Custom engagement ring Archives - Page 9 of 14

What is a Round Brilliant Cut?

Definition

A Round Brilliant Cut is the modern era’s most popular selection for diamond jewelry. This perfected cut represents six generations of skilled cutters’ efforts to create the maximum light return in a diamond. A Brilliant Cut has a circular outline and a cone-like shape, with faceting patterns that create areas of light and dark contrast. Its triangular and quadrilateral facets are strategically placed to provide exceptional scintillation through the top facet of the gemstone, or its table. The faceting pattern of the modern Round Brilliant was developed in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. Hailing from a family of diamond cutters, Marcel’s cut is based off mathematical calculations that took into account both the maximum brilliance and fire of a diamond. It is referenced to as a ‘Round Brilliant’ to distinguish it from earlier round shaped diamond cuts. The modern round cut consists or either 57 or 58 facets. There are 33 on its crown, or top, and 25 on its pavilion, or bottom. A round brilliant may or may not include a culet, or the bottom-most point facet. Tolkowsky found that if a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep light can escape out of the side or bottom of the gemstone, resulting in the loss of brilliance and fire.

Round Brilliant Facet Diagram

Considering a Round Brilliant Cut

Round Brilliant Cut diamonds are admired for their exceptional fire and modern aesthetic. Nearly 75% of diamonds sold in today’s marketplace are round shaped. The Gemological Institute of America, or GIA, introduced the 4Cs grading system to judge diamonds, with its cut grade exclusively created to evaluate Round Brilliant diamonds. A cut grade will determine how well a gemstone interacts with light. A well-cut diamond will reflect light within itself, from one mirror-like facet to another. If a diamond is dark it means it has been cut too deep or too shallow and light is being lost through the side or bottom. This reduces its brilliance and value, and for this reason we recommend a cut grade of no lower than Excellent or Very Good when shopping for a Round Brilliant diamond.

A Round Brilliant’s faceting pattern will hide a small amounts of body color when face up, but we still recommend choosing a diamond above a I color grade to insure a near colorless stone. When selecting a clarity grade for a Round Brilliant we recommend anything in the VS1 to SI2 range. A stone graded above an SI1 should be eye clean. Clear diamonds can be found in the SI1 and SI2 range, but it is best to evaluate them in person to determine if their characteristics are distracting or unnoticeable.

Knox Jewelers is here to help you create a one-of-a-kind custom engagement ring. If you are considering a Round Brilliant center stone, our design consultants can walk you through all of your options and help you choose your perfect diamond. Contact us today to get started on your custom design.

What is a Step Cut?

Definition

A Step Cut categorizes any gemstone with a square or rectangle outline whose facets are rectilinear and arranged parallel to its girdle. In the place of a culet, Step Cut gemstones have a keel running the length of its pavilion. A Step Cut’s facets tend to be larger than its counterpart, the Round Brilliant. The facets also form a stair-like pattern, ergo its appropriate title. Diamonds cut in this fashion are among the first fashioned diamonds in history.

Common Step Cut Shapes

Emerald Cut

An Emerald Cut is a rectangle shaped Step Cut with truncated or angled corners, which gives it an octagonal outline. Like all Step Cuts it holds rows of pavilion and crown facets that are parallel to its girdle. It is available in many length to width ratios, but the most sought after is the 1:1.5. The Emerald Cut has portrayed glamour and sophistication for decades, explaining its popularity with the royal and famed populations. An Emerald Cut diamond takes center stage in out Barcelona Engagement Ring below.

Asscher Cut

The Asscher Cut is essentially a square variation of the Emerald Cut. It features similar truncated corners, octagonal shape and parallel running facets. Asscher Cuts tend to hold a greater depth compared to an Emerald Cut. Their unique octagon shape is famed for its connection to the daring Art Deco Jewelry of the 1920s and 1930s. An Asscher Cut diamond completes our Siempre Engagement Ring below.

Baguette Cut

The Baguette Cut, which derives its name from the French loaf of bread, is the most common form of Step Cut seen today, though it is often used as an accent side stone not a center gemstone. This cut does not feature the angled corners common to other Step-Cuts. Usually taking the supporting role in a piece of jewelry, the Baguette Cut does not emit a large amount of scintillation but its form adds a stylish and sleek accent. Tapered Baguette Cut diamonds compliment the center Emerald Cut in our Lucille Engagement Ring.

Carré Cut

A Carré Cut is a square shaped Step Cut without truncated corners. This cut was very popular in antique jewelry before the arrival of the modern square Princess Cut. An example of this cut can be seen featured in our Passion Engagement Ring as channel set side diamonds.

Considering a Step Cut

Step Cut gemstones are admired for their traditional outlines and understated elegance.

With a Step-Cut’s long facets and large table imperfections are not hidden well. Inclusions may be seen with the naked eye in lower clarity grade diamonds. To ensure your center stone is clear, we recommend looking for Step Cut diamonds with a clarity grade of VS2 and higher.

Step Cut style faceting does create a less scintillating stone compared to a round Brilliant Cut diamond. Scintillation in a diamond often masks small amounts of body color. This means Step Cut diamonds will need a higher color grade to be bright white. We recommend looking for a Step Cut diamond with a color grade of G and higher.

