We realize that you’re not just interested in buying any diamond ring — you’re ready to buy THE diamond ring. The engagement ring. So here are a few more things you need to know before you make that all important decision.
Bad news: the schooling continues….
Good news: so does the drinking game! This time, you have to take a sip every time you read the word “ring.” Ring. Ring. Ring.
- Appraisal: An unbiased, professional valuation of a ring’s financial worth. This document would be used when insuring the item of jewelry.
- Bridal Set: A set of two rings that includes not only an engagement ring, but a matching wedding band for the bride. Gemesis makes it possible to design a custom engagement ring featuring a socially and ecologically responsible lab-created diamond and select a matching wedding band via its Create Your Own Ring & Bridal Sets filtering feature , as well as purchasing a stand-alone wedding band.
- Certificate: Authorized documentation that presents an accurate description of the characteristics of a diamond and the quality of its cut. The grade or quality of a diamond is based on four characteristics commonly referred to as the 4Cs (see prior post for elaboration… and more opportunities to drink beer). With its detailed information presented in understandable language, the different qualities of a diamond can be truly appreciated. IGI and GIA are among the most reputable certifiers of diamonds. All Gemesis lab-created diamonds are certified and their certificates are viewable on the Advanced Details page for each diamond on our website. View an example here.
- Eye-clean: An eye-clean diamond is flawless to the naked eye, meaning it has no visible inclusions. Diamonds with a SI-1 grade or better are usually eye-clean.
- Type IIa Diamonds: Gemesis colorless diamonds are all certified as Type IIa, the purest type of diamond, which is extremely rare in nature. Less than two percent of the world’s diamonds are Type IIa. A renowned example is the “Elizabeth Taylor Diamond,” formerly known as the “Krupp Diamond,” a 33.19-carat Type IIa diamond that was recently auctioned by Christie’s.
- Facet: Facets are the flat, polished surfaces on a diamond.
- Inclusion: Inclusions are internal imperfections in a diamond, such as a spot or irregularity. In higher-quality stones the inclusions are only visible under magnification. The fewer the inclusions, the better the clarity grade, the rarer the stone and the higher the price.
- Fancy Color Diamond: A diamond that exhibits a strong and striking color, such as yellow, as opposed to an off-colored white diamond. Fancy colored diamonds have been found in many colors of the spectrum, including yellow, pink, blue and black. Fancy color diamonds typically retail for significantly more than colorless diamonds. Gemesis offers an array of striking yellow diamonds and exclusive fancy color diamond settings.
- Setting: The way the diamonds or other gemstones are arranged on the ring and how they are held together.
- Solitaire: A ring with a single stone, typically a diamond, rather than an arrangement of multiple stones.
- Environmentally Friendly: Massive diamond mining operations can be harmful to natural ecosystems. Gemesis lab-created diamonds are created in a controlled environment, resulting in a smaller carbon footprint and very little overall environmental impact compared to mined diamonds. Gemesis lab-created diamonds are a responsible choice for ecologically conscious consumers.
- Conflict-free: Consumers who aspire to make socially responsible purchasing decisions can have concerns related to “conflict” or “blood” diamonds. Gemesis cultured diamonds are origin guaranteed and fully disclosed as lab-created, these concerns are alleviated.
More about diamonds to come, but just remember, the savvier you are, the more informed your choice will be in the end – and as they say— happy wife, happy life!
