DIAMONDS 101 - JUNE 2023 NEWS
The J Farren-Price Guide to Diamonds
There is no greater expression of love than diamond engagement rings. Designed to symbolise an eternal commitment, placing a diamond ring on your partner’s finger is the beginning of a new chapter in life.
(Image: Hearts On Fire)
As one ring can mean so much, it is essential to encapsulate elements of individual taste. At J Farren-Price, we work with you to ensure that everything from the 4Cs and diamond shape to the style and setting is taken into account to create lasting perfection.
The Diamond 4C Chart
A diamond engagement ring has to withstand the test of time all while shining brightly each and every day. At the heart of a diamond’s staying power is the notion of the 4Cs. The globally accepted standards for assessing the quality of a diamond, the 4Cs are a reflection of a diamond’s unique fingerprints.
(Image: The Diamond Store, London)
Encompassing cut, clarity, colour and carat, the 4Cs will determine the characteristics of your diamond. All of which will help you make informed decisions when it comes to finalising your diamond’s shape, style and setting.
Diamond Cut
The diamond 4c chart often begins with cut. Put simply, cut looks at how a diamond’s facets interact with light. Balancing elements of proportion, symmetry and polish, there is a correlation between how the diamond is cut and how light is reflected and refracted.
(Image: Geology Page)
The only component of the 4Cs that is influenced by human hands, grading of a cut can range from Excellent to Poor. An excellent cut will illuminate the diamond’s inner brilliance. Meanwhile, a poor cut will result in what is known as light leakage, whereby brilliance is dulled.
Diamond Clarity
Another component to the 4Cs that is essential to mention in any diamond quality guide is clarity. Measuring both the purity and rarity of the stone, clarity refers to the visibility of any internal and external flaws, which are referred to as inclusions.
To determine clarity, 10x magnification is used to assign each diamond with a grading on the diamond clarity scale. On the high end of the scale are Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF).
(Image: Fulton Jewellery UK)
Very Very Slightly Included ratings -VVS1 and VVS2- will require a microscope to view any perceived inclusions. Whereas Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) ratings mean that inclusions can be viewed ever so slightly by the human eye.
There are also Slightly Included ratings such as Sl1 and Sl2. On the low end of the scale are Imperfect or Included diamonds rated as I1,I2 and I3. Typically, diamonds graded as Included or Imperfect are not carried by jewellers.
Diamond Colour
Directly impacting the appearance of the stone, colour is one of the most integral diamond characteristics. While it is generally assumed that all diamonds are completely clear, there is a natural tint inherent in some diamonds.
As such, there is a diamond colour chart that assigns lettering to determine what colour range each and every diamond falls into. Colourless diamonds are given a D, E or F grading. G, H I and J grading is given to near colourless diamonds.
(Image: Windsor Fine Jewellers)
Meanwhile, a grading of K, L or M means that the diamond has a faint yellow appearance. Faintly graded diamonds are typically popular with individuals who like the idea of a pop of culture emanating from their engagement ring.
Diamond Carat
Often incorrectly associated with the size of the diamond, carat in fact refers to the weight of the diamond. As such, carat weight isn’t visible to the naked eye. In terms of carat, it is also important to note that several factors ranging from density to shape will impact the weight of a stone.
(Image: Kwiat)
When looking to purchase an engagement ring, it’s normal to wonder ‘how many carat diamond for engagement ring?’ There is no right or wrong answer. Rather, simply take into account that one carat equals 0.20 grams and will appear different based on the diamond shape you choose.
Diamond Shapes
An essential element to a diamond buying guide is design. While the 4Cs will determine key characteristics of your diamond, elements of design will influence how the ring rests on your finger. Diamond shapes truly have a large role to play in overall design when you consider that the shape will determine the outline of your ring.
(Image: Kay Jewelers)
Traditional diamond shapes are still en vogue with many couples preferring the timeless nature of round diamonds. Non-round or fancy shaped diamonds are also proving increasingly popular with shapes like cushion, princess and pear adding a modern touch to a lifelong investment. The Claw Set Grace diamond ring pictured below is an example of a square cut.
Styles & Settings
Another key component to design is the style and setting of the engagement ring.
When determining style, couples can choose from an array of different designs that showcase a different number of diamonds or even specific placements.
Equal parts elegant and minimalist, one style option is that of solitaire, such as the Hearts On Fire Camila prong diamond ring seen below.
Shoulder stones, another popular style, have a centre stone and smaller stones running down each side of the band for maximum sparkle. One example of such a style is the Cento Argyle Pink Diamonds ring, featured below.
Meanwhile, modern brides tend to gravitate towards the allure of halo and cluster ring styles, like the Hearts on Fire Trilogy Halo ring shown below.
