Choosing the Best Color

Engagement rings come in all shapes and sizes and of course colors.  A traditional engagement ring will consist of a gold band and central diamond, but, that still leaves plenty of room for your own individuality.  A colored engagement ring can refer to either a colored central diamond or a colored gold band.  We’ll discuss both options below.

The Colors of Gold

Gold is not just yellow, it actually comes in many different colors.  For engagement rings the most common options are either white, yellow or pink gold bands.  So where do the different colors of gold come from?  You might ask.  There is no need to worry; whether or not you go for a white, yellow or rose gold band, the quantity of real gold will be exactly the same.  Let’s explain.  Pure gold, at 24 carats is too soft and malleable for making jewelry which means alloys must be used.  Gold jewelry is made with 18K gold, that’s 75% real gold, it’s the other 25% metal alloys that results in the different colored engagement rings.

Pink Gold Engagement Rings

Pink, a gorgeous feminine color is most appropriate for an engagement ring.  The warmth that emanates from this rich color will strike all who see it and the glowing pink hue adds additional allure to the diamonds that it holds.  Pink suits all skin tones and can be worn by anyone; its subtle color also ensures that it matches any other jewelry you decide to wear.  And of course, pink gold, also called rose gold is “real” gold, the pink color is a result of mixing gold with copper.  Check out the stunning pink gold ring shown here, a Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Diamond Ring Twisted Band Open Bezel Setting.  The bezel setting is a great choice for keeping your diamond safe.  It also looks so elegant and glamorous.

White Gold Engagement Rings

So, maybe white isn’t a true color when you’re talking about colored engagement rings.  However, its virtues must be mentioned.  The white hue that radiates from the white gold is great for accentuating colorless diamonds.  Plus, the silver and palladium, the alloys added to achieve the white color make the gold harder, durable and almost scratch resistant.  Check out the dazzling Channel Set Solitaire Diamond Ring in 4 Prong Setting, shown here, notice how well the colorless diamonds blend in with the white color.

Yellow Gold Engagement Rings

Yellow rings definitely give the “real gold” appearance.  Actually, the yellow color is a result of copper and zinc which means that the color is a lot shinier than pure yellow gold.  A great benefit of yellow gold colored engagement rings is that yellow rings won’t dull over time, they’re great for retaining their color.  Check out the Six Prong Engagement Ring with Twisting Trellis Setting, a truly beautiful ring, shown here in yellow gold, notice how the yellowy color is just so rich and attractive, invoking images of riches, wealth and royalty.  Definitely a majestic choice.

Fancy Colored diamonds

The second option for a colored engagement is one which contains a colored diamond.  The cheaper option would be to get a colorless diamond that has been color enhanced.  Alternatively, you could go for a genuine colored diamond, there are a range of options, such as pink diamonds, yellow diamond and even black diamonds.  Check out our page on color diamonds to find out more.

Buying Engagement Rings

No matter what metal you decide on for your engagement ring; we aim to help you create your own style.  We suggest 5 steps: 1. Setting a Budget 2. Choosing a Setting 3. Finding the Right Diamond 4. Selecting Band Color 5. Certification.

To make it easy we have created an engagement ring buying guide.

The allure of the diamond is unquestionable, its charm compels and its beauty entices.  The source of the attraction is definitely down the fire and sparkle that reflects off its surface.  The multi colored flashes of light are just absolutely fascinating.  But, can you be sure that any diamond you purchase will be stunning.  The GIA is here to help.

Number One Priority – Know what you are getting

No doubt, you’ve come across a diamond with no dazzle, a gem that looks like nothing more than a lifeless stone.  I guess you were hardly impressed.  If you pay good money for a diamond you should expect to get a quality gem.  There is only one way to be sure that you’ll get what you pay for, and that is if your gem comes with a certificate.

Diamond Certification – your number one priority when purchasing a diamond.

Diamond Grading

We’ll say it again.  If you buying a diamond make sure the diamond comes with a diamond certificate!  A GIA diamond will come with a diamond certificate from the Gemological Institute of America, one of the top three diamond grading labs in the world.  The other labs are the IGI and HRD.  The certificate issued by each of these grading labs will list in detail the attributes of the diamonds.  The certificate evaluates the 4 C’s of the diamond: diamond cut, diamond color, diamond clarity & diamond carat weight.

GIA Diamonds – Definitely the real thing

A GIA diamond will definitely be a real diamond.  By purchasing a diamond that has already has a certificate you can be sure that you will not be purchasing a fracture-filled- diamond or synthetic diamond.  These are poor quality diamonds that may look dazzling to the naked eye.  The details in the certificate will also give you an idea of the value of the diamond.

