Diamond Engagement Rings-Cuts and Shapes and Settings, Oh My!

Some people make the mistake of referring to the cut of a diamond when what they're really talking about is the shape of the diamond. It's a mistake so commonly made by so many people that now it's considered acceptable to call it a round cut or a marquise cut even though technically they're actually referring to the shape.
Here's the difference - cut refers more to the number of facets, the angles of the stone and how deep or shallow the stone has been cut from the raw crystal. Cut influences how light enters and leaves the diamond. If a stone has been cut too deeply, light that enters from the top is dispersed out the sides and the diamond won't have the same ability to 'sparkle' as a stone of the proper depth. It may even look dark or shadowed.
If, on the other hand, the cut is too shallow, light will pass straight through from top to bottom, never reflecting at all. A diamond that's cut too shallow will appear lifeless and have no luster. The optimal cut allows light to enter from the top, reflect off the bottom of the stone and leave again through the top. This is the cut that gives the most fire and brilliance to a diamond. A proper cut is essential for a diamond to have maximum sparkle.
Compare that to shape, which refers to the literal shape of the diamond as you look down at the top of the stone. Many names of diamond shapes are self-explanatory. Round, pear (also called teardrop) heart and oval all describe easily identifiable shapes. But there are others whose shapes are not so easily figured out by just hearing the name. Even emerald shape could probably be guessed correctly. Others, like baguette, marquise, princess, and radiant are more difficult to describe if you're not already familiar with those terms.
To further confuse matters, there are a number of cut names that have become more well known than the shape of the diamond the cuts are on. For instance, an Asscher cut diamond, which is known for its ability to give off a high sparkle, is made from a rectangular stone.
The trillion cut diamond is made from triangular stone with equal sides. Then there's the pillow cut, or cushion cut diamond, made from more of a square shape. There's also step cut, fancy cut and brilliant cut. As if engaged couples don't have enough decisions to make, just the ones involved in choosing a diamond engagement ring can be mind-boggling!
And that just covers the very basics of diamond shapes and cuts. I haven't even touched on the 4 Cs of diamonds, which is vital information to know before you even start looking at diamond engagement rings. You have to know what to look for in a diamond in order to know if the price offered is a good deal or a good hosing.
Other things that must be considered before you begin shopping include the metal of the band, (do you want white gold, yellow gold, platinum, titanium or tungsten?) and the type of setting that's most desirable, (prong set? How many prongs are best?), bezel set, invisible set, channel set...dear heavens, it's little wonder that women start thinking about a wedding when they're still little girls! We need that much time just to sort out all our options!
Fortunately, the website listed below can offer some guidance in shopping for diamond engagement rings. Many of these topics are discussed in more detail and written in an easy to read style that's simple to understand. Understanding the terminology will help reduce some of the confusion and allow you to make an informed decision when it's time to choose the perfect diamond engagement ring.
Honey Wesley is a freelance writer who combines her love of helping people with her writing skills. To unravel the mystery of diamonds, visit Engagement Rings-Things You Should Know. It's one of the most important purchases you'll ever make. You deserve to be well informed before you make it.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Honey_Wesley