Diamond Hunting

Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It is a big purchase and often one that has high emotional content. Simply knowing the facts before you start can ease the pressure. It also helps for the vendors to know you have some idea of what you are looking at.

There are a few things to know. Lets start with some diamond shapes to consider when you are doing your shopping: oval, pear-shaped, round, emerald, heart-shaped and marquise. Thew most important thing, however, is the quality and to determine quality you need to understand the 4 C's, which are as follows:

Carat weight: The weight or size of a diamond is measured in carats. A single carat is made up of one hundred segments called "points." One hundred and fifty points equals one and one half carats.

Clarity: This expresses how perfect the diamond is by identifying the flaws or inclusions. Where the inclusions are, how big they are, and their type determines the value of the stone. Inclusions are shown as follows:

FL = Flawless, IF = Internally Flawless - minor surface blemishes,

VVS1-VVS2 = Very, Very Small inclusions,

VS1-VS2 = Very Small Inclusions,

SI1-SI2 = Small Inclusions,

I1-I2-I3 = Imperfect - inclusions visible to the eye.

Slight inclusions; do not reduce the beauty of the stone although they do reduce the value.

Color: Colorless diamonds are extremely rare in nature. Color definitely helps determine the value of a stone. An unpractised eye does not easily see different gradations from high white to the start of the yellows. Bright-colored diamonds are a bit different. Some examples are blue, amber, red, etc. Bright colored diamonds in larger sizes can command very high prices indeed. Collectors worldwide are eager to acquire them.

Cut: Precise formulae are to determine the appropriate cut for a diamond. A typical diamonds is cut with 58 facets. The stone's light-reflecting properties and its light dispersion are critical measurements in determining the stones quality and value.

These are just some of the things to look out for. Every diamond also has a identifying serial number which can be seen under a microscope and it never hurts to have a look for yourself. In the end the purchase of a diamond is a very personal thing so remember to pick one you actually like.

Ron Hughes is CEO of Adapt Information Technology, one of the longest standing Internet businesses in the world. He is also a public and seminar speaker and frequent contributor of articles on business subjects. Ron welcomes your comments on ron@wowgroups.com.

Visit http://www.wowdesk.com for information on how to have your own secure, personal office on the Internet. Also, please visit http://www.diamond-magic.com for everything you need to know about Diamond Hunting.

---

Replacing Your Lost Wedding Ring

Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the door to greet another eager child with your big bag of trick-or-treat candy. You look down at the grinning costumed child with a... Read More

The Enigma of Daytime Bachelor Party Activities

As most of you know the evening festivities for a bachelor party are already pre-determined. They usually involve some combination of limos, nightclubs, and gentlemen's clubs. But, the difficult question that always remains... Read More

The Planning of a Bridal Shower!

Planning a bridal shower? Maybe a dear friend or even sister is getting married and you are in charge of planning the bridal shower? Bridal showers are customary and traditional. They aren't all... Read More

Wedding Vows

The vows you take to become husband and wife are very special. Over the years many people decided to make up their own versions and today there are many different ways to make... Read More

All The Details: 25 Ways to Make Your Wedding a Unique and Truly Memorable Event

If you've been to one wedding, you've seen it all. From the flowers and the candles to the dress and the music, the typical wedding can be as predictable and generic as your... Read More

Bridal Shower Themes

It is the maid of honor's duty to organize the bridal shower and to ensure that the party is everything the bride expected. The best way to ensure that everyone will have fun... Read More

Weddings Las Vegas: Popular Ceremonies

Are you looking for a las Vegas chapel to make your wedding dreams come true? Chances are you will find it here with Weddings Las Vegas and its many exciting options and packages... Read More

Tahiti Honeymoon Resorts: Fun-tastic Experience

Tahiti honeymoon resorts are the best places you could think of when you think of a romantic and passion filled honeymoon. Tahiti is the picture perfect place for your honeymoon. If you cherish... Read More

A Wedding Shower Checklist

Bridal showers are one of many pre-wedding parties and are great fun. They are known as parties with a purpose. The purpose of a shower is to assist the couple in equipping their... Read More

