Falling in love is easy, but when the time comes to choose the perfect engagement ring, you might find the matter a bit more complex than you’d anticipated. After all, purchasing a diamond is no small matter – you’ll want to get it right and buy with confidence. Consider this FAQ guide your one-stop crash course in gemology, because we’re about to tackle the most common questions that come up for soon-to-be brides and grooms as they seek out an engagement ring to seal the deal.
FAQ # 1: What do I need to know when selecting a diamond engagement ring besides the 4 Cs?
When choosing an engagement ring, knowing a bit about the 4 Cs (cut, color, clarity, and carat), is an excellent starting point. The Gemological Institute of America (more familiarly, GIA) developed this grading system that offers key assessments to help educate buyers so they can shop with confidence. But there’s more to keep in mind as you kick off this process.
“Choosing a diamond engagement ring that’s perfect for you is as personal as it gets,” advises the experts of renowned trusted diamond jewelry brand, TWO By London. “The choices you make in a stone and setting will be inspired by what's special and meaningful to you both.”
Ultimately, the multigenerational brand that is part of the London Jewelers family of stores, leaves the decision to gut instinct. “We have seen it play out time and time again for generations. The diamond a customer is intuitively drawn to is the one they fall in love with.”
But before you get carried away, you’ll need to ensure you’re buying with a trusted jeweler, so that wherever your heart takes you, you can be certain that such an important decision is met with high standards. “We carefully select only the best stones by sight, in-person, and from trusted partners. Simply stated, we hold ourselves to a higher standard. In fact, less than 1% of the stones we sort through ever become engagement rings in our store.”
FAQ # 2: What are the different shapes of diamonds and how do I choose between them?
So many beautiful engagement ring styles, not enough fingers to wear them all! It’s not uncommon to find difficulty in choosing. This largely comes down to individual taste, preference, and style, and if the answer isn’t immediately jumping out at you, fret not. It’s normal to experience a hint of decision paralysis when it comes to deciding on your forever ring. The best way to overcome it? Educate yourself on the different cuts and styles to choose from.
Radiant Cut
A relative newcomer to the diamond scene, the Radiant Cut was introduced in 1977 by Henry Grossbard. A master diamond cutter in New York at the time, it was his dream to develop a stone that would retain the shape of a traditional Emerald Cut, while emitting the brilliance and fire of a round edged diamond. The result of this 30-year long pursuit manifested a diamond of either square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners. On the surface, they may seem similar to an emerald shape, but its facets are cut in a more similar way to that of round diamonds, giving off an even more effervescent and brilliant appearance. This Two By London Platinum Radiant Cut 3 Stone Engagement Ring from London Jewelers encapsulates the sparkle and fire that has made this exquisite diamond a coveted choice for those seeking a modern stone that echoes timeless glamor.
Round Brilliant
Among the most popular cuts of diamonds lies the Round Brilliant, a timeless classic known for its exceptional brilliance, unrivaled sparkle, and maximum light reflection. The simplicity in its elegance makes the Round Brilliant an easy choice, but as you’ll be relying on quality that inspires a radiant fire from within, you’ll want to choose your stone and setting carefully. For this reason, the TWO By London Round Solitaire Six Prong Ring is our most esteemed choice. In its platinum solitaire setting, this ring, available exclusively at London Jewelers, encompasses all of the beauty that has defined this stone shape since its official inception into the diamond world in 1919.
Pear Cut
This teardrop shaped diamond exudes a graceful sweeping curve that tapers to a fine point for a delicate and striking presentation. Elegant and feminine, it has been known to help make short fingers appear longer and offer a subtle slimming effect with its elongated shape. The London Collection Pear Shape Three Stone Diamond Ring is uniquely swoon-worthy, perfect for the woman who stands out from the rest, with her impeccable style and grace.
Princess Cut
The Princess Cut rose to popularity in the 1960s, and shows no signs of leaving the engagement ring scene anytime soon. For those who prefer squares over circles, this exceptionally brilliant cut offers versatility in its setting with maximum sparkle. For the woman who appreciates a modern stone with countless possibilities for customization, the Princess Cut is one that has been aptly named. One beautiful setting option that catches our eye is the Michael B. Royal Trois Princess Engagement Ring, available at London Jewelers. A setting made to be paired with an exquisite Princess Cut center stone, it features a square micro-pave diamond halo with v-shaped micro-pave diamonds halfway along the 1.25mm polished band.
Oval Cut
Elongated and rounded with a similar look to a stretched round stone, the Oval Cut is a stone of remarkable beauty, fire, and scintillation, much like its Round Brilliant cousin. This elliptical form of its circular predecessor is a less common choice among diamond engagement rings, but no less desirable. The Oval Cut was made famous by Princess Diana with her sapphire and diamond engagement ring, which was later given to Princess Catherine by Prince William upon their engagement. The London Collection Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond Ring from London Jewelers exudes romance in its old world beauty in its accents. A regal choice for a sophisticated woman with impeccable style, this cut carries similar elongating effects of the fingers as the Pear Cut.
