My Pink Diamonds

What is the diamond shape

Many buyers often confuse between the diamond cut and shape of a diamond. The cut of a diamond refers to the number of facets and angles of a diamond. The shape of a diamond however refers to the geometrical form of a diamond, after it has been cut and polished. Here is a list of the popular shapes available in the market and how buyers can choose from them.

Round diamonds

These are by far the most popular and expensive, and not without reason. Round brilliant have the maximum fire and brilliance. They also give flexibility for balancing the grades of color, cut and clarity. Finally, these can be put into diverse settings quite easily. These diamonds have fifty eight facets (including the culet). Highest brilliance can be obtained by choosing round diamonds of ideal or very good grades of cut. The ideal proportions are achieved in round brilliants only, by maintaining proportions.

Round Brilliant Diamond

Emerald shaped diamonds

As the name implies, this shape was more popular for emeralds before it was used on diamonds. Thus stones here are basically rectangular in shape while the pavilion is cut with rectangular facets. Corners are cropped for added effect. Step cuts that resemble stairs, in the stone give it a special optical appearance of flashes of light. The large and open table of the emerald shape especially highlights the clarity of the stone. While opting for an emerald shaped diamond it is therefore important to choose a stone with high clarity and few inclusions. Location of the inclusions on the stone are also of importance and buyers must take care that the inclusions are not present near the table where they are easily visible. Price wise this shape is more economical as compared to the expensive round or princess diamonds.

Emerald Shape Diamond

Princess shaped diamonds

Besides the round diamonds, the princess shape is the next more popular and preferred shape, especially for engagement rings. The shape is highly popular for its property to bring out the best brilliance in a square cut diamond. This is a typically square or rectangular shaped diamond that comes with pointed corners and many sparkling facets. This cut is relatively new as compared to other shapes and looks quite flattering on long and slender fingers. While buying a princess shaped diamond, it is important to consider the length to width ratio of the stone. While a length to width ratio between 1 to 1.05 is suitable for square shaped princess diamonds, buyers may prefer a length to width ratio greater that 1.10 if looking for more rectangular princess diamonds. Also this cut requires more depth as compared to other cuts and thus a depth percentage of 70% or more is taken.

Princess Shape Diamond

Oval shaped diamonds

Oval shaped diamonds are quite popular in the market too and are well known for their flattering effect of length on short fingers. This shape is noted to have been created and introduced by Lazare Kaplan way back in the 1960s. Usually noted to have 56 facets, the weight of such diamonds is estimated by measuring the length and width of the stone. A ratio of 1.33 to 1.66 provides a good traditional range of oval shaped diamonds. While choosing an oval diamond ensure that it has ‘shape appeal’. Watch out for uneven shoulders or high shoulders or a bow-tie effect that can be visible to the naked eye. Also choose a good setting either in the east-west or north-south direction so that the diamond has high appeal.

Oval Shape Diamond

Marquise diamonds

This is an elongated diamond with both ends pointed. These diamonds are known to have taken their name from the famous smile of Marquise de Pompadour. It is renowned for its property to give a bigger looking diamond. Diamonds with this shape usually have 56 facets. The ideal length to width ratios while opting for marquise diamonds fall within 1.75 and 2.25. Buyers must look out for shape appeal and for a bow tie effect that is often visible in poorly shaped Marquise diamonds.

Marquise Shape Diamond

Pear shaped diamonds

This is also known as the teardrop shape owing to its resemblance and is considered as a hybrid between the marquise cut and the round brilliant diamond. The stone has one end rounded while the other end is pointed. Buyers can opt between varying length and width ratios for the ideal looking pear shaped diamond. Length to width ratios between 1.45 and 1.75 are suitable. Buyers should be careful while choosing stones and must look out for a bow-tie effect visible to the naked eye.

Pear Shaped Diamond

Cushion shaped diamonds

The cushion shaped diamonds are also known as pillow cut or candlelight diamonds, owing to the number of years for which this shape has had popularity. Those were ancient times, when stones were viewed in candlelight rather than artificial light. They have round corners and larger sized facets that enhance the brilliance of the stone. While this shape is not as fiery and brilliant as princess shaped diamonds, it lends a certain elegance to diamonds and is thus adopted by many. The cushion shape more or less resembles a hybrid between the old mine cut and the modern oval shape. As in other square stones, one can opt for cushion shaped diamonds that are square or rectangular. Finally, opt for cushion shape only if you plan to invest in diamonds over one carat.

Cushion Shape Diamond

Radiant diamonds

Radiant diamonds come with trimmed corners that gives this diamond its special shape. The shape can be both rectangular and square and buyers should consider the length to width ratio of the stone while opting. Usually the shape has seventy facets and more weight is directed into the depth of the stone for giving a high brilliance. A ratio of 1 to 1.05 gives a more square looking shape while a ratio over 1.10 gives a more rectangular looking diamond.

