As overwhelming as purchasing diamond engagement rings may seem, it’s not as intimidating as you may think. As long as you arm yourself with a bit of knowledge it shouldn’t be difficult at all. Here are 10 things to know before buying a diamond engagement ring that will put your mind at ease, and give you confidence in your purchase.

1. Online diamond purchases are safe and affordable

In this technological age, consumers purchase everything from washing machines to sapling trees on line; diamonds are no different. Purchasing diamonds online is as safe and affordable as purchasing anything else.

1. Price shouldn’t be the determining factor

The price of diamond engagement rings definitely matters, but so does what happens after the purchase. Be sure the jeweler will provide free periodic inspections and cleanings of your diamond jewelry, and if they won’t insure the jewelry, you should purchase from a jeweler that will.

1. Laboratory-grown diamonds are real diamonds

As much as some retailers want you to believe laboratory-grown diamonds aren’t real diamonds, don’t fall for it. They are both formed of carbon and other elements, and they are both formed under intense pressure and heat.

1. Clarity-enhanced diamonds can be very valuable

When a diamond is clarity-enhanced it means the imperfections have been removed or masked from the diamond by manual means. As a result, the diamond will have a better clarity rating, and a better clarity rating means the diamond is now more valuable. Don’t be afraid to purchase clarity-enhances diamond engagement rings.

1. Appraisal and certification are not the same thing

Certification means a diamond has been inspected and graded by an independent gemological laboratory, and the findings aren’t biased. An appraisal means a diamond has been assessed a value based on the opinion of the jeweller who is selling the diamond, and therefore the appraised value can be viewed as biased.

1. The GIA is the most reputable and reliable laboratory

There are a number of gemological laboratories around the world that inspect and grade diamonds. The most reputable, and reliable, of all of them is the Gemological Institution of America.

1. There is no such thing as a flawless diamond

OK, that’s a little misleading. Flawless diamonds do exist. However, they are so astronomically priced you’d never be able to afford one. So, if a jeweller is trying to sell you a flawless diamond…run!

1. Clearly understand the jewellers return policies

As with any other consumer purchase, be sure you clearly understand the return policies of the jeweller you’re making your purchase from so you aren’t caught off guard should you need to return your diamond engagement ring.

1. One C isn’t more important than another C

The 5 C’s of the diamond industry include Clarity, Cut, Color, Carat and Certification. One is no less important than the others so take all of them into consideration when purchasing diamond engagement rings.

10.Don’t forget your option to create your own

Finally, don’t forget that you have the freedom to design a diamond engagement ring the way you want to so that it will truly be a unique work of art. A jeweller will help you do this; you’ve only to ask for assistance.

2013 has ushered in some old tried and true diamond engagement ring trends as well as some new, most original and unique trends. Here’s a brief look at the top engagement ring trends for 2013.

1. Fancy color diamonds

Fancy color diamonds used to be reserved for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries or just because. Fancy color diamonds are also the perfect complement to almost any outfit. Fancy color diamonds are also emerging as one of the newest engagement ring trends this year.

Shades of yellow, and pink, diamonds are among the most popular choices, but don’t rule out the beauty of blue, brown and red color diamonds. Any one of these colors placed in a unique setting can make the perfect engagement ring.

1. Mixed metals

Traditional 14k and 18k gold bands and settings are still popular choices, but mixed metals are trending as well. Any mixture of metals including platinum, titanium yellow or white gold is hot right now. The combinations can be used to create stunning settings, and their uniqueness makes them even more cherished.

1. Emerald cut

An emerald cut diamond has an aura about it that’s unmatched by any other diamond cut. It’s classy and elegance mixed with an air of vintage makes an engagement ring remarkable and memorable. The sleekness of the lines makes the stone appear bigger than it actually is which may also be attributing to its current trending.

1. Halos

Another huge trend in engagement rings this year is the halo setting; or more accurately, the double halo setting. The two-tiered look of a double halo wrapped elegantly around a center stone adds dimension to the ring, and makes the center stone look bigger.

1. Pear cut

The pear cut diamond engagement ring is another cut that has that hint of vintage coupled with a royal air of elegance. This extremely feminine design has the added benefit of appearing larger in carats than it actually is. This makes the pear cut not only popular, but more affordable.

1. Blue Sapphires

Maybe it’s because of that astonishing blue sapphire Prince William gave to the lovely, Kate Middleton that sparked the blue sapphire trend, but whatever it was, it’s caught on like wildfire. Blue sapphires a huge this year!

1. Art Deco

While the vintage look has been making great strides for many years now, the newest trend has been narrowed down to the very prominent and striking art deco look. This trending look has strong, masculine lines, but the intricate detailing adds that feminine touch every girl is looking for.

1. Eternity Bands

The newest kid on the block is the eternity band. This strong, stunning look is catching more and more eyes, and more and more women are asking for an eternity band as their engagement ring.

