Diamond Rings Buying Guide
In the market for a diamond ring? Not sure where to start? Overwhelmed by all the information out there? Not to worry - our comprehensive diamond rings buying guide is here to help! Adding that hint of sparkle has never been easier, and as they say - diamonds are a girl's best friend. So, whether you’re looking for an engagement ring, eternity band, promise ring or gemstone ring - a diamond ring is a spectacular choice.
When you are buying a diamond ring, there are many factors to keep in mind and decisions to make. It’s important to consider both your personal preferences as well as your needs during the decision-making process. A diamond ring is a significant investment, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the best value for your money.
Understand the different qualifications of diamonds, and the 4 c’s - cut, colour, clarity and carat to find your perfect match. Ever wondered the difference between a lab grown diamond and a mined diamond? Wonder no more, we answer all your questions.
Once you get past the nitty gritty details, you get to the fun part! Express your true personal style with various designs and metal choices.
Discover your path to finding the perfect diamond ring, and take your look to the next level with incredible sparkle and shine.
OVERVIEW:
- Understanding the 4 c’s
- Lab grown v.natural diamond
- Diamond shapes and styles
- Metal types
- How to find your ring size
Understanding the 4 C's
The first step in buying any kind of diamond is to understand the 4 c’s. Just like snowflakes, no two diamonds are the exact same, which is what makes them so special and rare! Each is equipped with its own set of unique characteristics that professional diamond cutters strive to enhance and maximise the beauty of the stone.
Each gemstone is held to a set of standards known as the 4 c’s - they stand for cut, colour rating, clarity and carat. They all interact together to determine the overall rating and diamond quality.
While these standards can help to determine the quality, there ultimately is no right or wrong answer as to how a diamond should look!
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.
Lab Grown v. Natural Diamond
You may have heard a lot about lab grown diamonds, but are still unsure about the real difference between these lab grown diamonds and mined diamonds from the ground. Well, rest assured that both of these diamonds have the same chemical and physical properties, instead their difference lies in how they were formed.
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the earth’s mantle over millions of years under high pressure and temperature, meanwhile, lab-grown diamonds are created in a laboratory using advanced technological processes that mimic this natural growing process.
Learn how lab grown diamonds are made in the video below!
There are several differences between lab-grown and natural diamonds that may affect their value and desirability. Lab-grown diamonds are typically less expensive than natural diamonds, and are usually more readily available in larger sizes and higher clarity grades than mined diamonds. Some people hold mined diamonds close to their heart and prefer them because of their emotional significance and rarity.
Ultimately, the choice between mined diamonds and natural diamonds is entirely up to you. While some value the rarity and authenticity of a natural diamond, others may prioritise the affordability and sustainability of lab diamonds. Just remember that even trained professionals cannot tell the difference between lab grown and mined diamonds!
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.
Cushion Cut Diamonds
Looking for modern beauty with that hint of vintage style? The cushion-cut diamond ring would be the one for you. This modern-day cushion cut owes its amazing facet design to an antique diamond cut which was known as the old mine cut. Taking its inspiration from this popular design, this cut features a square shape with soft, rounded corners.
The cushion-cut diamond is a very durable gemstone style, so you won’t need to worry about damaging it with everyday wear and tear. If colour and sparkle are your two priorities, then you’re in luck; cushion cut diamonds are well known for their ability to hold light well and reflect beautifully with their high level of brilliance and fire.
Not only is it beautiful and stylish, but a cushion-cut diamond is actually less expensive per carat than brilliant round-cut diamonds. Much like the emerald cut diamond, cushion cut diamonds have a large table, which does allow imperfections to show in the stone.
The standard cushion cut diamond cut is the most similar to its precursor (the old mine cut) and gives a truly romantic and classic shape. It boasts broad and chunky facets with a smaller table and also more rounded sides. Today, it is rare to find a standard cushion cut as it represents only 1% of all cushion diamond supply.
The modified cushion cut diamond takes notes from the brilliant cut techniques, and embodies an extra row of facets to display a more splintery and interesting appearance.
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!
MARQUISE CUT
The stunning Marquise cut diamond dates back to the 18th century and is truly head-turning. This style is sometimes referred to as the navette-shaped diamond and was created by King Louis XV who ordered royal jewellers to cut diamonds to resemble the lips of his lover Marquise de Pompadour. It features an elongated elliptical shape with pointed ends, typically having 58 facets. The long narrow design of the diamond can create the illusion of a greater shape and is known to flatter the wearer as they move with the natural lines and curves of your finger.
This shape has a rich history in romance, making it especially stand out and have an emotional background. Marquise cut diamonds can be set both vertically and horizontally, however, it is much more common to see it set in the traditional north-south style - demanding attention.