In colored gemstones, Step Cuts are employed to enhance richness and saturation. Their large tables and deep pavilions draw in light creating intensified colors and mesmerizing your eye.

Knox Jewelers is here to help you create the engagement ring of your dreams. If you are considering a Step Cut center stone, our design consultants can walk you through all of your options and help you choose your perfect diamond. Contact us today to get started on your custom design.

Peridot – August’s Gem of Legend

Peridot, the August birthstone, is one of the most sought after green gems, and is said to bring the wearer luck and a sense of tranquility. It is known for its glistening yellowish-green hue. Ranging from a lime green to olive color, and sometimes a deeper brown shade, it is without a doubt that peridot is a gorgeous gemstone. This article takes a close look at this August birthstone, including its history and how you can land yourself astonishing custom made jewels.

About peridot

Peridot is the gemstone form of olivine, a common mineral that is found in lava rocks. The gemstone forms deep inside the earth, and is brought to the surface by volcanic action. It is mainly found inside lava flows in countries like China, the U.S and Vietnam. It can also be found inside solidified molten rock in some regions – Pakistan, Mynmar and Zabargad. In some rare occasions, it can be as a result of extraterrestrial activity, being found inside fallen meteorites.

Peridot is chemically composed of Iron and Magnesium. It is one of the Idiochromatic gems, meaning it derives its color from the chemical composition rather than its impurities. It thus exhibits a narrow range of colors. It is found in shades of olive green, lime green and a brown-green to yellowish green hue. The yellowish-green color is the most common shade found in august birthstone jewelry, and it is a result of the iron content.

Significance and Symbology

Peridot produces a soft, light green glow under artificial light, which has earned the name “the evening emeralds.” The gemstone is associated with peace, prosperity and goodness. In Hawaii, the stone is believed to represent the tears of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes.

History

Peridot is among the oldest known gemstones. References of the august birthstone go all the way back to the Bible, where it is referred to by its Hebrew name “Pitdah”. It is believed that “topaz”, which was on the breast plate of the High Priest Aaron in the Old Testament, was actually a peridot.

Historically, the gemstone was used to create beads during the Ancient Egyptians era around 1580 B.C to 1350 B.C. The Egyptians associated it with light, and it was even referred to as the “gem of the sun.” On top of being used to create beads, it was believed to protect the wearer from evil. The Egyptians mined the stone from a Red Sea island called Topazios, the current day Island of Zabargad.

Peridot was also popular gemstone in other early civilizations. In Greece, it was believed to bring dignity to the wearer. It was also a prized gemstone in the Ottoman Empire, as well as among the Turkish Sultans, who are believed to have owned the largest collection of peridots in the world.

Throughout history, peridot gemstones have been confused with other gems. It is one of the many gems that have been referred to as “topaz.” It is also believed that the famous gemstones worn by Queen Cleopatra were in fact peridots, and not emeralds as many people believed.

Today, peridot is one of the most prized gemstones, mainly due to its soothing hues and its long, colorful history.

Custom Made Peridot Jewelry

If you are in search of custom created august birthstone jewelry, Knox Jewelers is the place to be. We specialize in crafting custom designed jewelry, ranging from engagement rings to pendants and earrings. Peridot gems are a perfect birthday gift for people born in August. You can consult with Knox Jewelers to create an original design for the perfect birthstone jewelry.

Here at Knox, we have a wealth of experience in creating custom masterpiece jewelry from gemstones, having been designing engagement rings and other jewelry for decades. We employ skilled artisans who are always at hand, ready to make your dream come true. Our jewelry is of the highest quality, and it is guaranteed to stand the test of time.

To own a custom design of peridot jewelry, contact one of our knowledgeable consultants today.

Ruby – July’s Royal Gem

As we enter the month of July, a new birthstone – the ruby – appears. Ruby has long been prized for its beauty and texture. In fact, it’s one of the most sought-after members of the corundum species, a family of minerals which also includes the sapphire. As such, ruby attains the highest levels of value in the precious stone marketplace, and currently has the highest per-carat price of any other gemstone on the market today. But, its market price and value are not the only attributes of ruby which make it so special. In this special report we’ve compiled exclusively for you at Knox Jewelers, we’re going to take a close look at ruby in all of its splendor, as well as introduce you to the many ways it can be incorporated into a custom created engagement ring for your loved one. Read on to learn more about this spectacular red gemstone!

A Brief History and Overview of Ruby

The history of ruby is long and rich, and it has been featured and discussed in the ancient texts of a variety of cultures. The stone derives its name from the Latin term “ruber”, most closely translated into English as “red” – a fitting name given its unique and rich color. We have found references to ruby gemstones in the bible, ancient Sanskrit texts from India, ancient Rome, and beyond. These stones have long been prized for a host of different reasons, including their toughness, stunning beauty, and symbolic significance, particularly in religious contexts. As the years progressed, ruby maintained its high standing, though the introduction of newer gemstones tempered this enthusiasm ever so slightly. Nevertheless, ruby has continued to maintain its top standing among the different gemstones, and we foresee it maintaining this lofty position for many centuries to come.

