Everyone has known for a very long time that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. A diamond ring on a woman’s hand is not only evidence of her wealth. Jewelry with this most expensive stone in the world is passed down from generation to generation. And, even if they are not a museum value, they are valued in the family.
Today, the price of a diamond ring may seem unaffordable to many. But, as it turns out, you can give your woman such a ring and not go broke. It all depends on what kind of stone is inserted into an expensive gold frame.
It turns out you can buy a diamond ring at an average price. And here it is important to clearly understand that you are buying a natural diamond and not a fake. How to choose correctly and not fall into the clutches of scammers?
Important! You should buy diamond rings only in reliable, trusted places, stores that have a high reputation as an honest seller.
But if you continue to be tormented by vague doubts, you can check which stone is inserted into the ring.
Life hacks or how to check if a ring is a real diamond
- Diamonds weighing more than 0.3 carats are certified in a gemological laboratory. In the case of selling a diamond in jewelry, a certificate can be issued not only for the stone itself, but also for a diamond ring, as well as other jewelry.
Having the certificate number, you can easily check it by going to the website of the laboratory that issued it. The certificate number is also printed on the bottom of the stone itself. This number cannot be changed without damaging the diamond.
The largest and most famous laboratory today is the American GIA laboratory. But certificates issued in India are of much less value.
- Did you know that only a diamond will not be visible under X-rays?
Yes, of course, none of us will bother to have the stone shined before purchasing. But you can always check it this way. The rays will pass through the stone and the picture will be empty. No other material gives such a picture.
- Distinguish a diamond from glass or crystal.
Breathe on it. If the stone does not fog up, then it is a diamond.
- The targeted beam is not visible on the bottom or back of the stone.
This simple experiment can be carried out with a laser pointer or using a smartphone flashlight. The beam is refracted and does not pass through the stone to its reverse side.
- Weight to size ratio.
There is a special table, thanks to which you can determine whether the carat corresponds to the size of the stone and its weight. Most often, a diamond is replaced with zirconium, crystal, quartz or cubic zirconia.
- Let's look at the frame.
If you are offered a beautiful diamond in a cheap setting, then it is definitely not a diamond. At least two grams of gold are taken for the product, and it must be of the highest standard.
- Sandpaper.
Of course, few people will allow you to use it in a store when purchasing. But! Sandpaper will not leave the slightest mark on a diamond.
The most expensive engagement ring
The best holiday in a woman’s life is impossible without the main wedding attribute – a wedding ring. The men managed to make their wedding day even happier by presenting their future wives with unique jewelry that amazes with its beauty and value.
Jennifer Lopez ring
Jennifer Lopez's ex-husband, Marc Anthony, testified his love with a jewel encrusted with a blue diamond worth $4 million (RUB 255,058,000).
This beauty was created by celebrity designer Neil Lane
Grace Kelly ring
Prince Rainier 3rd gave Grace Kelly a ring with an emerald-cut diamond from Cartier weighing 10.47 carats and worth $4.6 million (RUB 293,316,700).
Wedding ring made of white gold
How much does a diamond ring cost?
Why will a diamond ring cost less than a single diamond ring? After all, there is more work in it, and more stones themselves.
The thing is that the cost of a precious stone is growing exponentially. Its price is determined by the formula: size squared, multiplied by the cost of one carat.
So, 1 stone of 1 carat will cost 10 times more than ten stones of 0.1 carat. What can we say about diamond chips? It will cost very little. But it is precisely thanks to this formula that it becomes possible to buy a diamond ring without an exorbitant price. It becomes more accessible to the consumer.
Types of gemstone bezels.
There are two main types of stone settings.
This is a complete stone frame and partial. Full framing involves edging a metal strip around the entire perimeter of the stone. And partial involves framing only part of the surface.
Full frame is characterized by greater strength and reliability, i.e. The stone is protected from falling out and from external damage.
However, this method of setting hides part of the stone in its design.