Radiant Brilliant

Heart diamonds

Heart diamonds are a symbol of love and are opted for by many. The diamond is typically a pear shaped diamond with the rounded end comprising of a cleft. Much skill goes into giving the perfect heart shaped diamond to dance with brilliance. It is thus advisable that before buying heart shaped diamonds, maximum attention be given to the cut and the highest grade of diamond cut be selected for purchase. Length to width ratios between 0.90 and 1.10 are advisable, but do be sure about the kind of heart shape you require, elongated and slim or short and broad.

Heart Shape

Asscher shape

The asscher shape resemble emerald cut diamonds with the exception that the diamond is square instead of rectangular. As compared to an emerald shape, this shape usually has a higher brilliance, smaller table and a deeper pavilion. Also the stone has bigger step facets. The shape highlights the clarity of the diamond and it is important to take a diamond with minimal inclusions, especially at the table, while opting for this shape. While you can opt for any carat weight in the asscher shape, you will get an amazing range even under one carat size. Look for shape appeal before purchasing the stone without using a loupe.

Asscher Cut

Trilliant shape

This special shape first designed in Amsterdam, gives a diamond the look of brilliant dancing fire. The stone basically has a triangular shape with pointed or rounded edges. There are usually twenty five facets on the crown and nineteen facets on the pavilion. The girdle is polished.

Trilliant Shape Diamond

What buyers must look for

Keeping the following aspects in mind will assist diamond buyers greatly while choosing a good diamond.

Usage: While all diamonds look beautiful, the right selection of shape can prove extremely beautiful. Thus while a woman with a small hand may prefer a princess shaped diamond or a round one, long fingers are better accentuated by a marquise shape or oval shaped diamond. Finally an elongated pear shaped diamond can make fingers appear slimmer and slender.

Appeal: Shape appeal is another important factor that buyers must consider. Look for a stone that appeals well to the unaided eye. This can be checked through considering the girdle of the stone. Also look for the bow tie effect that can be quite prominent in certain stones.

Size of diamond: While the carat weight determines the size of a diamond, a difference in shape can also make the size of the diamond look different. Thus a one carat emerald shaped diamond with less depth and more surface area can appear bigger as compared to a two carat round brilliant stone. The marquise shape is another option that can make a low carat diamond appear much bigger.

Clarity: Certain shapes like the Asscher and emerald shapes tend to highlight the clarity of the diamond. Thus if buyers are opting for stones of grade SI, it is important to check where the inclusions are present.

Setting of the stone: Finally the right setting of the diamond can accentuate its shape and appearance on wearing. Small round diamonds on either side of a marquise finger ring, can make fingers appear longer. Also in princess and emerald shaped diamonds, buyers must check that the setting protects the four corners, which can otherwise chip easily. Four pronged settings are thus advisable for such shapes.

Besides the above, diamonds take on various other shapes that are a hybrid of the above. Most of these shapes take form owing to the creativity of the cutter and the original shape of the diamond from which the shape is inspired, for retaining maximum carat weight and brilliance. While the shape you buy is finally your individual preference, opt for the right diamond with great care.

When you decide to buy a new diamond ring whether for yourselves or others, you will be surprised because there will be a countless of diamond ring choices that are waiting for you. Therefore, if you follow these 3 steps, it will help you to narrow your choices when you are buying a new diamond ring, that are selecting a diamond shape, a setting style and a metal for you diamond ring.

First of all, you have to decide which diamond shape that you like the most. Diamonds are cut in different way to maximize its ability to reflex lights that make them brilliant. The main diamond shapes can be divided into round shape, princess, marquise, pear, and oval. Each diamond shape has it advantage and disadvantage. However, in many designs, diamond rings are mixed with different shapes of diamond.

Next step for narrowing your choices when you are buying a new diamond ring is to select a setting style of your diamond ring. The common setting styles are bezel setting, channel setting and prong setting. The setting style must be selected relatively with a diamond shape to increase the beautifulness of diamond rings.

In addition to select the diamond shape and setting style, selecting a metal for your new diamond rings is as important as both steps. You can choose one of a large number of metals for your new diamond ring such as gold, pink gold and platinum. You have to select them carefully because these metals will help your new diamond ring look more brilliant.

Therefore, from a great number of choices when you decide to buy a new diamond ring, these 3 steps not only will help you to narrow your choices but also help you a find the most appropriate new diamond ring.

For more information please visit http://buying-diamond-ring.blogspot.com/

Getting engaged? Whether it’s your first time down the aisle or your third, the bride is blushing and the diamonds should be sparkling.

Here’s the Feng Shui Master’s 5 Factor Guide to choosing just the right ring for your one and only true love.

