Diamonds 101

The cushion cut is the most diverse and varied diamond cut out there. When looking at cushions, the first thing to keep in mind that even when looking at similar carat weight, color, and clarity stones, each will be different from the next.  This is why it is imperative to see the diamond in person, or via video/photo, prior to purchasing and comparing it with a few different options so you can see what you like best.  Here are a few reasons why each cushion cut is so unique: Continue reading →

Diamond fluorescence is one of the most misunderstood concepts in terms of diamond quality. Many people feel that fluorescence is a bad thing, but in reality a majority of the time, fluorescence works in favor of the diamond or has no effect. To understand a bit more about fluorescence, see this link from GIA that explains the concept. Basically, fluorescence is an inherent quality in the diamond and a diamond with these characteristics will glow a particular color when exposed to UV light most diamonds fluoresce blue while rare diamonds will fluoresce yellow, green, or white. Continue reading →

People have different strategies when choosing gemstones for their nicer jewelry pieces. Since these are meant to last longer, they need to be chosen with care, and different people consider different factors when making their choices. For instance, many people stick with their birthstones to attach some meaning to their jewelry. Others pick jewels by their meaning, since jewels, like flowers, have a language of their own. Still other shoppers try to coordinate their jewelry with their physical appearance or style preferences, so we have a few tips here to help you with that. Continue reading →

The biggest dilemma that many of our customers face is choosing a diamond shape! Each of the different diamond cuts offer something different and can totally change the look and feel of a ring style.  Once you choose the shape it is time to start considering different quality/size combinations that will work best for the cut you have selected and your target price range. Depending on whether you are going for size, quality, or both, there are many tricks that go along with each shape and I’m going to share them with you in the following post. Continue reading →

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Let’s face it: some of us are blessed with long fingers which mean more room to take up from knuckle to knuckle with the engagement rings. Certain diamond cuts tend to have a smaller face up appearance on the hand while other shapes can take up a nice amount of room and give a very graceful appearance.   The question of square vs elongated diamond is one of the first things you should consider when choosing your engagement ring.  Once you choose that, it will be easier to narrow down your choices and select your engagement ring. Continue reading →

Can't decide which shape to select for your engagement ring?  Let me try to help you with a quick crash course covering some of the more popular diamond cuts

Here is a photo showing  some of the more popular cuts of diamonds weighing approximately 1.50 carat diamonds.  As you can see all are stunning and choosing the right one for yourself is simply a matter of preference.  From left to right we have: Continue reading →

Pear shape diamonds are one of the most intriguing diamond cuts out there.  As with all other fancy shape diamonds, they come in a variety of length to width ratios (short and wide to long and narrow).  All have the rounded tops that taper down on the edges to distinct point at the bottom tip.  In the attached photo you can see three different options with the one on the left being long and narrow, the one in the center wider and shorter, while the one on the right is in between and has the most classic of the shapes with a length to width ratio of approximately 1.50:1. Continue reading →

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Emerald cut diamonds are in a class of their own- elegant, understated, and always stylish. They give a traditional and vintage feel however depending on the setting can look incredibly modern.  These are step cut as opposed to brilliantly cut like round, cushion etc...Some think that because these diamonds have fewer facets than other fancy shapes making them have no sparkle . This however is not the case- when a well cut emerald diamond catches the light it will offer a beautiful flash of light. Continue reading →

The word radiant itself brings to mind the sun. It exudes brilliance and light, and that is exactly why this cut of diamond is called that. It is a unique looking cut that is very versatile because it is a combination of round brilliant, emerald, and princess cuts, making it appropriate for any style of jewelry. The radiant has the same outline shape as the emerald cut, with its trimmed corners, but is a brilliant cut, versus the emeralds step cut, so it creates the sparkle and fire of a round instead of large flashes. Continue reading →

Color vs. Clarity

Out of the 4 C’s of diamond grading (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat weight), color and clarity are the two that are the most apparent and detectable to the human eye.  Color refers to the amount of detectable yellow or brown tint present in a diamond. It is caused by the amount of nitrogen atoms in the structure of the diamond. Clarity refers to natural diamond inclusions, which can be crystals of other minerals, black carbon, tiny internal breaks called feathers, clouds or groups of mixed inclusion types, etc.  We will try to give you a quick refresher and what to look for and expect when selecting your center-stone

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