Many belonging to the Edwardian High Society wore diamonds. The members of this group were respected due to their birth which emphasized the distance between the different castes. Because it is when people began to question societal differences, this particular period in history may have been the foundation which allows anyone to possess these dazzling stones today.

An engagement ring is typically regarded as a symbol of two lives being joined into one and more times than not, the stone of choice is a diamond. As a promise of eternal love, their value is limitless. Of course economically speaking, certain stones will cost more than others depending on a number of factors used to measure their value.

Not only are diamonds known for their beauty and symbol of eternal love, they have time-tested strength and durability. Natural diamonds have proven to withstand knocks and scratches of everyday life inflicted over years of wear. By contrast, their treated counterparts have not been given this same test of time for the obvious reason they have not been around as long.

So, what style should you choose? The answer to this question is limitless - it will be as unique as the individual who will wear it. Just as most of us have a favorite color, you'll find that diamonds come in an array of natural colors. And, color plays a role in the price you'll pay. For example, a natural green stone may be valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars while an irradiated or treated version might be available at a fraction of the cost.

If a flush setting is used, the diamond is set securely and presents a smooth appearance. This type of mounting is recommended for anyone who does a lot of work with their hands. The flush setting is generally more expensive than the prong setting, but the stone receives more protection with this option.

The cut can enhance a diamond's sparkle and provide a window into its owner's personality. Generally, someone wearing a round cut displays security and a family centered personality. On the other hand, an individual sporting a marquise cut tends to have a career-centered personality.

After shopping for antique diamond rings and finding the perfect fit, don't forget to properly care for your jewelry. Since diamonds are natural grease attractors, natural skin oil can become embedded in your ring quite easily. Get a gentle jewelry cleaner and make it a habit to clean your gem periodically so it can continue to look as beautiful and shiny as the day you got it!