Whether you are purchasing an engagement ring, a necklace, bracelet, earrings, or anything in between, a diamond is always one of the best options to consider. Diamonds are lustrous, they shine, and they are a symbol of unending love. That said, not all diamonds are made the same.

Diamonds come in very many different types quality levels, and yes, here we are talking about diamond clarity. Diamonds are generally graded on four different factors, otherwise known as the four Cs.

These are cut, color, carat, and clarity. Today, we are here to take a closer look at what diamond clarity is and we want to take a specific look at what the I2 clarity is. So, what is an I2 clarity diamond?

What is Diamond Clarity?

Clarity is one of the four main factors that diamonds are evaluated on. Clarity refers to the visual appearance and the existence of surface defects, which are called blemishes, and internal characteristics of a diamond, which are known as inclusions.

The more surface defects and internal inclusions a diamond has, the lower the clarity will be. The clearer a diamond is, the fewer inclusions and surface defects it has, therefore allowing more light to shine through. The more inclusions and surface defects, the worse it looks, and the less durable it is.

The Diamond Clarity Chart

To understand what an I2 clarity diamond is, you first need to understand the diamond clarity grading chart as a whole. Let’s take a quick look at the different diamond clarity grades that you can purchase.

1. FL (Flawless): This is the highest clarity grade of diamond and here you will not see any inclusions at all.
2. IF (Internally Flawless): This is the second highest clarity grade of diamond and this is generally nearly 100% free of any inclusions.
3. VVS (Very very slightly included): This category can be separated into VVS1 and VVS2, with VVS1 being an exceptionally clear diamond, with VVS2 being just a little less clear.
4. VS (Very slightly included): This category can be separated into two sections, including VS1 and VS2, with VS1 being the slightly clearer one. Here, you will see very small marks that are visible under 10 times magnification and may be seen by the naked eye.
5. SI (Slightly included): this category can be divided into two sections, SI2 and SI2. This is one of the lowest clarity grades available, with inclusions being visible to the naked eye.
6. I (Included): This category can be divided into three sections, I1, I2, and I3. These diamonds features marks that are visible to the naked eye, with I3 being the lowest clarity grade of all.

What is an I2 Clarity Diamond?

As you can tell from the clarity chart as described above, I2 clarity diamonds are the second lowest on the scale of clarity. I2 clarity diamonds have a whole lot of visible marks, both on the inside and the outside. In other words, they have plenty of surface defects and visible inclusions.

I2 Clarity Diamonds: Cost

I2 clarity diamonds won’t cost you all that much money when compared to some of the other grades. Generally speaking, these are some of the lowest-costing diamonds out there, with a 1-carat diamond that is in the G1 color range costing anywhere between $1900 and $2800. This might still sound quite expensive, but when compared to much higher clarity grades, it is rather affordable.

What You Need to Know About I2 Clarity Diamonds

Let’s go over some quick facts about I2 clarity diamonds that are important for you to know.

• While an I-1 clarity diamond might have imperfections that are not visible to the naked eye, an I2 diamond will generally always have visible imperfections that can be seen with the naked eye. You are going to see those imperfections every time you look at the diamond.
• Also consider the fact that this clarity grade of diamond has a huge impact on brilliance. Low clarity also results in low transparency, low luster, and low brilliance.
• Something else worth noting is that this type of diamond has extremely little, if not absolutely zero resale or trade-in value.
• The large inclusions and imperfections that are often in these diamonds means that they have very limited durability and may be prone to chipping.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line here is that I2 clarity diamonds are very low on the clarity scale, and most people would recommend that you completely avoid buying them at all.

Getting an engagement ring is a pretty big deal. After all, it is a sign that you plan on spending the rest of your life with one single person. Therefore, choosing the right engagement rings takes a whole lot of consideration.

You need to get an engagement ring that suits both you and your partner; something you will want to wear for years and years to come. That being said, traditional engagement rings, while they can definitely look nice, aren’t suitable for everybody. Some of us like more modern and trendy fashion choices, and this goes for engagement rings, just like for clothing and anything else.

The fact of the matter is that there are plenty of fashion trends, ones that have been popular for a couple years or are just becoming popular now, that you could go with for a modern engagement ring. Remember folks, and engagement ring doesn’t always have to be the same skinny white metal or sterling silver setting combined with a round cut diamond.

There are plenty of different options to go with. When it comes to the setting, there are dozens of materials and shapes to choose from, and this is also true for the stones. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular trends for modern engagement rings that are common around the world right now.

Some Popular Trends for Modern Engagement Rings

Let’s get right to it and take a look at some of the most popular trends for modern engagement rings that can be found around the world right now.

1. The Bezel Setting

One very popular and upcoming trend to consider is the bezel setting. This is an especially popular choice right now when it comes to many different Instagram jewelry brands. Yes, this is a very trendy type of setting to go with, and it means that the main stone features a metal rim that surrounds it, instead of the traditional prongs.