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.
OVAL DIAMONDS
Oval diamonds are a popular diamond shape that has an elongated, oval silhouette with rounded edges. They are a modified brilliant cut, which means they have 58 facets that are strategically placed to maximise the diamond's brilliance and fire. They’re a classic and soft look that will never go out of style and are great for everyday wear.
When shopping for an oval diamond, it's important to consider the diamond's cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. A well-cut oval diamond will have excellent symmetry and proportion, resulting in a brilliant sparkle. Additionally, oval diamonds tend to retain more colour than round diamonds, so it's important to select a diamond with a higher colour grade.
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.
Metal Types
There are a few popular options for the metal used in wedding rings, each with their own properties that will determine which is the best for you!
TYPE OF DIAMOND
A more recent debate to arise in relation to purchasing diamond jewellery is the type of diamond that you want to get. Not all diamonds are the same. Wander into any jewellery store and you won't just find mined diamonds; these days, you will also find Lab-Grown Diamonds, Treated Diamonds and Fancy-Coloured Diamonds.
The most traditional of the bunch, mined diamonds are stones that have been sourced directly from the earth's crust. Sometimes over a billion years old, mined diamonds are made out of carbon and are formed due to extreme pressures and temperatures. Generally almost or completely colourless, they are generally more expensive due to being the most sought after. However, man-made or lab-grown diamonds are produced in a controlled laboratory setting that mimics the conditions in which a mined diamond is produced. This makes lab-grown diamonds 25% more affordable than mined diamonds and much more eco-friendly.
Then there are treated diamonds. Although rare, treated diamonds are very similar to treated gemstones in the sense that they contain a special chemical filling that enhances the stone's clarity, making them at least 50% cheaper than their equivalent mined diamonds.
Lastly, there are fancy-coloured diamonds. The holy grail of the bunch, coloured diamonds are the rarest of them all. Coming in all different shades, resulting in everything from flirty pink diamond rings to daring black diamond earrings, coloured diamonds are the result of trace elements interacting with carbon during their formation. Coloured diamonds are arguably the most expensive of all diamonds.
How to Pick Diamond Stud Earrings
As one of the most highly sought-after earring styles, understanding how to choose diamond stud earrings comes with its own set of challenges. So much so, that many people compare the process of shopping for diamond earrings to looking for diamond dress rings,wedding rings and even engagement rings. From choosing between single stones vs multiple stones to the diamond shape, there is much to remember when picking diamond stud earrings.
SETTING
Much like with a diamond ring, the setting plays a big part in choosing your perfect pair of diamond studs. Naturally, there are tons of settings to pick from. The most common setting choice for diamond studs is the prong setting. Holding your diamond into place with three or four evenly distributed metal prongs, prong settings are a popular choice for single stone earrings as not only are they simple yet comfortable, they also allow the wearer to show off their diamond's sparkle.
The next most popular setting is the bezel setting. Holding the stone or stones into place with a band of metal that surrounds them, many people favour bezel settings since they give the illusion of a bigger diamond. Another earring setting choice that is proving to be popular among shoppers is the crown or basket setting. Often confused with the prong setting, this setting has a flat bottom with the stones often placed on top like a basket.
DIAMOND-CUT
The diamond-cut you choose when picking your stud earrings is extremely important as it impacts the way your diamond sparkles. Earrings are generally small so it can be hard for them to stand out as well as diamond bracelets or rings. But with the right shape, you can ensure your diamond earrings occupy centre stage.
The most popular diamond-cut is the round-cut and that is for a good reason. With over 58 facets, round-cut diamonds give off an immense sparkle. They are also the most versatile and are used in everything from single stone styles and cluster styles to halo style earrings.
There is the subtle yet extremely stylish emerald-cut that will give your diamond jewellery a slightly more art-deco feel. Then there is the princess-cut, which gives off a decent amount of sparkle and can sometimes have a somewhat edgy look, especially when set into rose gold earrings.
ALLERGIES
A majority of people suffer from allergies such as contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes some people to come up in welts, rashes and bumps after contact with particular objectsincluding certain metals.
Wearing certain jewellery is one of the biggest culprits for this condition, as many pieces contain nickel, a metal alloy that often accompanies pure gold and silver to make it sturdier. This is why if you suffer from sensitive skin or a nickel allergy, your first line of business is to rule out what metals are unsuitable for your ears and which ones are fine. A general rule of thumb is to avoid cheaper items such as gold-plated jewellery unless they specifically indicate that they don't contain nickel. Generally, the most suitable metals for those with allergies are 925 silver (sterling silver containing 92.5% pure silver), 18-carat yellow gold, stainless steel, nickel-free gold, pure silver or titanium jewellery.
