What Men Need to Know When Buying a Diamond Ring

WHAT MEN NEED TO KNOW WHEN BUYING A DIAMOND RING IT'S THE 4C'S AND MUCH MORE! Buying a diamond ring for the woman of your dreams isn't easy, but fear not, with a little guidance you'll soon know your clarity from your carat weight and have the diamond knowledge to find the perfect ring to win her heart. CERTIFICATION Your gift should be given with a clear conscience, so only ever buy diamonds which are conflict free and can be traced back to suppliers who comply with the UN mandated Kimberly Process. It's estimated that today the flow of conflict diamonds has been reduced to less than 1%. 4% 1% 2000 2006 2012 CUT CLARITY COLOUR CARAT GRADE 2 ch COLOURLESS GREAT CLARITY Н WELL CUT NEAR COLOURLESS 1.5 ct OK CLARITY FAINT YELLOW TOO SHALLOW 1 ct VERY LIGHT YELLOW 3/4ch TOO DEEP POOR CLARITY 1/4 ct LIGHT YELLOW CARAT WEIGHT IS AN one CARAT IS 0.2 GRAMS AND Less THAN FIVE PER cent EASY WAY TO COMPARE OF DIAMONDS WEIGH MORE THAN A CARAT. In OTHER DIAMOND SIZzes, no WORDS, ONLY A Few LADIES WILL BE CARRYING ANYTHING HEAVIER THAN 0.2 GRAMS on THEIR FINGER. MATTER WHAT THE CUT! Just like with our wardrobe, the colours of diamonds are all important Naturally coloured diamonds are much sought after and they don't come cheap, either. But the rarest, and of course most highly-prized of all, is the totally colourless. Flawlessness: The complete and utter pinnacle of perfection, inside and out Does it have any identifying characteristics on the outside (fittingly called a blemish) or on the inside (an inclusion)? The vast majority of diamonds contain miniscule inclusions. A dress is nothing if it's not cut properly, and the same is true of diamonds sparkle and brilliance. The better it's cut, the better it handles light, guoing it more What Women Want Choosing the right precious metal can turn a great ring into the perfect ring. Take a look at her jewellery collection to see what she usually wears. Gold is available in yellow or white or opt for platinum for added wow factor. Platinum, White Gold or Gold? 40% 50% 10% POPULARITY Choose a diamond shape to match her style Round Princess Emerald Marquis Asscher Classic Fashionable Glamourous Dramatic Vintage Pear Oval Cushion Heart Radiant Unique Creative Romantic Sentimental Diva How much to spend? •2 Weekly save 08,0 19,00100 Daily save 02.0 3.10 4.0 05.0.0 £13 £20||£27E34|E41 £ 47 £54E60 E67 93 11.0 120T 13. 014.0 15.016.0 17.0 18.0 19.0 0 20.0 £73 £80 E86 £92 663 £105 £112 || £119 £126 £132 121. 22.023.0 24.025.26.0 27.0 28.0 029.0 30.0 £139 £146 £152 E158 £165 £172 £179 £186 £193 £201 31. Traditionally an engagement ring should cost at least one month's salary, but really it's whatever you can afford. Based on an annual salary of £30K, a iypical budget for a diamond ring might be £2,500 Ring Cost Monthly save £2,500 £208 Sources Reuters.com TheKnot.com WeddingChannel.com Financialplan.about.com career-advice.monster.co.uk Produced by GOLDSMITHS SINCE 1778