This allows for the gem to be protected on all sides, while also delivering quite a modern and sleek appearance. Many people really enjoy having that rim surrounding the stone, as it adds a certain aesthetic appeal to the equation. It really depends on how much you want the stone to stand out when compared to the setting.

2. Cluster Stone Rings

Something that has been popular for quite some time now, although it is still growing in popularity, is the cluster stone ring. For those of you who don’t know, cluster stone rings are very unique because each one is different from the last. Cluster stone rings generally feature a large center stone, but then also have clusters of other stones surrounding that center stone.

However, the defining feature here is that those clusters of stones are not organized in any specific manner and they are certainly not symmetrical. In fact, one of the defining features here is that cluster stone rings are not symmetrical, therefore making them really unique.

That said, if you are getting married to someone who is a stickler for symmetry, then this is probably not the best option to go with. However, if you are looking for something very unique and one-of-a-kind, then the cluster stone ring is definitely a good option to consider.

3. Wavy Engagement Bands

Another cool trend that is rising in popularity at this time are wedding bands that are curved or waived, combined with a traditional solitaire ring. This is starting to become extremely popular. Sure, going for a regular round ring or setting is still quite popular.

However, it’s also fairly old and it’s been done many times. If you want something that is truly unique, something that people are really going to ask about when they see it, getting an engagement band that is wavy or curved is always a good idea. It’s just something that helps make things a little more unique.

That said, be aware that for many of these uniquely shaped wedding bands, you are also going to have to get a stone that matches the setting, which means that getting something like a round or Marquis cut diamond is not always going to be an option.

4. Using Laboratory Grown Diamonds

One of the most popular trends that is going around the world right now as far as diamond engagement rings are concerned is using laboratory-grown diamonds as opposed to natural diamonds that are mined from the ground.

One of the biggest reasons as to why using laboratory-grown diamonds is a big deal right now is because they tend to be much more affordable than diamonds that are mined in the ground. The next reason why people like using lab-grown diamonds is due to ethics and sustainability.

Simply put, people feel much better when they know that their diamonds come from a lab where people get paid decent wages, as opposed to potentially having a blood diamond mined in a conflict zone.

At the same time, diamonds are finite in nature, which means that there is only a limited amount of them, a problem that doesn’t really occur when they are lab grown. However, beware that lab-grown diamonds are still real diamonds. Although they are man-made, there is nothing fake about them and they can look just as good as the real thing.

5. Using Emeralds

Sure, diamonds look really nice in any kind of arrangement, whether an engagement ring or otherwise. That said, not all people like diamonds, plus there are many to other types of precious gems out there to choose from. One of the most expensive and popular gems out there, even more expensive than your average diamond, is the emerald.

If you have that special somebody who really likes the color green, then getting an emerald engagement ring is always a great idea. For instance, if we are talking about celebrities, MGK recently proposed to Megan Fox with an emerald and diamond engagement ring. That bright green color that emerald features is really going to make any engagement ring pop.

6. Chunky Wedding Bands

One of the most popular trends that is emerging for engagement rings around the world is the chunky wedding band. Yes, traditionally, wedding bands, were fairly thin and slim. Most women said that they preferred it this way.

However, during the 1990s, very thick wedding bands, usually made out of 18-karat yellow gold, were extremely popular for a time. Now, this trend is starting to make a big comeback. Many people are choosing wedding bands that are just as thick as the diamond or stone in the center is. This does make for a unique look.

We do suppose that a chunky wedding band is going to look a little better on a larger finger, but this is really all a matter of personal preference. If you like having more precious metal compared to the amount of stone on the ring, then getting in engagement ring with a chunky band may be a good idea.

7. Pear-Shaped Rings

Although historically speaking, pear-shaped engagement rings have not been overly popular, they are making a bit of a comeback. Pear-shaped diamond engagement rings were also quite popular during the 1990s, just like the chunky wedding bands we looked at above, and both of these trends are now making a big comeback.

One of the reasons why pear-shaped diamond engagement rings are so popular is because they spread out really wide, which means that they actually look much larger than their size, even bigger than oval diamond rings look.

Therefore, if you want to get a diamond engagement ring that looks really large, and is definitely going to impress anybody who sees it, without having to spend a whole lot of money, then getting a pear-shaped diamond engagement ring is always an option for you.

8. Black Diamond Rings (and Colored Stones)

Although definitely one of the more unique trends on the list today, if you like having a whole lot of contrast in your diamond rings, then getting a diamond engagement ring that features both white and black diamonds is always a choice.

Black diamonds are definitely not for everybody, although some people do very much prefer them, and will definitely produce a very unique and edgy appearance. if you want something that is a little more uniform and conservative in nature, you can always go for something like a white gold wedding band combined with a black diamond.

However, some people will also choose to go for a yellow-gold wedding band, combined with both black and regular white diamonds. Once again, a whole lot of this does of course really come down to what your own personal preference is.

