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.
March 25, 2020
The sentiment and symbolism of an engagement ring is a powerful thing. With a history that extends back over 6,000 years, we have never grown tired of the utter romance of a proposal and a stunning ring to mark the moment.
February 27, 2020
An engagement ring is intended to be worn every day, or at least as often as possible. It becomes an extension of yourself, a constant reminder of your eternal love for your partner. For this to be possible, an engagement ring must tick a lot of boxes. Beauty, comfort, durability, practicality…the right ring will hit all these areas and only then can it truly be ‘the one’.
February 27, 2020
Over the course of jewelry-making history, trends and styles have come and gone, and designers and bench-workers have retired as many techniques as they have developed. However, the rich history of jewelry, its connection with royalty, status and figures of the past continues to be a large part of the appeal for the modern buyer.
January 17, 2020
Synthetic diamonds are often sold as a cheaper alternative to natural diamonds. Lab grown diamonds carry similar properties as natural diamonds but at a much lower cost – are we now discovering why? Previously, lab grown diamonds marketed themselves as the ‘ethical option’ for diamond enthusiasts, however this is widely disputed. The Kimberley Process has eradicated conflict diamonds from the open market and social responsibility schemes safeguard the communities surrounding diamond mines.
December 18, 2019
If you have been shopping around for diamonds, you may have come across Canadian diamonds. Often, they are branded as ‘premium’ items and are noticeably pricier than other, similar diamonds. Before paying more for a Canadian diamond, I suggest you read this full guide to Canadian diamonds so that you can decide for yourself if they are worth the extra money.