How to Pick an Engagement Ring
When it comes to choosing the perfect engagement ring, educating yourself on a few key aspects of this important purchase will help you find just the right one. An engagement ring is an once-in-a-lifetime investment, and like all investments, you want to be knowledgeable so that you are confident in your decision.
Because choosing a ring can be overwhelming, Borsheims is here to guide you through the experience. You don’t need much to get started. All you’ll need to know before you start ring shopping is your favorite setting style, the 4C’s of diamonds and ring size.


Find Your Diamond

The Four C's- cut, color, clarity and carat weight are a critical element in your engagement ring search. Being educated on what each "C" means will help you determine what is most important to you in a diamond. Some shoppers value color, choosing near colorless diamonds and are indifferent if this means a smaller stone for their budget. Other shoppers may be interested in a particular cut of diamond and not mind if many inclusions are present. Ultimately, it is up to you and your partner what characteristics are important to you. Here is a short guide to help you understand each "C".

Cut
More often than not, we associate a diamond’s cut with its shape, i.e. round, heart-shaped, oval, etc. But the diamond cut is far more than that. This man-made contribution to the diamond determines the gem’s ability to reflect natural light. The amount of sparkle and brilliance are direct results of the final proportions, finish and shape of the diamond.

Color
The color grade of a diamond refers to the amount of visible body color, with the finest white diamonds carrying a “D” color grade. Most diamonds have at least a trace of yellow or brown body color. With the exception of some natural fancy colors, the colorless grades are the most rare.

Clarity
Clarity indicates the degree to which a diamond is free of tiny natural internal inclusions and external blemishes. The highest grades go to gems with few or no imperfections. A diamond’s clarity grade is determined under 10-power magnification by an expertly trained diamond grader.

Carat
The metric carat, which equals 0.20 grams, is the standard unit of weight for diamonds and most other gems. One carat is divided into 100 “points”. A diamond weighing 50 points = 0.50 carat (ct).

Conflict-Free Diamonds
Borsheims is proud to work with other members of the diamond industry, international governments, the United Nations, and nongovernmental organizations to eliminate the trade in conflict diamonds. Through more than five years of work, it is now estimated that more than 99% of the world's diamonds are conflict free.
Borsheims supports the Kimberley Process and only buys its diamonds from legitimate, reputable manufacturers that adhere to the Voluntary System of Warranties. That guarantee is written on the back of every receipt from Borsheims. For additional information about the Kimberley Process and the work being done to eliminate the trade of conflict diamonds, please visit the diamond industry's website, www.diamondfacts.org.