GIA Diamond Certificates

A GIA diamond will be accompanied by a certificate that will provide information on the following:

Date: This shows when the diamond was assessed.  If a diamond has undergone any treatments it will have to be re-assessed.

Report Number: Each Diamond Report is given a number and recorded in the laboratory’s records.

Shape and Cutting Style:  There are two types of diamond cut, the brilliant cut and the step cut. There are 12 main diamond shapes, the most popular by far is the round brilliant cut.

Measurements: Dimensions of the diamond.  Not to be confused with Diamond Carat which is a measurement of weight.  Since diamonds can be very small, they must be measured precisely, actually to the nearest hundredth of a millimeter.   A non-contact measuring device or a micrometer is used for this.  For round diamonds it is shown as “minimum diameter – maximum diameter X depth” for other fancy shape diamonds “length X width X depth.”  Diameter & Dimension are very important and buying the correct diamond size makes a huge difference in the way your diamond with sparkle.

Carat Weight:  Measured to the nearest hundredth of a carat.  One carat is equal to 0.2 grams = 1/5 of a gram.  The carat weight is one of the biggest factors in determining the cost of the diamond.

Color Grade:  Colorless diamonds should be as colorless as possible.  Any tinge of color can interfere with the diamonds ability to reflect light.  Grades are given from D-Z, with D being the highest.  A grade higher than “H” will appear colorless to the naked eye.

Clarity Grade:  The diamond is graded according to the size, type, location and amount of  inclusions and blemishes.  Grades vary on a scale from Flawless – Included.  (Included means it has the largest number of inclusions.  The clarity has the least impact on the final brilliance of the diamond because more inclusions are not visible to the naked eye.

Cut Grade: More recent certificates include a cut grade for standard round brilliant diamonds.  This takes into account the general sum of the face- up appearance and cut quality.  Range from Excellent – Poor.  This is the one to watch.  The quality of diamond cut has the biggest impact on diamond beauty, if the cut is poor the diamond will be dull and lifeless.

Diamond Polish: The final surface of the diamond should be smooth.  Even microscopic polish lines can interfere with light reflection.  Polish grades range from Excellent – Poor.

Diamond Symmetry:  Precision of the outline of the diamond as well as the types and size of facets and their position in relation to each other, rated as Excellent – Poor.  A more symmetrical diamond will have a better appearance.

Diamond Fluorescence: Some diamonds reflects blue rays of light when long wave ultraviolet light is shined on them. Fluorescence is graded as: none, faint, medium, strong and very strong blue.

Laser Inscription (Registry and Additional): Lists any micro- laser “writing” on the diamond.  These may be a registry type which is a report number from the lab e.g. GIA 12345678 or a personal message inscribed e.g. “Yours Forever”.

Comments:  Any other features of the diamond that have not already been mentioned on the certificate.  For instance, “minor details of polish are not shown” is a common comment.

Plotting Diagram:  An approximate diagram of the upper and lower halves of the diamond.  Various colored symbols on the diagram indicate the location, type and approximate size of the “clarity features” which are diamond inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external).  This diagram is like a representation of the diamond’s fingerprint, as no two diamonds share the exact same pattern of these “clarity characteristics”.

Proportion Diagram: An exhaustive and finely tuned diagram of the diamond’s specific measurements, angles and shape with its precise proportions represented.

OR

Proportions: On the certificate, when not shown in a diagram the proportions and angles of various parts of the diamond are described as below.

· Depth percentage refers to how deep the stone is in relation to the diameter.

· Table percentage is the percent that the flat top facet (the “table”) takes up in relation to the diameter of the stone.

· Girdle Thickness: The girdle of a diamond is the dividing line between the crown, or top part of the stone, and the pavilion, or bottom part of the stone.   Its thickness and type (faceted or not) is described.

· Culet Size: The culet, when present, is the facet on the pointy bottom part of the stone which helps prevent chipping.  Its size is shown.

·  Crown\Pavilion Angles: The angle between the crown-girdle and pavilion-girdle are measured and shown.

Security Features: These enable you be sure that your certificate has not been forged.  Holograms, micro-print lines, security screens and UPC codes are used to guarantee authenticity.

GIA Diamond Grading

The GIA has a reputation for accurate and unbiased grading of diamonds.  They are definitely a lab that can be trusted.  GIA diamonds refer to diamonds that have already been issued with a certificate by the GIA.  Most diamonds already graded by the GIA will be worth more than $1,000 and will have a carat weight greater than 0.5ct.

Image: Six Prong Engagement Ring with Twisting Trellis Setting

Buying Engagement Rings with a GIA diamond

When buying an engagement ring for someone you love, a quality diamond is a must.  Make sure to purchase a ring with a diamond that has been graded.  We aim to help you create your own style.  We suggest 5 steps: 1. Setting a Budget 2. Choosing a Setting 3. Finding the Right Diamond  4. Selecting Band Color 5. Certification.

