Diamond wedding rings - design your own matching set

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When choosing a diamond wedding ring, the first thing to consider is your budget. As with engagement rings, the general advice is to buy the most expensive one you can afford, but you shouldn't feel that you have to. However, bear in mind that diamonds do not depreciate in value, and that wedding rings should remain with you for life. They are symbolic of everlasting love, and are also valued as heirlooms for your future children and grandchildren. So just make sure you get it right, for gawd's sake!

Although plain wedding rings have traditionally proved most popular, the diamond wedding ring is fast becoming a modern favourite. When Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston designed a set of their own matching diamond wedding rings, the popularity of this new style soared (although this trend might not be quite so popular now the couple have split!).

Many jewellers have introduced new ranges to accommodate this recent demand, and it is easy to find a style of ring that matches your personality. If you want something truly unique, you could even design your own ring just like Mr and Mrs Pitt!

The style of diamond wedding ring can vary from one simple stone set in to the band, to many small diamonds inlaid around the entire ring. When buying a diamond wedding ring, make sure that you pay attention to the quality of diamonds. The established ‘Four Cs’ of diamonds will help you make the right decisions when you are choosing a diamond wedding ring: cut, clarity, colour and carat.

The cut refers to the way a jeweller has shaped the diamond. Although you must choose your shape of diamond too — from oval, square, emerald and so on — the skill with which the stone has been cut will determine its brilliance and therefore its value.

The clarity of a diamond is diminished if it contains any imperfections. These are tiny flecks that form when the diamond is created over hundreds of years, and affect the ability of the stone to reflect light. Pick a diamond that has the maximum clarity you can afford.

The most common colour of a diamond is white, but there are various scales of white — graded from D through to Z. The lower letters (those nearer to Z) refer to diamonds that are milkier in hue, and they are likely to cost far less than the clearer diamonds. There are also some brightly coloured diamonds that actually cost more than white diamonds. Stones such as pink diamonds and canary yellow diamonds have become popular with celebrities, as they are particularly rare.

The actual weight of a diamond is determined by its carat value. Diamonds that weigh over a carat are rarer, and will cost more per carat than smaller diamonds. Remember that the weight of a diamond is not the same as its size — a diamond that appears smaller may actually be heavier in terms of its carat value.

© The Pink Fridge Online Magazine 2008 - Diamond Wedding Rings