1. Floral Motifs

What woman isn’t swept away by flowers? Floral motif engagement rings have personality, beauty and are fast gaining popularity among brides-to-be.

10. 3-stone ring

It is said that the 3-stone ring symbolically represents the past, the present and the future and that why they are still so popular. Look for 3-stone rings in unique settings, and in an array of fancy colors.

The New Laboratory Manufactured Diamonds – Good or Bad?

As the interest in diamonds grows each year, the demand for them goes up. One way the diamond industry has attempted to meet that growing demand is by manufacturing diamonds in laboratories around the world. Man-made diamonds are quite common place in today’s diamond market. Some people wonder if this is a good thing or a bad thing. Let’s take a look.

1/4 carat side diamonds three diamond ring with triangle sides

Everyone knows that diamonds that are formed naturally in the deepest depths of the earth are by far, more desired than manufactured diamonds. These precious and unique stones aren’t always available, though. Simply put, there are just not enough of them being mined each year. The alternative choice, laboratory-manufactured diamonds, is intended to fill that demand.

What’s a laboratory-manufactured diamond?

Sometimes called synthetic diamonds, cultured diamonds or cultivated diamonds, these stones are created using an artificial process that mimics the process that natural diamonds are subjected to in their creation. This is done using a few different methods.

High Pressure and High Temperature (HPHT) is the original way synthetic diamonds were first created. As the name of the process indicates, high pressure and high temperature are combined in a controlled setting to create diamonds. Other methods used are Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), a process that creates a carbon plasma onto which carbon atoms cling to and ultimately form a diamond.

Other processes used are detonation of explosives inside a metal chamber which allows carbons to form into diamonds, and Ultrasound Cavitation, a process that synthesizes diamond microcrystals to form diamonds.

Are laboratory-grown diamonds as valuable as natural diamonds?

There is no one answer to this question. Synthetic diamonds have the same chemical makeup as natural diamonds, but they aren’t real diamonds in the sense that they’ve been manually manufactured. Still, some synthetic diamonds are quite expensive, and considered extremely valuable. It really depends on the diamond’s carat, color, clarity, and cut.

Also, synthetic diamonds are extremely hard to detect. Telling the difference between them and natural diamonds can be very hard to do. This is another reason a synthetic diamond can be so valuable.

So are laboratory-grown diamonds good or bad?

The answer to this question depends on you. If you’re adamant that your diamonds are formed naturally within the earth, then synthetic diamonds aren’t for you. If, however, you’re more concerned with your diamonds clarity, color, cut and carat and not so much about how it was formed into a diamond, then synthetic diamonds are a good choice for you.

Remember, synthetic diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical makeup of diamonds that are mines from the earth. The only real difference is that laboratory-grown diamonds are more readily available.

Spring is in the air, and so is the newest collection of spring diamond jewelry. It’s time to put away your winter gear, and dig out those lovely pastel colors of springs. The 2013 diamond trends are a combination of colors, styles and designs that will compliment your wardrobe, and add a little spring to your step.

Stackable diamond rings aren’t anything new. They’ve been around for some time, and there was even a trending spike last year. Well, the forecast for this spring indicated these unique fashionable diamond rings aren’t going anywhere anytime soon so be sure to purchase at least one for your diamond jewelry spring collection.

Platinum is another trend from last year that is easily transitioning over this spring. That black and white allure that comes from so many different combinations of platinum and diamonds are one of the hottest, and longest running trends, that fit any season; this spring is no different.

Another diamond piece that fits nicely into this year’s spring diamond collection is the diamond watch. There’s a huge selection out there, but the ones that are getting most of the attention are the large-faced watches encircled with diamonds. Watch for wider diamond watch bands as well. Big and bold is definitely in for spring 2013.

When you’re selecting your diamond spring collection, of course you’re going to want to include the traditional diamond earrings, and diamond necklaces. Big may be in for diamond watches, but diamond earrings and necklaces are taking a more modest approach this spring. These diamond jewelry pieces will still have flair, but not as much as you may think.

The colors of spring are a popular this season too. Soft pinks, iridescent blues, and yellows are all in for spring 2013. These spring colors will be seen more in necklaces and earrings, than diamond rings. Still, there’ll be lots of shades, and designs to choose from so you’ll certainly be able to find something that fit your fancy.

There’s always a big wave of new diamond engagement rings that hit to market each spring. This time of year represents rebirth, and growth. Many couple choose to commit to each other in the spring as a symbol of their desire to start a new chapter in their lives as a couple. The diamond engagement ring represents their commitment to grow together in the future. This spring you’ll see a mix of traditional, and contemporary, diamond engagement rings available in various settings and colors.

And of course, don’t forget to keep your eyes pegged on the red carpet of Hollywood as spring unfolds. Here’s where you’re going to see these hot trends, both old and new, emerge with a huge dose of “Bling” tossed in. Celebrities just can’t stay away from diamonds!

So when you’re putting together your diamond jewelry spring collection this season, you can use these tips to create a fashionable and trendy collection everyone will be talking about!