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).
Diamond Ring Wraps
A diamond ring wrap is in addition to a diamond ring that adds to its visual appeal and may or may not protect the diamond and the ring itself.
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A diamond ring wrap may only surround the central diamond, or it may surround part or all of the ring itself.
One type of diamond ring wrap sits next to the existing ring, and has a slightly offset section which surrounds the diamond.
Another type of diamond ring wrap has two bands, one on either side of the central ring.
The shape of the diamond ring wrap should match the shape of the diamond in the central ring. For example, a round diamond solitaire ring should have a gently curving diamond ring wrap. In contrast, a princess shape diamond solitaire ring would have a diamond ring wrap with sharper corners or turns.
Like a diamond ring enhancer, a diamond ring wrap can also double as the actual wedding ring. Typically, if serving this role it would be worn closer to the body (higher up the finger). Also like a diamond ring enhancer, a diamond ring wrap can be soldered to attach it to the original ring.
The diamond wrap should also match the
general size and style of the original ring. A petite engagement ring will be
overpowered by a chunky diamond ring wrap. The only situation in which this
would be advisable would be if the tastes of the woman had changed over the
years and she was looking for a significant change in the appearance of the
ring.