Choosing a Diamond
Erik Runyan Jewelersis committed to bridal jewelry, Engagement Rings and Wedding Bands from the top designers of the world. Our staff will listen to your desiresand help you find “the ring” to commemorate your love.
Custom Engagement Settings are our specialty.
Even with our extensive bridal jewelry selection, many couples want a bridal set as unique as their lifestyle and their love. Creating the perfect engagement ring isn’t as complicated as one would think. Set up an appointment with one of our design specialists and watch as they sketch out your ideas right in front of your eyes!
Choosing a Diamond – The 4 C’s and 1 B.
There are no two diamonds alike, they are individually unique just like each of us. Tradition has shown us that four factors – know as the Four C’s – together contributeto a diamond’s singular beauty. These factors are Color, Carat weight, Cut and Clarity.
This provides us with common references and language to arrive at a diamond’s value throughout the world and across generations. To acquire a diamond is to become a part of that legacy, and the Four C’s is your tool to ensure your diamonds are the best your money can buy.
Color
The most prized and rarest diamonds are those without color (colorless). While the majority of diamonds appear to be colorless, almost all contain varying shades of yellow to brown. Other diamonds, known as “Fancies”, show beautiful shades of red, blue, pink, green, and amber.
D to F – Colorless G to J – Near Colorless K to M – Faint Yellow N to R – Very Light Yellow S to Z – Light Yellow Z+ Fancy colors
Carat Weight
The carat is the basic unit of weight measurement for diamonds, and is equal to one fifth of a gram or 0.2 grams. One carat is divided into one hundred “points”, so that a weight of 25 points is also referred to as a quarter carat or 0.25 carats. Carat-weight and cutting proportions give the diamond its size. Diamonds in very large sizes are rarely found and are difficult to cut in one piece. A high premium is payed for these larger stones.
Clarity
Diamonds have always been prized for their purity. Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of other mineral crystals, or slight growth marks. Most are not discernible to the naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. Called inclusions, they are nature’s finger print and make every diamond quite unique. however, the fewer there are, the rarer the stone will be.
Cut
A well cut diamond is a work of art. Each diamond is carefully analyzed to determine how best to release its beauty. How well a diamond returns the light coming into it from above will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle. A well cut diamond will be symmetrical, carefully faceted and polished to reflect the greatest amount of light possible and will greatly enhance its value.
Budget
There is no set rule as to how much one should spend when choosing an Engagement ring. Having a budget in mind is always a helpful starting point. Just remember, a diamond engagement ring is the beginning of the wedding process and will last for generations.