Ruby derives its rich color from trace amounts of chromium found within its crystalline structure. In fact, the presence of chromium is all that separates a ruby sample from a comparable corundum stone. Nevertheless, ruby has had a very high value placed upon it by the market as a whole. It is still greatly desired by our valued customers, and Knox Jewelers has had numerous orders for ruby engagement rings, pendants, earrings, and more. We truly enjoy working with ruby jewelry as it offers numerous opportunities for creative designs and unique embellishments that truly bring out the rich hues, colors, and textures of the fantastic gemstone. Without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the work we’ve done for our clients in the past, and see how we can help you to achieve your desired jewelry today!

Custom Created Ruby Engagement Rings

Although we’re happy to create any kind of item you may desire, we specialize in designing hand-made and custom created engagement rings. These rings offer numerous opportunities for creative designs, and incorporating ruby gemstones into them can often add an entirely new level of sophistication and beauty to an already remarkable piece. At Knox Jewelers, we work with all kinds of metals and design methodologies, including the use of recycled gold and platinum, conflict-free diamonds and a variety of other techniques that we’re happy to mix and match for your own special and truly unique design. No wonder, then, that our past clients and their admiring onlookers have equated our jewelry designs with the highest levels of quality – a tradition we intend to carry forward long into the future. Why not give us a call today, and see how we can help you realize your jewelry dream design? The realization of dreams is our specialty, after all.

Knox Jewelers: Your Friendly Neighborhood Ruby Experts

If you’re looking for a jeweler who truly cares about your wishes and will work together beside you to craft a stunning masterpiece that is guaranteed to stand the test of time, then look no further than Knox Jewelers. Our expertise in ruby jewelry goes way back to our founding many years ago, and we’re always excited to take advantage of this exciting gemstone in order to imbue your heirloom or engagement ring with special significance that is truly bound to make your unique jewelry a one of a kind item. Let’s get started today – contact us to learn more about Knox Jewelers can design a custom ruby engagement ring just for you!

Alexandrite – June’s Kaleidoscopic Gem

All gemstones have unique features that make them ideal centerpieces for jewelry. The alexandrite’s ability to absorb light earns it the tag of chameleon of the jewelry jungle. It can be a lovely shade of green in the bright light of day before magically turning to brown or purple in incandescent light. The alexandrite effect is such a fascinating phenomenon. It makes the gemstone a much desired piece because you could have an emerald by day and a ruby by night. Another fascinating feature of the alexandrite is that you see a different color depending on how you look at it. The main pleochroic colors include purple-red, orange and green, which arise from this gem’s unique light absorbing abilities.

Alexandrite’s Colorful History

This gem was discovered in the Ural Mountains of Russia, borrowing its name from heir apparent to the throne at that time, Alexander II. The stone was close to people’s hearts owing to the red and green colors that resemble the imperial flag of Russia. These gems were so beautiful and revered that even today they still remain the standard by which they judge quality. The first Russian alexandrites displayed vivid hues but with the current depletion of Ural mountain deposits, the rare gem can now be found in East Africa, Brazil, and Sri Lanka. The alexandrite found in other parts of the world is still beautiful but some display muddy hues, a fact that raises questions about its purity.

The Gem of June

The rare stone is also a June birthstone together with pearls and moonstone. Due to the rarity of alexandrite it is easier to combine it with other stones and precious metals to create the perfect birthstone jewelry. If you fancy this member of the chrysoberyl family, you can consult with any of the staff at Knox Jewelers to create a custom piece using this magical mineral. Such jewelry is ideal for people who were born in June as it is one of the stones associated to that period on the zodiac. This means that the stone has mystical, empowering and cosmetic abilities if worn by the right people. Legends have it that wearing your birthstone brings good tidings and keeps away evil spirits. We chose to work with the best gem cutters globally to maintain the high standards of the alexandrite. Knox provides master craftsmanship on every heirloom quality engagement ring or fashion piece. Alexandrite jewelry is suitable for many occasions thanks to its ability to change hue depending on light and its mineral hardness. Alexandrite is one of the hardest minerals after diamond and sapphire with a MOHS rating of 8.5. This means your custom jewelry can be worn for years to come.

Custom Creating Your Dream Birthstone Jewelry

The skillful artisans at Knox Jewelers can make you anything from wedding bands, custom engagement rings, or other pieces bearing the beauty of the lovely alexandrite. The pieces are individually crafted and they come with our lifetime warranty as Knox uses the best practices to give you jewelry that will last a lifetime. If you have a party, wedding, engagement or special event that warrants presentation of a ring, choose the unique alexandrite . Knox jewelers will create a piece of art worthy to hold such a rare and spectacular stone. Knox has surely brought the world a new way to enjoy precious stones and you can wear yours everyday. Do not wait any longer to become the owner of one stunning alexandrite ring, come to Knox where all your wishes will be artistically delivered by the most skillful craftsmen who have been at it for years. Get in touch with us today and we can start the custom creation process with you. If you want to stand out from the crowd, it is certainly time to invest in the magnificent and spellbinding alexandrite jewelry.