To make it easy we have created an engagement ring buying guide, where you can run through these 5 steps in detail.

The breathtaking allure that emanates from a diamond is all down to the diamond cut.  Form the diamond facets precisely and you’ll end up with a dazzling gem stone, make an error of even 1mm and you could end up with an empty and lifeless stone.  It takes experience to learn how to cut a diamond in the optimal way; definitely not a task anybody can be trusted with.

Rough Diamonds

Not everyone who comes across a rough diamond in the earth’s surface would recognize its importance.  The diamond’s beauty is hidden, which just goes to show how you should never judge by appearances.  It’s no simple matter taking a “rock” and transforming it into something of incredible beauty; it takes expertise and much passion, qualities all good diamond cutters possess.

The Diamond Cutting Process

The cutting process takes place in several stages, first the diamond must be examined and the best diamond cut determined.  The gem must then be cleaved or sawed and then bruted and polished and finally the gem will have a final inspection.  Let’s take a look at each stage in turn.

Planning

3D images are generated by a computer so that diamond cutters can determine the best angle for cutting the gem.  The types of diamond cut must all be decided on; some diamonds are more suited to a brilliant diamond cut, which will result in either a round, oval, marquise, or a pear shape.  Alternatively, a step cut may be used resulting in an emerald, asscher or baguette shape.  The final option is a mixed cut which leads to a princess shaped diamond.  The size and shape of the rough stone will determine which cut to use and the best shape to achieve.

Cleaving/sawing

Cleaving or sawing the diamond is carried out using cutting tools, such as blades, saws and lasers.  A large rough stone may be split into two or more gem stones.  The diamond cutter will attempt to avoid having large inclusions in the stone.  A decision has to be made about whether to achieve a higher carat weight and leave in some inclusions or to cut more of the diamond to achieve a better diamond clarity.  The diamond dust is kept for use in many other industries; in fact the saws used to cut the rough stone actually use diamond dust.  Since the properties of diamonds are so useful nothing is wasted.

Bruting

Another term for bruiting is girdling, it’s at this stage that the rough diamond begins to take on a real shape.  It is first formed into a conical shape which will then be worked on further.  The tools used in the bruting stage are the lathe and dop.  Some diamond cutters use digital imaging in the bruting process to analyze the desired dimensions and determine the speed of rotation.  The loupe is used to examine the stone’s attributes so that it’s beauty can be fully utilized.

Polishing:

The polishing stage includes both faceting the diamond and then polishing the facets. The dop is used to position the diamond at the correct angle.  The diamond is then ground against a blade whilst spinning it with diamond powder and a lubrication like oil or lanolin.  The facets must be formed with precision so that the light can refract efficiently around the facets before reflection out of the diamond.  Poorly formed facets will result in a dull and empty stone. The facets are then polished using a polishing wheel and polishing pads and any coarse marks are removed.  Ultra fine polishing will bring out all the light reflecting properties of the diamond, the ultimate cause of diamond beauty.

Final Inspection

The last stage in the process is the final evaluation of the finished diamond.  If any problems are spotted the gem will be re-polished.  The diamond can then be sent to a grading lab to be assessed on the quality of its cut, color and clarity.  The only way you can be sure that a diamond is of the stated quality is if it comes with a certificate from an independent grading lab.

Diamonds for jewelry

Once a diamond has been expertly cut, it has got to be displayed so that it can be shown off in all its glory.  Diamond jewelry is the answer.  Diamond pendants are a great way to showcase a solitaire gem.  Of course, really precious diamonds are fantastic for engagement rings where they can be used to show your loved one just how much you value them.  When you think about it, it’s really incredible, a rough, dull stone transformed by an expert diamond cut into a dazzling gem worthy of being the center piece of an engagement ring.  Never underestimate hidden beauty!

Wedding of the year, finally confirmed

They have finally confirmed the news.  The number 1 couple in the USA are ready to tie the knot.  They must have very persuasive kids.

After claiming that they would be no wedding until all couples have equal rights, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie have now decided to officially commit.  Apparently their children were keen to see their parents married and so have been piling on the pressure.  Jolie remarked “I don’t think we’ll be able to hold out … it means something to me, too, to make that kind of commitment.”

Jolie and Brad’s Wedding

Jolie and Brad Pitt’s wedding will take place at a private chapel on their estate in the South of France.  A summer wedding is on the cards.

According to the Daily Express, the couple have been planning the wedding for about 6 months now.  Millions have already been spent refurbishing their estate, ready for a host of celebrity guests that will be flown in especially for the occasion.  No doubt, millions more will be spent on entertaining their visitors on the actual wedding day.