#1 SHAPE

Looking with a  Feng Shui Eye, diamond shapes come in three categories:

Not So Great

Pretty good

Great Feng Shui

*The Bagua, the Feng Shui energy map that represents all facets of life is an octagon. Shouldn’t your ring reflect all of life, too?

#2 COLOR

In Feng Shui we use color energy to lift and enhance different aspects of life.

Feng Shui Love Power Colors:

The standard diamond is white and perfectly suited to bringing “future” energy to your ring. After all, isn’t that what an engagement ring is for? If you do want to add other color energies, use other gemstones, like red rubies for passion ch’i, to achieve the balance and intention in your heart. (There are natural red or pink diamonds but quality ones are very rare and very expensive.)

#3 STORY

The energy of the past carries into the present and on into the future.

A new diamond is like the proverbial blank slate; ready to absorb and hold your love ch’i. It’s when you’re looking at heirloom or estate pieces that “predecessor ch’i” becomes a factor. Just like the new ring will be imprinted with your energy, older pieces may carry the energy of past owners and past events. (There really are “cursed” diamonds.)

Family Heirlooms

Ask for the true stories and check into your true feelings. Did Grandma and Grandpa really have a wonderful marriage? If the answer is yes and you had a wonderful relationship with Grandma then go ahead. You can add another layer of love ch’i to an already blessed stone.

If the true story is not about love or you didn’t get along with her, ask yourself why you’d want to wear a ring weighted with dark feelings.

Estate Jewelry

Not all pre-owned pieces carry negative energy. Some are neutral or even positive. But unless you’re a good energy reader it would be wise to ask for help from a friend who is. You’ll have enough to deal with in married life without adding someone else’s “karma.”

(Disclosure: I bought Debra antique diamonds for both our 10th and 20th anniversaries. Of course, I took a deep look into the stones’ ch’i before deciding.)

#4 BALANCE

To choose wisely, keep logic and desire in balance.

Size, cut and clarity all impact price. Too high a price can put stress ch’i into the ring and into the relationship. Budget well, buy smart and that simple half carat will outshine all others.

Of course, what will really make it shine is Feng Shui Factor #5 –

#5 LOVE

Love really does make the world go round.

Do you believe in magic? Do you believe in love? No matter how big or how small, a diamond ring chosen in love and given in love can be a link between lovers; a love link will only grow as life happens.

Remember, in life and love it’s not really the shape or color or age or cost of your ring that has power. It’s your desire for one another and your hearts’ commitment to sharing the rest of your lives together.

As Shirley Bassey’s song goes “Diamonds are forever sparkling round my little finger” – diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring mineral and a diamond ring is what every woman dreams of displaying on their finger. It is also a material with unique physical qualities because they can hardly get damaged by another substance. Therefore the lustre and its polish will stay forever. Giving a diamond ring made out of this everlasting mineral is the most romantic way of expressing one’s love and devotion to a woman.

“Diamond” is a Greek word which means unbreakable and untamed. A diamond can only be cut by using another diamond. This precious gemstone, which originated from India about 4,000 year ago, can be cut into various shapes and depending on the expertise of the diamond cutter. Possible shapes vary from heart s to princess, oval, square and pear.  While colourless diamonds are more popular and expensive, shades of blue, green, red and pink are also available but very rare. A ring adorned with a beautifully shaped diamond on your finger is definitely capable of adding a look of class and genteel to your personality.

Most people will not be satisfied with the second best, but if they can afford it, they would always go for a diamond ring to wear on their engagement or wedding day. While rings can be made in different ways, the ideal and most fashionable way would be a diamond ring selected by a groom for his future bride. The price of your ring depends on the quality of the gemstone it has. Prior to purchasing a diamond ring one should be aware of the major qualities the diamond carries. The cut, clarity, carat and the colour are the four C’s and are all that matters in a diamond. The look and value of your diamond ring depends on the gemstone it displays.  

Sometimes diamond rings are made with a meaning. Solitaire rings contain one single diamond and one would also design engagement rings by using one large diamond in the centre. Three-stone diamond rings symbolise the past, present and future to show the couple’s long lasting love together. It is not only worn for an engagement or the wedding day, it is also a perfect gift idea for a birthday or a wedding anniversary.

Diamond rings can be purchased directly from the store, ordered online or custom-made according to your style, ring size and the price that suits your pocket. Geraldonline is one of UK’s largest and most renowned online jewellers who feature a wide selection of diamond rings made to suit to everyone’s taste. Styled and designed by expert jewellery designers, these rings are unique and elegant and are sure to charm the lady in your life. They can be made out of gold or white gold according to a weight you specify. A ring is also the best way to express your true love and by giving the best you truly present a token of an endless love.