Every cut of a diamond means a special occasion in our lives. It symbolises a certain love, appreciation, and care. When something is so precious, it’s natural that we would want to purchase the best possible diamond. However, there’s too much to learn and too many categories to choose from. Worry not, here’s your complete diamond ring buying guide, specifically curated by Sunshine Diamonds to help you find the perfect diamond for your special occasion.
The first step in buying a diamond isn’t even about the diamond. It’s about you and your budget. Determine your needs, requirements, and the amount you’re willing to spend for the diamond ring.
The second and most crucial step in buying a diamond ring is understanding the four pillars, commonly known as the 4Cs of diamond. These will determine the quality and cost of the diamond.
Cut - A perfectly cut diamond shines brightly and defines the quality of the stone. When cut clearly, it also makes the diamond look larger than it is.
Clarity - The higher the clarity, the better the diamond will be.
Colour - The colour of the diamond varies from grades D to Z. While D-graded diamonds are colourless, Z-graded have colour. The price decreases as you move from D to Z.
Carat - Carat determines the weight of the diamond. The bigger the diamond, the higher the carat it is. If the carat value is higher, the price of the stone will also be higher.
Picking the right metal to pair with your dazzling diamond stone is important. Each metal has a unique feature and serves different purposes. While yellow gold highlights the diamond stone, platinum is the perfect choice for everyday wear.
Yellow gold is an ideal metal choice, especially for colourless diamonds. They can make diamonds appear much more white and brighter. Yellow gold is a popular choice that lends itself to the classic and traditional look of the diamond ring. It is made of different quantities of pure gold with copper, zinc, and silver to create a sunny colour, lighter than pure gold.
White gold syncs well with the diamond’s whiteness. It is a more affordable alternative when compared to platinum. The silvery white colour of the metal gives a contemporary look to the diamond ring and is perfect for everyday wear. It is an alloy made of pure yellow gold with other precious metals such as nickel, zinc, platinum, palladium, or silver.
The pinkish hue of rose gold gives a very trendy and vintage feel that pairs well with all types of diamonds. Rose gold is also commonly known as red gold and pink gold and provides an elegant and romantic look to the ring. It is an alloy made up of pure gold and copper, which results in the final colour depending on the ratio of yellow gold to copper.
Platinum, a white metal, is a great choice for everyday wear and pairs well with diamond stones. It is considered a classic and iconic choice for diamond rings . This choice of metal is known for its appearance and durability and can enhance the shine of the diamond. Platinum is a popular choice for its naturally silvery white colour that lasts for long.
There are several shapes of diamond and you can select the perfect one based on the ring style you choose, the finger shape, and the designs that you love.
A. Round Brilliant - The round brilliant diamond shape is a classic, timeless, and beautiful choice for an engagement ring. . It is a popular shape of diamond and each of the facets is cut at precise angles to reflect light as much as possible. When in doubt, this is the perfect option for a stunning diamond ring.
B. Princess - Princess-shaped diamonds, also known as square-cut diamonds, have a square silhouette and shallow crown, offering maximum sparkle. It is the second most popular shape after round brilliant diamonds for a contemporary and elegant look with sharp corners.
C. Oval - The oval-shaped diamond is classic like the round brilliant one but looks more unique and modern with its elongated oval shape. It can seem larger than other shapes of the same carat. The oval shape can flatter the fingers of the one wearing the diamond ring.
D. Marquise - The pointed oval-shaped diamond has refined curves, which makes it look more modern. The long and narrow shape of the diamond creates a sense of it being bigger in size. It offers a non-traditional and contemporary look to the ring.
E. Pear - Pear is a stylishly cut diamond that has triangular facets and they make the stone shine brilliantly. They are also known as teardrop diamonds and are a combination of the round and marquise shape. It is a timeless and elegant shape that can enhance the diamond ring.
F. Cushion - The cushion shape is a square or rectangular stone with rounded corners. The diamond resembles a soft-edged pillow-like shape. It is a classic and vintage cut that offers a modern touch to the diamond ring with intense sparkle.
G. Emerald - These are long, elegant rectangles that make the fingers look slender. It is a rectangular step cut shape, which is popularly used for colourless diamonds. The elegant shape of the diamond makes it a minimalistic and refined choice.
H. Asscher - These are square-shaped diamonds with pointed cutlets and square cut corners. It is also known as the square emerald cut . The step-cut corners result in a hall-of-mirrors effect and look like an endless stack of diamond squares, making it a unique choice for the diamond ring.
I. Radiant - It has a complex facet pattern with a soft, corner square design. They are a rare shape of diamond. It blends the shape of the Emerald cut and the sparkle of the Round Brilliant cut, offering the best of both worlds – the geometric shape and sparkle.
J. Heart - Is there anything better than a heart to show your love? It has been a popular choice of diamond since the 1500s and represents eternal love and goodwill. It is a timeless diamond that can be a unique and memorable choice for a diamond ring.
Carat defines the diamond’s weight. The bigger the stone, the more weight the diamond is and the price also increases. Based on your budget and preference, select the carat weight.
When you buy any ring, it’s vital to measure the finger shape and size to choose the right one. A design that works well for the shape and size of the finger can be perfect to enhance the beauty of the ring and the diamond. The style of the diamond ring can be chosen based on the shape and size of your finger — whether it is long, short, wide, slim, and so on.
