Diamonds Archives - Page 2 of 4

Customizing Your Wedding Band

A lady’s diamond wedding band is the perfect compliment to any Knox Jewelers custom created engagement ring. This band will be exchanged when you make your wedding vows and will become a symbol of your love and commitment. Finding the right wedding band option to pair with your engagement ring is important. There are no rules to follow when choosing your band, whatever looks and feels right to you is what matters. With Knox’s custom designs there are endless possibility when creating your symbol of love.

Not all diamond wedding bands are the same. There are several ring styles to choose between, from a contoured or straight band paired against your engagement ring to a wide band wore on another finger. Listed below are several options and characteristics to keep in mind while custom creating your own unique wedding band.

Metal Selection

The metal you choose to have your band custom created in will have a strong influence on the overall look of the completed ring. Gold, any shade, and platinum rings will wear differently over time, so choosing the metal your engagement ring was created in will help create a consistency between the pair.

White Metals

Currently on trend for both engagement ring and wedding bands are the bright white metals, including platinum, 18K white gold and 14K white gold. White metals are popular because their bright finish compliments diamonds, making the gemstones seem brighter and more brilliant. These metals seamless meld with diamonds in a band design and allow the gemstones to look larger.

Yellow and Rose Gold

Yellow and rose gold wedding bands compliment several skin tones and make for beautiful and distinct options. Yellow gold, 18K or 14K, is a desirable alternative for a bride seeking a vintage inspired wedding band. Seen as a rich and luxurious shade, yellow gold can add warmth to any engagement ring. Rose gold, 18K or 14K, has recently become a popular alternative in Knox wedding bands. This rosy hue of gold adds a soft glow to diamond settings. Its blush tone gives a romantic vibe to any custom created band. These warm, alluring metal options add great contrast against the white sparkle of diamonds, allowing a bold statement in your wedding band. Several customers of late have opted to pair a warm metaled band against their white gold rings, for a unique combination.

Diamond Setting Styles

There are a variety of gemstone setting styles available in diamond wedding bands. How a band’s diamonds are set will determine the overall look of the ring. We can custom create your band to mimic the stone settings in your engagement ring, or you can choose an alternative style to add contrast.

Prong Set

In prong settings, diamonds are held in place by four prongs a stone, giving the band an added security. In shared-prong settings, diamond are lined up and held in place by shared prongs, so each prong clasps two diamonds. This setting style allows for more of the gemstone to be visible, but will not have the same durability has four prongs.

Bead Set

Bead setting is a subtraction process where the ring is casted smooth and the jewelers removes material in order to form tiny beads that hold all of the diamonds in place. Bead set wedding band will have a lower profile than prong set bands, as the diamonds are set into the metal.

Channel Set

In channel settings, diamond are secured between two bands of precious metal. No prongs allows for a streamlined look. Channel set wedding bands add a contemporary feel to any engagement ring.

Bezel or Flush Set

Bezel set wedding bands will have exceptional durability. Diamonds are flush set with a thin strip of metal completely surrounding the gemstone. This setting style could add a unique look against many engagement rings.

Unique Shapes

Diamond wedding bands do not have to be straight. Try mixing styles by choosing a twisted or scalloped band to pair with your engagement ring.

Wide Bands

Knox Jewelers’ signature wide bands are a great option if you prefer a right hand wedding band rather than a band worn against your ring.

Custom Contoured Bands

If you would like to custom create a wedding band from the ground up, Knox Jewelers is here to help! Our custom shop allows us to create a band that could hug the contours of your engagement ring. A contoured wedding band would sit flush against your ring. This option is available with any of our wedding band featured on our website.

Know Jewelers is here to custom create the perfect wedding band to compliment your engagement ring and represent the lifetime of love. Bands are available in any metal color and gemstone setting style you prefer. Please contact us to today for any questions regarding starting production on your custom wedding band!

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.

Mohs Scale – Choosing Durability

Created in 1812 by the German geologist Friedrich Mohs, the Mohs scale rates the hardness of gems and minerals. A gemstone’s hardness determines its resistance to scratching. He chose ten minerals and assigned them numbers based on how easy or difficult they could be scratched by the other minerals. Today, this scale is an important tool to utilize while shopping for diamond or gemstone jewelry. A Mohs rating helps us identify a gem’s durability, and the more durable a gemstone the greater its longevity in a piece of jewelry that will be worn on a daily basis.

When consulting the Mohs scale, its important to remember that the gaps between the ten incriminates are not actually equal, even though they are evenly space on the scale. Diamonds are known for being one of the hardness substance on Earth, so hard, that they take the number ten position on the scale. Though only one seat away from corundum, diamond is actually 90 times harder in comparison. Corundum, which includes Sapphire and Ruby, is five times harder than Topaz which earns the rank directly below it.

Based on the Mohs scale, at Knox Jewelers we always recommend diamond or fancy colored diamond first in engagement rings or rings worn everyday. Falling in second place, Sapphire, Fancy Colored Sapphire and Ruby are durable enough to be featured in engagement rings or wedding bands. Sapphires are a great way to add a little contrast to your engagement ring, they are available in nearly every hue imaginable. Gemstones rated lower than a nine are not recommended for everyday rings, they could eventually become scratched or scuffed from daily wear.