Asscher Cut
The Asscher Cut, known for its square shape with clipped corners, looks almost octagonal and effortlessly tailored in appearance. Having come into a surge of popularity, particularly among vintage settings, it gives Art Deco vibes in its stepped cutting style. From earrings to bracelets to wedding bands, the Asscher Cut is a magnificent choice for the woman who is drawn to geometric lines and has an immaculate air about her.
Emerald Cut
The Emerald Cut dominated the Art Deco scene, during the movement which was defined by parallel lines and bold luxury. Sleek and rectangular, it is known for its large open table and step-like facets. A versatile cut that radiates whether you dress it up in a multi-stone setting, or down as a solitaire, this style has flown under the radar for quite some time, but has reemerged into the spotlight for all of its tasteful beauty. The TWO By London 18K Yellow Gold Emerald and Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring, available at London Jewelers, flashes as it catches the light, and offers a spectacular magnetism that is undeniable.
Heart Cut
A symbolic stone that serves as the ultimate symbol of love, the Heart Cut is a curvaceous cut that speaks to the soul of the hopeless romantic. Playful and sparkling, it has a way of evoking a love it or hate it reaction, and therefore can be seen as a risky bet on a surprise proposal, but for the person that is moved by its symbolic curves, it is a diamond in the rough. For this reason, the Heart Cut has risen in popularity, adding new depths of meaning to the symbolism of engagement rings that most certainly stands out. The departure from the expected, the London Collection 18K White Gold Heart Shaped Diamond Bypass Ring offers an arresting design that casts a striking shine.
Marquise Cut
Originating in Paris in 1745, the Marquise Cut was named for Madame de Pompadour, the official chief mistress of King Louis XV of France and influential court favorite. Attractive, educated, and highly intelligent, it is said that King Louis XV commissioned the court jeweler to create a diamond that resembled her smile. Resurging in popularity in the 1960s, it has a refined sense of style and a lengthening effect that features a slim oval which narrows to a point at both ends. Versatile in its dramatic simplicity, it presents as a fine stone on its own or with other diamond shapes, as seen in the London Collection 18K White Gold Oval and Marquise Diamond Trio Ring.
Cushion Cut
Last but certainly not least, the Cushion Cut is a square or rectangular stone with rounded corners, resembling a pillow (hence its name), offering a mix of brilliant and step cuts. Cushion Cuts have large facets to maximize their sparkle, and are among those rare shapes of diamonds that are flattering on all finger types. With a soft and romantic essence, they carry a gorgeous, and often vintage, charm that goes beyond the ordinary. The London Collection Platinum Cushion Diamond Solitaire Ring is the epitome of luxury, sophistication, and romance wrapped into one. One cannot help but scream “YES!” when presented with this beauty.
FAQ # 3: Is it better to choose a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond for an engagement ring?
Deciding between a natural diamond and a lab-grown diamond is ultimately a personal choice, and if you’re going for a surprise proposal, it’s helpful to know your partner’s stance on the matter ahead of time. In order to reach an informed decision of which avenue to pursue, it’s crucial to understand the differences between natural-grown diamonds and the process of lab-grown diamonds, which have risen in popularity over the last 15 years.
Natural diamonds are formed over millions and even billions of years, deep within the Earth’s mantle under extreme pressure and heat. These diamonds are mined from the earth and considered rare and unique, carrying the allure of natural history and geological processes. Lab-grown diamonds on the other hand, can be created in a matter of weeks under highly controlled laboratory conditions, using advanced technology that aims to replicate and accelerate nature’s processes.
In appearance, natural diamonds vary slightly due to the unique conditions of their formation, and may contain tiny inclusions or imperfections which give each stone its one-of-a-kind character. While lab-grown diamonds are virtually identical to natural diamonds in appearance, and can be flawless to the naked eye, the individual characteristics that make them unique tend to be minimal.
For many buyers, the matter comes down to cost and value. Due to its rarity, natural diamonds typically cost more than lab-grown diamonds, and retain their value over time. While lab-grown diamonds are generally 30-50% less expensive than their natural counterparts, their value is similarly lesser over time, as they are not considered rare or unique, which may or may not hold symbolic meaning in this decision-making process.
Environmental and ethical considerations are of course at the forefront of the natural vs. lab debate, which is why it is so important to seek out a trusted jeweler with high ethical standards when choosing a natural diamond. As a member of the not-for-profit Natural Diamond Council, London Jewelers holds a strong commitment to promoting the values of natural diamonds and educating consumers about their positive global impact. This includes addressing ethical concerns, and promoting responsible mining practices and fair labor standards. Their commitment to utilizing only responsibly sourced diamonds of high caliber is one of the many reasons that London Jewelers exclusively offers natural diamonds that are as rare and exquisite as the love story they join.
Ultimately, your decision may come down to budget or what you value most in a diamond ring, but the underlying factor that remains is that you buy with confidence from a diamond retailer that not only invites your questions, but aims to provide you with the highest quality standards in the business. For this reason, we put our trust in London Jewelers, whose reputation for delivering the best stone at the best price couples with unparalleled service cannot be overstated.
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