Over the years, the diamond still stands as the strongest symbol of love. There are no two diamonds that are alike. The "Four C's" of diamond value are:
Color
Diamonds without any color are extremely rare and valuable. Pale blue shades are desired while yellow, brown, or black shades reduce the value of the stone. The color scale for diamonds begins at D (colorless) and ends at Z (yellow).
Cut
This is the shape, style, and finish of the diamond.
Most diamonds are cut to have fifty-eight facets, which transforms them into a prism that breaks up light into all colors of the spectrum. A perfectly cut diamond will reflect all the light upward for the most brilliant look.
Clarity
This is the freedom from imperfections (cracks, bubbles, and specks). Clarity is rated on a scale of F1 for flawless through F13, imperfect.
Carat Weight
This is the size of the diamond. 100 points are equivalent to 1 carat.
Marquis: oblong shape that is pointed at the top and bottom
Pear: round shape at the bottom and pointed at the top
Heart: the shape of heart
Round: traditional cut also known as a brilliant cut
Oval: oblong shape that is rounded at the top and bottom
Emerald: rectangular cut that looks like it has steps on the side
Diamonds are not the only gemstones used for wedding rings. Colored gemstones in wedding rings date all the way back to early European aristocrats. These colors add a special uniqueness to wedding rings. The three most popular choices of colored stones are the Sapphire, Ruby, and Emerald.
Sapphires
This vibrant stone is a symbol of faithfulness, which dates back to the Persians. They believed the color of the sky was actually a reflection of a sapphire on which the earth rested, and it was said that the tablet on which the Ten Commandments were written was a sapphire
Rubies
Rubies have been considered to be the ultimate gemstone. In biblical times, the Ruby was considered to be the "King of the Gemstones." This July gemstone will cause an eye to be caught by its beauty while being enhanced by a diamond.
Emeralds
The emerald has been known as a precious stone, which was thought to have special powers that could cure ailments including infertility and poor eyesight. A deep colored emerald is valuable and, as opposed to other stones, inclusions do not decrease the stones value.