The diamond ring is perhaps the most classic piece of jewelry. While most people associate it with engagements, there are several other reasons why you might want to give a thoughtful, sentimental, and often costly gift such as this. No matter the occasion, you can be sure that it will be dearly appreciated. Whether for your wife’s very first Mother’s Day or perhaps your mother’s late-life birthday, there is no occasion too big or small. Since most people, especially ladies, have their own preferences, you should commission any and all help that you can to make sure that this gift makes the right statement in the right way. You probably have several local department and specialty stores in your area with a few knowledgeable sales people who can give you some good advice, but you can also get similar information online. The internet is a great place to shop too, with many web retailers providing the same quality merchandise at much lower prices.

The cut of the diamond is probably the first thing you will learn about. Although the stone itself seems very small and indistinctive, there are many different ways that a jeweler can shape a diamond.

Round cut is the most traditional, classic shape. Pear cut is also somewhat traditional, though it is shaped more like a tear. Marquise cut is shaped almost like a football and is another classic cut, though it is not quite as popular today as it was in the past.

Other cuts include Heart, Radiant, Cushion, Asscher, Emerald, and Oval. Each cut results in different characteristics and features so you should learn the benefits of each one so you can make a more informed decision about your purchase.

Carat weight is also very important, as is stone clarity. What many people don’t realize about diamond ring shopping is that clarity is perhaps the most definitive characteristic of stone.

While carat weight determines the size of the stone, the level of clarity will tell you how much you will enjoy it because clarity describes how the diamond reacts to light.

The better your diamond’s clarity, the more brilliance and shine it will have. This, after all, is the desired effect, and is the reason why different retailers can sell the same carat diamond of the same cut in the same setting at two significantly different prices.