The 4 C's

The 4C's classify the value of diamonds. Every diamond's PRICE, RARITY and BEAUTY are determined by the combination of CUT, COLOR, CLARITY, and CARAT WEIGHT.

Diamond Jewelry

CUT

Cut describes the proportions and angles of a diamond. Many people confuse cut with the shape of the diamond. Although nature determines the other three characteristics, it takes a master diamond cutter to reveal a diamond’s true beauty. Diamonds are available in various shapes including round, square, marquise, oval, heart, and pear, but cut refers to the angles and proportions of a diamond. A well-cut diamond reflects light from one mirror-like facet to another and projects the light through the top of the stone. The result is a fiery and brilliant display. Diamonds that are cut too deep or too shallow leak light through the side or bottom, resulting in a lackluster appearance and diminished value.

COLOR

White colorless diamonds remain the most popular, even though diamonds are found in a kaleidoscope of colors. Diamonds are graded on a color scale implemented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), ranging from D, which is colorless, to Z. Color differences can be so subtle that diamond colors are graded under controlled lighting conditions and are compared to a master set for accuracy. While truly colorless diamonds, graded D, are treasured for their rarity, diamond color is ultimately a very personal taste. Ask to see an array of color grades next to one another to help you determine your color preference.

CLARITY

Nature ensures that each diamond is as individual as the person who wears it. Naturally occurring inclusions such as minerals or fractures are identifying characteristics created while diamonds are formed in the earth. Jewelers use magnification to view diamonds at 10x their actual size so these tiny inclusions are more easily seen. Inclusions are measured on a scale of perfection, known as clarity, which was established by GIA. The greater a diamond’s clarity, the more rare and valuable it is. An inclusion in the middle or top of a diamond could impact the dispersion of light, making it less brilliant.

CARAT WEIGHT

Carat is a diamond’s measure of weight, not size. One full carat is equal to 100 points. A 3/4 carat diamond is the same as 75 points. Since larger diamonds are found less frequently in nature, a 1 carat diamond will cost more than twice a 1/2 carat diamond (assuming all other characteristics remain constant). The cut and the mounting can make a diamond appear larger than its actual weight. Our experienced staff will help you find the right diamond and mounting to optimize its beauty.

How to Choose the Perfect Engagement Ring

Once you’re started thinking about getting engaged and you’re planning a surprise, there are lots of ways to hone in on the right ring.

Consider a few questions:

With us, the wax custom process takes 8 to 10 weeks, with ample opportunities for your modifications and approval. If you don’t have that much time, there are simpler custom options, or it might be a good idea to find the perfect ring right in our store! 

Feminine, outdoorsy, classic, vintage or vintage-inspired? Take a close look at the jewelry she already has to inspire your design ideas, or describe her to one of our team members.Metal is another important design aspect to consider (platinum, rose gold, yellow gold, white gold, something else?), and her existing jewelry will definitely help you make that decision.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to an engagement ring budget. Determine what you’re comfortable with, and go from there! If you’re hoping to expand your budget, inquire about our Wells Fargo Jewelry Advantage financing option, interest-free for 12 months.

There are lots of options! Diamonds are a great choice because they’re the hardest known substance on the planet…which means they’ll hold up after years of wear. Trust us, no matter how careful we are, anything we wear on our hands takes a beating over time. Even though a traditional round brilliant white diamond is plenty beautiful, diamonds can be all sorts of colors and shapes. If you want somethingeven more colorful, the best alternative to a diamond is another durable gemstone, like a sapphire.

Again, the possibilities are endless, but there are a few practical questions to consider: is she active? Does she use her hands a lot at work? If the answer to either of these is yes, a lower-profile setting may be ideal. Try to keep in mind that you can love a design but need to modify it for your actual lifestyle. Vintage rings are delicate and detailed because, historically, they weren’t created to be everyday pieces. Wearing bridal jewelry every day is a modern development, and the construction of a ring should be determined by the lifestyle of its wearer.

This part doesn’t have to be a headache! Most engagement rings aren’t the correct size to begin with – that’s where a talented workshop comes in! The most accurate way to find a finger size is to have a jewelry professional determine your partner’s finger size using finger sizers. We size all rings made or purchased with us complimentary, before or after presentation. Most techniques you can find online to determine a ring size aren’t 100% accurate, but they can help you get really close! If these techniques won’t work for you, rest assured that we can create the ring in an average size and size it after presentation.

Engagement Rings