Partial framing is not as secure as full framing. However, this type of setting allows the stone to show itself from all sides and angles.
A partial setting typically consists of two elements, each of which frames one-fourth of the diamond's circumference. Thus, the stone is held on both sides, which guarantees its stability and safety.
The second type of edging is suitable for those who want to demonstrate all the beauty of their stone and do not worry about the reliability and safety of its setting.
Let's talk in more detail about the most popular settings for such a precious stone as diamond in order to understand their essence and determine all the advantages and disadvantages.
Diamond clarity and color
This parameter also affects the price of the stone and the gold diamond ring. Most of us are accustomed to the fact that a diamond is a transparent stone that, under the rays of light, reveals all the colors of the rainbow.
There is a scale of stone transparency, in which the most expensive ones are transparent. The rating system was developed by the GIA Institute and is a classification accepted throughout the world.
The purity of a stone is rated on a scale from D to Z. These letters indicate the presence of rock inclusions in the crystal. And the more such inclusions, the lower the cost of the diamond. The most expensive diamonds in this classification go from D to M. Then their cost is approximately the same.
After the letter scale rating comes the shade rating. There are only three of them:
- intensive;
- thick;
- dark.
The last option on the list is a diamond with rich, deep shades that is extremely rare in nature. And due to this, it is the most expensive type.
Interesting Facts. One of the most expensive diamonds has a graphite color. The Black Orlov diamond weighs 67.50 carats, and its origin is shrouded in mystical mystery.
Colored diamonds with a rich hue are classified as fancy. They are not assessed on a generally accepted scale. The most expensive diamond is a rich fancy one.
The most common diamonds are yellow ones. Less often blue and extremely rarely pink. When describing them, the letter of the secondary color is placed first.
Naturally mined fancy diamonds are some of the most expensive. They are much cheaper to produce artificially. The fluorescence in such fancy colored diamonds is highly valued. But for a transparent diamond this will be a serious drawback.
Interesting Facts. The largest natural diamond is the Cullinan I. It was found in 1905 and weighed 3106 ct.
Corporate styles and diamond cutting shapes
In an effort to move away from traditional diamond shapes such as round and princess cuts, some jewelers have come up with unconventional cutting styles to stand out from the rest.
Most of these cut styles are proprietary and use more facets than the traditional 57-facet round cut. Needless to say, almost every marketer will claim that their signature diamond cut provides more brilliance and brilliance than other diamonds.
As both a technically knowledgeable industry insider and a consumer, I can tell you that most of these claims are just marketing bullshit. Having more facets or a beautiful name does not affect the light characteristics of a diamond.
With that in mind, here's a short list of branded diamonds you might find on the market...
88 Cut – An 88-facet octagon-shaped diamond is an innovative specialty line created by Finesse Diamonds. Coming from a Chinese background, I can tell you that the number 8 represents luck and wealth in our culture. If Finesse Diamonds starts aggressively selling its stones in Hong Kong and Asia, they might just hit the jackpot.
Eighternity – This cutting design features 81 precisely placed edges to capture and reflect light. The company behind this special cut is KR Gems & Diamonds International.
Leo Diamond is perhaps one of the most hyped diamond cuts and one that I personally have an aversion to. Leo Diamond boasts that its patented 66-facet cutting style provides better dispersion, brilliance and brilliance. I disagree. Having seen many of these stones in person, I can say that these diamonds have inconsistent cutting standards and very poor quality control.
Star 129 – As the name suggests, Star 129 diamonds have 129 facets. Now let me be clear that more facets does not mean a more beautiful stone. They may lay claim to being the most impressive diamond on Earth, but what really matters is your opinion of it, not theirs.
Royal Asscher - official website and original creators of the Asscher cut. Royal Asscher are magnificent looking stones that rightfully deserve their name and association with the royal family. Unlike most Asscher cut diamonds, which are cut to dismal standards, Royal Asscher are true works of art and precision craftsmanship.
