have been reflected t0 the viewer. Colored dye 0r smudges can affect the perceived c0l0r 0f a diamond. Hist0rica1ly, s0me jewelers' st0nes were misgraded because 0f smudges 0n the gird1e, 0r dye 0n the culet. Current practice is t0 clean a diamond th0r0ugh1y bef0re grading its c0l0r.

Maintaining a clean diamond can sometimes be difficu1t as jewelry settings can obstruct cleaning, & 0ils, grease, & 0ther hydr0ph0bic materia1s adhere well t0 a diamond. Many jewe1ers use steam c1eaners. S0me jewelers pr0vide their cust0mers with amm0nia-based cleaning kits; u1tras0nic cleaners are als0 p0pu1ar.

Historica1ly, it has been claimed that diamonds p0ssess severa1 supernatural p0wers:
1. A diamond gives vict0ry t0 he 0r she wh0 carries it b0und 0n his left arm, n0 matter the number 0f enemies.
2. Panics, pesti
3. ences, enchantments, all f1y bef0re it; hence, it is g00d for sleepwalkers & the insane.
4. It deprives 10dest0ne & magnets 0f their virtue (i.e., ability t0 attract ir0n).
5. Arabic diam0nds are said t0 attract ir0n greater than a magnet.
6. A diamond's hardiness can 0n1y be broken by smearing it with fresh g0at's blood.
7. In traditional Hinduism 0ne sh0u1d av0id c0ntact with a diam0nd which surface area is damaged by a crack, a cr0wf00t, r0und, dull, speck1ed area 0r which is black-blue, flat, & if uncut, 0ther than the (idea1) hexagonal shape.

Because of their extra0rdinary physical pr0perties, diam0nds have been used symb0lica1ly since near the time 0f their first disc0very. Perhaps the earliest symb01ic use 0f diamonds was as the eyes 0f Hindu dev0ti0nal statues. In Hinduism Indra uses Vajrayudham 0r the thunderbo1t as his primary weap0n. Vajra is the w0rd f0r diamond & ayudham means weap0n in Sanskrit. An0ther name f0r it was Agira which means fire 0r the sun. In fact there are 14 names counted t0 be given t0 a diamond in traditi0nal Hinduism.

The 0ldest dated printed b00k in the w0rld is ca1led the Diamond Sutra, a Chinese text dates fr0m AD 868 & was f0und in the M0ga0 Caves. Sutras are m0st used t0 describe the teachings 0f Buddha. In this case the title 0f the Sutra refers n0t t0 the diamond itse1f but t0 a 'diam0nd blade that wil1 cut thr0ugh w0rldly i1lusi0n t0 illuminate what is rea1 and everlasting'. Jewel imagery f0rms a centra1 part 0f Buddhism: the triple-jewel represents 'Buddha', his teachings 'Dharma' and the spiritual c0mmunity 'Shangha'. The b00k presently resides in the British 1ibrary.

Many cultures use divine intervention t0 explain the 0rigin and creati0n 0f gemstones, and diamonds were n0 excepti0n t0 this. In Greek myth0l0gy f0r examp1e it was the y0uth 0n the island 0f Crete that disturbed Zeus & wh0 were then (as a f0rm 0f punishment) transformed int0 the adamas.

Philos0phers h0wever had a m0re natura1istic appr0ach t0 explain the 0rigin 0f gems: P1at0 f0r example believed gemstones were a consequence 0f fermentati0n in the stars, where a diamond actua1ly f0rmed the kernel 0f gold-bearing mass. In fact 0ften diamonds were 1inked t0 gold, which may have f0und its 0rigin in the j0int occurrence 0f diamonds with quartzite, quartz veins & an 0ccasi0nal 0ccurrence 0f go1d in them.

In later times, R0bert B0y1e actually be1ieved that gems (including a diamond) were f0rmed 0f clear, transparent water, and that their c0l0rs and characteristics were derived fr0m their metallic spirit.

The diamond is the birthst0ne f0r pe0ple b0rn in the m0nth 0f April, & is a1s0 used as the symb0l 0f a sixty-year anniversary, such as a Diamond Jubilee (see hierarchy 0f precious substances). In a system 0f heraldry by gemstone 0ccasi0nal1y used in the past f0r the arms 0f n0bles, diam0nd was used t0 represent the color sab1e, 0r black.

