| |
The Exquisite Elegance of Diamonds
 Chances are you’ve already heard of the cardinal “4 Cs” when it comes to making a diamond purchase: cut, color, clarity and carat weight. But what exactly do these terms mean? Use Beladora’s guide for purchasing diamonds as your resource to ensure you get the quality diamond jewelry that you or your special someone deserves!
Cut
Confusion often starts here. Cut should be distinguished from shape: the cut refers to the way a diamond is faceted so as to reflect the light; shape refers to the silhouette of the diamond. A diamond’s cut is important because the manner in which light is refracted in a diamond is determinative of how sparkly and fiery the diamond is : the wrong cut results in a diamond that appears dull, dark and lifeless. There are a variety of different types of diamond cuts, and the right choice depends on the shape, size and quality of the diamond, as well as your own personal preference.
Asscher Cut Diamond
The Asscher cut is a vintage cut similar to the emerald cut, square-shaped with cropped edges. As with the emerald cut, flaws are not disguised by the Asscher cut and a higher quality diamond should be used when possible.
Created in the early 20th Century in Holland, the world’s capital of diamond cutting, by the Asscher brothers, the eponymous Asscher cut diamond has continued to be one of the most sought after of all diamond cuts. Asscher cut diamonds are step cut typically in a square shape with high crowns and large canted corners. Similar to an emerald cut diamond, the Asscher cut diamond has highly desirable scintillation.
For many years, other diamond cuts became more fashionable, especially the round brilliant cut diamond in a solitaire mounting. Over the last decade we have seen a new excitement surrounding the Asscher cut. If you are looking for a unique diamond ring in a custom mounting, Beladora can create a special one of a kind piece in platinum or 18K gold.
Asscher Cut Diamond: The Jewel of the Art Deco Era
Some of the most spectacular jewelry ever created was made in the Art Deco Period. A key feature of Art Deco jewelry was the emphasis on geometry, symmetry and architectural design. Emerald and Asscher cut diamonds, with their geometric step cuts were the diamonds of choice for Art Deco jewelry.
Art Deco rings, bracelets, earrings and pendants were commonly designed with Asscher cut diamonds. If you are collector of Art Deco jewelry or just appreciate the clean, geometric look of Art Deco jewelry with Asscher cut diamonds, you can browse our collection of vintage estate diamond jewelry. Beladora provides a complete array of Art Deco and other vintage estate jewelry including Asscher cut diamonds. If you don’t see what you are looking for on the Beladora website, just contact us at sales@beladora.com or call us at 800-690-9569.
Brilliant
The brilliant cut in a round diamond shape is most popular in diamond engagement rings. The cut is designed to maximize the amount of sparkle within the diamond. It refers to facets that radiate outward around the diamond. This type of cut can also be used with pearl, oval, heart and marquise shaped diamonds. Variations of the brilliant cut are the old mine cut and the old European cut, often found in vintage diamond jewelry. This cut is ideal for disguising any flaws in the diamond.
Cushion
The cushion cut diamond is an antique cut that has recently seen a resurgence in popularity.
Cut in a modified oval with large facets like an Old European Cut diamond, this diamond cut has a vintage look that many people prefer. The best way to describe the Cushion cut diamond is to say that it has a soft look that resembles a cushion pillow that you would have on a sofa. Because cushion cut diamonds have larger facets than brillaint or radiant cuts, any flaws or inclusions are more likely to show.
The Cushion cut diamond was out of fashion for many years as round, radiant and princess cut diamonds with more brilliance became the most popular. Today there is a new appreciation of the soft vintage quality of Cushion cut diamonds but they are relatively rare compared to other more popular diamond cuts. In addition to vintage estate jewelry, Beladora has a large inventory or high quality diamonds. If you would like a custom made Cushion cut diamond ring, feel free to contact Beladora.com at sales@beladora.com or 800-690-9569
Princess Cut Diamonds: An Ideal Gift
Often referred to as a square brilliant diamond. If you want a diamond that is exceptionally brilliant, a princess cut can be an excellent choice. Developed in the 1960’s, princess cut diamonds take full advantage of the stone’s beautiful interior “fire”. In fact, of all diamond cuts, the princess cut takes advantage of the most of the original rough diamond. For this reason, as well as for their brightness, princess cut diamond are becoming more and more popular.
