Whether #yousaidyes already or your fiancé-to-be is still finalising the big question, there’s some essential info you need before you indulge in this wonderful shopportunity. Stand back, we’re about to drop some knowledge.
To the untrained eye two diamonds may look exactly the same, however there are good reasons for a difference in price tags. In fact there’s a whole set of rules that determines the beauty, quality and rarity of a stone – this is known as the four Cs: cut, colour, clarity and carat weight.
C U T
An ideally cut diamond has precisely angled facets (usually 57 or 58) that allow for light to enter, reflect from one onto another and leave through the top of the diamond. If a diamond is cut with geometrical precision then the resulting reflections create incredible brilliance. But if the cut is too deep or shallow, light sneaks out the wrong way and the diamond doesn’t sparkle to its full capacity.
C O L O U R
White diamonds come in a variety of shades: from colourless to brown. The purer the colour of a white diamond, the rarer and more valuable it is. A white diamond’s rarity is graded on a letter scale alphabetically – beginning at D (colourless) and ending with Z. Coloured diamonds come in a range of shades and are known as fancies. Their incredible tones are formed by rare accidents of nature and make them extremely rare and special.
C L A R I T Y
The greater the clarity of a diamond, the easier it is for light to reflect off its facets and the more brilliant the stone appears. Diamonds are graded according to their combinations of minute mineral traces. These are called ‘inclusions’ and may be interior or exterior. Flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore very valuable. However, don’t despair, small inclusions are not visible to the naked eye and are therefore unlikely to mar the stone’s beauty.
C A R A T W E I G H T
A carat is a term referring to the weight (not the size) of a diamond. One carat is equal to 100 points (or approximately 0.2g). The carat weight of a diamond has the greatest impact on calibre of cut. Up to 65% of the original crystal can be cut away to reveal an ideally cut stone. But be wary, stones are sometimes poorly cut to maintain weight at the expense of quality.
B E S P O K E
Sydney-based jeweller Bill Hicks emphasises that a bespoke, handmade ring will generally be a superior article than a mass-produced cast item. Not only that, but you can take heart in the fact that it is truly one-of-a-kind, just like you!
“Discuss the design and structural aspects of the ring with your jeweller. Look for smooth, even finishes, clean lines, generosity of weight with precious metals and certification for your stone.”
T R E N D I N G N O W
Current engagement ring trends include the very popular cushion shaped diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds in a halo or double halo setting. The halo setting is a stylish and savvy choice, as it can really enhance the size of many differently shaped centre diamonds. There’s also a definite move towards larger diamonds as feature stones and an upswing in the popularity of marquise and pear shaped diamonds in solitaire settings. You can’t go wrong with one of the classics.
Just as your wedding requires the perfect backdrop to create an ambience that’s uniquely you, your diamond needs the ideal setting to help it shine bright. There are a variety of settings available and it’s often best to discuss your preferences with your jeweller. An excellent jeweller will work in partnership with you to understand, interpret and translate exactly what’s required to create your perfect ring. Start your search for the jeweller of your dreams on the Modern Wedding jeweller supplier directory.
MW x
Ring in ‘Rock Me’ header by Fairfax & Roberts