Diamond Information

When it comes to buying your engagement ring, there are a few pieces of information you should be familiar with.

Firstly you should be familiar with the six C's (these are commonly known as the four C'd but we include two important additions to ensure you get value for money)

Click on the tabe below to get information on each of the six C's

Carat size
Cut
Colour
Clarity
Confidence
Cost

-Diamond carat relates to the weight of the diamond or most commonly known as the size of the diamond.

- In simple terms the bigger the carat, the larger the diamond.

- As diamonds are rare, the larger the diamond, the more rare it is and the more expensive it is.

- A useful tip is for couples to look at diamonds under the 'magic numbers' - a 'magic number' is a .50 carat; .75 carat; 1.0 carat; 1.5 carats
If you bought a diamond .090 carats it would look near identical to a 1.0 carat diamond but could be up to 20% less expensive as 1.0 carats are more in demand and have a higher price.

- We at bespokediamonds.ie by Loyes Diamonds have a large range of diamonds in all carat sizes to suit you tasts and budget
- Diamond cut relates to the level of sparkle, brilliance and fire visible in your diamond.
- To reflect and refract light most effectively,our diamonds must be cut to the correct proportions and polished so that each facet is precisely placed.

- Diamonds which are not cut and polished correctly do not reflect light correctly, resuting less sparkle in you ring and a less expensive diamond.

- We ensourage all couples to try on you ring and where possible view it in day light to ensure it sparkles
- Diamond Colour relates to the subtle colour differences from pure white.

- The best are most rare diamonds appear colourless and are called D colour. The further doun the alphabet you go, the more colour is introduced into the diamond and ther lass rare and less expensive the diamond becomes

- Colour D and E are the most expensive, with F, G, H are near colourless with most engagement rings being made in these diamonds.

- Colour I and J will be slightly off white but less expensive and only noticebale if placed beside a D colourless diamond

- A great money saving tip would be to drop one or two grades down the colour scale as the savings can be quuite large with minor differences to the naked eye.
- Diamond clarity reflects the quality of the diamond.

- "IF" of internally flawless is the most rare and most expensive diamond and relates to no inclusions or markings in the diamond

- the second best grade for a diamond is VVS which means very very small inclusions (would not be noticeabke to the naked eye), then VS which is very small inclusions and then 'I' which meand inclusions which may be visible to the naked eye.

- A useful money saving tip would be to drop down the scale on clarity as most inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and can result in significant savings.

- bespokediamonds.ie by Loyes Diamonds can supply diamonds on all ranges of the clarity scale to suit your budget and taste.
- Having confiedence in you jeweller is essential to ensure you diamond ring buying experience is positive

- Ask your jeweller about their returns policy - this is more important if you are surprising your bride to be with a ring. It is useful to know you can exchange the diamond ring for something she prefers.

- Your jeweller should be a trained gemmologist with experience in diamonds and diamond settings. This will ensure yout diamond is securelt set in your ring and your diamond is of the highest quality.

- Diamond certificates are available from all leading diamond grading laboratories that have the strictest grading standards.

- bespokediamonds.ie by Loyes Diamonds have experience in setting beautiful diamond engagement rings and is in a position to assist you in you purchase to ensure you get a beautiful ring and value for money.
- The cost of your diamond is directly linked to the 4C's

- You jeweller should be able to identify your needs and present you with the diamond you are looking for and also present you with alternatives like a larger carat, lower colour at same price

- bespokediamonds.ie by Loyes Diamonds has a large range of diamonds and gem stones in stock. We buy directly from dealers and cut out the middle man.

- Our prices can be 30% - 50% below jewellers prices

Metal Type

A common question I get asked is "what is the best metal for my engagement ring?"

In most cased the answer is "It Depends".
It depends on your budget, your style and your job (i.e. how active are your hands on a given day)
I'll look at each metal type individually below briefly so you can decide for yourself and I'll recommend what most people in the trade choose.


	
	
		
									
				
					Platinum
				
			
									
				
					18k White Gold
				
			
									
				
					Palladium
				
			
									
				
					18k Yellow Gold
				
			
									
				
					Other metals
				
			
					
	
	
	- Platinum is the strongest metal available and the most expensive
- It is the heavest metal too and the one most jeweller will try to sell to you
- Most jewellers will try and sell you platinum as it has the highest mark up of all the metals
- Platinum can go a dull grey colour over time too but is a pupular option as an engagement ring metal
- 18k white gold is regarded as being the most popular metal of choice
- 18k white gold is less expensive than platinum and is also a strong metal
- It requires rhodium plating every 18 months to maintain the white brilliant look
- Most jewellers buy white gold rings for their loved ones which says it all!
- Palladium is from the platinum family
- It is less expensive than platinum and white gold
- It is slightly darker than both metals with many jewellers not stocking it as it is relatively new to build engagement rings in this metal
- This metal is growing in popularity over the past few years and is a great alternative to platinum and 18k white gold
- When it comes to yellow gold, 18k is the main option available
- It is the same weight as 18k white and is the same cost.
- In recent years about 80% of engagement rings are in white metal but over recent months yellow gold is more in fashion
- In general, the above are the main metals most commonly used for an engagement ring
- There are other less expensive options but I would not recommend setting a daimond in a less expensive metal as it can make an engagement ring look less ecpensive, is lighter in weight and can be less secure for your diamond.
Opther options are:
 - 9k gold (both white and yellow)
 - Titanium (more common in mens wedding rings)
 - Rose gold (18k rose gold is perfect for engagement rings)

Diamond Setting

I always encourage couples to try on as many ring in as many jewellers as they can.
Not only because I know our prices are the most competitive, but it is good to try a ring on to see how you like it on your hand.
I meet people daily who have an idea in their head of an engagement ring they like. On occasion their taste changes when they see a ring on their finger.

Some useful tips when trying on engagement rings would be:
(i) Always try on your engagement ring in day light where possible
(ii) Always try on engagement ring and wedding ring together
(iii) Decide on a diamond mount (4, 6 8 are the most common)
(iv) Solitaire or Trilogy or Coloured Gem (or other) - try on each type to make sure you find your perfect ring

After Sales Service

Buying from a reputable jewellers gives you piece of mind

- We provide valuation certs for your diamond which will be required if you want to ensure it

- We can do ring resizes in our workshop usually the same day

- To ensure a pleasant experience we are appointment only

- Please feel free to contact us with any queries or if we can assist you in your process at 01-9060700