Diamond rings are now one of the most popular symbols for love and engagement. The circle of an unbreakable stone represents a strong symbol of a commitment that will never fade.
Look for retailers who specialize on the style that you want. Make sure they offer a wide range of educational materials, virtual consultations, and 24/7 access non-commissioned diamond and jewellery consultants.
The History Of Engagement Rings
The first diamond engagement rings were clustered, with many gems. But advances in manufacturing have allowed for larger, higher-quality stones, leading to solitaire rings that feature just one diamond. The discovery of a large deposit of diamonds in South Africa also helped to boost the popularity of this style of jewelry.
By the 1940s, a Natural Diamond engagement ring was more commonly worn by couples. This was also when De Beers began their marketing campaign with the slogan “A Diamond is Forever.” This iconic advertising campaign doubled the number of diamond engagement rings sold, and it remains an enduring symbol of commitment and everlasting love.
The Symbolism Of Diamonds
Diamonds are one of the most prized gems in the world and a symbol of love, beauty, and luxury. Diamonds are also the hardest substance on Earth, which symbolizes strength and resilience. Formed over billions of years and composed of pure carbon, a foundational element of life on our planet, the diamond has also been used throughout history to help open minds to the possibilities of what can be achieved through hard work, determination, and courage.
When selecting a diamond for an engagement ring, many couples are drawn to the round shape of a diamond and its symbolism of eternity. They also may choose a diamond because it represents clarity and purity, qualities that are key elements to a successful marriage.
There are a variety of styles and shapes for diamond rings. This allows couples to select the ring that best reflects their personality and style. For those that prefer a more traditional look, the diamond solitaire ring remains the most popular choice. This simple, classic style features a single diamond set in a band of metal.
Other diamond jewelry pieces can be more elaborate, and can be adorned by diamonds in a variety of colors, cuts, and carats. A halo setting can be a beautiful way to enhance a center diamond’s brilliance with a surrounding of smaller diamonds. The addition of multiple halo settings can create a unique and dramatic effect.
There are also fancy colored diamonds available, including red and yellow. These can add a splash of color to an engagement ring and serve as a symbol. Each color of diamond has a different meaning, with red being associated with passion and romance and yellow indicating optimism and cheerfulness. When choosing a diamond to be used in an engagement ring, it is important to select a stone that represents the couple’s style and their feelings towards each other.
The Cuts Of Diamonds
Diamonds aren’t only the girl’s bestie; they come in many different shapes, styles and cut. The brilliance of a diamond is influenced by its cut, one of the four primary quality indicators called ‘the Four Cs’. These include carat, clarity, color and size. The higher the quality, the more sparkle a stone will have.
Understanding the difference between a cut style and a diamond’s shape is crucial, as it can affect the price of your ring. Diamond shapes are a specific outline when viewed at the top. Cutting styles are the arrangement and proportioning a diamond’s facet.
Modern round brilliant diamonds have a very high facet count, which allows them to be faceted into many different shapes and sizes. However, a higher facet count doesn’t necessarily increase a diamond’s brilliance. The shape, symmetry, and proportions of a diamond determine the quality of its cut. Unlike the radial facets of a brilliant, emerald and oval diamonds are cut with long straight lines. These designs, also known as step cuts have fewer faces but still radiate elegance.
Other fancy diamond shapes include heart, marquise and pear-shaped diamonds as well as more elegant and traditional shapes like princess, oval and trillian diamonds. Each has its own distinct design, with unique facets that give it an individual look. These shapes are usually found in different settings, ranging from the classic cathedral styles which highlight the diamonds’ beauty to more modern halo settings and cluster settings.
The halo setting involves the encirclement of smaller diamonds to highlight and amplify the sparkle of the center gemstone. This modern design is a great alternative to the traditional bezel-set diamond. It’s especially popular when accenting delicate, feminine stones. This ring features a pear shaped stone surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds.
The Setting Of Diamonds
A ring’s setting is the foundation of its design and influences its overall look. There are many options when choosing a setting.
Prong settings offer a great deal of versatility and are a very popular choice. They are available with four, six or eight prongs and can be flat or pointed. The more prongs you choose, the more light will reach the diamond and make it sparkle. A ring with too much prongs may cause the diamond to chip or become damaged.
A bezel setting is another option. This is an elegant and modern style that protects your diamond with a metal edge. This style reduces the risk of a diamond snagging and chipping. It is also a good option for people who live an active lifestyle or work with their hands.
There are also vintage and antique settings that are perfect for a classic or timeless diamond. These designs are often inspired by different time periods, and feature intricate metalwork or filigree.