Now, the diamonds in question don’t have to be black, and they don’t have to be white either. There are plenty of colored diamonds out there, such as rose gold diamonds. You don’t even need to get a diamond but can use other colored gemstones. Yes, we did already touch on using emeralds, but there are plenty of other options as well. You have rubies, sapphires, and so much more.

9. Using Yellow Gold Engagement Bands

Historically speaking, sterling silver and white gold wedding bands have generally been the preferred option. However, things are slowly changing, with yellow gold being requested more and more. Yes, white gold and other white metals look really nice with diamonds, but so can yellow gold. Moreover, if you are using a stone other than a normal white diamond, using yellow gold may be very complementary.

10. Using Step Cut Diamonds

Get another trend that is becoming increasingly popular is using the step-cut diamond. The step-cut diamond features a rectangular or square-shaped diamond stone combined with parallel facets cut into it on all four sides, therefore creating what are effectively steps, such as on a set of stairs.

This is a trend that is slowly starting to emerge as far as diamond engagement rings are concerned. If your partner is a minimalist and doesn’t like things that are very flashy, but does like style, uniformity, and symmetry, then the step-cut diamond engagement ring is a good idea to consider.

11. Vintage Style Diamond Rings

Sometimes, being modern might mean being vintage. The simple fact is that many things that were popular 10, 20, or 100 years ago, are starting to become more popular once again. This theory of old meets new is something that is slowly becoming more popular in diamond engagement rings.

This could mean using old types of diamond ring settings, such as art deco, as well as older types of diamond cuts, including older European styles. Sometimes, the best new things come straight from the past.

Popular Engagement Ring Trends: Conclusion

As you can see, there are plenty of different popular engagement ring trends out there. There are ones that were popular decades ago that are now reemerging in popularity, as well as ones that were never popular, and are just being discovered now.

Whatever the case may be, remember that your partner’s engagement ring is going to be something they wear for life, so choose wisely.

If you are somebody who enjoys buying high quality jewelry, then keeping it safe is probably one of your biggest priorities. After all, crime is very real, and break and enters as well as burglaries occur every single day.

In fact, in the USA, the rate of home burglaries has increased drastically over the last few years. For example, in the USA, a home break-in generally occurs around every 26 seconds, for a whopping 2.5 million home burglaries every single year.

To put that in different terms, that is well over 3300 burglaries every single day, with over 50% of homes often suffering from repeat burglary attempts within the same month.

So, if you have thousands and thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry in your home, keeping it safe from the hands of thieves should be one of your top priorities. With that being said, you might not know how to keep jewelry safe at home.

However, there are many good ways to help secure your jewelry inside of your home, as well as to secure your home in general. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways of how to keep your jewelry safe at home.

How to Keep Jewelry Safe at Home

Right now, we are going to go over the biggest tips that you need to follow in order to keep your jewelry safe at home. We’re going to cover everything from getting a full-fledged home security system, what something like a dog can do for the security of your home, as well as some great tips for storing, documenting, and hiding your most valuable jewelry.

1. Get a Home Security System

One of the best things that you can do to keep jewelry safe at home is to invest in a good home security system. As far as deterring burglaries and break-ins go, a home security system is the number one option at your disposal.

What is interesting to note is that roughly 60% of burglars will be deterred from entering a home if they see that there is a home security system in place.

Therefore, a pro tip here is to always have the signs and labels for your home security system clearly displayed in your yard and on your front door. This will ensure that any would-be burglars and thieves know that your home is being protected by a high-quality security system.

60% is a really big number, so if you can cut the chances of your home being broken into in half, or realistically more than in half, then investing in a good home security system is probably your best bet.

Of course, there are some decisions that you have to make, because there are video home security systems, audible alarms, motion sensor cameras and lights, door and window alarms, and so much more. Yes, the specific type of alarm or the various features that your alarm system comes with are important to consider.

However, it would seem that simply having an alarm system present, particularly one that is on display for people to see, is much more important than the actual components of the alarm.

If a would-be thief sees that you have an alarm, they probably aren’t going to stop to consider whether you have one type or another. The simple fact that you have a home security system is generally more than enough to scare most burglars away.

2. Consider Getting a Dog

Another simple recommendation that can help keep your jewelry safe in your home, or in other words to help secure your home, is if you get a dog, particularly a large dog.

There are plenty of studies out there that show that thieves and burglars will generally be deterred from homes that have loud and barking dogs, especially if those dogs are large breeds.

Of all of the studies out there, it is very clear that the vast majority of burglars will avoid homes that have barking dogs, and the larger those dogs are, the more likely burglars are to avoid those homes altogether.

One thing that does need to be said, however, is that burglars won’t be as deterred from homes that have quiet dogs as from homes that have loud dogs. Yes, burglars are fearful of getting bitten or injured by dogs, which is why they are generally afraid of large dogs; however, they might not be quite as fearful of smaller dogs, especially if those smaller dogs are quiet.

