How To Design Your Own Diamond Ring

While surfing the Internet for just the right diamond, I noticed several sites with the caption: “Design Your Own Diamond Ring.”  Even Wal-Mart was in on it.  With this service, consumers can order loose stones, shaped and coloured to their specifications, or create their own style of jewelry from the selection available of shape, color, carat, and setting. 

There are ten different shapes to chose from; round, pear, oval, marquis, emerald, princess, heart, radiant, triangle, asscher and cushion.  The less common shapes include the marquis which is an oval that comes to a point on both ends.  The emerald is rectangular in design.  The princess cut is a diamond shape while a radiant shaped stone is square.  Asscher is an octagon with four short sides and four longer sides, and cushion cuts are square with rounded corners. 

After selecting the perfect shape, the next step is to choose the ring type and setting.  The ring type varies from thin to thick banded, wide or narrow band, white gold, yellow gold, and platinum.  Most jewelers offer 60-80 different types of settings for the diamond.  Of course, while choosing the perfect diamond, a consumer should be aware of the Four “C’s”: cut, colour, clarity and carat.  You will also need to know about the diamond’s certification.  The certification grades the stone and aids in determining the value of it. 

One of the most important things to know about your investment in fine jewelry is how to care for it.  While diamonds are the hardest known substance on earth, they should be worn carefully.  They are very hard to chip or break, but an extremely hard blow to the girdle can cause it to chip.  Diamonds are also very resistant to household chemicals, but these chemicals can build up and cause the stone to look dull.  Periodic cleanings will help to keep your diamond clear and brilliant. 

A solution of one part ammonia and six parts water can be used to clean the diamond at home.  Use a soft brush with gentle strokes across the diamond to loosen any dirt or buildup and keep your diamond sparkling.  You will need to be careful to not scratch the metal of your setting.  Jewelers recommend that you have your diamond rings cleaned professionally and also have the setting checked for security at least once a year.  Store the diamond in a soft cloth pouch to protect it when it is not being worn.

All that is left is starting your journey to find that perfect diamond for that perfect someone.  If you choose to shop on the Internet, I recommend using a search engine like Google to find a reputable business to make your own diamond by design.