Quick and Easy Buying Guide
Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.
Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).
Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.
Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.
Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).
Platinum Diamond Engagement Rings
Platinum diamond engagement rings have a number of benefits over traditional gold rings. One, which is relevant in this day and age where more and more people have allergies, is that they are hypoallergenic. For some people with sensitive skin, this can literally be a lifesaver – nothing worse than giving a beautiful ring to someone who gets sick if they wear it!
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Platinum is a chemical element which is resistant to corrosion and isn’t just used in jewellery – it’s also used in thermometers, electrical contacts and other industrial or laboratory equipment. It can vary hugely in price, at the end of October it was worth over $1300 USD per ounce.
They of course haven’t been around forever, and platinum rings started to become popular in the early 20th century as more platinum mines were set up.
From a maintenance point of view, platinum diamond engagement rings are also attractive. They don’t fade as easily as some other metals, or get tarnished.
Platinum rings can be slightly more expensive than gold rings, but the relative pricing will vary over time and is dependent on the raw prices of both gold and platinum.
Of course one of the most important factors to consider is what color goes well on the lucky lady the ring is for – make sure she isn’t a “gold person” before you think about a platinum diamond engagement ring!