A Year’s Work

The wedding rumours began circling a while ago, and so we’ve been waiting some time for a glimpse of the all important engagement ring.  And it seems that Brad Pitt has been busy designing the perfect bling, a ring sure to impress at his wedding and beyond.

In fact, it’s taken a year to design the flawless diamond ring.  Brad has been working alongside jeweller Robert Procop to ensure perfection.  Procop told the Hollywood Reporter “Brad was always heavily involved, overseeing every aspect of the creative design evolution.  The side diamonds are specially cut to encircle her finger.  Each diamond is of the highest gem quality.”

A Quality Diamond

Brad has definitely shown how much he cares for his bride to be.  It’s been reported that the ring set Pitt back $250,000, but the ring’s true value is probably a lot more, at least half a million from the looks of things.  Full details of the design have not been given, however the ring appears to contain about 16 carats worth of diamonds, all flawless, perfect clarity and expertly cut.  The 7 carat emerald shaped center diamond definitely is an excellent cut diamond which is the cause of the intense dazzle and sparkle that emanates from the ring.  There appears to be an additional 9 carats of side stones which surround the thick ribbed band.  Definitely a ring fit for royalty, but will Brad Pitt’s wedding compete with Prince William’s?  I guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Check out other Celebrity Engagement Rings here.

Getting engaged?  Bridal rings are a must.  There is hardly a country or culture across the world that doesn’t follow the engagement ring tradition.  Giving the ring may be mandated but the style of engagement ring and wedding ring is absolutely your choice.  A bridal ring is a term used to denote either an engagement ring or wedding ring or sometimes both.  Bridal rings can be plain and simple or flashy and fabulous.

Engagement Ring Styles

There are many styles of bridal rings.  The solitaire engagement ring may still be the most popular type of ring around, however, rings with sides diamonds are definitely in the vogue.  Check out the 2 Row Pave-Set Solitaire Diamond Ring in 4 Prong Setting, shown here, all those small diamonds give off loads of extra sparkle which means a ton of dazzle.  Absolutely fantastic.  Bridal rings with side diamonds are often thought of as being a bit pricey.  The truth is they will often cost more than a solitaire band, however, selecting a lower carat weight for the center stone can more than compensate.

Diamond Shape

Using different diamond shapes will change the appearance of your bridal ring.  The round shape is the most popular choice because it’s the best for maximizing light return.  The oval, marquise and pear shaped diamonds will make your fingers appear longer.  Check out the classic princess cut engagement ring shown here.  The princess is a square shaped diamond with sharp corners and straight lines.  It’s actually the second most popular shape around, probably because it has such a glamorous appearance.

Diamond Settings

The prong setting is loved so much for bridal rings because of its simplicity; it takes no attention for itself and instead directs all focus to the all important central diamond.  The gaps between the prongs allow maximum light to enter the diamond resulting in a breathtaking light display.  An alternative option is the bezel setting shown here in the Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Diamond Ring Twisted Band Open Bezel Setting.  The diamond is framed with metal, obstructing the light but adding elegance and glamour.  An added bonus is that it’s an extra safe setting, ideal for an active woman.  For something different consider the tension setting or channel setting.

Wedding Rings

Bridal rings for weddings differ from engagement rings in that the diamonds are usually a lot smaller and are often burnished set.  This setting ensures the diamonds looks flush with the band with added sparkle and shine.  Take a look at the wedding ring shown on the left; an really elegant option.  The diamonds blend in with the white gold band and provide some fantastic sparkle.

The Type of Band

For a good quality bridal ring, it’s got to be either platinum or gold.  Platinum is the more exclusive but less popular option.  Gold bands can be one of three colors, either; yellow, white, or pink gold.  Each are fantastic choices; yellow gold is the classic choice, white gold is the modern and elegant, and pink is the most contemporary option.  Each contains an equal amount of real gold, the various colors are a result of the alloy that the gold is mixed with.  Pure gold is actually too soft and malleable for making jewelry and so 18K gold is used for any good quality diamond jewelry.

The Quality of the Diamond

A good quality diamond is essential if you are after a ring that fires and sparkles.  A diamond’s quality is measured by the 4C’s, diamond cut, diamond clarity, diamond color and diamond carat weight.  Diamond cut is by far the most important.  An excellent cut diamond will amaze and dazzle, so upgrade the cut before any other quality.

Buying Bridal Rings

Whatever type of bridal ring you are looking for, contemporary or classic, we aim to help you create your own style.  We suggest 5 steps: 1. Setting a Budget 2. Choosing a Setting 3. Finding the Right Diamond 4. Selecting Band Color 5. Certification.

To make it easy we have created an engagement ring buying guide, where you can run through these 5 steps in detail.

Learn more about engagement ring prices