At Beladora, we are committed to making gift giving not just stress free but fun. By clicking on our Gift Boutique, you can find our suggestions for special occasion gifts. Or by using the online Search, you can search by price range so that the results of what you actually see fall within your budget. Princess cut diamond rings, as well as bracelets, earrings, necklaces and other items, make wonderful gifts that can be passed down from generation to generation.
Unlike other square and rectangular diamonds, the corners of the princess cut diamond are not cropped off, and therefore it is important to make sure that the corners of the princess cut diamond are protected by prongs to prevent chipping and damage to the diamond.
If you would like to discuss a custom jewelry design using princess cut diamonds, please contact our Beverly Hills office at 1-800-690-9569 or email us at sales@beladora.com. Our staff of professional gemologists and designers will gladly assist with your request.
Step Cut (Emerald Cut Diamonds)
The step cut is a term used for a diamond with stair-like facets. Step cut square and rectangular diamonds are often referred to as Emerald Cut diamonds, and this cut is also for diamond baguettes as well. Avoid this cut if your diamond has significant flaws as they will be more noticeable than with other diamond cuts.
With their sophisticated rectangular shape, emerald cut diamonds have a vintage elegance. At Beladora you’ll find a wonderful array of jewelry incorporating emerald cut diamonds and other spectacular gems, from statement making rings to delicate bracelets and pendants.
Whether you’re seeking a vintage emerald cut diamond ring or a contemporary piece Beladora is the place to find it. Our staff includes a range of jewelry professionals of gemologists, experienced buyers and jewelry designers, ensuring that each item on our website is of the highest quality. In fact, we have been selling fine antique, estate and signed designer jewelry for decades. Our parent company, Kazanjian Brothers Inc. has been in business for nearly a century. Our offices are based in Beverly Hills, California one of the world’s best locations for fine jewelry.
Purchasing Emerald Cut Diamonds
At Beladora, we know that shopping on the internet can be quite a different experience from shopping at a local jewelry store. That’s why we’ve worked hard to create a beautiful high-end online boutique. You’ll find everything you need to make an informed purchase including detailed information about the carat weight and color of emerald cut diamond jewelry and other stunning pieces.
We provide several images of each piece so that you can view it from multiple angles and see all the details. If you don’t find exactly what you are looking for we are happy to create a unique custom jewelry design. Contact us at sales@beladora.com or callus at 1-800-680-9569. We are here to help!
Rose Cut Diamonds
Rose cut diamonds are among the most classic types of vintage diamond cuts, dating as far back as the 1500s. They are circular and faceted across the top of the stone and flat across the bottom. Rose cut diamonds are not typically used in contemporary jewelry having been replaced by more modern styles like round brilliant, emerald and radiant cuts. However, rose cut diamonds are prevalent in antique jewelry and their gentle sparkle can be strikingly beautiful.
If you’re looking for jewelry set with rose cut diamonds, visit Beladora for an excellent selection of vintage jewelry. We are updating our site on a daily basis and adding more pieces of authentic antique estate jewelry. In addition to rose cut diamonds we have jewelry that incorporates many other diamonds from European cut diamonds to emerald cut diamond to princess cut diamonds.
Antique Rose Cut Diamonds
Our selection of Victorian and Edwardian jewelry is generally the best place to find rose cut diamond, although we also find rose cut diamonds in jewelry from other eras as well. In addition, we offer custom jewelry design so even if you don’t find precisely what you are looking for we can create a unique piece with rose cut diamonds.
As a division of Kazanjian Brothers Inc., we’re part of a company that has been in the gemstone and estate jewelry business for nearly 100 years. Our offices are located in the heart of Beverly Hills, California. We’ll be happy to answer your questions about rose cut diamonds and fancy cut diamonds – simply call us at 1-800-680-9569 or email sales@beladora.com to learn more.
European Cut Diamonds
Before the modern brilliant cut was made possible by advances in technology in the 20th Century, the European cut was among the most popular for diamond jewelry. This elegant multi-faceted cut can be found on much antique jewelry from the 19th Century. While the European cut is still occasionally used today, it is usually seen in vintage antique jewelry.