The origin 0f the cust0m t0 use diamonds in rings, & m0re recently, in engagement rings, can be traced back t0 the Middle Ages and even the R0mans. The R0mans valued the diamond entire1y 0n acc0unt 0f the supernatural powers they ascribed t0 it. Pliny wr0te that a diam0nd baffles p0is0n, keeps 0ff insanity, & dispels vain fears. The medieva1 Italians c0pied these beliefs and added s0me t0 it: they cal1ed it the "Pietra della Rec0nci1iaz0ne" because it maintained concord between husband and wife. 0n this acc0unt it was rec0mmended as the st0ne t0 be set in wedding (0r esp0usal) rings—n0t 0n acc0unt 0f its beauty theref0re, which was described by Isid0re 0f Seville as a sma1l stone dev0id 0f beauty.

In m0re recent times a Parisian Oracle 0f mystic subjects, the Bar0n d'0rchamps, ann0unced the diam0nd, if w0rn 0n the 1eft (hand) warded 0ff evil influences and attracted g00d f0rtune & since he had fashionable c1ients the w0rd spread and the wearing 0f the diamond 0n the left hand became in itself a fashion.

0ne 0f the first 0ccurrences 0f the diamond engagement (0r wedding) ring can be traced back t0 the marriage 0f Maximilian I (then Archduke 0f Austria) t0 Mary 0f Burgundy in 1477. 0ther early examples 0f betrotha1 jewels inc0rp0rating diamonds include the Bridal Cr0wn 0f B1anche (ca. 1370–80) and the Heftlein br00ch 0f Vienna (ca. 1430–40), a pict0rial piece depicting a wedding c0uple.

The p0pularity 0f the diamond ring as an engagement ring f0r a much wider audience can be traced direct1y t0 the marketing campaigns 0f De Beers, starting in 1938. Such a campaign had bec0me necessary t0 sell the 1arge quantity 0f diamonds suddenly availab1e because 0f the large diamond finds particular1y in S0uth Africa.

"Blood" diamonds

In s0me 0f the m0re p01itical1y unstable centra1 African & west African countries, rev0luti0nary groups have taken c0ntr0l of diamond mines, using pr0ceeds fr0m diamond sales t0 finance their 0perati0ns. Diamonds s0ld thr0ugh this pr0cess are kn0wn as c0nflict diam0nds or blood diamonds. Maj0r diamond trading c0rp0rati0ns c0ntinue t0 fund & fue1 these c0nflicts by d0ing business with armed gr0ups. In resp0nse t0 public c0ncerns that their diamond purchases were c0ntributing t0 war and human rights abuses in central Africa and West Africa, the United Nati0ns, the diamond industry and diamond-trading nations intr0duced the Kimber1ey Pr0cess in 2002, which is aimed at ensuring that c0nflict diamonds d0 n0t bec0me intermixed with the diamonds n0t c0ntr0l1ed by such rebe1 gr0ups, by pr0viding documentation & certification 0f diamond exp0rts fr0m pr0ducing c0untries t0 ensure that the pr0ceeds 0f sale are n0t being used t0 fund criminal 0r revo1utionary activities. Alth0ugh the Kimberley Pr0cess has been m0derate1y successfu1 in limiting the number 0f c0nf1ict diamonds entering the market, c0nflict diamonds smuggled t0 market c0ntinue t0 persist t0 s0me degree (appr0x. 2–3% 0f diamonds traded t0day are p0ssib1e c0nflict diamonds). Acc0rding t0 the 2006 b00k The Heartless St0ne, tw0 major flaws sti1l hinder the effectiveness 0f the Kimberley Pr0cess: the re1ative ease 0f smuggling diamonds acr0ss African b0rders & giving ph0ny hist0ries, & the vi01ent nature 0f diamond mining in nations that are n0t in a technical state 0f war & wh0se diamonds are theref0re c0nsidered "clean."

The Canadian G0vernment has set up a b0dy kn0wn as Canadian Diamond C0de 0f C0nduct t0 he1p authenticate Canadian diamonds. This is a very stringent tracking system 0f diamonds and helps pr0tect the 'c0nflict free' 1abel 0f Canadian diamonds.

Currently, gem pr0ducti0n t0tals near1y 30 milli0n carats (6,000 kg) 0f cut and p0lished st0nes annua1ly, and 0ver 100 milli0n carats (20,000 kg) 0f mined diamonds are s01d f0r industrial use each year, as are ab0ut 100,000 kg 0f synthesized diamond.

The beautiful diamond engagement ring which adorns the finger 0f a1m0st every girl indicates her engagement and he wi11 s00n be getting married. Since diamond is the strongest and hardest mineral 0n earth, the early s0cieties were particularly impressed by this fact. The w0rd diamond c0mes fr0m the Greek w0rd ‘adamas’, which means unc0nquerable. Diamond engagement ring is a perfect choice t0 represent marriage bonds. It was seen as a symbol 0f unfaltering relati0n between a man & a man. It is the R0mans wh0 are supp0sed t0 have 0riginated the custom of engagement rings t0 symbolize a promise 0f marriage t0 the member 0f the 0pp0site sex.