I know there are probably many more branded diamonds with fancy names and unique cut styles that haven't been mentioned here. If you have something to suggest to add to the list above, please email me or leave a comment below.
How does the cut of a stone affect the price?
The play of light in a diamond creates that unique charm. Passing through the stone, a ray of light bounces off the edges, refracts and produces all the colors of the rainbow and a unique radiance.
How many such facets must there be for a diamond to sparkle, and does their possible number depend on weight? It is believed that ideally a large diamond should have 57 facets. Stones from 0.33 to 0.05 will have a total of 33 facets. But here comes the skill of a jeweler who can cut a 0.33-carat diamond so that it has all 57 facets.
Fancy cut is more common today.
- Princess.
The weight of the stone can vary from a 2.6mm stone weighing 0.1ct to a 9.5mm stone weighing 5ct. Princess is one of the most popular cut types. The play of light in it is one of the most intense. Today, the Princess is significantly more expensive than other fancy cuts. This cut has a square shape, but can also be rectangular. Some jewelers use the Princess themselves. In some products it can be seen surrounded by trillions. - A trillion
is a triangular diamond with rounded sides. This design was first invented by jewelers in Amsterdam. What the final shape of the diamond will be depends directly on the preferences of the jeweler.
The following types of cuts are cheaper. But they look larger than a round diamond due to their shape.
- Asscher cut.
Somewhat reminiscent of the Princess, but it has more to do with the shape. The Asscher diamond has more tiers. The most expensive are Ashers with an equilateral shape. - Baguette.
The same applies to rectangular or square stones. If the aspect ratio is 1:1, then the cut is called Square. This shape has the fewest edges, so it is advisable to use it for processing small diamonds.
The baguette will look good in bracelets, necklaces, and pendants. It is used to frame jewelry. When purchasing a ring with a baguette, it is important to pay attention to the quality of the cut, as the stone may have cracks.
- Marquis.
It has an oval shape, narrowed towards the edges. A 0.1ct stone will measure 4.6mm by 2.6mm, while a 5ct stone will measure 16.6mm by 9.5mm.
The diamond has a slightly elongated wedge shape. A ring with a Marquis will look perfect on a narrow and very graceful hand, lengthening the fingers.
Interesting Facts. According to legend, this cut was ordered from a jeweler by Louis XIV for the Marquise de Pompadour. The diamond was made in the shape of her smile.
- Pear.
This diamond shape closely resembles a teardrop. The size of 0.1ct according to the table is 4*2.7 mm, and 5ct is 14.7*9.8 mm. When used in a ring, it also visually lengthens the fingers. However, most often Pear is used in the manufacture of pendants, earrings and necklaces. - Heart.
This is a Pear-shaped diamond, only with a split part on a wide base. In execution, this is one of the most complex types of cutting. You should carefully select a heart-shaped diamond ring, paying attention to the high clarity of the lines. A weight of 0.1ct corresponds to dimensions of 3.3*3.2 mm, 5ct - 11.2*10.8mm. - Oval.
0.1ct in an oval of 3.6 mm by 2.8, and 5ct 13.1 by 10 mm. The shape is used for large and expensive diamonds. Looks great in rings and earrings. - Radiant.
A deep stone with a lot of weight. One of those cuts that can enhance the play of color. It has an octagonal shape and a deep pavilion.
Now it becomes easier to understand what makes up the price of a diamond.
Top 19 most expensive rings in the world
Rings have been a favorite decoration of both sexes at all times. And not only artistic performance and exquisite design are valued in them. The cost of products is influenced by many factors:
- the quality of the precious stone with which the jewelry is decorated;
- cut type;
- the metal from which the ring is made.
In some cases, the legend associated with the decoration, the names and titles of its previous owners play an important role. The reputation of the jeweler who performed the work is often also a significant pricing factor.
