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Diamond

The diamond is the hardest natural substance on Earth and has become a symbol of eternal love and commitment. Diamonds are typically found in engagement rings and can also be found in wedding rings.

Contents

[edit] The 4 Cs

  • Cut: Often confused with shape, cut refers to a collection of measurements, including proportion, polish, and symmetry, that determine the brilliance of a diamond.
  • Clarity: Refers to the absence of imperfections inside and outside a diamond. Clarity is rated from "FL" (flawless) to "13" (flaws visible to the naked eye).
  • Carat: Often confused with size, carat refers to the weight of a diamond. According to industry standards, one carat equals 200 milligrams.
  • Color: Refers to the hue of a diamond. Color is graded from "D" (absolutely colorless) to "Z" (noticeable, light yellow color).

[edit] Shape

Shape refers to the geometrical outline of a diamond. There are many shapes from which to choose:

  • Round-Brilliant: The most common diamond shape is round-brilliant and contains 58 facets.
  • Oval: Oval-shaped diamonds are elliptical with two curved sides and two round ends.
  • Pear: Pear-shaped diamonds are round or oval with a point at one end. The pointed end usually faces away from the body.
  • Marquise: Marquise-shaped diamonds are round or oval with points at both ends.
  • Princess: The most common non-round diamond shape is princess, an intricatly-cut square stone.
  • Emerald: Shaped like the Emerald gemstone for which they are named, emerald-shaped diamonds are rectangular with diagonally-cut corners and step-like faceted edges.
  • Asscher: Asscher and Royal Asscher-shaped diamonds are nearly identical to emerald-shaped diamonds, but are usually squared and include more facets.
  • Radiant: A variation of emerald-shaped diamonds, radiant-shaped diamonds are also trimmed on the corners and rectangular, but generally include more facets.
  • Cushion: Also known as a "pillow"-shaped diamond, cushion-shaped diamonds have curved sides and rounded corners, much like a cross between a rectangle and an oval.
  • Heart: Heart-shaped diamonds resemble a heart and vary in length-to-width ratios.

[edit] Settings

  • Prong: Three to six metal claws, or prongs, raise the diamond from the band, allowing in the maximum amount of light. Prongs can be flat, pointed, round, or V-shaped.
  • Three-stone: Three prong settings each hold a diamond, representing the past, present, and future.
  • Baguette: A baguette setting is generally two rectangular diamonds set on either side of a round diamond.
  • Bezel: A bezel is a rim of metal that completely surrounds the diamond.
  • Half-Bezel: Like the name says, a half-bezel setting is a metal rim that surround half of the diamond.
  • Illusion: With an illusion setting, several diamonds are set side-by-side, and the setting is hidden from view.
  • Tension: Tension settings use compression to hold the diamond in place, making it appear to be floating.
  • Cluster: A cluster setting showcases a larger center diamond surrounded by smaller diamonds, often creating a flower shape.
  • Gypsy: In a bezel-like manner, gypsy settings feature diamonds sunk into holes, flush with the band's surface.
  • Channel: A channel setting is a band showcasing a row of diamonds, set flush against each other, between two horizontal channels.
  • Channel End: Channel end (also called "bar" settings) are bands with diamonds set side-by-side with metal bars in between.
  • Pave: Pave settings have small diamonds encrusting the surface of a band, giving the illusion of a solid surface of diamonds.

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