Yes, size does matter, but so does volume. It is shown that burglars are especially deterred from homes when those dogs are extremely loud and will audibly bark when there are intruders.

Simply put, a home invader does not want to alert the entire neighborhood that they have just broken into your home, which is what a barking dog will certainly do.

3. Use a Safe or Lock Box

Another good way to help keep your jewelry safe in your home is to get a lock box or a safe. Of course, here we are assuming that both the dog and the security system did not stop the burglars from getting into your home.

Therefore, the next line of defense is a secure safe or lock box that a burglar or thief cannot get into. With that being said, safes and lock boxes are of course not 100% secure, so there are a few different considerations that you do need to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the weight of the safe or lock box in question is going to make a difference. Generally speaking, burglars will only take what they can carry by hand. Therefore, if the safe is too large and heavy for a burglar to carry out of your home, chances are almost 100% that they will not try to take it.

Of course, there are burglars who may try anyway, in which case having a safe that is bolted down to the ground or to a wall is also a good choice. You should always get a safe or lock box that you can bolt to the ground or the wall, as this will add an extra layer of protection.

Even if a would-be burglar wanted to leave your home with your safe, if it’s securely attached to a wall or the floor, they just won’t be able to.

Assuming that the burglar is not able to walk out of your home with your safe, the other important aspect of the equation is that the safe itself is impermeable.

There are different grades of safes, such as ones that are rated to be impossible to break into with classic burglary tools for at least 10 or 15 minutes.

The more highly rated the safe in question is, the more time it will take a thief to break into it using normal tools. That said, the location of the safe is also important to consider, which brings us to our next point.

4. Choosing the Right Hiding Spots

Choosing the right location to hide your jewelry in is another important aspect of the equation. Now, if you choose not to use some kind of safe or lock box, then this is one of the most important points to consider.

The issue here is that this is somewhat of a double-edged sword. Some experts will recommend that you hide your jewelry in areas that criminals would never think to look, such as in the back of the freezer.

However, on the other hand, many criminals are quite smart, and they are wise to these tricks, so sometimes, the first place that criminals will check for your jewelry are the exact places that you would think that they would never check.

Whatever the case may be, the most important aspect is that the jewelry is kept out of view. If you aren’t using a lock box, some kind of secret panel, such as a hiding spot that a spy in a movie would use, is recommended. No, secret panels and compartments aren’t just for movie villains.

They are commonly used by people who have expensive jewelry. At the very least, just don’t leave your valuables and expensive jewelry in eyesight of your doors or windows. If a burglar comes up to a window and sees that you have a table full of expensive jewelry, chances are pretty big that they’ll try to go for it.

If you are using some kind of safe or lock box, keeping it hidden is also ideal, as it will add an extra layer of protection. With that being said, if you have an extremely high quality safe or lock box that is bolted down, it may not be necessary to hide it. If this is the case, you’re relying on the safe itself to do its job.

5. Don’t Leave Technicians and Repairmen Alone

If you plan on keeping your jewelry safe, a good idea is to never leave repairmen, technicians, contractors, and other such strangers in your home by themselves. Sure, you might be tempted to leave them a key or just leave the door open as the plumber fixes your toilet, so you can go to work or go get some groceries, but this really isn’t a good idea.

Although the vast majority of tradesmen that will come into your home are generally reliable and trustworthy people, there are always bad eggs. It wouldn’t be the first time that contractors, repairman, or other such people have stolen valuables from a home. Therefore, simply not leaving these people alone in your home is recommended.

6. Always Keep a Documented Inventory

To help keep your jewelry safe within your home, keeping a documented inventory, along with professional appraisals, is always a good idea. This way, at the very least, if you do lose something or something goes missing, you know exactly what it is, where it should be, and how much money it is worth. Being organized and knowing exactly what pieces of jewelry you have is the first step here.

7. Jewelry Insurance Makes a Difference

If all else fails, you should always have jewelry insurance, especially if you have very expensive pieces that are hard to replace. The simple fact is that all the tips we are providing you above, while very useful, are not 100% foolproof.

There are cases where if a criminal wants to get into a house and steal your belongings bad enough, they will do so no matter the security measures that you have taken. Therefore, if the worst-case scenario were to arise, and your jewelry does get stolen, at the very least you have it insured.

Conclusion

If you follow the seven tips as listed above, keeping your jewelry safe in your home should be doable.

When you are choosing an engagement ring for your significant other, there are a whole lot of factors to consider. You have to choose the setting, the stone, and so much more. Yes, choosing an engagement ring, or really any ring of any kind, can be extremely stressful. However, what many people don’t consider here is what happens if the ring gets lost.

Yes, engagement rings do get lost, they can get damaged, and yes, they can get stolen too. For this reason, you might want to consider getting some kind of protection for your ring, and here we are talking about insurance. Yes, there is such a thing as ring insurance, otherwise known as engagement ring insurance.

