The first recorded incidence of giving a diamond ring as a present was by Archduke Maximillian who gave a precious diamond-set ring to Mary of Burgundy in 1477 to express his love and devotion. In those days, diamond engagement rings not only symbolized someone's undying feelings for his bride, but it also indicated affluence. Today, these rings still signify love and a man’s financial status.

It wasn't until the 18th century when large diamond discoveries filled the hearts of blissful couples and provided ordinary people the opportunity to obtain diamond engagement rings at a more affordable price.

How To Choose Diamond Engagement Rings

The classic diamond engagement ring has two parts: the gemstone and the setting. Settings can greatly enhance the face value of a ring. If you're looking for a ring for your bride, look for an attractive design then spare the rest of your budget to the best class of stone.

Unscrupulous salespersons typically feed couples with all the romanticism associated with "expensive" diamond rings, and the reasons why you should only buy the most expensive kind. A rule of thumb in choosing engagement rings, set by the diamond jewelers themselves, is never to spend more than a combined two-month salary of the couple. This can be a good point to start with, but the crux is to never adjust your budget to purchase an engagement ring.

The best tool against jewelry scams, when shopping for diamond engagement rings, is information about how to distinguish quality in diamonds. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) together with the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL) has previously set four basic criteria to determine a diamond's quality: carat weight, clarity, cut, and color. AGSL, specifically, is a laboratory that provides free, unbiased analysis of diamonds.

The cut determines the ability of a diamond to refract light, such that it enhances its brilliance.. A diamond's cut, therefore, affects its sparkle. Clarity can be distinguished when a diamond shines with a pure sparkle and free of flaws. Sometimes or oftentimes, tiny fractures of trace minerals intrude during a diamond's formation thousands of miles underneath the earth.

Clarity is rated as FL: flawles, IF: no internal flaws, VVS1: very, very tiny inclusions, VVS2: very difficult to see inclusions under 10x. VS1: very slightly included, VS2: .difficult to see inclusions under 10x that are difficult to see by the naked eye, SI1: slight inclusions, I1, I2, and I3: inclusions are discernable by the naked eye. Ask the jeweler for a diamond certification that contains details about size, type, location, and number of a diamond, as issued by the abovementioned agencies.

A diamond's sparkle is largely influenced by the absence or presence of color, which is graded from D to XYZ. Grade D to J are considered the finest quality and have a colorless appearance. Color usually blends tradition into diamond engagement rings. The color of a diamond helps you achieve a different tone from the typical platinum setting and crystal clear diamond ring. A diamond must have undergone chemical changes, in which it absorbed light and other elements to produce color.

Blue diamond engagement rings contain the element boron. Red and pink diamonds also went through a similar chemical alteration. Pink diamond engagement rings are some of the most sought-after and rarest of diamonds. Pink diamonds are largely extracted from the mines in Australia, specifically at the Argyle mine.

Diamond carat weight, meanwhile, is the weight of a loose diamond – one carat is equivalent to 200mg. Like gold, the higher the carat, the more valued a diamond is.

Diamond engagement rings are lifetime treasures. Choosing them carefully can speak much about your sincerity to commitment.