No two diamonds are alike, like snowflakes or fingerprints. No wonder then, that diamonds are coveted by the people of the world, as all rare and unique objects are.
But to a woman, a piece of diamond jewellery is more than a precious commodity. Its mystique, symbolism, allure and dazzle resonate with her own spirit.
Want to make diamonds your best friends? Then get to know them better. Understanding the science behind diamond-making and the ABCs of diamond jewellery is essential to be acquainted with, so you can enjoy the ‘diamonds are forever’ experience even better.
Types of diamond stones
1. Natural Diamonds
These are simply uncut, unpolished diamonds that occur in nature. Forming under extreme pressure, natural diamonds are the hardest material found on earth. They are white or colourless.
2. Treated Or Enhanced Diamonds
These are enhanced or artificially improved versions of natural diamonds. The enhancement is made to improve the appearance of the diamonds. Laser drillings, fillings, colour enhancement, and other techniques are used to improve the inclusions (natural flaws) in the diamonds. Such diamonds are cheaper than natural diamonds.
3. Coloured Diamonds
Natural coloured diamonds are one of the rarest and the most beautiful creations of nature. During the crystallization under the earth, certain particulates are caught inside giving them the red, pink, brown, blue, green, yellow, violet and other hues that are a spectacular feast for the eye. Treated coloured diamonds are enhancements made on natural coloured diamonds.
4. Artificial Diamonds
Man-made or lab-grown diamonds are created with technology. Such diamonds are cheaper and can be mass-produced at low costs.
The 4 Cs
Diamonds are judged on the criteria of 4 Cs. Read our depth article on how to buy diamonds here.
1. Carat weight
It’s measured in points. 100 points equal to 1 carat. 50 points equal to 0.50 carats. The bigger the better is true in this sense, but not always. A diamond with low carat weight can be more precious than a bigger diamond, as the other Cs also make an impact.
2. Colour
The scale here goes from D to Z. D stands for absolute colourlessness, Z stands for a light yellowish hue. The more colourless it is, the more expensive it is.
3. Clarity
The scale used here is F to 13. F stands for flawless and allows light to flawlessly, The scale gradually moves up based on the inclusions or flaws in the diamond.
4. Cut
Cuts are a personal choice and do have an effect on the value. They are made to make the best use of light, so the diamond sparkles. More on that later.
Certification
The diamond certificate is meant to ensure the guarantee of quality, as authenticated by a non-partial professional lab. Look for GIA, AGS, EGL or IGI certifications.
Diamond Cuts
You can buy diamond jewellery based on your personal preference, but some of the more popular cuts are the princess, pear, round and oval.
Types of diamond jewellery
Let’s take a look at different styles and types of diamond ornaments so you can pick the ones that best suit your style.
Types of diamond rings
1. Solitaire Rings
These are rings with a single diamond usually in a prong setting. The most common type of diamond rings, solitaire rings are most preferred as engagement or wedding rings. The base metal can be gold, rose gold, white gold or platinum.
2. Three stone diamond ring
These are rings with one big diamond at the centre and two or more at the sides. Traditionally popular style is one big diamond at the centre and two smaller ones on each side. Another popular version is coloured gemstones around a centre diamond.
3. Paved-diamond rings
These are tiny diamond droplets set on a base metal (gold/platinum). Most part of the ring is covered in small diamonds lined next to each other in a uniform pattern.
Types of Diamond Bracelets
1. Infinity diamond bracelets
These are delicate interlocking infinity symbols set with diamonds where the base metal can be platinum or white gold, rose gold, yellow gold.
2. Tennis bracelets
This kind of a bracelet, popular with the fashionistas and the elite, is made of a single or multiple rows of diamonds. These can be made simply with diamonds or mixed with other gemstones.
3. Diamond cuff bracelets
4. Designer diamond bracelets
Tiffany’s, Chanel, Prada, Bvlgari and the likes, or better still bespoke diamond bracelets. Stuff that dreams are made of.
Types of Diamond Necklaces
1. Riviera
A diamond line necklace where exquisite diamonds are harmoniously set together in a line. Such necklaces look elegant and classy, ideal for fancy cocktail parties or soirees.
2. Lariat
A dainty, clasp-free necklace where tiny diamond drops are set to linger at the end of the chain. These look radiant with platinum, gold or rose gold. The chic style of necklace is understated and uber cool.