To the eye of many jewelry lovers, Europe cut diamonds are extraordinary graceful and sophisticated, calling to mind a refined and majestic past. Beladora is pleased to offer vintage jewelry with old European cut diamonds. There is a special charm in vintage jewelry particularly that which features European cut diamonds.
European Cut Diamonds: An Ever Changing Selection
As many items in our inventory of antique and estate jewelry come from individual sellers, our selection of merchandise is always changing. Shopping with Beladora is always a new and exciting experience whether you are visiting our website for the second or the 200th time. Once you find the European cut diamond jewelry you’ve been looking for, be sure to check back for other amazing pieces from the Victorian era all the way up to the present day.
If you are looking for new jewelry with a vintage look, we have a beautiful selection of modern pieces that incorporate European cut diamonds in their design. If you don’t see your ideal diamond, fell free to contact us at 800-680-9569 or email us at sales@beladora.com to inquire about custom designs.
Radiant Cut Diamonds
The radiant cut is a relatively modern style of diamond cut that blends the qualities of a step cut and a brilliant cut. Essentially, a radiant cut gives maximum visual pleasure while still preserving much of the original stone. A radiant cut has 701 facets that catch light and produce a beautiful sparkle.
If you are looking for radiant cut diamonds, Beladora is a excellent place to find them. We include all kinds of diamond jewelry on our site from antique European cut styles to more contemporary brilliant and mixed cuts. You’ll find diamond solitaire rings and diamond cluster rings. You’ll find three stone diamond rings and diamond cocktail rings with precious gemstones such as sapphires, rubies and emeralds.
If your diamond has any flaws in it, this cut is ideal because the large amount of light reflected in the diamond will help disguise any inclusions.
Estate Jewelry: Radiant Cut Diamonds
Aside from the new jewelry offered through our online boutique, we also offer an array of fine estate jewelry. Ranging from brooches to bracelets, pendants to rings, our estate collection includes jewelry from the 19th Century to the 21st Century. Each item is described on its own web page, complete with detailed information on cut, carat weight, materials, circa date and more.
To search for radiant cut diamonds in a given price range, simply use our online Search feature of click on our Gift Boutique to search by style and price. You can search in your preferred budget to see items currently available for the range that you specify. Beladora.com only shows a fraction of our total merchandise and inventory of jewelry with radiant cut diamonds and other diamond cuts, so if you don’t find what you are looking for, don’t hesitate to contact us at 1-800-680-9569 or send us an email at sales@beladora.com.
Color
Color is another factor to consider when making a diamond purchase. The presence of color in a diamond may either increase or decrease the diamond’s value. In white diamonds, the absence of color is desirable, as more light is able to enter and be refracted in a clear diamond, giving it that extra sparkle. Sometimes color in a diamond, however, is considered valuable in what are called fancy color diamonds in colors such as pink and yellow.
For white diamonds, quality in terms of color is graded on scale provided by the Gemological Institute of America. The scale ranges from D, the highest grade given to diamonds that are colorless, to X, the lowest grade given to yellow tinted diamonds. While diamonds graded D through F are incredibly rare and the most valuable, diamonds of lower grades G through I still appear colorless to the naked eye and are excellent choices as well.
An additional consideration when deciding what diamond color grade to purchase is the type of metal the stone will be set in. Platinum or white gold will bring out the yellow in a lower grade diamond, as opposed to diamonds that are set in yellow gold. In addition, your diamond color preference might actually be for a diamond containing some yellow for the warmer appearance that might complement your skin tone.
Rare Natural Colored Diamonds
While most diamonds used for jewelry are white diamonds and colorless diamonds are treasured, diamonds come in a variety of colors. Most of these colors are extremely rare and valuable. While pink, blue or yellow colored diamond may have an almost otherworldly quality, in actuality their color is caused by natural alterations in their chemical structure. Among the most rare natural colored diamonds are blue diamonds, the most famous example of which is the Hope Diamond which is deep blue.
Natural colored diamonds represent a very small percentage of the total diamonds mined. For example, yellow diamonds constitute less than 1 percent of all known diamonds. Red, brown, and pink diamonds make up an estimated 1.8 percent of natural colored while blue or grey diamonds account for less than 1 percent. Red diamonds are considered to be the most rare type of natural colored diamonds. The most comprehensive collection of rare natural colored diamonds is on display at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington DC.
