GIA Diamonds: The Gemological Diamond Formula

by Lorraine Jacobs

After several months or years of waiting, you've finally come to a decision to ask her to marry you. What better way to tell the world you love her than giving her a diamond engagement band that symbolizes your indestructible love. Unfortunately for many, purchasing diamond engagement rings can be a stressful task. With this in mind, it pays to be informed in order to know what type of diamond band to pick for her.

Generally, diamonds are highly valued because they are rare and because they retract light at its best. Because of these characteristics, diamond engagement rings are regarded as the most precious gifts that men can give to their ladies during the process of betrothals. However, despite the knowledge we have about these gem stones, many are still unaware of how to properly identify the fake ones from the real ones, or to simply put it, many are still a part of the so called uninformed market. When one refers to uninformed market this includes people who have incomplete conceptions about the nature of diamonds they are purchasing, and their judgments are based from the advertisements they see and the aesthetics of the diamonds rather than the set standards for such stones.

To avoid becoming a part of the uninformed market, you can begin understanding the diamond you are about to buy by seeking the unbiased and accurate evaluation provided by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). GIA is an international body founded in 1931 that set the grading standard for diamonds. As all diamonds look-a-like, a GIA report will reveal the differences, flaws and inconsistencies in diamonds. The most widely utilized and trusted means of verifying the quality and identification of a diamond is the GIA diamonds grading report or diamond dossier.

A grading report from GIA includes the expert analysis assessment of a sparkler's quality in accordance to the 4Cs of diamond grading which are carat, cut, color and clarity. Aside from the 4Cs, the report also has the gem's graphic proportion representation and clarity plotted diagram. Generally, GIA diamonds are well tested to ensure that their qualities are accurate.

It would also be useful if you consult a quality diamond jeweler. His or her expertise in the field of diamond can truly help you determine whether the diamond band you intend to purchase is a cheap jewelry or a highly valuable piece. If you are really on a tight budget however, instead of choosing a preset diamond band you can always go for loose diamonds. With this option you would be able to save money and at the same time you would be able to use your creativity to come up with a customized diamond band that will suit your style preference.

Now that you already know the basics for diamond engagement rings, searching for the right one is now made easier. With the aid of the aforementioned guidelines, you will be able to pick the band that will illumine how much she means to you. Regardless of the diamond band you pick however, your sincerity on your proposal is what truly counts. After all, you still have a lifetime to prove how much you value her; a diamond band is just the beginning of such wonderful journey for both of you.

Diamond engagement rings are not easy to find especially if you have no idea what you are looking for. Good thing GIA diamonds are here to save unknowing buyers from deceitful retailers. These diamonds are tried and tested by the Gemological Institute of America to ensure their qualities are appropriate for their market prices. With the help of the GIA grading report, you can be assured that your diamond is not another piece of cheap jewelry.

Published June 9th, 2010

Filed in Women