Jewelry masterpieces are so inimitable and exclusive that they have their own names. However, the lucky owners of rarities often prefer to remain unknown.
Nova Yellow Diamond from Tiffany&Co
The model created by the masters of the Tiffany House is the pinnacle of jewelry art. The central position of the ring is occupied by a rare yellow diamond weighing 25.27 carats.
The ring is decorated with a rare yellow diamond
The unsurpassed sophistication and beauty of the stone is highlighted by a platinum base of the highest standard. The cost of the jewelry is $1,350,000 (RUB 86,082,075).
De Beers Round Brilliant Platinum
A veteran of the jewelry market is the De Beers company, since the mid-19th century. which is a monopolist in diamond mining in South Africa, presented an exclusive accessory with a 9-carat diamond of the correct round shape.
The ring is decorated with a 9-carat diamond
The main decoration of the brand costs $1,830,000 (RUB 116,689,035).
Laurence Graff
The diamond that adorns the exquisite ring is the only octagonal burgundy crystal in the world. The ring was put up for auction and attracted the interest of many participants.
The fight for it ended with the victory of the famous connoisseur and connoisseur of precious stones - Lawrence Graff
The king of the jewelry world, as Graff was nicknamed, did not hesitate to pay $2.6 million (170,505,140 rubles) for an accessory with a rare stone.
Najmat Taiba
Perhaps the only accessory that will never show off on a woman’s finger is the Najmat Taiba. The ring of masters of Saudi Arabia is an exhibit of the Guinness Book of Records as the largest in the world.
This ring weighs 64 kg
The surface of the decoration is strewn with precious stones, the weight of which is 5.15 kg, and the gold base weighs it down by another 57.95 kg. The perimeter of the circle is also impressive - more than 2 m. The jewelry is put up for sale in Dubai in the Kanz Jewelry boutique for $3 million (RUB 191,293,500).
Krupp Diamond (Elizabeth Taylor Diamond)
$3,500,000 (223,175,750 rubles) - this is the cost of the favorite “trinket” from Krupp Diamond of actress Elizabeth Taylor, who adored diamonds. This gift was given to her by Richard Burton in May 1968.
The actress did not part with the jewelry with a superbly cut diamond of 33.19 carats until her death.
To sum it up: how to choose a diamond ring
- When buying a diamond ring, you should first of all objectively assess your budget. This way, when you come to the store, you won’t rush around chaotically, but will immediately indicate to the seller which options you are ready to choose from. Firstly, this way you will save your own time. Secondly, you will not feel awkward when you are offered options for a diamond ring that you cannot pay for.
- Make your choice based on the points listed in the article: type of cut, color, etc.
- Ask to see the passport for the product you like. As we wrote above, appropriate documents are issued for diamond rings.
In fact, these are all your actions. However, there is one significant point that you should definitely consider when buying a diamond ring. By law, jewelry cannot be returned. And it doesn’t matter at all how much the product costs. The store does not have the right to accept it even a few minutes after purchase.
Therefore, when choosing a diamond ring, you must be 101% sure that the size will be correct. When buying a ring for yourself, this will not be a problem. You will try on the ring on the spot and decide on the size. If a diamond in a ring setting is bought as a gift, you need to know the size accurately.
Types of diamond rings, depending on the type of frame
Jewelers use different types of settings for diamond rings. Among the most common options are:
- The teeth are small “claws” that hold the cut diamond. Often, gold diamond rings are made with 4 or 6 prongs, but craftsmen can use a larger number. This type of frame provides an effective focus on the precious stone itself.
- Rim (solid) frame. In this case, the diamond is surrounded by a band of base metal. In this case, the edging can cover the stone along the entire length of the circumference or only in some part of it (the second option is called a “semi-blind” rim).
- Invisible. This setting implies a hidden holding of the diamond due to the special structure of the gold ring, which is located under the stone. Such jewelry uses special cut diamonds with indentations, with the help of which special protrusions of the precious metal hold them.