3. Pendant + chain
The diamond pendant is the star of this style. It can be a three-stone diamond pendant, solitaire diamond, symbol pendant, designer pendant, journey pendant, the choices are limitless.
4. Choker/Collar necklace
While the base metal can be precious metals like platinum or gold, the diamond can be the centrepiece of the choker. More elaborate chokers are made with multiple diamonds and precious stones.
5. Station necklace
These are dainty necklaces where motifs (diamonds) are placed at intervals along the chain to form a uniform pattern. These are enormously stylish and a high fashion staple.
Types of diamond earrings
1. Diamond studs
Brilliantly cut diamonds that fit on the earlobe, highlighting the brilliance of the precious stone while adding elegance to your features, diamond studs are good for daily wear, bridal wear or party wear.
2. Diamond Hoops
Earrings that make a statement like no other. Set on medium or large metal hoops, diamond hoop earrings are all the rage among the trendsetters. Try single diamonds or rows of them, they look fabulous.
3. Diamond drops
A single drop, chandelier style drops or multi-layered drops, when the diamond is combined with gemstones in this style, the results are spectacular.
Types of Diamond Nose-Rings
1. Nose Pin
A tiny diamond stud worn over a metal pin. Can be solitaire or have a motif
2. Nose ring
Worn as a ring, the diamond can be a tiny diamond or a three-stone style.
Imitation diamond jewellery
Artificial, simulated or faux diamonds can provide you with the option to adorn yourself with diamonds that may not be real, but most certainly look like the real deal. The most common diamond substitute is Cubic Zirconia (CZ) or American Diamond (AD). Other substitutes are stones like Moissanite and White Sapphire. But faux diamonds lose their sparkle over time and scratch more easily, but are definitely cheaper than real diamonds, thus save you oodles of money. A high-end substitute for real diamonds is Swarovski Signity collection.
Diamond Jewellery: The Price Factor
To quote an example, let’s assume you’re buying a diamond solitaire ring. The price will be determined by the 4 Cs.
- Cut: This depends on your preference. But don’t choose a diamond that is too deep or too shallow.
- Colour: Ideally, choose grade H or above representing near colourlessness (grades G to J) and complete colourlessness (grades D-F).
- Carat weight: To maximise the budget, select a carat slightly shy of the full mark, e.g. 0.9 rather than 1 carat.
- Clarity: choose eye-clean diamond over VS1 scale with no visible flaws.
Just because the caratage is high, doesn’t mean the diamond becomes automatically more expensive or perfect, because if the clarity, cut, and colour are not up to the mark, the diamond may not be as valuable as you think. The design and craftsmanship play an important role too, as symmetrical facets, proper finishing and intricate cutting are required manually.
The 4 Cs mentioned above will determine the price of the diamond jewellery. As a rule, always check the diamond pricing guidelines online before buying diamonds.
The surest way to buy the best diamond jewellery that fits your budget is by considering which factors are the most important to you. Each scale of the 4 Cs is available online for your perusal.
If you don’t care about what people will say about the size of the rock, settle for a lower carat weight and give equal weight to the cut and the colour.
Or if you just want to possess a fancy riviera necklace or a tennis bracelet for occasional party wear without a major financial setback, go for Cubic Zirconia.
The rarest coloured diamonds, also the most expensive are pink, purple, blue, violet and orange diamonds, however when the scales of 4Cs tip in the favour of clear diamonds, they become more expensive. When it comes to diamond jewellery and the price determination, it’s all relative! The design, base metal, craftsmanship, every single component matters. So do your research thoroughly before investing in diamond jewellery. It helps to buy online from a renowned brand or to visit a retailer which has outstanding brand recognition and loyalty.
Currently, the diamond that is high on all 4 C scales (including the most expensive round or princess cut on 1-carat diamond) can cost over $5000 to $6000 (Rs. 3,00,00 lakh onwards).
In the mid-range, the piece of jewellery that is less in carats, but made by reputed jewellery houses can cost anywhere between Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 1,00,000 lakh. (excluding small studs and nose pins). Jewellery made with American diamonds is way more affordable starting at Rs. 2000 to Rs. 10,000 for earrings, necklaces, etc.
How to buy diamond jewellery? Be well-informed and stay fiercely inspired. A diamond truly is forever and shopping for your next diamond or maybe even your first will help you realise why diamonds are called a girl’s best friend.