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Section Three The Canadian Statesman, Bowmanville, February 15,1964 5 Buying a diamond engagement ring? Two months' salary is good guideline Outdoor weddings -- a popular choice Today's bride is observing all the old wedding traditions but when it comes to her diamond diamond engagement ring, she wants the new designs of the •80s. Jewelry designers have updated updated the classic styles for contemporary contemporary taste with geometric geometric and delicate free-form mountings that feature two- tone white and yellow gold combinations, accenting smaller diamonds and channel setting--a stone-on-stone design. design. Also popular are coordinated coordinated bridal sets that emphasize emphasize a total fashion look. And, for the sophisticate who wants high style in her diamond diamond engagement ring, the fancy cuts--marquise, oval, pear and emerald--are the favorites. favorites. This year, because there is more variety in styling than ever before with each ring appearing appearing prettier than the next, a final choice won't be easy. However, for most young couples, the most difficult decision decision in selecting a diamond engagement ring is not choosing choosing a style but deciding how much to spend. Consider price The first mistake people make when shopping for a diamond diamond ring is to use as a criterion criterion what their parents spent on an engagement ring 20 or 25 years ago. They believe if they spend between $600 and $700 that they'll be able to get a ring similar in quality to their parent's engagement ring. This just isn't the case. In 1960, a medium-to-good quality one-carat diamond ring cost between $500-$600. Today, that same ring could be worth between $5,000- $10,000--that's more than 10 times the original purchase price. If a couple sets a price guideline of two months' salary, salary, they will be able to buy a good quality diamond that will continue to appreciate in value just as their parents ' rings did. Currently, a good quality V* carat ring ranges in price from $600-$1,200; % carat, $800- $1,700; Vi carat, $1,500- $3,500 and % carat, $3,000- $6,000. When people stop to think about how much money they spend on things that don't last, they realize they can't at- ford not to buy the best they can. To judge the value and make comparison studies between various diamonds, a knowledge knowledge of the 4 C's--cut, color, clarity and carat weight--is necessary. These are the standards that should be used before purchasing purchasing a diamond to ensure the best value: • Color -- The degree of whiteness in a diamond affects its price. Variation in color is often so slight that it can be detected detected only by an expert under a direct north light or specially-balanced fluorescent. fluorescent. Clear white diamonds without without color are very rare and are valued accordingly. Most di- amonds that are described as white have a slight tinge of color or warmth. • Clarity -- A diamond is considered flawless when inclusions inclusions cannot be detected by the trained eye under 10-power magnification. Flawless diamonds, diamonds, like colorless diamonds, diamonds, are rare and therefore very expensive. Know your C's Most diamonds contain flaws--spots, bubbles, Unes. These inclusions were present in the stone when it was formed by nature millions of years ago. If a flaw can be seen by the naked eye, it may mar the beauty of the diamond and will certainly reduce its value. However, flaws that do not interfere with a diamond's brilliance or fire, nor endanger its durability, are of minor importance. importance. They should not affect affect the enjoyment of the stone but will affect the price. • Carat Weight -- Carat, the unit used to measure the weight of a diamond, is divided divided into 100 points. A diamond diamond weighing 48 points is a Uttle less than one-half carat. Generally speaking, larger diamonds have a greater value per carat because they are rare. For example, a one-carat stone is far more valuable than two one-half carat diamonds of equivalent quaüty. Choose carefully On the other hand, cut, color and clarity must also be taken into account when ascertaining ascertaining the per-carat price. A top-color, flawless half-carat diamond will be worth more than a warmer color, flawed one-carat stone. • Cut--The shape of a diamond diamond and the arrangement of its facets is also a determinant in value. A full-cut diamond contains 58 facets. The placement and proportion of these facets affects the brilliancy brilliancy of the stone. A properly cut diamond obtains a maximum maximum play of light, which creates more brilliance and fire. Cut can also mean the popular popular shapes of diamonds-- round, oval, marquise, pear, heart and emerald. Choice of shape is a matter of personal taste. The fancy cuts--oval, marquise, marquise, pear, heart, emerald-- tend to look larger than a round cut of the same weight; yet, the traditional round cut, which has more brilliancy than the other shapes, is still the.overwhelming favorite. An outdoor wedding in a favorite place can be a charm- ing way to celebrate this momentous, once-in-a-life- time occasion. But, no matter how much you planned, there is still a chance that the unforeseen will occur. The neighbor's dog might decide to take a stroll down the aisle with the As the wedding day approaches, approaches, every groom wants to look his best. Despite all of the .worrying over clothes and other details, there is one particular particular aspect to his appearance appearance that a man should be super careful about--his haircut. haircut. The most attractive haircut for any man depends upon his own unique facial structure and features. For instance, a man who possesses a large nose may look better with his hair combed away from his face, according to New York grooming specialist Stan Place. Place also suggests that a high foreheaded gentleman brush his hair forward or to either side, and that a low forehead calls for the hair to be brushed back or forward. In addition, Place recommends recommends that a man with a receding receding chin have his hair trimmed short at top and left long at the back and sides. Skin and hair care are as fundamental to the groom as to the bride, and to find his skin type, the groom should go to a grooming bar at a department store. For example, if his hair is oily, an anti-oil shampoo will be prescribed. In essence, a few simple grooming tips can help any bride; it could start raining; or some bees might attach themselves themselves to the bridal bouquet. But, whatever happens the best remedy is to remain gracious gracious and keep smiling. There should be an alternative alternative space available in case it rains. If the ground is relatively relatively flat, a large tent could be set up. man develop and maintain his optimum appearance, which is sure to please his wife long after the wedding day. New plastic trash pails are perfect for storing ice, and light foods such as seafood salads, quiches, cold soup and fresh fruit are good choices. A separate table should be set'up for the cake and beverages. beverages. Iced tea and lemonade are great additions to the beverage beverage list for those guests who prefer non-alcoholic refreshers. You may also choose to offer outdoor activities such as badminton and volleyball to keep the party going. Patios or driveways can be set aside for dancing. our iTreasure Ppedcfintj 'Pkotoarmks moms PHOTO BY- De A GOULD A PHOTO SHOP LIMITED BOWMANVILLE 78 King St. West 623-2404 Visit our Bridal Corner at... Gould's Cards and Gifts 555 Rossland Rd. East Oshawa Take Off! on a Honeymoon you'll never forget. Come in and discuss your trip with us. Our travel experts will help you plan and organize your honey- Ér'^moon^no matter where it may be. Call us at 623-3182 Bowman villeTravelCentre 47 King Street West Tonsorial tips for the groom