bridal sets

Choosing an engagement ring...

Choosing an engagement ring is much more than selecting a beautiful diamond. The diamond must be showcased in a setting that is right for you.

An engagement ring is not just another piece of jewelry. It's a universally recognized symbol of commitment and true love. It is also a very intimate piece of jewelry that you'll treasure forever. You'll wear your bridal ring everyday, so you will want it to be a reflection of your personal style and a statement of your unique relationship. A sparkling diamond in a unique setting makes the ring as exciting as your passion for each other. Therefore, it is very important to shop for your engagement ring at a jeweler that offers a wide variety of styles. At Shallow Jewelers you will find an incredible selection of engagement rings to choose from; from classic to contemporary to Renaissance style. We have many intriguing designs that capture the essence of modern romance.

The Practical Side of Love

When you buy a diamond engagement ring, the first thing you have to do is settle on your budget. Once you have decided that, then the next question is whether or not you want the biggest diamond you can get for the money, or the highest quality sparkler.

What should you look for when buying a diamond?

There are four characteristics that determine the quality and value of a diamond.

Cut - Color - Clarity - Carat Weight

CUT: There is Cut. And then there is Cut.

Many people confuse cut with the shape of a diamond. Diamonds are cut into a number of shapes, depending on the nature of the rough stone. The most popular are round, marquise, oval, pear, heart, princess and emerald cut. The choice is largely a matter of personal preference. Whatever the shape, however, a well-cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter. When cut to good proportions, the diamond is better able to handle light, creating more scintillation and more sparkle. It is the cut that enables a diamond to make the best use of light. When a diamond is cut to good proportions, light is reflected from one facet to another, and then dispersed through the opposite side of the pavillion. If the cut is too shallow, light escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected.

COLOR: Good color is no Color.

Diamonds are found with a range of colors, from faint yellow or brown through to the very rare pinks, blues, greens and other colors known as "fancies". However, the best color for a diamond is no color. It is a totally colorless diamond that allows white light to pass effortlessly through it and be dispersed as rainbows of color. The GIA color grading scale runs from "D" totally colorless, to "Z" light yellow. The differences between one grade and another are very subtle. A trained gemologist can show you color differences.

CLARITY: A rarity.

To determine a diamonds clarity, it is viewed under 10-power magnification by a trained eye. Most diamonds contain very tiny, natural birthmarks know as inclusions. However, the fewer and smaller the inclusions are, the less likely it is that they will interfere with the passage of light through the diamond, and the more beautiful the diamond will be. Diamonds, more than any other gemstone, have the capability to produce the maximum amount of brilliance. A diamond that is free of both inclusions and surface blemishes is very rare, and therefore more valuable. So, the clearer the diamond, the clearer your choice.

CARAT-WEIGHT: Bigger is Bigger (and not necessarily better).

This the weight of the diamond measured in carats. One carat is divided into 100 "points", so that a diamond of 75 points weighs .75 carats. Carat-weight is the easiest of the 4 C's to determine. But, two diamonds of equal weight can have VERY unequal values, depending on their cut, color and clarity. Fine quality can be found in diamonds of all shapes and sizes.

Shallow Jewelers is the expert where diamonds are concerned; and can explain the 4 C's in more detail; as well as show you high quality diamonds of all shapes and sizes.

Diamonds. When buying with your heart, keep quality in mind.