When it comes to diamonds and engagement ring there is so much information out there that sometimes it can be hard to navigate. We have put together a list of the top misconceptions or misunderstanding that may transpire when shopping for a diamond engagement ring. There is almost too much information on the internet for a human brain to process. It may seem as the more you research the less you think you know because there are varying opinions, and some outright myths, that are being spread by websites, jewelers and even your friend who claims to be a diamond expert after one day of researching for his engagement ring. Read below to help educate yourself and help you avoid the common pitfalls that many first (and last) time shoppers unknowingly encounter on their mission for the perfect ring. Also you we created a video on our Youtube page here where we give some visual evidence to go along with some of the ones mentioned below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpIjono4Q5A&index=7&list=PLO4B4LSsDtXhdeMq4g7PZYmpqwmrC-yN0
1. Weight signifies how large the diamond will look- FALSE The carat size of a diamond signifies how much a diamond weighs. However, the weight of the diamond is not an accurate sign of how large the diamond will actually look. You can have a 2.0 carat round diamond measuring 8.2mm and a 2 carat diamond that measures 7.5m. Take a look at this diamond video showing 2 carat diamonds side by side. One is a spreadier diamond while the other is an average 2 carat size center. The weight has no factor on how large the diamond appears- it is due to the cut. For an example of a well cut loose oval diamond with larger face up measurements see the certificate to the right.2. Clarity alone determines sparkle- FALSE The clarity of your center diamond determines how many imperfections, or lack thereof, are within the diamond. A flawless diamond has no imperfections where as an Included diamond will have imperfections likely visible to the naked eye. The sparkle of a diamond is determined by many different factors and the clarity of the diamond alone is not enough to gauge sparkle. A flawless diamond won't always sparkle more than a diamond with SI1 clarity grade rating that has no visible imperfections detracting from the transparency of the stone. The sparkle depends on each diamond in particular and the cut plays a huge part in the sparkle factor as well. A poorly cut flawless diamond may not sparkle, whereas an excellent cut Included diamond may no sparkle either. It is all about a ground of balance. Check out this link showing an oval cut diamond in outside lighting that is eye clean SI2 clarity. Notice it still has a great brilliance to it with no sparkle lost.
3. Fluorescence is a negative property for a diamond- False Fluorescence in a diamond is not inherently a negative thing to have in a diamond. It greatly depends upon the exact diamond. You can have an F color diamond with Strong blue fluorescence that exhibits no hazy, milky, cloudy effect. You can also have a J color diamond with fluorescence that does exhibit a hazy, over blue effect. It really depends on the exact diamond so we would not entirely rule it out unless the diamond is hazy and you have a clear visual of it.
4. Round diamond looks the largest- False Round cut diamonds are not necessarily a diamond shape that will always appear the biggest on your hand face up. Round cut diamonds if cut well will exhibit the most sparkle and brilliance due to many factors however they are perfectly symmetrical all around and therefore don't take up as much length on the finger. if you want a diamond that appears large opt for a shape like an elongated cushion, radiant, oval, pear, or marquise. If they are all at the same carat weights, those cuts would appear larger in comparison. Take a look at this comparison video showing various diamond shapes side by side. The round cut undeniably has the most sparkle but not necessarily the same face up look.
5. SI2 is a "bad" clarity grade- FALSE SI2 clarity diamonds are at the bottom end of the SI range. About 60% of SI2 clarity diamonds have visible imperfections and spots to the naked eye however there are 40% of SI2 clarity diamonds with no visible imperfections to the naked eye. We would not rule out SI2 because with the right guidance you can find an eye clean SI2 clarity diamond. The most important thing is that each person is working within a specific budget. If you wanted to increase the size or color of your diamond, you can do so by dropping to SI2 provided the SI2 is clean. This video shows a VS2 clarity diamond which comes at a high premium next to an SI2 clarity diamond. Notice the SI2 does not negatively impact the shine and brilliance of the diamond because we carefully SI clarity diamonds to be in the best range possible. For an example of a GIA certificate of an SI2 clarity diamond that looks beautiful under a microscope and to the naked eye see the image to the right.6. Platinum is better than white gold- FALSE Platinum and white gold metal are the two options when it comes to getting a silver color engagement ring. Platinum rings are heavier, more malleable, denser, and over time a platinum ring goes down to a greyish- matte finish. A white gold ring will be lighter, the metal remains shiner, it is slightly tougher, and over time can start to show a slight hint of warm from the yellow tones. Platinum is not inherently better than white gold. If you want a heavier ring with a slightly more luxurious feel then platinum is your option. If you would want your ring to remain shinier over time then white gold is an excellent choice. There is not one direct answer to this so it really depends on your budget and the look you are going for.