The final design decision to make when purchasing an engagement ring is how the diamond is mounted onto the metal band. While undoubtedly impacting the overall look of your ring, the right setting also needs to take into account elements of practicality.
For example, the immensely popular prong setting lifts the diamond up to allow for more light, however, it is prone to snagging. On the other hand, a more modern setting such as halo will offer security and aesthetic appeal such as making your ring appear both brilliant and large.
Engagement Rings
At J Farren-Price, we have a large collection of beautiful, high-end engagement rings. We also pride ourselves on our bespoke designs, allowing you to create the engagement ring of your dreams. Discover our creative process today, starting with a single sketch right through to the finished dream piece.
HEARTS ON FIRE 'INTEGRITY' 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.705CT DIAMOND TRILOGY HALO RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold.
- Gemstones: 0.705ct Round Brilliant cut H/SI1 diamond. 46 Round Brilliant cut G-H/VS-SI diamonds totalling 1.319ct.
- Ring Size: M 1/2.
PLATINUM 0.76CT 'ASSCHER CUT' DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING
details
- Precious Metals: Platinum
- Gemstones: 0.76ct E colour, Square Emerald Cut diamond with VVS2 clarity.
PLATINUM THREE STONE "CENTO" DIAMOND RING WITH ARGYLE PINK DIAMONDS
details
- Precious Metals: Platinum
- Gemstones: Three 'Cento' (hundred faceted diamond from Roberto Coin) - 0.78ct F colour, VS1 Cento cut diamond. 0.45ct F colour VS2 Cento cut diamond. 0.45ct F colour, Cento cut diamond with VS2 clarity. 14 Argyle Pink Diamonds totalling 0.07ct.
HEARTS ON FIRE 'CAMILLA' 18CT YELLOW GOLD 0.704CT DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct yellow gold.
- Gemstones: 0.704ct round brilliant cut G/VS1 diamond. Round brilliant cut G-H VS-SI diamonds totalling 0.17ct.
- Ring Size: M (6.50).
HEARTS ON FIRE 'CAMILLA' 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.31CT DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: Round brilliant cut diamond totalling 0.310ct. 22 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalliing 0.17ct.
- Size: M
HEARTS ON FIRE JULIETTE 18CT YELLOW GOLD 1.083CT DIAMOND HALO RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct yellow gold
- Gemstones: 1.031ct round briliant cut centre diamond. 22 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.07ct
- Ring Size: M
HEARTS ON FIRE 'DELIGHT LADY DI' 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.32CT DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 1 x round brilliant cut diamond totalling 0.32ct. Round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.17ct.
- Ring Size: 6.5
PLATINUM 'CLAW SET GRACE' PRINCESS CUT DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: Platinum
- Gemstones: Princess cut (5.58x5.51x3.99mm) D colour VS2 clarity diamond totalling 1.04ct. 76 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.43ct
- Ring size: M.
18CT WHITE GOLD PEARSHAPED DOUBLE HALO DIAMOND DRESS RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 81 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 1.02ct. 1 x pearshaped diamond totalling 0.30ct. 3 x marquise cut diamonds totalling 0.25ct. 1 x princess cut diamond totalling 0.07ct.
- Size: L
HEARTS ON FIRE LORELEI FLORAL 18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND DOUBLE TWIST BAND
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 32 round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.39ct
HEARTS ON FIRE 'FULFILLMENT' ROUND 18CT WHITE GOLD 0.89CT DIAMOND BAND
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 55 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.89ct.
18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND SET BAND
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold.
- Gemstones: Round brilliant cut diamond totalling 0.18ct.
- Ring Size: M.
ROBERTO COIN 'CLASSIC' 18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND CLUSTER RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold.
- Gemstones: 45 x round brilliant cut and single cut diamonds totalling 0.82ct.
HEARTS ON FIRE 'MULTIPLICITY LOVE' 18CT WHITE GOLD 1.95CT SEVEN STONE DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 7 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 1.95ct.
HEARTS ON FIRE 'SIGNATURE' PLATINUM DIAMOND ETERNITY BAND
details
- Precious Metals: Platinum.
- Gemstones: 35 round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.48ct.
HEARTS ON FIRE 'SIGNATURE' 18CT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND BAND
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: 21 x round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 0.12ct.
- Size: 6
DEMEGLIO 'ETERNITY' 18CT WHITE GOLD 4.52CT EMERALD CUT DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: Emerald cut diamonds totalling 4.52ct.
DEMEGLIO 'EXTENSIBLE' 18CT WHITE GOLD 2.14CT ELASTIC DIAMOND RING
details
- Precious Metals: 18ct white gold
- Gemstones: Round brilliant cut diamonds totalling 2.14ct.