ideal diamond cut

Picking the Right Diamond – and Setting

The Diamond

While you’re probably more than familiar with the 4 C’s of diamonds, there are other things to consider when choosing a diamond, chief amongst them, the shape. The Shape

* Round – the most basic of diamonds, and the only shape not considered “fancy,” this shape is very much how it sounds – a rounded diamond in the shape of a circle.

* Princess – arguably the most popular shape, this squared diamond has only grown in popularity while still being a relatively new shape. The princess diamond tends to find its way into solitaire engagement rings more than any of the other shapes.

* Emerald – a rectangular shaped diamond, this shape is reflective of a classic and aristocratic elegance. Unlike other diamonds, the emerald shaped diamond is not a brilliant cut but rather a step cut, being comprised of larger, planar facets that resemble stair steps and act like mirrors.

* Oval – as the name implies, this diamond shape is a very simple oval. Typically used in pendants and earrings, this shape compliments short to average length fingers, helping to give the illusion of longer fingers much like the oval shaped diamond does.

* Heart – essentially a pear shaped diamond with a cleft at the top, the heart shaped diamond is the ultimate symbol of romance. This shaped diamond is frequently seen in pendants but is more than acceptable as a choice in a ring.

* Radiant – this square or rectangular shaped diamond does an excellent job of combining the elegant and classic appeal of the emerald shape with the brilliance of the round shape.

* Trillion – a wedge of brilliant fire, the trillion shaped diamond was first developed in Amsterdam.     * Baguette – very reminiscent of the emerald shaped diamond, this shape of diamond is frequently used as side stones to a larger center stone. Much like the emerald shaped diamond, the baguette shape doesn’t feature nearly the sparkle of brilliant shaped diamonds, but does offer a classic beauty that is hard to match.

Carats are essentially a way to measure the weight of diamonds. The Cut

Cut refers to the angles and proportions a jeweler creates when taking a rough diamond and transforming it into a beautiful, polished diamond. The cut of the diamond should not be confused with the shape of the diamond. A well cut diamond will reflect light from one mirrored facet to another internally, finally dispersing and reflecting the light through the top of the stone, giving it that sparkle that diamonds are beloved for.

Very good diamonds represent the top 25% of diamond cuts.

* Good Cut – representing the top 35% of diamond cuts, good cut diamonds are still quality cuts, but they will show a significant lack of brilliance when compared to very good and ideal cut diamonds, however, they are significantly more cost-effective than either very good or ideal cut diamonds, making them more accessible.

Usually found in discount or promotional jewelry, it is nearly impossible to find these diamond cuts at any quality seller of diamonds and engagement rings.

While there aren’t nearly as many Setting types as there are shapes and cuts of diamonds, there are enough that when combined with the diamond cuts and shapes you have enough combinations to make choosing tricky.

With the diamonds sunk into the ring itself they are nearly flush with the surface of the ring.     * Bar – with the bar setting, diamonds are placed between bars of metal that run perpendicular to the band of the engagement ring. Picking out an engagement ring can be intimidating.

• helzberg diamonds
• wholesale diamond
• anniversary ring
• diamonds ring
• debeers
• emerald ring
• certified diamond
• tacori
• pink diamonds
• diamond hoop earrings

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