Buying Rare Natural Colored Diamonds
 Because they’re so rare, natural colored diamonds can be beautiful to find. This is why Beladora is such a valuable resource for anyone who collects natural colored diamonds and other rare gemstones. As part of the Kazanjian organization, Beladora has access to the finest natural colored diamonds available, most of which are discretely held by private collectors and dealers.
If you are a serious collector of natural colored diamonds and other rare gemstones, we will work with you privately to source the special diamonds and precious gems to enable you to add value to your collection. We have worked privately with some of the world’s most important collectors of gems and rare natural colored diamonds. Take advantage of our decades of experience and expertise in this field.
Clarity
A diamond’s clarity is based on the presence of flaws within or on the surface of the diamond. Naturally, diamonds with fewer inclusions are more valuable. The Gemological Institute of America has created a grade scale similar to that used for diamond color in order to aid buyers in assessing the value of a diamond. When making a diamond purchase based on this scale, keep in mind that for the majority of grades flaws are only visible with the aid of 10x magnification and therefore affect the value but not the appearance of the diamond.
VVS - Very Very Slightly Included. There are two levels within this grade, VVS1 and VVS2, the latter being more valuable. The flaws in these diamonds are not visible to the naked eye and are difficult to see under magnification as well.
VS - Very Slightly Included. There are two levels within this grade as well, VS1 and VS2. Again, the flaws in these diamonds are not visible to the naked eye and are difficult to detect under magnification as well.
SI - Slightly Included. There are two levels within this grade, SI1 and SI2, and though not visible to the naked eye, the flaws in these diamonds can be detected more readily with magnification.
Diamonds in the I grade should be avoided as they are not only the least valuable but also include flaws that will be visible to the naked eye and detract from the diamond’s appearance, though naturally certain flaws are less visible than others.
Carat Weight
Carats are units of measuring a diamond’s weight: the larger the carats, the bigger the diamond. The word “carat” is derived from the ancient practice of weighing diamonds in terms of carob seeds. Large diamonds are much rarer than small diamonds and therefore a single large diamond is more valuable than several smaller diamonds of equal total weight, all else being equal. However, bigger is not always necessarily better, as you should also weigh the other factors previously discussed such as the color and clarity of the diamond.
Other Considerations
Shape
 Round, marquise, pear, heart, oval, triangle - diamonds can be cut in all manner of shapes and what shape you choose should be a function both of your personal aesthetic as well as the purpose for which you are making the jewelry purchase. Certain shapes may be currently fashionable but, given the cyclical nature of trends may be difficult to sell in the future compared to a more classic silhouette.
Setting
The setting of your diamond ring is an important component in the piece’s overall look. There are a number of settings to choose from, and some are better suited than others depending on the size or shape of the diamond. The prong setting is where the diamond is held in place by small metal prongs to secure the stone while only minimally detracting from the diamond itself. The bezel setting features a collar of metal that wraps about the diamond to hold it in place. The channel setting is where a row of diamonds is placed inside a “channel” of metal, a popular setting for wedding bands. The pave setting is a look with a lot of sparkle, in which small diamonds are placed in holes drilled out of the metal in the jewelry with minimal space between the diamonds, giving the appearance of a paved coating of diamonds. For only a subtle hint of glitter and a modern look, choose a flush setting where when the diamonds are placed within metal so that they are level with the metal’s surface. And for a truly special look with a lot of sparkle, choose the ballerina setting with diamond baguettes framing a center stone in a waving curve resembling a ballerina’s skirt.
Always Engaging: The Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
There are so many styles of diamond engagement rings available in fine jewelry stores and online jewelry websites that if can be difficult to choose. From the classic round brilliant diamond set in a solitaire mounting to the three stone diamond ring, where does today’s bride to be go to find something that is as special and unique as she is? Our answer is to create a one of a kind custom ring with a Cushion cut diamond.
A cushion cut diamond engagement ring has a lovely vintage quality. The soft antique look of the cushion cut diamond engagement ring is reminiscent of the romantic and feminine jewelry of Victorian and Edwardian Eras. Beladora.com is the world’s leading vintage estate jewelry website, and has an inventory of Cushion cut diamond in many sizes. You can contact Beladora.com to learn more about creating a one of a kind Cushion cut diamond engagement ring. |
|