Now, this is a relatively new thing, as it has not been around for a very long time, although it is quickly growing in popularity. People are slowly recognizing that because engagement rings can be so valuable, that having an actual insurance plan for them may be beneficial in the event that they are lost or stolen.

After all, engagement rings can cost thousands of dollars, so it would seem to make sense that insuring them is a good idea. So, do you need ring insurance? Well, there are a few different things that you want to consider when choosing whether or not to get ring insurance for your engagement ring.

Let’s figure out whether getting ring insurance is a good idea for you or not. Right now, we are going to cover all of the most important aspects you need to be aware of when considering ring insurance for an engagement ring.

What is Engagement Ring Insurance?

So just to be clear, if you get engagement ring insurance, this is a type of insurance or contract that helps to protect you from any kind of financial repercussions in the event of damage, theft, or physical loss.

Insurance policies usually extend to all types of jewelry items that are submitted under the coverage scope of the insurance plan, and if damage, theft, or physical loss occurs, the piece of jewelry will be subject to cost reimbursement, replacement, or repair.

In other words, if you get engagement ring insurance, if you lose or damage the ring, you may be able to get the cost back, get it repaired, or get the full replacement.

Obviously, if you are afraid of damaging or losing the ring, or you are afraid of it getting stolen, then getting engagement ring insurance might be a good idea. With that being said, whether or not you want to get engagement ring insurance is going to depend on a variety of factors, such as the ones that we are going to discuss below.

How Much Does Ring Insurance Cost?

One thing that you probably want to know is how much engagement ring insurance is going to cost you. Well, for the most part, you can expect ring insurance to cost you around 2% of the ring’s total value in insurance premiums per year.

Therefore, if you have an engagement ring that is worth $10,000, you can expect to pay up to $200 every year in insurance premiums.

In terms of the overall cost, this is quite affordable. If you consider the fact that you might not be able to replace the engagement ring due to your own financial restrictions, paying just a few hundred dollars each year for insurance doesn’t seem all that expensive.

How Much is Your Engagement Ring Worth?

When deciding whether or not to get engagement ring insurance for your engagement ring, one of the main considerations that you always need to keep in mind is how much it is actually worth. Keep in mind an engagement brings a promise that you and somebody else have made with each other and is probably going to be one of the more expensive pieces of jewelry that you have in your possession.

That said, you always want to consider how much monetary value the ring has compared to the sentimental value of it. The simple reality is that engagement ring insurance is going to cover the dollar value of the ring, but of course, there is not any kind of insurance plan out there that is going to cover the sentimental value of it.

A ring can have a whole lot of sentimental meaning for you without actually having much monetary value. Therefore, you need to consider how sentimental the ring is to you, versus the monetary cost of it. The simple reality is that an insurance plan isn’t going to replace that emotion that you feel with a ring, especially if it is something like your great-grandmother’s engagement ring.

So, if the ring has a whole lot of monetary value and is worth thousands and thousands of dollars, then yes, getting it insured with engagement ring insurance is probably a good idea. However, if the engagement ring doesn’t have much financial value, and is more valuable on a sentimental front, than getting insurance is probably not the best idea, because insurance can’t cover that sentimental value. It might just not be worth it.

What About Your Homeowners’ Insurance?

The vast majority of renters’ and homeowners’ insurance policies do offer some kind of personal property coverage. This doesn’t just apply to the furniture and other belongings in your home, but also to items like jewelry, and this is the case even if you aren’t home.

So, related to the above point, if your ring is fairly inexpensive and has more sentimental value than it does monetary value, then the insurance coverage provided by either your renters’ insurance or homeowners’ insurance might be enough for you.

Here, you would just consider it as a deductible that you would apply to a personal property claim, because you don’t want it taking away from the replacement value.

With that being said, if that piece of jewelry you have is extremely valuable, then relying on homeowners’ insurance alone is probably not good enough. The reason for this is because you are usually always going to run into claim limits on high value items like jewelry.

This limit may be as low as a $1000, depending on the plan that you have. Therefore, for instance, if you have a ring that is worth $20,000, but only a $5000 limit on jewelry, then you will lose that $15,000 difference. Once again, it really all depends on how valuable that ring is.

One thing that you need to keep in mind is that if you file a jewelry claim on your homeowners’ insurance, it may very well affect the insurance plan as a whole. In other words, the premium for your homeowner insurance could drastically increase due to actual reclaim.

Think About Personal Property Insurance

If you are planning on getting some kind of insurance for your engagement ring, getting some regular personal property insurance can be a good idea. This is because personal property insurance tends to be cheaper than other types of insurance.

For instance, if you are wondering what the cost of an insurance plan for your engagement ring is going to be, on average, you can expect to spend up to 2% on the piece’s value per year.

