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The Canadian Champion, Friday, August 27, 2004-B7 PWVddi ng ~d Rings And Things By Tresa Eridçson You finally know how and where you are going f0 pro- pose. Now ail you need is an engagement ring. Not just any old ring will do, however. You want the perfect ring. But where do you start and what do you need to know as you shop for the perfect ring? Before you go to any jewel- ry store, you need f0 educate yourself on the 4Cs: Color, Clarity, Cut and Carat. Ail help determine the value of a dia- mond. Generally diamonda have brown or yellow under- tones, as well as interior and exterior flaws, such as scratch- es, niciça and inclusions. The lesa color and the more clarity a diamond has, the higher its value. A diamond that is cut proportionately and symmetri- cally will reflecf more light, increasing both ifs sparkle and its value. The more carats a diamond weighs, the more rare t is and the more it s worth. To learn more about the 4Cs, go to the Gemological Institut e of Americas Web site at 4cs.gia.edu. Once you know a bit more about the 4Cs, check with the Betfer Business Bureau or local chamber of commerce for a liat of reputable jewelers. You are probably going to spend a good deal of money, 50 you want make sure you get the real thing. You should also find out about the stores' return and repair policies. As you shop for a ring, take your time and stick f0 your budget. You dont want to empty your bank account for fhe f irst huge diamond you see. Smaller diamonds are often of better quality than larger ones. Again, knowing the 4Cs will help you to choose the best ring for your money. When choosing a ring, think about your fiancées fastes in jewelry. Does she wear a lot of gold or platinum jewelry? Does she like gemtones? Does she lean toward more simple or elaborate pieces? More impor- tantly, whaf kind of lifestyle does she lead? If she is athlef- c or works in the oufdoors, she might want a simple ring. On the other hand, if she prefers the indoors and works in an office, she might want something fancier. To narrow down your selections, con- sider the 4Cs of the diamond as well as the setting. Platinum prongs are stronger than gold ones. The band of the ring should also be strong. You dont want it to get bent out of shape the first day your fiancée wears it. Once youve decided on two or three ring styles, visit several jewelers and com- pare prices. Then take your fiancées tastes into consideration and choose the one that will basf fit your budget and her personality. Before you know if, youlIl have a ring in your pocket and youlIl be ail set f0 propose. yoif r /~m~y a2ea~y 44 ~e$1..k»wI Th &~fa ~ 2005 (d5~ ~ 5~ey~'oit t 4~eetm .9vJ a'75-,t200 ~,,i23 bell' occhio gifts and good tbings e6idat & s/uiwv ts, e6eýe. (wedinqjau&) we ~ & 6"idt jeweUý< ce2tiece& andtm&w,.. 500 stede&a,. il"on 905693-9888 Askabotiour 2005 Secial W905.ng8rates e hrig,3 j BnqeIal e xeinedW digCoslat fod eqistlypesne e5Afo gal W ig Pcg eso 9 Ove 5yasi tehiaiyi ndsrg 'l el o u aeyu seu i wwbaqetalsntri.cmg-a .ýgra o o g@ym atc gc