The 4 “Cs” of Diamond Rings

Photography by Fred Elcheshen
Engagement Ring by Bijou Design & Creation
Text by Norma-Jean Alt

If you are shopping for an engagement or an anniversary ring, you need to familiarize yourself with the elements of diamond quality before you get to the buying stage. Invented by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), the diamond grading system is commonly known as the “4 Cs” – carat, clarity, colour and cut.

Carat

Carat weight measures a diamond’s size. Each carat is equal to 100 points. Thus, a .75-carat diamond is the same as a 75-point stone or a 3/4-carat diamond. The larger a diamond, the rarer it is. Not only are larger diamonds found infrequently in nature, but they also show off the stone’s colour and cut to their best advantage.

Clarity

The purer a diamond, the more brilliant it is. A diamond’s clarity is judged by the number, colour, type, size and position of inclusions, i.e., “nature’s birthmarks” it contains. The fewer inclusions – the more valuable it is.

Colour

The purer the colour of a diamond, the rarer it is. Truly colourless diamonds are the most valuable, while those with subtle yellow or brown tones – as determined by a grading system – are less so. Comparing stones side by side is the best way to see the colour of each stone.

Cut

Cut alone is the single most important factor in determining the fire and brilliance of a diamond. While nature is responsible for the other three Cs, it is the cut of a stone that releases its sparkle and beauty.

There are several different shapes of cut diamonds. Marquis cuts are no longer popular. Today, Princess, Round, Oval, and Emerald diamond rings are chosen by many couples. The current trend is a ring with a center stone and side diamonds. As for settings, the prong setting is still the first choice for most buyers, but the bezel setting is also popular. The hot metal for diamond rings is still platinum. Although it’s pricier, it’s also heavier, hypoallergenic, and will never tarnish.

The following is the G.I.A. grading system standard for diamond colour:

Grade D, E, F: Colourless - This diamond colour is the finest and rarest.

Grade G, H, I, J: Near Colourless – Known also as White, experts sometimes find them hard to distinguish from Colourless when they’re set and offer excellent value.

Grade K, L, M: Faint Yellow - Referred to as Top Silver, these diamonds have a yellow tinge and are more common.

Grade M, N, O, P, Q, R: Very Light Yellow -- The yellow tint is easily noticeable.

Grade S-Z: Light Yellow - Even though you may not be able to see the almost imperceptible letter grade distinctions between colourless and near colourless, buying a diamond with G.I.A. Certification, will guarantee its quality.

Raw/Uncut Diamond Wedding Rings… A Trendy Alternative

Rough gemstones have a primordial quality that their multi faceted counterparts have lost. Raw/uncut diamonds offer an unrefined elegance and a more natural, earthy look that is beginning to emerge in all aspects of popular culture.

No longer available just through specialty houses, these unpolished diamond rings are now available at upscale retailers.  Often more affordable than their highly polished cousins, a raw/uncut diamond wedding ring creates great interest and is definitely a conversation starter.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt

Shoe Fashions

Current wedding dress trends show brides opting for sexier plunging necklines strapless styles and even shorter, tea length styles. So what kind of shoes should you look for, especially if you’ve decided to push the envelope of traditional wedding dress conventions? Well, there are different modes of thinking apropos foot apparel.

For diminutive brides a tea length dress is much better than the traditional long wedding dress. If your short dress profile falls at the busy end of the spectrum and your shoes are completely visible, then select simple, elegant foot apparel to balance the look. Choose shoes without ankle straps as that line across your foot will make your legs appear shorter. Opt for simple sling back heels which are minimalist in nature, but deliver a real design punch and height.

If you have decided to wear a traditional long dress that’ll cover your shoes completely, so no one will see them during the ceremony, you might just want to pick shoes that make you feel great (both physically and emotionally)…especially if you plan to keep them on throughout the reception. Just picture the looks when your fantasy shoes peek out from under the hem of your traditional white dress as you walk down the aisle.
With the trend away from pure white dresses, designers have been creating more and more dual and even tri-color gowns. With this color trend in wedding gowns, opt for shoes that match the accent color on your dress.

There are other factors to consider when selecting wedding shoes — heel height, toe style and of course, the comfort level. As a bride, if you feel you’ve got enough to worry about without trying to find shoes that match your dress exactly, you can always choose clear wedding shoes, which have become increasingly popular. Many clear wedding shoes are decorated with dainty rhinestone detailing, with nearly invisible vinyl bands across the top of your foot for structure and support.

All in all, wedding shoes are not typically at the top of a bride’s shopping list, probably because they are among the least noticed accessory. But foot apparel is one of the most important parts of your bridal attire. From a comfort perspective, they’re definitely the most important detail that needs to be addressed.

Text by Norma-Jean Alt