Diamonds 101: Fact or Fiction
The internet is packed full of information about diamonds, engagement ring shopping tips, and so much more. But how much of this information is truthful or accurate? Learn what is fact and what is fiction!
At Lauren B, we place immense significance warmly welcoming the opportunity to provide diamond education to our clients through every step of the engagement ring shopping process. Diamond education is not confined to the walls of our showroom and we are overjoyed to share our knowledge with prospective clients and those simply interested in learning more.
In this blog, we examine popular diamond commentary and address whether the statement is fact or fiction.
Fact or Fiction: Diamonds with the same carat weight appear the same size when placed side-by-side.
Survey Says: Fiction
Not all diamonds with the same carat weight will appear the same size when placed side-by-side. This has to do with the way they are cut and how they measure in width; some diamonds are wider while others are more shallow.
Deep shapes like cushions and princess cuts frequently carry more weight in the body than round brilliants, so they will look physically smaller from the top. Shallow shapes like emerald, marquise, and oval cuts can bring aesthetic benefit in terms of spread, but may not have the same dispersion or sparkle potential as deeper shapes.
Fact or Fiction: Round “Brilliant” cut diamonds have the most sparkle of any diamond shape.
Survey Says: Fact
The round cut diamond did not earn its nickname “brilliant cut” without reason. The round “brilliant” cut has the most sparkle when compared to other diamond shapes. Round cut diamonds are perfectly symmetrical and cut to precise measurements, which maximizes diamond sparkle.
4.30 Carat Round Diamond Six-Prong Engagement Ring
3.00ct Round Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Six-Prong Ring
Fact or Fiction: You should avoid diamonds with fluorescence.
Survey Says: Fiction
Not so fast! The GIA conducted an independent study, which found that only 0.2% of diamonds with fluorescence emitted a hazy, milky, or oily look. This effect is rare and a result of medium to strong diamond fluorescence. Many people actually prefer the look of a fluorescent diamond, which reveals a more colorless appearance; diamonds with fluorescence also tend to have a lower price point than non-fluorescent diamonds making them a budget-friendly option.
At Lauren B, we curate our inventory based on desirable characteristics including diamonds with a mild blue fluorescence.
Fact or Fiction: Your engagement ring and wedding band bridal set should match.
Survey Says: Fiction
There is no “right” way to pair your engagement ring and wedding band; style preferences will vary from bride to bride with some brides preferring a mismatched engagement ring and wedding band while other brides prefer a matching set.
3.50 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.00 ct Round Diamond Compass-Set Band
1.40 Carat Alternating Size Round Diamond Shared Prong Eternity
.45 ct Diamond Yellow Bezel Set Eternity Band
2.05 Carat Pave Round Diamond Platinum Band Square Edge
Fact or Fiction: Yellow or rose gold prong settings make a center diamond appear warmer.
Survey Says: Fact
If you prefer yellow gold or rose gold settings, it is important to note that your center stone will appear warmer than its designated color grade. In contrast, white gold or platinum settings will enhance the cool tones of your center stone.
We offer a two-tone setting at Lauren B, which features a yellow gold or rose gold band with a white gold or platinum prong setting. The effect of this two-tone setting is a perfect highlight of the center stone.
2.8ct Cushion Cut Diamond Pave Prong Ring
Fact or Fiction: Diamonds with a lower color grade are less expensive.
Survey Says: Fiction
This is generally true of diamonds graded from D to Z. When you venture past the “Z” color grade into fancy color diamonds, the price tag increases as the saturation increases. In fact, “Fancy Intense” and “Fancy Vivid” diamonds can be more expensive than colorless diamonds with a D, E, or F grade.
3.05 carat Yellow Diamond Emerald Cut Three-Stone Ring
2.03 carat Oval Yellow Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Yellow Diamond Cushion and Oval Diamond Duo Ring
Fact or Fiction: A solitaire ring can have pave diamond accents.
Survey Says: Fact
The “solitaire” engagement ring is usually defined as a ring set with a single center stone, usually a diamond, but some jewelers have a looser definition of solitaire.
At Lauren B, some of our solitaire rings have very minute pave detailing around the center stone. For example, our Signature Wrap, Pave Prong, and Hidden Halo details provide major profile appeal while the elegant simplicity of the solitaire remains intact.
3.20 carat Lab Grown Oval Diamond Signature Wrap Engagement Ring
.70 ct Pear Shape Diamond Hidden Halo™ Ring
2.22ct Hybrid Step-Cut Diamond Two-Tone Solitaire Engagement Ring
Fact or Fiction: Diamonds with inclusions are less desirable.
Survey Says: Part Fact, Part Fiction
A more accurate statement is: diamonds with visible inclusions are less desirable.
There is a wide range of diamond inclusions, some more prominent than others depending on the color of the inclusion and the location of the inclusion in the diamond. When engagement ring shopping, the key is to look for eye-clean diamonds rather than only looking for diamonds with the highest clarity grade. Some diamonds with an SI1 or SI2 clarity grade may be completely eye-clean, which allows you to get a beautiful center stone at a great value.
1.20 ct Radiant Cut Diamond Wire Basket, SI1 Clarity
2.50 ct Pear Shape Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring, SI2 Clarity
Fact or Fiction: Diamonds can lose sparkle over time.
Survey Says: Fact
Diamonds require TLC to maintain their luster and sparkle. If not cared for properly, diamonds can lose their sparkle. The good news? You can bring a dull diamond back to life with a few, simple cleaning tips. Check out our IG post with some helpful at-home cleaning tips to revive your center stone.
Knowledge is Power
At Lauren B Jewelry, we believe that knowledge is power. Our design consultants are equipped with ample diamond and engagement ring knowledge and are delighted to share this information with clients during the engagement ring shopping process.
If you have questions about our engagement ring styles, customization, or diamonds in general, you can email us at info@laurenbjewelry.com. Or if you live in the NYC area, you can visit our showroom at 44 East 46th Street, New York, NY 10017.
