{"id":586,"date":"2018-04-04T09:57:12","date_gmt":"2018-04-04T09:57:12","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.brillianteers.com\/p\/?p=586"},"modified":"2019-11-21T17:15:29","modified_gmt":"2019-11-21T17:15:29","slug":"engagement-ring-the-four-cs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brillianteers.com\/blog\/engagement-ring-the-four-cs\/","title":{"rendered":"Engagement Ring 101 \u2013 Getting to know the four Cs"},"content":{"rendered":"

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If you thought to search the world for your soulmate was hard, just wait until you pluck up the courage to take the next step and propose. You\u2019ll most likely need nerves of steel to pop the question. And before you even think about getting down on one knee, here comes the all-too-terrifying engagement ring search. Perhaps the most daunting purchase of your entire life \u2013 but it doesn\u2019t have to be. Here’s everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring.<\/p>\n

Engagement Ring 101 \u2013 Getting to know the four Cs<\/h2>\n

While there is no such thing as a \u201cwrong\u201d engagement ring \u2013 a diamond is still a diamond and it signifies a commitment no matter what \u2013 there are a few things you need to be aware of before splurging. An informed decision is the best decision, after all. \u00a0And who knows, the ring might even be enough to sway someone\u2019s decision in one direction or another. We\u2019re just saying \u2013 anything is possible \u2013 so it\u2019s important to know what you\u2019re searching for.<\/p>\n

Just like your soon-to-be fianc\u00e9e, it can take some time and dedication to find the right engagement ring. You took your time getting to know the love of your life, so why should the ring that will eternally sit on her finger be any different? But have no fear, because by the time you\u2019ve finished reading, you\u2019ll be so confident with your engagement ring search thanks to your newfound knowledge.<\/p>\n

There are a few things you need to know about each and every diamond. We call them \u201cthe four Cs.\u201d Nice and easy to remember. Without overwhelming you with too much information, here is everything you need to know in a simple and not so frightening way.<\/p>\n

What is Carat?<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of any diamond is the carat. A common misconception is that the carat is related to the size, but it\u2019s actually related to the weight. One carat is equal to 0.2 grams, which is about the weight of a paperclip, which is a nice trick we use when trying to estimate how heavy the diamond is.<\/p>\n

\"Diamond<\/p>\n

PRO TIP:<\/u> If you want to get the most out of your budget, we would recommend something known in the biz as \u201cbuying shy\u201d. Don\u2019t ask us why it\u2019s called that, but stay with us. Buying shy means selecting a carat weight which is slightly below the whole and half carat sizes. Basically, it means instead of a 2.0-carat diamond, maybe look for a 1.9-carat, or instead of a 1.5, look for carats that are slightly under such as 1.35 or 1.40 for example. The difference in size is so minuscule that it\u2019s unlikely to be noticed by the naked eye, but the difference in price could be gargantuan.<\/p>\n

We like to consider both cut and carat together when making a decision. A larger carat teamed with a poor cut grade actually looks smaller than a smaller diamond with a higher cut grade. Which brings us onto our next C.<\/p>\n

What is Cut?<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is the fun bit. We use the word fun loosely of course. Your girlfriend may have already pointed out a cut she likes, which will make your decision a whole lot easier. If she hasn\u2019t, then it\u2019s down to you to choose a shape that you think she will love.<\/p>\n

\"Diamond<\/p>\n

Round is the most popular shape if you want to play it safe, although Princess and Cushion cuts are proving very popular in this modern-day as well. If you think your lady wants something that takes up more of her finger, perhaps look for an Oval or Marquise shape. Pear shapes create a slimming effect on the finger, which could also be something to think about. And of course, what true romantic would be able to resist a Heart shape?!<\/p>\n

\"Compare<\/p>\n

But it isn\u2019t just about the shape \u2013 the actual cut is a very big deal as a poor cut could affect the sparkle and result in a dull diamond. Not what you want. Look for \u2018very good\u2019 or \u2018good\u2019 cuts if you want something sparkly yet budget-friendly.<\/p>\n

What is Color?<\/u><\/strong><\/h3>\n

This is pretty important, as it\u2019s proven that the color \u2013 or lack thereof \u2013 is the next thing the naked eye notices after the initial sparkle. In a nutshell, you want the color grade to be as high as your budget allows.<\/p>\n