June 22, 2020

Are Diamonds Rare?

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 Best Place to Buy Loose Diamonds Online

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

Cathedral Settings: A Complete Guide

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

Pavé Diamond Engagement Ring Settings: A Complete Guide

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

Fake Diamonds: What to Avoid When Shopping for a Diamond Online

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

Are Super Ideal Cut Diamonds Worth it?

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

The Best Designer Engagement Rings on a Budget

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

A Guide to the Jewelry District in Los Angeles

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

Engagement Ring Engraving Ideas

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

A Complete Guide to Wide Band Engagement Rings

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’.