Therefore, if you have an engagement ring that is worth $5000, you would likely end up paying somewhere around $100 per year in insurance premiums. However, there are certain factors to consider. If you live in an area that has very high crime and theft rates, you may be paying higher premiums.

With that being said, if you consider the fact that replacing your engagement ring could cost you tens of thousands of dollars, paying a few dollars every month for an insurance premium seems like a pretty good idea.

Can You Afford to Replace the Ring?

One of the most important considerations to keep in mind is if you can afford to replace the ring if it were stolen or lost. This is also something that you need to consider when you are considering whether or not to get the extended warranty or supplemental insurance. With that being said, the rule that most people follow is that you should ensure whatever you can’t afford to replace.

For instance, if your wedding ring costs $1000 and you can easily replace that, insuring it doesn’t really make much sense. However, if you have a $20,000 engagement ring, and you only make $40,000 per year, then getting insurance for it is probably a good idea. The bottom line here is that if you can’t afford to easily replace the engagement ring, then you should probably get it insured.

Getting Engagement Ring Insurance – Getting an Insurance Provider

Now that you have decided whether or not to get ring insurance for your engagement ring, it is time to cover the actual policy.

First and foremost, you want to get yourself a policy that is going to cover you on all fronts, whether your primary stone comes loose, you lose the ring, it slips off your hand, or it gets stolen. Then you also want to consider whether or not you want to get an insurance plan where the insurer imposes a deductible on.

When you are choosing an insurance plan for your engagement ring, there are plenty of questions that you need to ask yourself.

You need to consider if you can choose who repairs the ring if it is damaged, if you are going to get a cash payout or a replacement, if you can purchase a new ring, where you can purchase a new ring, what is going to happen if you can’t find a suitable replacement, and how you are going to have to prove that the ring is gone before you can make a claim.

You also need to consider if there are circumstances that aren’t covered, if you are going to be insured if this happens when you are out of the country, if you are insured for damage, or just theft and loss, if the policy will be adjusted accordingly due to inflation, and so on and so forth.

As you can see, there are plenty of considerations to keep in mind when choosing an insurance plan for your engagement ring. What you definitely want to do before choosing any kind of insurance plan for your engagement ring is to get the ring appraised. Then, the type of insurance plan that you get for your engagement ring is going to depend on how valuable it is.

If your ring has a higher value, for example, over $5000, an insurance provider is probably going to require you to get an appraisal. Just make sure that the person you get to appraise your ring has the proper credentials. For insurance purposes, you will want to reappraise the ring every few years.

Before you get it appraised, however, you want to get a grading report or diamond certificate. These are used to evaluate the carat weight, clarity, cut, and color of the diamond, important information that you will need for your insurance claim if the diamond or engagement ring is ever stolen.

Do You Need Ring Insurance – Final Thoughts

The bottom line is that if your engagement ring has great monetary value, you can’t easily replace it on your own, and its value is not covered by your other forms of insurance, then getting some kind of engagement ring insurance is a probably a good idea.

One of the best ways to increase an engagement ring’s sparkle and visual impact is to use melee diamonds. They are most noticeable in pave and halo engagement rings, which add brilliance around a centerpiece diamond. Still, melee diamonds can be used in various ways to enhance jewelry. So let’s learn more about these unique diamonds.

What Are Melee Diamonds?

Melee diamonds (pronounced may-lay) are tiny diamonds, less than 0.2 carats, typically cut and polished the same way as larger brilliant-cut diamonds. However, melee diamonds can be small, down to just 0.001 carats, and are also sometimes referred to as accent diamonds.

Unlike diamond chips, irregular pieces chipped off of a larger stone during cutting and processing, melee diamonds are cut and faceted for shine and brilliance. Thanks to modern technology, these stones can be smaller and cut more precisely than ever, giving them significant impact despite their small size.

Are Melee Diamonds Real?

Melee diamonds are natural but too small to be used alone in jewelry. So instead, they are used in clusters and groupings to add brilliance.

Melee Diamonds Sizes

The sizes of melee diamonds differ from country to country. As a rule, they are diamonds that are under 0.2 carats, and they can be as small as 0.001 carats. Most often, they are between 0.005 and 0.17ct in weight, ranging from about 1.0 to 3.6mm in size, depending on the cut.

Melee Diamond Cuts

The defining feature of melee diamonds is that they are cut and polished for brilliance, despite their small size. There are three historical ways that melee diamonds have been cut:

The Single Cut

Until the first half of the 20th century, all melee diamonds were single-cut. The single-cut diamond is an 8/8 facet arrangement (also called a “huit huit” cut, using the French words for “8/8”). It has 8 facets along the crown, 8 facets around the pavilion, and a table facet on top for 17 or 18 facets.

The 16/16 Cut

In the 1970s, the 16/16 cut was invented in Antwerp. This cut doubled the facts of an 8/8 for even more sparkle. In the 70s and 80s, the 16/16 was extremely popular for melee diamonds.

