Jewelry Articles

If you’re thinking of buying that perfect engagement ring for the sweetheart in your life, then look no further than diamond engagement rings. Long considered a classic standard for the engagement ring, diamonds are beautiful gemstones, symbolic of the undying bond between you and the love of your life.

However, if you don’t know diamond engagement rings from a baseball diamond, then you could use a few pointers from 25karats that will help you ensure that whatever diamond ring you purchase, it will be of the highest-quality and impeccable standards…

…just like that of your sweetheart!

Diamond Engagement Ring Cuts. Getting the perfect diamond engagement ring cut can make all of the difference to your future fiancée. Remember, this is the perfect engagement ring that she’s been dreaming about since she was a little girl – and you want to ensure that you get it right!

There are a multitude of cuts available to the ring shopper – however, they can all be broken down into three categories: the step cut, the brilliant cut and the mixed cut. The step cut has simplistic incisions made into the face of the diamond, which gives off the appearance of steps (hence the name). This kind of cut gives a romantic vintage look to the diamond, and is popular with stone-shape styles like the emerald, or rectangular, shape.

The brilliant cut creates a multitude of facets within the diamond, which maximizes the amount of light that the stone reflects; hence, this cut is immensely popular with those who love to optimize the sparkle in their gemstones. Common shapes within this category include the classic round, solitaire and oval diamond engagement rings.

Finally, the mixed cut combines the step and brilliant cuts to form a breathtaking and gorgeous diamond engagement ring. By combining these cuts, the mixed cut minimizes any flaws within the diamond while maximizing the brilliancy of the gemstone. The most common shapes for this cut include the ever-popular princess shape, trillium and heart-shaped diamond engagement rings.

The Four Cs. Besides the cut of the perfect engagement ring, you’ll need to consider the next three of the four Cs of your diamond: color, clarity and carat. Once you’ve chosen the cut, these other three factors determine the final price and quality of the potential diamond purchase. To further understand these factors, let’s break them down into their respective categories:

The color of the diamond can have a huge influence on the price of the engagement ring. Colorless diamonds (often known as “white” diamonds) are the most common – but hardly so in terms of quality! – and are usually graded on a D-E-F scale. The latter letters (i.e. G through Z) are also used to determine color, and imply that the diamond has yellowish tints. The more yellow the diamond, the less expensive it will be. Colored diamonds have their own grading system. Fluorescence can also affect color, as seemingly colorless diamonds can appear yellow under this type of light.

The carat of the diamond will probably be more familiar to you, as the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond will be. Quite simply, the carat is the measure of mass for a diamond, and is often referred to by point value (with each point represented 200 milligrams). A diamond engagement ring’s total carat weight will be the sum of all of the same stones within the ring.

Finally, the clarity of the diamond ring is a measurement of how flawless and clear a diamond is. While most diamonds contain minor flaws, the more cracked and visible these flaws, the lower the quality (and the price) of the diamond. Clarity of a diamond can be improved with fracture filling treatments; however, look for a diamond that has a clarity rating between VS1 to IF, as any flaws within the diamond are not easily seen, even by an experienced grader.


Remember, you don’t have to be an experienced jeweler to determine these important diamond factors; insist on a diamond grade certificate from a reputable gemological lab (such as GIA or EGL), as all of the relevant diamond ratings will be shown on the certificate.


Diamond Engagement Ring Settings. The setting of the ring will play a big role in how much your sweetheart will love her unique engagement ring, as there are many different designs out there. We’ll explore some of the more popular settings:

The tension ring> setting has risen the ranks in popularity. The engagement ring band itself holds the diamond in place, instead of the more traditional prong setting. Despite the simplistic style, there’s an enormous about of work that goes into making a tension engagement ring, as the gemstone is held in through pressure alone.

In the cathedral setting, the sides of the ring band swoop up into a beautiful arch that demonstrates the beauty of the centerpiece diamond. Bezel settings are similar to cathedral settings, and can show off a smaller stone that might get overshadowed with other setting styles.

The solitaire setting engagement ring is a gorgeous and elegant design, as a centerpiece diamond is held into place by a prong setting. It’s perfect for the fiancée who has understatedly elegant tastes.

The pave setting is designed to show off the band itself, rather than a center stone like with other engagement ring styles. This gives off a smooth and luxurious appearance, as a multitude of smaller stones are used in this setting type.


There are many other setting styles out there – be sure to have a friend clue you in on which one your future fiancée has been dreaming about!

Bezel Set Diamond Engagement Ring

Metal Type. Again, your fiancée might have a keen idea of what she wants for her ring, so be sure that you’re prepped with the right information before getting that perfect diamond engagement ring!

Remember, you don’t want the metal of the band to upstate the diamond; rather, it should protect, highlight and supplement whichever diamond style and setting you use. Platinum and palladium represent the most popular kinds of metals, as these are strong yet gorgeous metals protect the diamond while highlighting its clarity and color. White-gold metal has a strong resemblance to platinum and is considerably cheaper, although it’s not as strong.

