Finger size changes throughout the day depending on temperature and other factors.  Do not measure when your fingers are cold, as that is when fingers are at their smallest. For a comfortable fit, it is best to measure at room temperature at the end of the day when fingers are at their largest.

Follow the steps below for finger measurement:

1) Find a piece of string or strip of paper no wider than 1/2".

2) Wrap it around the base of the finger. Make sure it is not wrapped too tightly, as the ring should be able to slide easily over the knuckle.

3) Mark the point on the string/paper where it overlaps.

4) Measure from the starting end of the string/paper to the mark.

5) Use this measurement and our ring size reference chart to determine your ring size.

Ask the intended recipient for his/her finger size.

Borrow the recipient's ring and slide it down a tapered candle. Mark where it falls on the candle and measure the candle circumference according to the instructions above.

COLOR

Diamonds with a natural body color other than light yellow, light brown or light gray are called fancy color diamonds; such as pink, purplish red, green and blue. Fancy color diamonds may cost a lot more than those which are colorless.

CLARITY

The fewer, smaller and less noticeable flaws and blemishes the higher the price of a diamond. To examine a diamond for clarity, you'll need a ten-power magnifier.The 11 GIA clarity grades are as follows:

Fl (Flawless)
No inclusions (flaws inside the diamond) and no blemishes (flaws on the surface)

IF (Internally Flawless)
No inclusion and only insignificant blemishes.

VVS1 & VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included)
Very, very slightly included - minute flaws difficult to see with a 10X magnifier.

VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included)
Very slightly included - minor inclusions ranging from difficult to somewhat easy to see under a 10X magnifier.

SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included)
Slightly included, noticeable inclusions easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) to see under a 10X magnifier, but that normally aren't eye - visible.

I1, I2 & I3 (Imperfect)
Eye-visible flaws face up that range from 'just visible' (I1) to 'extremely visible' to the naked eye (I3). Some I1 and I3 diamonds may be damaged by ultrasonic cleaning, and because of the inclusions, they may also be less resistant to knocks.

CARAT

Usually, the greater the carat weight category the higher the price of a diamond. A carat is a unit of weight equaling 1/5 of a gram. The weight of a small diamond is frequently expressed in points, with one point equaling 0.01 carats. A ring with a 1-carat top quality diamond can be valued more than 10 times as much as a ring with one carat in lower color, clarity and cut quality.

CUT

The cut of a diamond not only affects how big and brilliant it looks, it also plays an important role in determining its price. Round brilliant diamonds are commonly cut with 58 facets. The better proportioned these facets, the more light will be reflected back to the viewer's eye. When cut properly, a diamond will sparkle with more brilliance than a badly cut diamond. Diamond cuts are measured by the 'table percentage', so always ask for it. If the table size is too large, the diamond won't have much sparkle or fire. A good table percentage is between 53-60%. Cut also refers to the general shape of the diamond, such as round, oval, pear, heart, rectangle, square and marquise.

(All images are provided by MabelleLife.)