The Full Cut

In the late 1980s, cutters developed the means to apply the 57-58 facet design of large brilliant diamonds into tiny melee stones. Advancements in cutting technology allow diamond cutters to cut consistently and precisely smaller and smaller stones.

Single Cut vs. Full Cut Melee Diamond

Today, the full cut has almost entirely replaced single-cut melee diamonds in jewelry. The full cut adds so much fire and brilliance that single-cut melee has become a rarity outside watchmaking. Single-cut melee diamonds are often found in vintage jewelry or inexpensive diamonds sold at a discount. Discount single-cut diamonds today are almost always low-quality stones with inconsistent facets and shaping, so it is best to choose full-cut melee diamonds when possible. 

Melee Diamonds Prices

Melee diamonds are always more affordable than single diamonds for the equivalent carat weight; two diamonds weighing 0.25ct each cost less than a single diamond weighing 0.50ct because the larger diamond is more uncommon.

Like all diamonds, melee diamonds vary in price based on their size and quality. While the same factors (cut, color, clarity, and carat) can be applied to melee diamonds as any other diamond, they are too small to be graded individually. So instead, they are sold in parcels of similar stones and priced by total carat weight.

Average-grade melee diamonds typically cost $300-400 per carat. However, melee diamonds with better color and clarity can cost up to $800-1,000 per carat.

While color and clarity are essential factors in diamond grading and pricing, melee diamonds are so small that these factors may have virtually no impact on the appearance of the jewelry. Instead, cut and color are far more visible and impactful.

Taking Care of Melee Diamonds

If you choose melee diamond jewelry, especially a diamond engagement or wedding ring that will be worn constantly, taking good care of your diamonds is essential. These diamonds have many tiny faces and crevices where dirt can accumulate, yet they need to be cleaned gently to prevent the stones from loosening over time. To clean jewelry with melee diamonds:

• Combine mild liquid detergent and warm water
• Use a soft brush to gently sweep away dirt and debris
• Do not scrub aggressively, and do not use ultrasonic cleaners that vibrate. You may want to consider professional cleaning by a jeweler to keep your jewelry in peak condition without loosening any stones.

Related Questions

On what type of jewelry are melee diamonds used?

Melee diamonds are used on all kinds of jewelry but are most popular in engagement rings, which surround and enhance a centerpiece diamond. In addition, melee diamonds are used in channel, split-shank, pave, cluster, and halo diamond engagement ring settings. Melee diamonds are also used in watches, earrings, and other types of jewelry.

How are melee diamonds priced?

Like other natural diamonds, melee diamonds are sorted into parcels by cut, color, and clarity and then sold by the total carat weight of the group. Because they are so small, they are not graded individually due to the amount of time involved. The price of melee diamonds depends on their size and grade, but average melee diamonds typically cost $300-400 per carat.

Are melee diamonds natural?

Yes, melee diamonds are natural and real diamonds. They are more common today because we have the technologies to handle and cut smaller diamonds than ever, with incredible consistency and precision that creates fire and brilliance. In the past, diamond chips and other irregular small diamonds were often used as accent stones than today’s full-cut, sparkling, melee diamonds.

Conclusion

Melee diamonds are an excellent way to complement a larger stone, adding sparkle and brilliance. They can also be clustered to create spectacular jewelry by themselves or add something special to the band of a ring. Melee diamonds are also available at affordable prices, allowing you to increase the total carat weight and visual impact of your jewelry cost-effectively and playing an important role in jewelry design.

A diamond ring is precious and something you will treasure for a lifetime. However, to keep your diamond ring looking brilliant, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Of course, you could go to a jeweler and have it cleaned professionally, but this isn’t necessary. As long as you have the right tools (which are minimal and inexpensive), you can get that same brilliant shine and sparkle, and your ring will look just as beautiful as if a jeweler had cleaned it.

It only takes a few minutes to clean a diamond ring and make it sparkle like, well, like, a diamond. Today we will discuss how often you should clean a diamond ring and how to do it at home without spending much money. Let’s get started.

How Often to Clean a Diamond Ring

There are several schools of thought on how often you should clean your diamond ring. Some say it should be done weekly, while others say once every month or two is sufficient. When a diamond isn’t cleaned regularly, it will lose its luster. Sure, you can bring it back with a good cleaning, but if you are cleaning it regularly in the first place, this shouldn’t happen.

Also, did you know that a ring that isn’t cleaned regularly can harbor many unwanted bacteria? This can cause the metals in the ring to deteriorate, not to mention skin irritations.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to clean your diamond every day, but it should be done regularly. In fact, experts suggest that light cleaning be done every couple of weeks, with a deep cleaning being done once every month to ensure that it maintains its sparkle.

Bi-Weekly Cleaning

Diamonds are very durable, so they can be cleaned regularly without causing any damage to them. You don’t have to worry about damaging the stone using the right materials. If you wear your ring daily, it is a good idea to clean it every couple of weeks.

