From The Straits Times    |

For picking out jewellery pieces to accompany you for a lifetime, it’s essential you have the basics down.

We decode the difference between metals, precious stones and of course, diamonds.

 

Diamonds

With the creation of the 4C system, shopping for this precious jewel has been made significantly easier. Each C assigns a grading to the four qualities of diamonds.

  • Cut is for symmetry and brightness.
  • Clarity attributes to transparency and lack of flaws.
  • Colour reveals how much of a tint is present.
  • Carat indicates the weight.

(For a more in-depth diamond education, click here.)

Essentially they’re able to give you an objective measure of value and worth.

What this means is that a 1.2 diamond carat ring is not automatically more valuable than a 0.9 diamond carat ring as it might be graded lower for its other attributes.

With a myriad of cuts, setting and designs available in the market, we’d recommend to stick to a timeless and classic style like a solitaire round diamond for your forever piece –one that will endure through the different cycles of a lifetime, just like marriage.

See also: What does your engagement ring say about your relationship?

 

Gems

pictured: A sapphire ring

Traditionally, there are only four jewels classified as precious: diamonds, emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

While this classification is considered outdated today, these precious gems (emeralds, rubies and sapphires), continue to be the more popular choices for wedding rings.  

The value of a gem is based on four qualities: origin, colour, clarity and how it has been treated to enhance its appearance.

See also: Sparkling aquamarines, sapphires and more! 10 beautiful blue wedding rings you’ll love 

 

Metals

The stronger the metal the likelier it is for your wedding band to last, and platinum and gold remains to be the best candidates for the job.

Platinum, the heavier and rarer of the two, is more expensive as well as its weight makes it harder to mold and shape, thus making it more durable.

Surprisingly, choosing the most expensive gold for your wedding band is not necessarily the best idea.

That’s because pure 24k gold is more pliant than gold that’s been mixed in with metals like copper. This means it can’t withstand scratches as well as 14 and 18k gold.

If you want a secure and reliable band for your precious gem, we’d suggest picking either a platinum or 18k gold band.

See also: Gold or platinum? Which metal is best for your wedding rings

 

All images from 123rf.com.