Gemstones and their Mohs Rating

10 – Diamond, Fancy Diamond

9 – Sapphire , Ruby, Fancy Sapphire

8.5 – Alexandrite

8 – Topaz

7.5 – Aquamarine, Emerald, Morganite

7 – Amethyst, Garnet, Tourmaline

6 – Tanzanite

The Mohs scale and hardness are not the only factor to consider when buying gemstone jewelry, but it is an essential factor to help you understand how well that gem will survive years of wear. At Knox Jewelers, we want your ring to last several lifetimes, and choosing a proper gemstone could aid in that longevity.

If you have any questions about Mohs rankings or the jewelry creation process at Knox Jewelers, please be sure to let us know. We’re always happy to answer any questions you may have, and we look forward to working together with you to design a work of art that will last and be passed down throughout the ages. Contact our friendly and professional staff today, and we’ll get started on the journey of creating your very own, one-of-a-kind piece of custom jewelry.

How to Read a GIA Diamond Grading Report

So you’re ready to propose to the love-of-your-life with a Knox Custom Engagement Ring, but you want to be positive you’ve chosen the best possible diamond. Knox Jewelers recommends selecting a diamond evaluated by GIA to ensure the diamond comes with a detailed graded report. A GIA Diamond Grading Report is the standard for evaluating diamonds and their quality. Don’t know how to read a GIA Diamond Grading Report? Don’t worry, Knox will always help you learn everything about your diamond selection, either in-store or online.

GIA stands for Gemological Institute of America. It is a public and independent benefit institute that was established in 1931. They are the leading source of knowledge, standards, and education when it comes to gems and jewelry. GIA is the creator of the “4 Cs” (Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight) and the International Diamond Grading System that maintains the methods and best practices for describing diamond quality. Today, virtually everyone in the international diamond industry uses these methods for comparing and evaluating diamonds. A grading report from GIA is more than a collection of observations about a gem. It represents an accurate and unbiased, comprehensive scientific investigation.

Let’s review the main components of a GIA grading report.

Each diamond evaluated by GIA is assigned a unique GIA Report Number which you can use to look up your report online.

A diamond’s Shape refers to its face-up outline. Popular shapes include round, square, oval, rectangle and pear.

Cutting Style refers to a stone’s faceting pattern. Brilliant-Cut diamonds contain a large number of small, triangular shaped facets. These include Round Brilliant, Princess and Ovals cut gems. Step-Cut diamonds contain larger, long, rectangle shaped facets. These include Emerald and Asscher cut gems.

A diamond’s Measurements will be listed in the order of smallest width, largest width and height.

The Weight of a diamond is measured in a form called carats. GIA reports a diamond’s carat weight to the nearest hundredth of a carat. To give you some perceptive, 1 carat is equal to 0.20 grams.

The GIA Color Grade system describes the diamond’s lack of color by ranging from the denotation D, which is colorless, all the way to Z, which will be a shade of either light yellow or brown. Color grades from D to F are considered colorless diamonds and G to J are near-colorless.

Diamond Clarity evaluates the size, the number, relief, nature, and position of internal inclusions and surface blemishes. The Institute assigns one of eleven clarity grades to a diamond. This can range from the clarity grade of flawless to that of included and lists the most prominent clarity characteristics. Stone graded VS2 and above should be eye-clean, with inclusions only seen under magnification.

On some report formats, Clarity Characteristics are shown as a plotted diagram, marking significant or identifying characteristics. A key lists the relevant symbols and their definitions. Red symbols stand for inclusions, which characteristics inside a stone. Green or black symbols stand for external characteristics on the diamond, or blemishes.

For the standard round brilliant diamond, GIA assigns a Cut Grade ranging from Excellent to Poor. Diamonds can be Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, or Poor. This grading takes into account seven components; Polish, Symmetry, Weight Ratio, Durability, Brightness, Fire, and Scintillation.

The diamond’s Proportions are thoroughly described as well, from its shape and cutting style to its precise measurements. A diagram will show you the diamond’s profile as well as its dimensions.

A description of Fluorescence is provided as an additional identifying characteristic. GIA tests every diamond to ensure that it is natural and to identify any processes that may have been used to alter its color or clarity. An asterisk next to the color or clarity grade indicates that the diamond has been treated. Treatments and additional identifying characteristics are described in the comments section.

If the diamond is inscribed, the Inscription will be noted on the report as well. A GIA Grading Report has a number of sophisticated security features designed to ensure its authenticity and integrity. They offer a variety of diamond reports, among them the Diamond eReport, an interactive online option available only for natural and untreated diamonds(perfect if you want to search for beautiful custom diamond engagement rings from the comfort of your home). The Institute operates under strict standard procedures and principles designed to ensure objectivity and accuracy, no matter which report you receive.

That’s how to read a GIA Diamond Grading Report! It’s not as intimidating as you might think. Selecting the perfect ring among many beautiful custom diamond engagement rings might be another story. Luckily, Knox Jewelers can help you look at a variety of rings and narrow it down to the perfect one for your lucky life partner. GIA Diamond Grading Reports are also available! Let Knox Jewelers help you learn about diamonds so you can pick the perfect diamond that meets the color, clarity, cut, and carat weight that you desire and help give your engagement a beautiful start.