How I picked out my engagement ring (Part 1)

My ring from Vivo Diamonds. This internet-based jeweler had shown me a LOT of settings and 3 different diamond stones (as per my specific requests) before I settled on these two: a halo design pave setting with approx. 0.40 total carat weight (the one shown is with 'G' color if I remember correctly) surrounding the main stone and on the white gold band. Since the diamond I eventually chose (the one shown with the setting) is 'E' color, the surrounding stones will be upgraded to 'E' as well without additional fee.

I helped picked out my engagement ring. Actually, that's only half-truth: I did the whole gone-crazy-went-engagement-ring-shopping. From reading countless guides on how to pick-out diamonds, saw numerous hand shots of a diamond ring, checked reviews on several jewelry sellers, went to different jewelers (from Philippine-based shops to Singapore jewelry stores to online retailers) and of course, informed Mr. J what I wanted. I know this is the boyfriend's job but I just couldn't help myself. I'm type A so I had to have a say on this. =P

Anyhoo, I learned that in choosing a diamond, one needs to take note of the 4Cs. The four elements used in grading a diamond: carat, color, cut, and clarity.

Carat
Diamonds and other gemstones are weighed in metric carats: one carat is equal to 0.2 grams, about the same weight as a paperclip.

Color
Diamond color is all about what you can't see. Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colorlessness - the less color, the higher the value. (The exception to this is fancy-color diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this color range)

Cut
Refers to a diamond's proportions, symmetry and polish. GIA's highest grade for this is Excellent.

Clarity
Because diamonds formed deep within the earth, under extreme heat and pressure, they often contain unique birthmarks, either internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes). Diamond clarity refers to the absence of these inclusions and blemishes. GIA follows a diamond clarity grading scale which is from FL (being Flawless) to I (Included or having the most obvious inclusions under 10x magnification).
Source: GIA - Gemological Institute of America

I'll continue on my next post on how I think the 4Cs matter in order to get your money's worth based from my own experience.