Finally, traditional yellow gold can be used with an engagement ring, although this gives the best results for colorless diamonds – yellow gold can highlight any yellow imperfections that a diamond might have.

Choosing an elegant, gorgeous and perfect engagement ring for the love of your life can be a thrilling and wonderful experience.

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Shopping for the perfect engagement ring or unique wedding band can be an enjoyable experience – however, if you want to ensure that you’re getting the best diamond ring possible for your efforts, then it’s important to educate yourself about what you need to look for in a diamond.

But you don’t need to become an expert jeweler to be able to distinguish between high-quality diamond rings that your loved one will swoon over – and a diamond that isn’t worth your time or hard-earned money. Luckily, a diamond certificate can provide you with every detail you need to know about your potential diamond purchase…

…and 25karats has everything you could ever want to know about diamond certificates!

If you’re looking for the most bang for your buck, then a diamond certificate can help you correlate the price with that anniversary band or unique engagement ring. A diamond certificate – otherwise known as a diamond grading report – helps to determine the price and quality of your potential diamond purchase. As diamonds are priced by their measured quality grade, a certificate is proof of the diamond’s quality – and insurance against paying more for a diamond that delivers less!

The diamond certificate grades based on the four Cs of the diamond: cut, color, carat and clarity. However, a diamond certificate goes beyond measuring just the four Cs by measuring 13 other important factors, including proportions, depth percentage, finish and polish. Other factors measured include: advanced cut, advanced carat weight, measurements, table percentage, culet, symmetry, clarity grades, color grades and fluorescence. The factors – along with the basic four Cs – combine to provide a consumer with the most in-depth look at what constitutes a high-quality diamond.

Of course, the generator of the diamond certificate matters as well; in short, unless the report comes from a world-respected gemological laboratory, then the veracity of the diamond certificate will be called into question. When shopping for your diamond, be sure to insist on a diamond grading certificate from the following gemological laboratories: GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS Laboratories, or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). These three labs carry a significant amount of weight in the world of gemstones; additionally, because these labs do not receive any cuts from sold diamonds or sell diamonds themselves, the diamond ratings are considered quite conservative. Therefore, you can be sure that a potential diamond inspected by one of these three labs will accurately reflect price and quality.

A diamond certificate ensures that your diamond will remain a protected and cherished purchase for its duration. Should you ever wish to sell your diamond, a certificate will make it easier to get the selling price that it’s worth, as many dealers will try to offer less without one. But above all, a diamond certificate can demonstrate to your loved one that you cared enough to ensure that the diamond is of a high-quality, unique and treasured standard – just like she is!

Here at 25karats, we know that when it comes to that unique engagement ring or that perfect wedding ring, quality trumps quantity. However, depending on the type of setting and cut of the diamond ring that your sweetheart has been longing for, it’s all too easy for smaller diamonds to get overwhelmed. Luckily, you don’t have to acquire the budget of a Hollywood star to afford a larger diamond ring.

Instead, these tips and tricks will help you make that diamond ring look bigger – and when your sweetheart insists that you broke the bank for her, it can be our little secret!

Engagement rings that feature round-shaped diamonds are often guilty of making gemstones look much smaller, due to the fact that the solitary diamond is the centerpiece of the band. Therefore, if your budget doesn’t afford you a larger diamond, avoid these cuts to maximize the appearance of that sparkling gemstone.

So what shapes do make a smaller diamond appear deceptively larger? A pave setting is the best type of ring setting for tricking the eye: it may appear to be a continuous ring of diamonds, but tiny holes within the band allow for smaller diamonds to be inserted. These smaller diamonds are set close together and are level at the surface, which tricks the eye into thinking that there are a lot more large diamonds than what are actually there.

Additionally, the Asscher cut (also known as the “square emerald cut”) is a popular fancy cut that can certainly maximize the appearance of a smaller diamond. Because the Asscher cut diamond ring is considered a fancy cut, this means that it reflects light better and appears more brilliant than round stones of equal carat weight. Therefore, thanks to the fancy cut, a smaller stone will often have more brilliancy and fire than a larger one – and that makes all the difference!

A bezel setting can highlight the beauty of a small diamond, as the rim of the engagement ring completely envelops the gemstone. To make the diamond appear even larger, choose a white gold or platinum setting, as this will blend with the borders of the diamond and deceive the naked eye. If a single diamond won’t please your honey, choose a ring setting with plenty of side stones, as no single diamond will be the focal point. Your sweetheart’s ring will lose that showpiece diamond, but it will certainly make the overall appearance more flashy and luxurious than a ring with a single diamond! Shallow cut stones can also provide those with a limited budget with the appearance of a larger diamond ring, although this does come with a risk: because shallow stones are not cut to the ideal proportion, they don’t reflect light as brilliantly as their counterparts.

No matter what the size or shape of the engagement ring or wedding band you pick for your sweetheart, 25karats will be there to ensure that your unique diamond ring reflects the eternal bond between you and your loved one!

