July 8, 2020
Lab grown diamonds (also referred to as synthetic diamonds or laboratory created diamonds) continue to be a matter of confusion and intrigue for the modern diamond buyer. With questions arising about the value, appearance and ethical claims of lab grown diamonds, buyers must be in possession of all the facts before making their decision. I must state that although I am a diamond expert and enthusiast, my goal is not to sway people towards diamonds. There are many benefits to choosing a natural diamond for your engagement ring, but I have been equally enthralled with sapphire solitaires, ruby necklaces and […]
June 24, 2020
Diamond jewelry is full of sentiment, history and personality, engagement rings and diamond jewelry mark significant milestones and become treasured heirlooms. A designer setting takes this a step further. My top designers are those who blend imagination and craftsmanship into timeless designs that cover a variety of styles.
June 22, 2020
For those who love diamonds, there are several key features that makes them desirable; their inherent durability, the divine sparkle and their intrinsic links to romance, glamour and eternity are the foundations of diamond popularity. The story of the DeBeers marketing campaign that sparked the desire for a diamond engagement ring is now widely known – but does the appeal of diamonds rest upon a shady bedrock of smart advertising? Are diamonds truly rare? How are Diamonds Made? Understanding how natural diamonds are formed is a step towards appreciating what makes diamonds so special. Diamonds are made from carbon – […]
June 22, 2020
The confidence of online shoppers has risen dramatically over the past decade and this has brought about a new generation of diamond buyer, reaping the benefits of shopping for loose diamonds online. The freedom to shop at your own pace, refine your searches, choose from a huge inventory and enjoy significantly lower prices makes for an altogether more relaxing and cost-effective shopping experience. However, just as every diamond is unique, so too do diamond vendors have their own individual perks. I have refined my choices to the vendors who I believe go beyond ticking the essential boxes, and instead give […]
May 20, 2020
The diversity of engagement ring styles has bloomed over the last decade; with so many unique designs to choose from, an engagement ring can now perfectly express your personality or relationship. Cathedral settings are a classic style. Full of intrigue and craftsmanship, they hold your diamond on high for a simple but impactful appearance. What is a Cathedral Setting? A cathedral setting is not defined by the way it holds the diamond (i.e. Prong, bezel etc), but by the structural arches that rise over the shank. These arches give the central diamond prominence, drawing focus and making it appear larger. […]
May 20, 2020
Since we first started using diamonds for jewelry purposes, diamond cutters, designers and jewelry makers have honed their crafts and refined their techniques to create lavish designs suitable for royalty. One of the most complex and beautiful techniques in any jewelers’ repertoire is pavé. However, not all pavé is created equal; this guide will tell you what to look for in these striking settings. What is Pavé? Pavé is taken from the French word meaning ‘to pavé’; small diamonds are set closely to give the impression of a continuous path of sparkling diamonds across a shank. The diamonds are held […]
May 20, 2020
In my years of experience helping customers successfully buy diamonds online, one of the questions I am most commonly asked is ‘how will I know if it’s a fake?’. The fear of purchasing a fake diamond is nothing new, but the rise of online shopping has brought with it new waves of concern for first time buyers. Buying a diamond online ensures the best prices, best selection and some of the most beautiful diamonds. This guide will give you the confidence to shop online, avoid fakes and get the best, genuine diamond within your budget. Types of Fake Diamond ‘Fake […]
April 20, 2020
The Four C’s (cut, color, clarity and carat) are a straightforward tick list for diamond buyers. With simple grading systems and visual aids, leading gem labs GIA and AGS have ensured that every buyer stands a chance of finding a quality diamond within their budget. The internet has offered further opportunity for buyers to educate themselves, however conflicting information can confuse inexperienced buyers and lead to overspending on low quality diamonds. That is where I come in. The clued up among you will already know that when it comes to diamond quality, cut is king. Even diamonds with superior color […]
April 20, 2020
Disclaimer: Prices below are for Settings Only. Choosing a designer engagement ring is opting for the best craftsmanship and most unique styles on the market. The moment a designer attaches their name to a piece of jewelry, a focus on consistency and quality becomes crucial. The popularity of designer engagement ring settings continues to grow and with it, a demand for settings suitable for a wide range of budgets. If you are working to a modest budget, you might assume that the perks of a designer engagement ring are beyond your reach; well, think again. The symbolism of a diamond […]
March 25, 2020
The city of shopping, sunshine and, of course, Angels! The appeal of the Los Angeles jewelry district is entwined with the city’s glamorous reputation. However, like many jewelry districts across the world, buyers must be aware of the harsh realities of choosing to shop in these famous spots. In the bustle and excitement of the jewelry district, the strict rules of diamond buying can fall by the wayside, leaving buyers exposed to sub-par diamonds for inflated prices.