Custom Engagement Rings
The Personal Touch
Whatever your dream ring is,
we can make it happen
The 4C’s
CARAT
Diamond carat weight is the
measurement of how much a diamond
weighs. A metric “carat” is defined as
200 milligrams.
Each carat can be subdivided into
100 ‘points.’ This allows very precise
measurements to the hundredth
decimal place. A jeweller may describe
the weight of a diamond below one
carat by its ‘points’ alone. For instance,
the jeweller may refer to a diamond
that weighs 0.25 carats as a ‘twenty-five pointer.’ Diamond weights greater than one carat is
expressed in carats and decimals. A 1.08 carat stone would be described as ‘one point oh eight
carats.’ The Rapaport Diamond Report is a weekly diamond price list, published by Martin
Rapaport, CEO of Rapaport Group of New York, for different diamond cuts, clarity and weights.
It is currently considered the de-facto retail price baseline. We trade diamonds at negotiated
discounts off the Rapaport price.
The price per carat does not increase linearly with increasing size. Instead, there are sharp
jumps around milestone carat weights, as demand is much higher for diamonds weighing just
more than a milestone than for those weighing just less. As an example, a 0.95 carats (190 mg)
diamond may have a significantly lower price per carat than a comparable 1.05 carats (210
mg) diamond, because of differences in demand.
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COLOUR
GIA’s diamond D-to-Z colour-grading scale is the industry’s most widely accepted grading
system. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless, and continues, with
increasing presence of colour, to the letter Z.
The diamond colour evaluation of most gem-quality diamonds is based on the absence of
colour. GIA’s D-to-Z diamond colour-grading system measures the degree of colourlessness by
comparing a stone under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions to master stones
of established colour value.
D-E-F are the “colourless” grades and the most prized.
G-H-I-J are “near colourless”.
K-L-M diamonds have a faint yellow tint.
The difference in each letter grade is very subtle however many of these distinctions make a
big difference in diamond quality and price.
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CLARITY
Diamond clarity refers to the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Most inclusions present in
gem-quality diamonds do not affect the diamonds’ performance or structural integrity. When
set in jewellery, it may also be possible to hide certain inclusion behind mounting hardware
such as prongs in a way that renders the defect invisible. However, large clouds can affect a
diamond’s ability to transmit and scatter light.
Evaluating diamond clarity involves determining the number, size, relief, nature, and position
of these characteristics, as well as how these affect the overall appearance of the stone. While
no diamond is perfectly pure, the closer it comes, the higher its value
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CUT
Diamonds are renowned for their ability to transmit light and sparkle so intensely. We often
think of a diamond’s cut as shape (round, emerald, pear), but a diamond’s cut grade is really
about how well a diamond’s facets interact with light.
There are mathematical guidelines for the angles and length ratios at which the diamond is
supposed to be cut in order to reflect the maximum amount of light. Round brilliant diamonds,
the most common, are guided by these specific guidelines, though fancy cut stones are not able
to be as accurately guided by mathematical specifics.
Precise artistry and workmanship are required to fashion a stone so its proportions,
symmetry, and polish deliver the magnificent return of light only possible in a diamond
Before you go engagement ring shopping, it’s important to know the basics of ring cuts and
shapes. From princess to emerald, find out the little details that make each ring cut unique.
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MARQUISE CUT
The marquise is an oval with pointed ends. It can make the hand look longer and
slimmer but also the diamond looks larger than it actually is.
CUSHION CUT
The cushion cut is a cross between a rectangle and an oval; it has a pillow shape,
first becoming popular in the 18th century it is also sometimes called an “antique
cut.” OVAL CUT
Essentially an elongated circle, this shape first came about in the early 1960’s and
was a fresh take on the gorgeous sparkle of a round brilliant cut diamond.
EMERALD CUT
An emerald cut (originally developed for the gem of the same name) is rectangular
with cropped corners and long, stair-step-like facets.
ASSCHER CUT
An asscher is similar to an emerald cut, but square, so it looks octagonal (the
radiant is a popular variation of these but with facets that give it even greater
sparkle).
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PRINCESS CUT
A relatively new but very popular diamond cut, the princess cut is a brilliant square
stone.
ROUND CUT
One of the most popular cuts for an engagement ring, the round or brilliant cut is
also a classic diamond shape. A round stone with 58 facets, it has the most sparkle.
RADIANT CUT
True to it’s name, a radiant cut diamond catches the light in a big way. Designed to
have the best qualities of both round brilliant and emerald cut diamonds.
HEART CUT
A century old shape the heart-shaped diamond resembles its name, so the diamond
is in the shape of a love heart.
PEAR CUT
Also known as a teardrop, pear-cut diamond also resembles its name. An added
bonus to the pear shape is that if you wear it with the point facing away from your
body, it makes your finger look long and slender.
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The solitaire is a classic, but fashions
change all the time.
Here’s a look at the hottest new looks
in engagement ring style.
Ring Trend 1: Rose Gold
This kind-to-the-skin ultra-feminine shade is making a big comeback.
it also gives a vintage appeal to even the most modern settings.
Ring Trend 2: Floral Accents
Everything’s coming up roses..... or daisies or any other flower
you can think of! Details like vines or buds on the band of the
ring give a touch of romance to this sparkler.
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Ring Trend 3: East-West Settings
This unusual setting is being worn by some big stars right
now and starting something of a craze. This way of setting
particularly oval, marquise or emerald cut stones also makes
them look larger! Ring Trend 4: Colourful Diamond Engagement Rings
For a those who have an individual style, a coloured engagement
ring is a good bet. The Duchess of Cambridge’s sapphire ring (also
worn of course by Princess Diana before her) shows that even the
most classic minded of women can wear this trend.
Try a ruby, emerald or a yellow or pink fancy diamond if your taste
goes beyond Royal blue. Page 8
Ring Trend 5: Double-Halo Settings
The halo setting has been popular for a while now, but what’s better
than one halo? The addition of a second tier of sparkle means this
ring is sure to turn heads!
Ring Trend 6: Mixed-Metal Engagement Rings
If you can’t choose between yellow gold, rose gold or platinum?
Or if you often wear jewellery in both white and yellow gold, this
is a modern way to ensure your ring works with whatever else you
wear.
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Ring Trend 7: Art Deco Appeal
Blame Baz Luhrman, but since The Great Gatsby and the style of
the roaring 20’s was brought back to the silver screeen in glorious
technicolour, echoes of flapper chic are to be found in every facet of
bridal style and Art Deco jewellery design is definitely having a big
moment.
Ring Trend 8: One Ring to Rule them All
If you’re the type of woman who prefers a no-fuss approach, a
combo engagement/wedding ring is a great idea. Look for a wider
band with perhaps a main diamond and accent diamonds on the
sides, but the possibilities are endless. They don’t have to be this
ornate, or they can be even fancier.
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