The holidays are a time to show those that you love just how much you care – and because your sweetheart is The One, you want to show her the ultimate declaration of love by proposing! Christmas is a magical season for marriage proposals, since the perfect engagement ring is the ultimate gift for that special woman in your life. But if you’re not sure how to take advantage of this special season, not to worry – these tips, hints and ideas from 25karats.com will ensure that this Christmas marks the first step in your journey with the love of your life.

When Should You Pop The Question? Of course, the first issue that springs to mind is when you should pop the big question. Should you wait for Christmas day? What about Christmas Eve? Should you hold off until New Years’ Eve, or should you guarantee a merry Christmas by proposing before the holidays get into full swing? Christmas morning proposals are certainly the most popular time to drop down on one knee, but no matter which time you pick, it’s important to take this next question into consideration.

Should It Be A Public Event Or Private Affair? This can be a tricky one for many men: some women adore the excitement and attention that she’ll receive from a public proposal, while other women might appreciate a more intimate and private marriage proposal.

Therefore, if you’re still considering which time of the Christmas season is right for proposing, take into account your sweetheart’s own personal preferences. If she adores the idea of a public proposal, then a Christmas Eve or New Years’ Eve party can make an excellent backdrop for a magical proposal she’ll always remember. If she prefers sharing that tender moment with you and only you, then Christmas day might provide a great opportunity if it’s a day that’s mostly shared between the two of you.

Brilliant Christmas Proposal Ideas. Looking for the perfect way to incorporate the holiday season into your marriage proposal? Give this idea a try: hang the ring box on the Christmas tree (choose a spot that’s not immediately noticeable) and wait until the last present has been opened. Have your sweetie search through the tree to find the box, or simply retrieve it yourself and propose!

Another great idea is to wrap the ring box in larger boxes, so that your sweetheart will have to unwrap several boxes to get to her perfect engagement ring. It’s a humorous way to propose, and will make a great story to tell at the wedding!

For the man who wants to make the grand gesture, why not spell out “Will You Marry Me?” in lights on the side of your house? Your sweetheart will absolutely love your creativity – and you’re sure to get a few appreciative comments from passer-bys!

Engagement Ring Recommendations. Don’t forget, you’ll want a stunning and unique engagement ring to set the tone for that magical Christmas proposal! While the perfect engagement ring will depend on the tastes of your sweetheart, popular yet traditional styles like the diamond solitaire engagement ring and the princess-cut engagement ring will win major points with any bride-to-be. Choose a platinum band to highlight the diamond’s brilliancy and clarity, or opt for white-gold if you’ve got a tighter budget.

From traditional to contemporary engagement rings , if you have a vision for a diamond ring, then 25karats can fulfill that vision – and all at factory-direct prices. With an exclusive range of affordable engagement rings, 25karats.com has a high-quality diamond ring for every budget. Why not let 25karats.com be an important part of your special day? Discover the engagement rings, wedding bands or unique anniversary rings of your dreams without leaving the comfort of your home.

Let’s face it – choosing the right ring for the big day can be quite daunting for the groom; yet for the bride-to-be, it can be a breeze. After all, with male wedding rings simplistic enough in design, all you have to do is find one that can fit your hubby’s finger, right?

Actually, this couldn’t be further from the truth! Men’s wedding rings have taken a chapter from the bridal book by becoming more intricate, memorable and beautiful. It’s just not enough to choose a simple band for your husband-to-be; instead, surprise him with a ring that’s as special and wonderful as he is.

Not sure where to look for a wedding ring for your groom-to-be? Not to worry – 25karats.com is here to save the day with expert tips on how to find the right ring for the love of your life!

Make It Significant. Wedding rings are meant to last a lifetime – therefore, if there’s a significant date or saying that the two of you cleave to, have it engraved on the inside of your husband’s ring. This etching will continually remind the two of you of the day you finally found your soul mate and the day that you celebrated your love in front of your family and friends.

Comfort Is Key. For most men, function over fashion is desirable, which is why you should ensure that his wedding band fits him. Measure the width of his ring finger (it’s more accurate than using the general ring measurements) and take it to a jeweler who can ensure that the ring will fit him perfectly.

Add A Touch Of Luxury. While women benefit from wedding rings adorned with beautiful diamonds and precious gems, men’s rings are typically simplistic in design and style. However, just because your husband’s ring is a bit plain doesn’t mean that he can’t experience the same luxury as you! Opt for platinum wedding bands, as they’re the height of luxury for men’s rings – and they look absolutely luxurious as well!

Consider Alternative Designs. If you don’t want to engrave a saying or date on your husband’s wedding ring, that doesn’t mean he can’t receive a beautifully engraved ring. In fact, more men’s rings than ever are sporting intricate engravings, from braids to grooves and even hammer designs. Ask you groom-to-be if he prefers any of these special designs, as he might want a ring that stands out just as much as yours.

Don’t Forgo Tradition. If you want a heirloom or vintage wedding ring to grace your husband’s finger, don’t be afraid to ask him if he’d like to receive it on your wedding day. Many families are passing down men’s rings as well as women’s engagement rings, so if you have this precious heirloom, don’t be afraid to use it. The ring is a perfect representation of the fusion of tradition and future love on the most important day of your life.