7. Diamonds are indestructible, they can’t chip, crack or break- FALSE This is a common misconception that we hear often. Diamonds rate in at 10 on the Mohs Scale of hardness meaning that from all minerals they are at the very top of hardness and are the most difficult to destruct. However, this is not to say a diamond is unable to crack or break. It is possible to break or chip a diamond with the right amount of pressure, at the right angle, etc... There are elements in the world (not minerals) harder than a diamond and human pressure coupled with the right scenario can cause something like this to happen. That is why your diamond needs to be properly cared for and still treated as something delicate.
8. You have to spend 20% of your salary- FALSE When it comes to buying an engagement ring we have heard ALL the budgeting rules. Some examples are you can spend 20% of your salary, or 2-3 months of your pay. In our opinion this is really not a good way to budget yourself. The best budget is one you personally feel comfortable with and can lay out. Always remember that you can finance, opt for a layaway plan, and also pay with a credit card. Paying with credit card allows you lot more time to pay off the ring since you can sign up for one with no interest for a certain time frame. At the end of the day the budget needs to make sense to you!
9. Most people think that "Solitaire" defines a Round diamond or that Solitaire is a setting design meaning no halo, not a completely plain setting- FALSE Solitaire comes from the word solo which means just a single stone. A solitaire design is any diamond shape in the middle on a setting that has no diamonds on the band. I.e., not a halo or three stone setting etc... We have a lot of customers coming in and asking for a solitaire design thinking that a solitaire means a round cut center. You can have an emerald cut solitaire such as our custom crafted emerald cut on plain band showcased here as RS-230
10. You have to get a matching band for your engagement ring FALSE There is really no set way that your engagement ring and wedding band need to look. Lots of our clients get bands that are slightly thicker, thinner, different metal colors, textures, etc... There are plenty of ways to pair a wedding band with your engagement ring so don't feel stuck to just one design.
11. A pave ring has to be delicate FALSE- Pave is just a way of setting stones where they are close within the metal. You can have a pave ring with bigger diamonds such as this large pave diamond eternity band. This is a nice bold look while still maintaining the low profile, smooth interior appearance, and comfort of pave set diamonds. However, if it is stated as “micro-pave” that would mean setting smaller stones hence the word “micro”. For an example of a wider pave band see the image and link of the custom eternity band to the right. Keep in mind we can also use larger pave diamonds on the band of your engagement ring if you would like to achieve a heftier/bolder look to the finished piece.
12. An engagement ring in its truest form has to have a diamond center-stone FALSE Colored stones such as sapphire or morganite, and white centers such as moissanite make amazing center stone options for your engagement. If you do not want a diamond there is no reason to be talked into one! There are plenty of amazing options out there. Check out this link to our colored stone rings and notice how many beautiful and different options are out there! Not only are they cost effective, compared to a diamond, but they are truly unique and allow you to have a special ring- incorporate it with our most popular designs. From precious to semi-precious spanning all colors of the rainbow13. The engagement ring has to be a complete surprise FALSE If the engagement ring is a 100% surprise there is more room for error. The best thing to do is ask you significant other ideas for what they might like or even take them along for a trip to take a look at rings in person. This way you can be sure of the exact design she likes. The actual proposal will still be a surprise since your better half will have no idea when the ring is actually going to show up!
14. The center-diamond is more important than the setting because you are spending more money on it FALSE the setting will make or break the look and is the truest expression of her style. Taking a beautiful D- Flawless 2 carat diamond and setting it into a clunky setting will not look better than a J color SI1 clarity diamond that is set into a seamless custom ring design
15. There is such a thing as "Signature Ideal Cut" or "Super Ideal Cut" FALSE GIA does not grade anything as Signature Or Ideal cut. The only cut grade a GIA certified diamond can get is Excellent. Signature or Ideal is just labeled by online retailers to make generate more business and draw more attraction to a more "exclusive" product when in reality it is just an Excellent cut diamond. If you do not believe us, go on the GIA website and read all about it.
16. A cushion cut diamond, or any fancy shape, can have an excellent Cut great FALSE This is another tool used by online retailers to attract customers. GIA only grades Cut for Round cut diamonds specifically. They do not grade cut on any fancy shapes such as oval, radiant, pear, etc...A fancy shape diamond can be extremely well cut however labeling it as that is not something to take light.
