Understanding a Diamond’s Cut February 23, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Buying Diamonds , 1 comment so farWhen discussing a diamond’s unique qualities, the term diamond cut does not refer to round, princess, or pear. We call those shapes. No, the quality “cut” is addressing the degree at which a diamond’s pavilion is angled, the relation of the diamond’s table to its overall width, and the relationship the depth of the diamond from the edge of the table to the pavilion.
Though that explanation seems overly complicated, it’s also quite important. A diamond’s cut determines how light reflects within and out of the diamond. The better the cut, the more light the diamond will reflect back out. The cut directly influences the diamond’s brilliance (reflected light) and fire (reflected hues), and so is a rather important quality. For lack of a better term, a poorly cut diamond will refuse to shine.
Thankfully, the American Gem Society and the Gemological Institute of America have come up with a much easier grading scale that sums up how well a diamond is cut in plain English.
The Ideal Cut
As the name suggests, a diamond with a cut graded as ideal is the best cut available. The Ideal cut strikes a strong balance between brilliance and fire, and sends most of the reflected light out back through the top of the diamond. These cuts are the top 15% of all diamonds.
The Very Good Cut
Slightly less reflective than an ideal cut, the Very Good cut diamonds tend to be slightly larger in size, which makes them an economical trade off. These diamonds represent the top 25% of all cut and polished diamonds and they still reflect much of the light they catch.
The Good Cut
Diamonds described as Good is where the cut starts to have a noticeable effect on brilliance. When viewed under optimal lighting, Good diamonds will reflect a good bit of light, however, light which is shined at them off center will often end up being reflected out of the diamond’s pavilion because it is either too shallow or too deep. The obvious upside to these diamonds is they are noticeably less expensive than the grades above them.
Fair and Poor cut
These diamonds do not reflect a sufficient amount of light, and are not sold at Danforth Diamonds.
5 Places to Consider Popping the Question February 23, 2009
Posted by Jill Renee in : Proposing Marriage, Romantic Tips , 1 comment so farYou know that you want to marry her, you’ve picked out and purchased the ring-the only thing left to do is pop the question. Figuring out where to ask your special someone to marry you is a difficult thing, but sometimes the solutions to difficult problems are only made difficult by our desire to make things perfect.
Remember that when you are asking your intended to marry you, it needs to come from a place of love and sincerity first and foremost. Here are a few ideas for making that day a special one to remember for you and your future spouse.
Family Visit
Though visiting your future wife’s family can be challenging and stressful, it can also be a great opportunity to propose. After speaking with her family and asking her father for permission to marry her, you may find that the time is right to ask her for her hand in marriage. A proposal at her childhood home may be just the right thing to bring the past and present together.
Weekend Getaway
Planning a surprise weekend getaway to a place where neither of you have been is a great way to share new experiences and enjoy one another’s company with little or no distraction. Do your research and find a unique place to ask for her hand in marriage ahead of time and she will remember that occasion forever.
Favorite Restaurant or Bar
Many couples have their special spot that they like to visit frequently. If you are a regular at a particular restaurant or bar, your potential spouse may enjoy being proposed to surrounded by friendly faces in a familiar spot. You will certainly be the subject of many stories for years to come and will certainly receive congratulations and kudos from others there who know you well.
First Date Sites
Take a trip down memory lane and recall those places where the two of you first got to know one another. Perhaps you used to walk around a park after dinner or did something particularly fun and exciting one evening. Revisiting these places can rekindle those early feelings of attraction and puppy love that got you two to where you are today. Proposing in one of these places could be the right move and shows that you honor the past that you have shared together.
During a Favorite Activity
Many couples share a variety of common interests, whether it is going hiking together or attending live music performances. During one of these kinds of activities, get on one knee and propose to your special someone. It will not soon be forgotten and is more than likely not expected either.
More than any other factor, your proposal needs to come from the heart and should show thoughtfulness and consideration. Make sure that this special occasion fits your relationship and reflects the type of life you wish to share together in the future.
This post was contributed by Holly McCarthy, who writes on the subject of long distance dating. She invites your feedback at hollymccarthy12 at gmail dot com
Information provided by Danforth Diamond, your engagement ring experts. Visit us at http://www.danforthdiamond.com or call us at 1-877-404-RING.