Make sure you take care to clean both the stone and the gold. Remember, if you want to have your ring cleaned professionally with an ultrasonic cleaner, the more you wash it yourself, the less time it will take for professional cleaning, and the sooner you can get it back on your finger.

Monthly Cleaning

A deeper, monthly cleaning of your diamond ring is also a good idea. This should be a more thorough cleaning than bi-weekly, but using the right materials is still just as important. Never use harsh chemicals, even on diamonds. Just because they are tough doesn’t mean you should be hard on them. This is ideal for monthly cleanings if you have your own ultrasonic cleaner.

What You’ll Need

You don’t need to spend much money on jewelry cleaning solutions. All you need for at-home diamond cleaning are the following:

• Mild liquid dish detergent
• Warm water
• Soft toothbrush
• Dry, clean, lint-free cloth (a microfiber cloth is excellent for cleaning jewelry)

Instructions on How to Clean a Diamond Ring

You can clean a diamond ring safely at home in several ways. The following methods are the most popular.

Soap and Water Method

The best way to clean a diamond ring at home is to use mild soap such as mild dish liquid or mild cleaning solution specifically for jewelry. To make your own cleaning solution, place warm water and mild soap in a bowl. Leave the ring to soak for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of dirt on the ring. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue if you need to remove makeup, skin lotion, etc. Rinse the ring under warm water after cleaning to remove any remaining soap residue.

Jewelry Cleaning Solutions

You can also use a nonabrasive jewelry cleaning solution free of chemicals. If you choose to do this, ensure you find a solution with no harsh chemicals, as they can cause the diamond to discolor and become less durable. Talk to your jeweler about the best jewelry cleaning solutions at home and how to use them.

Try Windex with Hydrogen Peroxide

You might want to try making your own ring-cleaning solution from Windex and hydrogen peroxide. Use a 50/50 ratio of Windex and peroxide. Soak the ring in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. The Windex will eliminate the day-to-day buildup, and if bacteria are on the ring, the hydrogen peroxide will take care of that. Next, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the ring and remove any additional residue. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.

Use Baking Soda

Baking soda can be used to clean your diamond ring in several ways. Simply mix one-half cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak the ring in this solution for two to three hours, then rinse with cool water. Use a soft brush to remove any baking soda residue.

Here’s another way to use baking soda to clean your ring. Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Place the ring on top of the foil, and add just enough baking soda to cover the ring. Next, pour boiling water over the ring, and allow it to sit in this solution for 30 seconds to one minute. Finally, rinse under warm water, using a soft toothbrush, to get rid of any baking soda residue.

Both methods are best for rings with silver metal bands. However, gold and white gold can scratch easily, so be careful when using baking soda because it is abrasive.

Cleaning a Diamond Ring: What Not to Do

Even though diamonds have one of the hardest surfaces in the world, it doesn’t mean you can use any cleaning solution. These stones can become damaged over time, so it is best if you only use a cleaning process that involves mild detergents and does not use harsh chemicals.

Here is a list of more things you shouldn’t do while cleaning your diamond ring:

• Never use acetone to clean your rings, as it can damage the metal in the band
• Never use hard or abrasive materials on your diamond
• Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain abrasives

Related Questions

Now, let’s look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cleaning and caring for diamond rings.

How do I store my diamond engagement ring safely?

If you are not going to be wearing your diamond ring, it should be stored properly. The best way is to keep it in a high-quality jewelry box with sections specifically for rings. Other options include storing it in the box it came in or storing it inside a cloth bag, such as velvet. Never leave the ring out in the open air, especially if the metal is silver because it can cause the metal to oxidize and turn color.

Which cleanser works the best with diamond rings?

Cleaning a diamond ring is best done with mild soap and warm water. There are also many good quality jewelry cleaning solutions available. If you prefer to use one of these, talk to your jeweler about which one is best to avoid doing any damage to your ring.

Can you clean a diamond ring with vinegar?

As mentioned earlier in this article, vinegar can be used to safely clean diamond rings. Just ensure that you are not using vinegar all the time, as it is acidic. Also, this method is not recommended if other stones in the ring are not diamonds, as they may be porous and can be damaged by vinegar.

Why is my diamond cloudy?

In most cases, a diamond can look cloudy because it has inclusions. The higher the grade of the diamond, the fewer inclusions it will have. Cloudiness can also be caused when the diamond isn’t properly cut or has a chip or scratch. Also, if you are not cleaning your ring regularly, it can look cloudy due to dirt buildup.

Conclusion

A diamond ring is an investment; not only should it last for a lifetime, but it should also last for many lifetimes and maybe even be handed down from generation to generation. You must take care of this investment. Cleaning your diamond ring regularly will ensure that it always maintains its luster and sparkles like the stars in the night sky. Be sure to clean your diamond ring regularly, and take it to your jeweler for a professional cleaning at least once a year (every six months is recommended).