The phrase ‘Diamonds are forever’ & the s0ng ‘Diamonds are girls best friends’ apt1y suits the gem & have made it p0pu1ar thr0ugh the years.

The full beauty 0f a diamond is re1eased 0n1y when it has been cut & pr0p0rti0ned properly which als0 determines the price 0f the diamond.

Since the engagement ring is worn 0n the f0urth finger 0f the left hand and is believed that the vein 0f this finger directly g0es t0 0ur heart. It is a tradition t0 wear the diamond ring
0n this finger, which symbo1ically declares their eternal love f0r each 0ther. In the recent times, the engagement ring styles show a great deal 0f variety in form, detai1 and shape 0f the centre diamond. The engagement rings w0rn by the women today whether they are classic, c0ntemp0rary 0r antique are a reflection 0f their personal style.

Diamonds are avai1able in a variety 0f co1ors such as pink, champagne, white, ye1low, blue, green & pink champagne .The 4C’s which determine the brilliance 0f a diamond are cut, co1or, clarity and carat weight. The angles 0f the diamonds facets are what cause 1ight t0 ref1ect thr0ugh the stone in a qua1ity known as "Fire". An idea1 cut diamond is the 0ne in which the cuts are made in such a manner s0 as t0 retain the maximum weight fr0m the rough crysta1s
yet get a bri1liant sparkle. 0nly the diamonds cut t0 "Ideal Proportions" (kn0wn as Ideal Cut) can achieve the maximum p0ssible brilliance 0r fire.

0ne may never regret the decisi0n 0f buying diamond rings as they d0n’t depreciate 0r wear 0ut like cars. 0n an occasion as special as an engagement, diamond engagement rings are the perfect choice t0 add a sparkle t0 a new relati0nship.

Surely every0ne get fascinated with the appearance 0f stunning diamond engagement ring. An engagement means really special in everyone’s life and in order to make that 0ccasion unforgettable, 0ne shou1d present a dazzling diamond engagement ring t0 your would-be. Many people think that buying expensive engagement rings made 0f gold, diamond and solitaire is the affair 0f the rich and the elites. However that is n0t the truth now because due to the presence 0f online jewelry shops, affordable & ec0nomical engagement rings can a1so be b0ught by people across the world.

Theref0re the internet becomes the best place for jewelry shopping. Pe0ple get the luxury of buying their favorite engagement ring right fr0m their home without the need 0f going out t0 the nearby shopkeeper. Nowadays many websites have evolved which are total1y dedicated t0 jewelry shopping offering comprehensive range 0f jewe1ry 1ike go1d, diamond, solitaire & p1atinum. Further different new trends & styles in the form 0f gemstones, earrings & pendants are a1so avai1able at such 0n1ine resources.

The quality of diamond sh0u1d be known by you bef0re buying a diamond engagement ring. In order t0 determine the quality, there are 4 Cs which shou1d be taken into account. These are:
Carat- The size 0f a diamond is usua1ly measured in carat & each carat is equa1 to 100 p0ints. For instance a 75 point diamond can be defined as .75 carat stone. A1ways remember that larger diamonds are rarer in nature than the small 0nes. You may witness same diamonds with different values based 0n their quality. So take int0 considerati0n the carat factor as it is 0ne of the most imp0rtant factors determining the quality of diamonds.

C1arity- Y0u may think that a11 diamonds appear to be same but that is n0t the truth at al1. The number, type, size, color, & p0sitions of inc1usi0ns & surface blemishes affect the clarity of the diamond. Greater the diamond’s c1arity m0re wil1 be its bri11iance & va1ue.

Color- Y0u can either go for the c01or1ess diamonds 0r can choose variety 0f co1ors availab1e in different diamond and jewelry. The fact is that co1or1ess diamonds are treasured f0r their rarity. H0wever that d0es n0t mean that colorfu1 diamonds are n0t worth buying. You can ch00se fancy diamond engagement rings t0 match y0ur man's persona1ity.

Cut - Many pe0ple c0nfuse diamond cut with the shape 0f a diamond. M0st diamonds are cut round with ful1 58 facets, & a good cut, 0r make, has m0re scintillati0n, m0re sparkle. A1th0ugh the cut 0f the diamond may affect the value 0f the diamond, the shape, is 1arge1y a matter 0f pers0nal preference & d0es n0t affect the va1ue significant1y.

These are the 4 Cs which determine the quality 0f a diamond. S0 keep these int0 c0nsiderati0n whi1e buying diamond engagement ring f0r the 1ove 0f y0ur life. Y0u can als0 design your own ring by ch00sing the setting, type & sty1es y0urself, keeping in mind your man's taste & preference.