Archive for the ‘Diamonds’ Category

The modern appeal of the princess cut diamond

The princess cut diamond, also referred to as “square modified brilliant” is modern in every sense of the word. A relatively new cut in the world of diamonds (created in the 1960’s) the princess cut diamond has taken the world by storm and is not only used widely in engagement rings but also in many other pieces of jewellery including earrings and necklaces! But what is it about a princess cut diamond that makes it such a popular choice especially when it comes to modern brides and grooms?

Money Matters?

Let’s face it, when we invest our hard earned money into a lovely piece of jewellery, we like for it to be noticed! But did you know that princess cut engagement rings are often slightly cheaper than that of their direct modern competition- the brilliant cut stone? This is because a princess cut diamond retains about 80% of the rough diamond, as opposed to the round brilliant which retains only about 50%.

When a bride or groom thus, chooses to opt for princess cut diamond rings, they are likely to be able to either get a larger diamond or a better quality diamond for less. And that little bit of extra size or sparkle goes a long way toward the special ring being admired and noticed!

Styling with the times?

But it’s unlikely to be all about the money when it comes to princess cut diamond engagement rings. They are often the choice of modern brides based on their styling. Their distinct, clean lines and their versatility allow princess cut diamonds to be used in a vast array of unique and modern settings. They can also be integrated with other jewellery very easily, given the fact that princes cut diamonds are used in many necklaces, earrings and even body jewellery.

What’s in a name?

Some think that it is the simple appeal of the name that makes this diamond so popular. After all who doesn’t like to feel like a princess every now and then and what stone is more symbolic and special than a diamond?

In reality, it is probably a combination of all three of these things that has brought the princess cut diamond to such prominence. Ultimately, the princess cut is a beautiful and versatile representation for a classic and vibrant stone- and modern brides and grooms can’t get enough of it!

What are Triple Excellent Certified Diamonds?

Anyone doing some research about diamonds on the internet before they make a commitment to purchase one will have come across diamonds described as ‘triple excellent’ being the ultimate in cut perfection and brilliance.

For the major international grading laboratories such as GIA,HRD and IGI ‘triple excellent ‘ is the highest possible grading they can give. Excellent for polish, excellent for symmetry and excellent for overall cut grade. Whilst all 3 are regarded as industry leaders in the field of gem identification and analysis all 3 have different methods of calculating the overall cut of a diamond which at times can lead to different results being given on the same diamond.

Triple Excellent diamonds must therefore be examined a little closer to determine whether they are true Triple Excellent Hearts and Arrows diamonds with perfect scintillation. The areas that need to be looked at are the table and depth percentages, crown and pavilion height, depth and percentage, star and pavilion facet lengths along with girdle thickness. It is crucial all these factors fall within certain parameters to ensure you are purchasing the ultimate Triple Excellent Hearts and Arrows Diamond with brilliance and light return beyond all others.

After years of research the TripleEx H&A brand was developed to promote these perfect diamonds. Already certified with GIA as a ‘Triple Excellent’, a TripleEx H&A diamond is re-certified with its own certificate using the latest technology cut analysis software to confirm cut perfection and Aset technology to confirm the diamonds light return and brilliance.

When you purchase a TripleEx H&A diamond you receive the assurance of knowing you are buying the world’s most perfectly cut hearts and arrows diamond.

With offices in Sydney , Melbourne and Brisbane why not make an appointment with The Diamond Jewellery Studio so you can view these beautiful gems and see for yourself why so many are choosing a TripleEx H&A diamond as their triple excellent certified diamond for the centre piece of their exclusive handmade diamond ring.

The charm of coloured diamonds

Coloured diamonds vary greatly from traditional white diamonds in many ways. Two major variations include the price of coloured diamonds (usually much higher than white diamonds due to their scarcity) and the way coloured diamonds are graded (depth of colour rather than clarity is of much greater concern). Many modern brides are choosing these unique stones to include in their engagement and wedding rings- many opting for stunning pink, green and blue diamond engagement rings as a statement of style and individuality.

What colours can I choose from?

Coloured diamonds come in a range of colours, however, the intensity of the colour will vary, affecting the price of each stone. Stones also vary with regard to the settings that show them off the best. Eg. Black diamond earrings are considered both rare and stunning, while pink champagne diamonds are used in rings and necklaces. Our coloured stones include:

  • Blue
  • Green
  • Yellow
  • Orange
  • Pink Champagne
  • Black and
  • Mixed diamonds

Popular uses and settings for coloured diamonds

While many women usually associate white diamonds with rings and particularly engagement rings, coloured diamonds are used widely in many different styles and applications. Popular settings for our coloured diamonds include:

  • blue diamond engagement rings
  • pink champagne diamonds in dress rings and necklaces
  • black diamond earrings

Take your time to browse our stunning collection of coloured diamonds and our jewellery designs that include our coloured diamonds. Should you have any further questions or wish to have your own designer piece made from a coloured diamond, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Princess Cut Diamonds- The Pinnacle of Perfection

The ‘Cut’ of a diamond is considered by many to be the most important of the 4′c’s. It is the overall cut of a diamond that is the major contributing factor determining brilliance and scintillation. Diamonds are cut in a variety of shapes however the most popular shapes today are the Round Brilliant cut and the contemporary square look of the Princess cut.

What is the Princess Cut?

A princess cut diamond, also known as “square modified brilliant”, has pointed corners and is square or rectangular in appearance- displaying a faceting style that is quite unique and completely different from that of the more traditional round brilliant.

The princess cut diamond is only a relatively new diamond cut, having been created in the 1960s. Princess diamonds are gaining more and more popularity as they are one of few cuts that display a degree of brilliance similar to a round brilliant but offer lots of versatility and a modern edge- enabling thier use in a varity of jewellery including rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

The square princess cut diamond is also usually slightly cheaper than round brilliant cut diamonds of the same carat weight. This is because they retain about 80% of the rough diamond, as opposed to the round brilliant which retains only about 50%.

The Princess Cut Ring- The Choice of Modern Brides

Princess cut diamonds and princess cut diamond engagement rings are increasing in popularity with many brides. Offering a more contemporary look, many brides like the flexibility and diversity offered by the princess cut- either choosing to have a single princess cut diamond solitaire, a 3 stone princess cut diamond setting with two smaller stones either side of a larger stone or even coupling princess cut diamonds with round brilliants for a completely different look.

Notes about choosing a Princess Cut diamond:

Unlike round brilliant diamonds, there is no universal definition of what measurements make an ideal princess cut. Many diamond manufacturers market ideal diamonds with differing facet patterns and angles as “ideal cut”- it is importance to do your research when choosing a princess cut diamond and deal with a reputable diamond wholesaler.

In most cases, the squarer the diamond the better- for a princess diamond shape that is square, look for length-to-width ratios between 1 and 1.05. If you prefer more of a rectangular shape, look for length-to-width ratios greater than 1.10.

The princess cut diamond may have faceted corners on the top of the diamond that can be slightly weaker than a round diamond if they are very thin- they usually require a solid setting such as a four-pronged setting or a bezel set for protection.