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A best friend knows how to make you smile, they celebrate your successes, and they stick with you through life’s changes…that’s why diamonds still know how to fit the bill! Some things never go out of style and the look of diamonds has always held a certain iconic status as a symbol of beauty, sophistication, and romance. You never forget your first best friend and I think that might be true for diamonds too. Feast your eyes on some of my favorite looks for diamonds that you’ll want to buddy up to!
When looking to purchase diamonds or diamond jewelry in any style there are four characteristics of diamonds we want to keep in mind: Color, Clarity, Carat Weight, and Cut. Knowing more about these characteristics will ensure you find a piece that is perfect for you!
1. Color
When we think of a diamond most of us readily imagine a clear jewel but in reality diamonds occur in a wide range of colors from ultra white to yellow to black. Each diamond’s color is unique and a testament to the process that created it so no two diamonds are really the same. The 0.37ct Diamond Sterling Silver “X” Ring by Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie is a perfect example of a collection of classic white diamonds that makes it look even more precious.
Throughout the passage of time, diamonds of other naturally-occurring colors other than “white” have become extremely popular. Diamonds are often heat treated to enhance these unique colors. Within colors of diamonds we find lots of variations from a bright canary to deeper shades, champagne, chocolate brown, etc. The 0.9ct Diamond Sterling Silver “X” Bracelet by Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie is a lovely example of golden yellow diamonds that sparkle even more with their sun-catching color.
Some rare diamonds come out of the earth in spectacular shades of yellow, blue, green, and pinkish to red, that make them highly desired too—these are called natural “fancy colored diamonds.” They are extremely rare and there is a very strict set of rules, created and used by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), to determine the grade and value of these diamonds. Most colored diamonds available for sale at HSN and other retail establishments use beautifully enhanced genuine diamonds. These enhancements bring out many fashionable colors in these diamonds. The 0.25ct Diamond Sterling Silver “X” Stud Earrings by Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie uses the dreamy beauty of blue diamonds, like the color of the famous Hope diamond, that shimmers like pure, crystallized water.
2. Clarity
Have you ever noticed the naturally-occurring small birthmarks inside or on the surface of a diamond? These characteristics are what we consider the diamond’s clarity or mother nature’s fingerprints of the diamond. Simulated Diamonds such as the ones used in Victoria Wieck’s Absolute designs do not have any of these inclusions or fingerprints. Why? Because these as they are man-made simulated diamonds and are nearly perfect.
The 2ct Absolute™ 14K Gold Earrings by Absolute are examples of simulated diamond earrings with “no inclusions”, which would be considered the highest grade of natural diamonds if they were graded for clarity. Learn more about the inspiration behind Victoria Wieck’s designs:
3. Carat Weight
The final detail by which to select a diamond is its carat weight. Diamonds can be heavier for their size than they may appear and part of that is attributed to their cut grade and their width across the diamond’s surface. A carat is divided into 100 points so for example a 50-point diamond or group of diamonds will weigh 0.50 carats. The 0.49ct Diamond Sterling Silver Pavé Cross Pendant with 16″ Chain by Colors of Diamonds is a great medium weight carat that comes in a unique devotional design to make it extra special.
A piece with a higher carat is the 0.91ct Champagne Diamond Sterling Silver “Tattoo” Ring by Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie. At almost a full carat this ring still looks so delicate with it’s framework which is really the perfect balance for wearing diamonds. Learn more about the inspiration behind Carol Brodie’s designs:
4. Cut
Contrary to what it would seem, cut doesn’t refer to the shape of the diamond but to its proportions, symmetry, and polish. A well-cut diamond will enhance the stone’s brilliance and scintillation. The 0.24ct Colored Diamond 3-Row Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings by Colors of Diamonds is an example of how the cut helps build a multiplying shimmering effect for these pieces. These earrings are also an example of a champagne-colored diamond!
What’s your memory of the first diamond you owned?