- Channel fixation. In this case, the stone is located in a ring, as if in a channel between the strips. Typically, this holding method is used for small diamonds.
- Clicks. This setting option involves fixing the diamond with two ends of the strip, which exert a certain pressure on it, which prevents it from falling out.
What are frames made of?
The material used for decoration is no less important than its shape. Of course, it is best to wear works made of precious metals (they owe their resistance to rust to their second name - noble).
This group includes silver, gold, platinum, iridium, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium and osmium. The first three metals are most often used, because they are characterized by the most valuable qualities for a jeweler - softness, ductility, ductility, and can be fused and soldered with others. Gold is the only metal that in its natural form has a bright yellow color and pure shine, which is greatly enhanced by polishing. It is extremely ductile - 3.4 km of the finest wire is obtained from 1 g of gold, and sheets of gold leaf (their thickness is only 0.0001 mm) transmit the sun's rays. In addition, this metal does not oxidize in air, is resistant to moisture, and does not react to acids, salts, or alkalis.
Silver is a light, almost white metal, very malleable and malleable. It conducts heat and electric current best, and also has the highest reflectivity. Silver, like gold, does not rust when in contact with water, but darkens when in contact with ozone and hydrogen sulfide. The designer jewelry that our online jewelry store offers you is made from silver. They attract attention with their extraordinary design, color scheme, combination of careful metal processing and the natural beauty of amber.
Platinum is the most chemically inert metal. Only hot “royal vodka” (a mixture of hydrochloric and nitric acid) can dissolve it. But, despite such resistance to chemical influences, platinum lends itself well to pressure - it can be rolled into sheets 0.00025 mm thick.
What shape and cut of diamonds are used for rings?
The shape of a diamond is a general concept that is determined by the appearance of the stone and its similarity to any geometric shapes. More precisely, the shape and edges of diamonds are determined by the type of cut:
- Round. Such stones are considered the most popular in jewelry. The classic round cut was developed to maximize the brilliance of diamonds due to its many facets.
- Oval. Stones with this cut are also considered quite common. There are several subtypes of oval cut: “marquise” (the diamond has two sharp ends), “pear” (an oval with one narrow edge), “heart” (an oval with one pointed edge and a depression on the opposite rounded side).
- Rectangular. This type of cut is also divided into several subtypes: princess, emerald (rectangle with truncated corners), asscher (square with cut corners), cushion (rounded corners), radiant.
- Triangular. This type of cut also belongs to the classic ones, and it is divided into two main subtypes - “triangles” and “trilliant”. Stones with this cut can be made with both straight and rounded edges.
Comparison of the use of prongs and framing.
When compared to a bezel or channel setting, it becomes apparent that the prongs make more of the diamond visible, allowing more light to enter the stone, thereby improving its brilliance.
On the one hand, improved visibility, on the other, the safety of the diamond.
Prongs are less secure than some surrounds that cover more stone with metal. This is especially true for bezel surrounds, which hold the stone more securely. Therefore, if you are concerned about safety, it is recommended to choose a channel setting for your diamond.
As already noted, precious items in which the stones are framed by a strip of metal, rather than set in prongs, are more expensive and therefore are not always suitable for a budget option.
The teeth on the jewelry allow you to highlight the stone, make it more noticeable and expressive, leaving its main part visible. If you want to change the stone on the product, then with teeth it will be much easier, because They are most suitable for stones of various shapes and sizes.
Whereas in an edged decoration, this is quite problematic and you need to select a stone with suitable parameters.
At the same time, the teeth protect the stone less well from various damages due to the fact that they open up most of the stone. Therefore, stones set in prongs are more susceptible to damage and require inspection and maintenance more often.
If a prong suddenly breaks, this may result in the loss of the stone.
For this reason, such products must be regularly checked every few years and, if necessary, broken or fallen teeth must be immediately restored.
There are no such risks in products with framing. And the gem itself is located lower and thus better protected.
