Diamond Rings Buying Guide
Cut
Cut is often considered the most important of the four c’s and measures how well-proportioned a diamond's dimensions are, including the balance and brilliance of its facets. Cut has a great influence on a diamond's beauty and highlights the other four factors.
Colour
Diamond colour is also a measurable grade that quantifies how colourless it is along a standardised diamond colour chart. The most desirable and valuable colour variations are as close to colourless as possible. As you move down the chart, the diamonds will have increasingly more discolouration.
Clarity
Clarity is the assessment of small imperfections on the surface and within the gemstone. Flaws on the surface of a diamond are called blemishes while internal defects are known as inclusions.
Carat
You have probably heard of the term carat, however, it’s often something that is misunderstood. The carat of a diamond refers to its weight and not its size. While it’s true that a big rock is sometimes thought of as a status symbol, it’s important to note the beautiful sparkle of a well-crafted cut with good colour and clarity.
Diamond Shapes and Styles
Round Brilliant Cut
The round brilliant cut diamond is what most people think of when they think of a diamond. It is round with a cone-shaped bottom and is known as a classic diamond cut. Elegant, sophisticated and truly timeless, you can rock a range of different jewellery with this style such as engagement rings and dress rings.
The brilliant-cut diamond has an incredible 58 facets, which allows the diamond to be radiant, sparkly and full of fire. 33 of these facets are in fact located in the top half of the diamond (the crown) and 25 on the bottom half. Every facet has been precisely cut to reflect the lightest, creating a stunning and eye-catching display from even the slightest movement.
As the most popular diamond cut, making up 75% of diamonds sold worldwide, you can find round diamond rings in a range of different settings and styles. From showstopping solitaire centrepieces to accentuating embellishments with smaller stones, the world is your oyster with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Emerald Cut Diamonds
Elegant and sophisticated, emerald cut diamonds are one of the most confident cuts that embody glamour in a modern way. The emerald style features a rectangular cut with facets that run in a linear fashion, its shape is the focal point of the diamond. While it can be less fiery than round brilliant cut diamonds, it does produce broader, more dramatic flashes of light in a unique way.
Due to the vast, open table, it is very important that you pay close attention to clarity and cut to select a high-quality diamond that is sure to impress.
The emerald-cut diamond is completely unique to itself and cannot be compared to any other diamond cut. There are various styles and settings that feature this design diamond, so you are sure to find something that suits your personal style!
Pear Shaped Diamonds
The pear-shaped diamond, otherwise known as the teardrop diamond is a combination of the round brilliant cut diamond and the marquise diamond. The elegant lines of the pear-shaped diamonds bring elegance and sophistication to the most simple or elaborate settings. It features a fiery cut that reflects light beautifully giving you sparkle and flash along with their unique silhouette.
There are many benefits to choosing a pear-shaped diamond other than just being eye-catching. Because of their elongated shape, pear cuts look visibly bigger than brilliant round diamonds, and it's not just an illusion - they’re actually up to 8% larger on the top surface. Not only this, but they are also 10%-30% more affordable than a round diamond with the same carat weight. When shopping for a pear-shaped diamond, be sure to look out for the symmetry of the gemstone by drawing an imaginary line up the middle of the stone.
Princess Cut Diamonds
The princess cut diamond is characterised by its geometric, sharp, square shape. It’s a cut that embodies contemporary inspirations with angular and strong lines with a pyramid shape and four bevelled sides. It’s an extremely popular shape for engagement rings and is often used in a channel setting as accentuating stones.
While it doesn’t necessarily embody incredible fire, it instead boasts wonderful flashes of light that elevate the geometric cut of the diamond. To acquire its well-known level of brilliance, the princess cut diamond can contain anywhere from 57 to 76 facets. Feel like a true royal in a beautiful princess cut diamond ring.