Oval, Pear, or Marquise-shaped diamonds are ideal for long and thin fingers. Round Brilliant, Asscher, Princess Cut, and Cushion-shaped diamonds are ideal for small fingers.
The diamond quality and size are two other important factors to check. Although the size of the diamond doesn’t directly reflect its quality, you must check the cut and clarity of the diamond to ensure both the size and quality are perfect.
We buy diamond rings for a very special occasion. Each jewel tells a story of our life, and wouldn’t it be nice if the design of the diamond symbolises that moment? Yes, you can choose rings based on the occasion and what you think the design should represent.
Diamond certification is an important step in determining the authenticity of the diamond. It is evidence that the diamonds are real and of good quality.
It’s easy to buy diamonds anywhere but you need to know that the jeweller is certified and an expert. You should also double check the warranty offered for the diamond.
Diamond rings are available in 1000 designs and styles, and it’s going to be quite a task to choose the one that suits your needs perfectly. Some of the common styles include vintage, nature-inspired, etc. While we can’t discuss all the designs and styles, we take a look at the most popular ones and their unique features.
Solitaires are a classic and popular choice. It features a single diamond in the centre of the ring, which makes for an elegant and timeless diamond ring. Solitaires are a perfect choice for engagements and special occasions.
Side stone diamond rings include a prominent diamond in the centre with more diamonds on both sides. It enhances the sparkle and beauty of the ring with a focus on the central diamond for a sophisticated look.
2 stone diamond rings have two diamonds next to each other. It can be two similar or two different shapes of diamonds to create a unique ring. 2 stone diamond rings are known as duet rings or Toi et Moi rings, which translates to “You and Me,” in French.
3 stone diamond rings have three diamonds next to each other. The diamond in the centre is set higher with two diamonds placed on both sides. 3 stone diamond rings are known as trinity or trilogy rings and represent the past, present, and future.
5 stone diamond rings include 5 diamonds in a row on the band. It has been around since the Victorian era. They symbolise five symbols — love, friendship, loyalty, trust, and commitment and also represent 5-year anniversaries, with one stone for each.
7 stone diamond rings include 7 diamonds in a row on the band. It can represent the seven days of the week or 7-year anniversaries, with one stone for each. The 7 stone diamond ring is also a symbol of the luck of the number 7.
Eternity rings include diamonds across the band. It is considered a symbol of eternal love. Also known as Infinity Rings, they are usually gifted on special anniversaries or at any point to show love and commitment to each other.
Anniversary rings are for celebrating the anniversary of a couple to mark milestone years. It is a way for couples to cherish the years spent together and the years to come. These diamond rings represent love, trust, and commitment between the couple.
Statement diamond rings are rings with a prominent design with diamonds. These rings are eye-catching and can be worn on special occasions as a fashion statement. The rings are meant to attract attention and are unique pieces that leave an impression.
Cluster diamond rings include a prominent diamond in the centre with a cluster of diamonds around it. The group of smaller diamonds enhances the larger central diamond. The shapes of the diamonds and the patterns make it a unique piece.
Everyday diamond rings are minimalistic rings that can be worn daily. These rings have functional designs that ensure seamless comfort and style. The patterns and bands are simple, combining comfort and durability for wearing them at home.
Mens diamond rings are specially designed to suit the tastes of men and are usually chunkier than the diamond rings worn by women. These rings for men come in a range of sizes, shapes, and designs with a focus on the diamonds.
Some styles might be more famous than others. However, choosing the perfect diamond ring entirely depends on your personal likes and preferences. If you like a style and design, and think it will suit you and your needs, go ahead and happily grab that one.
All kinds of diamonds are classified based on their origin. While there are diamonds formed ly over millions of years, there are also diamonds that are created in a lab, often known as lab-made diamonds or treated diamonds. The same classification applies to black diamonds as well. The major differential marker between black diamonds and treated ones is the colour induction process. As we discussed earlier, black diamonds get their colour due to the environmental process, while black diamonds are treated with heat in a controlled lab setting to get their colour.
Maintaining your diamond ring means cleaning and caring for it regularly at home. All you have to do is drop the ring into lukewarm water mixed with gentle liquid soap, scrub it five minutes later with a gentle toothbrush, and pat dry with a lint-free cloth.
The first advice in proper storage is to keep it away from harsh chemicals. It’s always best to store the ring separately from other jewellery, in a box or soft cloth pouch.
Routine professional cleaning is necessary to protect your diamond ring. However, there are other professional services like polishing. It’s good to polish your jewellery but not overdo it.
Should I sacrifice quality for a bigger diamond?
No. You must always prioritize quality over size. A tip is that you can invest in a well-cut diamond because a sleekly cut diamond will give the illusion of a bigger stone. So you can get a bigger diamond without sacrificing quality.
What determines the cost of a diamond?
The cost of a diamond depends heavily on four factors: color, clarity, cut, and carat weight. Other factors, like demand and certification, can also affect the cost.
Should I buy a lab-grown or natural diamond?
A natural diamond is better than a lab-grown one as the former holds its value for longer.
All this information could be overwhelming but you must take your time to learn about the diamond stones and make an informed decision. After all, the timeless beauty of our lives and love is all-encompassed within the cuts of a diamond stone and every step towards buying the perfect diamond is worth the wait.
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