Wedding Dresses - What To Wear

You have begun to plan your wedding and you want your wedding to be special and unique to your and your future spouse. There are traditions and superstitions that have grown around the... Read More

How to Have a Sizzler of a Honeymoon! Article No. 6

It wasn't the wedding of the century. Six people in all arrived at St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York to watch the young man and woman exchange their vows. Two more had been... Read More

A Guide to Wedding Invitations

The wedding date and time has been set, the location for the special event has been finalized, and the decision for the wedding theme ? traditional and formal or fun and casual ?... Read More

Celebrate With Butterflies ? The Flying Flowers

Make your upcoming event the most memorable ever by adding butterflies to your special day. Butterfly Releases are a perfect way to celebrate all of the important occasions in life. They are wonderful... Read More

Las Vegas Wedding Packages

One of the good things about Las Vegas Wedding Packages is that you can find a package to suit just about any budget. There are many wedding planning services in Las Vegas that... Read More

Ending Co-Dependence

Why does Co-dependence arise? Well because two or more individuals make an unconscious contract with each other to try to satisfy the unmet needs of the other. Initially, especially in the case of... Read More

Wedding Planning: Clear Communication with Your Wedding Guests

Effective communication between you and your wedding guests is essential in the months leading up to your wedding. But in this stressful time, how can you maintain healthy relationships with your family and... Read More

Selecting Mens Formalwear For The Wedding

Have you ever noticed that weddings seem to be all about the bride? There's information available for the wedding dress, shoes, makeup and accessories. But...what about the groom and his ushers? After all,... Read More

How To Keep Love Alive In Your Marriage

In the beginning of a relationship, love seems to have a life of its own. Without much effort, you feel like you are on top of the world. You catch yourself smiling and... Read More

Get The Bling Without The Sting - Affordable Engagement Rings

Just because you don't have a lot of money doesn't mean you can't find an affordable engagement ring that looks like it cost a fortune.Tips on getting more diamond for your dollar when... Read More

Personalized Wedding Favors

Personalized wedding favors are among the most popular of gift selections made by brides and grooms to show appreciation to the guests sharing in their wedding day. Traditional ceremonies have made wedding favors... Read More

What Goes Into Wedding Preparation From Your DJ?

Exactly what should your disc jockey be doing in the weeks/months prior to your wedding? If you think that they just show up at your reception and are ready to go - you've... Read More

How to Choose a Marriage Counselor

You have made the decision to contact a marriage counselor. The next question is "How to choose the right marriage counselor?" The success of your counseling experience will relate directly to your compatibility... Read More

Planning A Wedding? Tips On How To Attend A Bridal Show

If you're getting married, a Bridal Show is a great place to get started. Since 1996, I have attended or participated in over 150 Bridal Shows, and I thought I would pass on... Read More

The Beautiful Bride To Be ? Beauty Tips For The Big Day

It goes without saying that we all want to look our best for the big day. So preparation is the key. Take care of your skin, hair and body in the months leading... Read More

The History of the White Wedding Dress

As a youngster -- or perhaps even as an adult -- have you ever sat dreamily imagining yourself in a fairytale wedding dress, about to marry your very own Prince Charming? And, what... Read More

Seven Ways to Survive a Remodel (And Save Your Marriage) Tips from Pisa Design, Inc

Remodels are tough on everyone. The house is out of order, the refrigerator is out of pudding, and the family wiener dog is out of sorts as he searches for his food dish.... Read More

Meaningful Wedding Gift Ideas

A wedding is one of the most special days planned in a life. Everything must be perfect, thought of and taken care of so that the wedding day turns out as beautiful as... Read More

Wedding Planning: Prioritize to Stay Within Your Wedding Budget

So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must be made! It can be an exciting, but tiring experience to pull off the wedding of your dreams, especially within your budget.The best... Read More

Who Wants to Be Rich?

Well you may not become a billionaire or even a millionaire, but research shows that marriage helps couples and individuals generate more income and wealth than singles, and even cohabitating couples.According to The... Read More