Diamond News
Designing Diamond Rings
The modern, and ongoing, popularity of diamond rings has led to a wide variety in the style, cut, setting and type of gemstones in general, and diamonds in particular. In this article, we shall consider a few of the most popular diamond ring designs.
Diamond rings have been given in token of wedding engagements since the 1400’s, although the tradition of doing so became widespread only in the last 50 years or so, with diamonds, especially in rings, becoming symbols of love and eternity.
Since their first uses as gems of adornment however, much attention has been paid to their presentation, and today whole industries exist dedicated to the cutting and polishing of diamonds for jewellery.
Cuts For Diamond Rings
Diamond cuts are usually divided into three broad categories, each of which can contain several sub-categories. These broad categories are based on the style and arrangement of the facets of the diamond.
First is the “brilliant cut” diamond. These diamonds have facets in the shape of triangles and kites, (or two joined triangles), which radiate outwards, and enhances the sparkle (or brilliance) of the diamond.
Second is the “step cut” diamond. This cut is characterised by sloping, four-sided facets cut below the top of the diamond, and running parallel to the girdle, (or widest part) of the diamond. This cut also has fewer facets than the brilliant cut.
Finally, diamonds can also be classified as “mixed cut,” in which facets from both brilliant and step cut techniques are used, either alongside each other, or in different areas of the same diamond.
These are the classic traditional cuts for diamonds. Today, additional cuts, often patented, are available as well, but the vast majority of stones are cut according to one of these three categories.
Diamond Ring Shapes
The cut of a stone has nothing to do with it’s shape. Regarding gemstones, the term “cut” always refers to the shape, type and number of facets cut into the stone. The shape of the stone however, is another aspect altogether.
Cut diamond shapes are usually described in one of the following ways: Round, Marquise, Emerald, Princess, Pear, Oval, Heart, Baguette and Trillion. These are all different shapes that diamonds are commonly cut into. Although the cut of the diamond, (the facets), may affect the type of shape that can be achieved, shape and cut are considered totally separate issues.
The round brilliant cut is probably the most popular, and accounts for almost two thirds of all diamonds sold today.
Diamond Ring Settings
Many different types of setting are available for diamond wedding rings. The setting can have a significant impact on the appearance of your diamond ring, so it’s wise to carefully consider the type of setting that would suit you best.
Diamonds are commonly set in all kinds of metal, with gold and platinum being two of the most popular. However, the term setting refers to the means by which the gemstone is attached to the ring, pendant, or other jewellery.
The earliest setting used to hold a gemstone is known as the bezel setting. In this kind of setting, a band or rim of metal is pressed into place around the stone, and soldered onto the band of the ring. It holds the gem securely, and presents a low profile which helps protect the diamond.
The invisible setting was developed in France 200 years ago, where grooves in the girdle of each stone are held by a metal framework below the surface of the ring. Commonly used to position several smaller stones seamlessly alongside each other, this setting cannot be seen.
The channel setting is similar, in that no metal separates the stones. In this setting, stones are set directly into a groove shaped into the surface of the ring.
The prong, or claw, setting has become one of the most common methods of setting a stone today. As the name suggests, three or more small metal prongs, or claws, hold the stone, often above the surface of the ring. This method is popular because it allows most of the stone to be visible.
Modern Diamond Rings
The increase in popularity, skill, and availability make it easy these days to get a custom design for diamond rings. Ring and jewellery designers who will work with you to design a ring of the exact size, shape, cut, colour, and style that you’re looking for are easy to find.
Custom designs have made it possible to match your diamond rings exactly to your imagination, with few, if any, limits.