Although a diamond’s cut, clarity, color, and carat weight are the most important factors determining its appearance, the chosen setting can also have a significant impact on the presentation of the stone. Choosing the band and setting of a diamond engagement ring allows the wearer to create a custom look to complement their tastes, activity level, and hand size, as well as the shape of the loose diamond.
Although there are virtually unlimited options for diamond engagement ring settings, several styles have emerged as the most popular:
Prong Setting: This classic style is the most common option among today’s brides. The diamond is nestled in a metal basket and secured by three or more prongs. Because the diamond is exposed between the prongs, plenty of light is allowed to enter the stone, reflecting maximum sparkle and fire. Another advantage of prong settings is that the diamond can be easily accessed for cleaning. Most commonly used to mount solitaire loose diamonds, the prong setting is most effective for larger diamonds. It’s important to have a jeweler periodically inspect the prongs and tighten them as necessary.
Bezel Setting: A popular choice for brides who prefer a sleek, contemporary look for their diamond engagement rings, the bezel setting secures the loose diamond with a metal “collar” that surrounds the stone. A full bezel wraps completely around the diamond, while a partial bezel leaves some sides of the stone open. While this style of setting runs the risk of overshadowing a smaller diamond, it’s renowned for its durability and smooth, upscale look.
Bar Setting: Offering more durability than prongs but less metal than bezels, this type of diamond ring setting uses a combination of prongs and bars to secure the loose diamond. The bar setting is a popular choice among active brides who like the look of prongs but need something more resilient.
Channel Setting: A popular choice for wedding bands and everyday accent rings, channel settings mount smaller diamonds into a band, keeping the stones flush with the metal. The sides of the band hold the diamonds in place without the use of bars or prongs. The smooth, polished style of channel settings makes them ideal for those with active lifestyles. One drawback is that the diamonds aren’t displayed as prominently. The channel setting is sometimes combined with prong settings in the same ring.
Flush Setting: A smooth, secure option for mounting a loose diamond, the flush setting offers extra protection and doesn’t interfere with active lifestyles. A small hole is created for the diamond within a metal band; the stone is nestled within and does not rise above the band. This contemporary setting offers the smoothness of channel settings, but highlights the diamond a bit more.
Pave Settings: For a truly elegant and brilliant diamond engagement ring, the increasingly popular pave setting covers the entire surface of the mount with diamonds. Each stone is discreetly secured with very thin prongs, minimizing the appearance of the underlying metal band and creating the illusion of freestanding, encrusted diamonds. This type of setting can potentially be very costly, although some money can be saved by using lesser-quality stones to coat the setting.
Tension Setting: In this contemporary diamond engagement ring setting, only the band is used to secure the diamond. The stone is nestled into small grooves carved into the metal, creating a “floating” effect. This costly setting requires custom sizing, as the band cannot be resized without loosening the band’s “grip” on the diamond.
Cluster Setting: Many of today’s engagement rings and diamond jewelry settings combine multiple stones, such as a diamond solitaire flanked by sapphires or emeralds. A cluster setting handsomely presents a group of gems in a custom design. A popular choice for those shopping on a budget, this style arranges several smaller stones together to convey the illusion of a larger diamond without the cost.
Invisible Setting: This contemporary style secures the loose diamond to the band with a discreet mounting style, so the stone appears to be suspended in mid-air. Offering the look of a tension setting, the invisible setting is more durable and can be resized without worries of loosening the stone.
For brides who can’t settle on just one setting choice for their diamond engagement ring, many custom jewelers offer varied settings that combine two or more different mounting styles in one ring.
At Brilliance, we offer a wide selection of diamond rings with a range of settings to complement different cuts, hand types, activity levels, and style preferences. For those who prefer to craft their own unique showcase for their diamond, we also offer custom jewelry design.
With 83% of American and Canadian brides receiving engagement rings from their fiancées, the jewelry market continues to enjoy a steady demand for certified diamonds. A timeless heirloom to be passed down from one generation to the next, a certified diamond is a perfect choice for symbolizing a couple’s eternal love and devotion.
When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, one of the most important considerations is how much to spend. According to the standard rule of thumb, a buyer of a diamond engagement ring can expect to spend an amount equivalent to 2-3 months of their salary, a guideline that originated with De Beers, the world’s largest diamond producer. However, many modern couples choose to spend significantly more than this benchmark, saving up to invest in a high-quality center diamond.
Although economical diamond engagement rings can be found, they’ll likely require a sacrifice in the areas of cut, color, clarity, or carat weight. Celebrities are on the other end of the spectrum: Scarlett Johanssen’s engagement ring was rumored to cost $30,000, while Mariah Carey’s fiancée purchased hers for a staggering $2.5 million.
Before beginning the diamond ring shopping process, there are several factors the couple should consider to determine a specific price range that accommodates their lifestyle and jewelry tastes.
1. The couple should make a list of the preferred characteristics for the diamond engagement ring, such as shape, size, and setting. One bride might prefer a pear-cut diamond, while another may be less concerned about the diamond’s shape and more interested in its color.
2. Financially, the couple should take stock of their current salary, debt amount, and credit rating. If they plan to finance the cost of the ring, they’ll need to determine the amount they can afford for the monthly payment. If a major purchase has recently been made, such as a house or car, this can sometimes impact the available funds for the diamond.
3. Opting for a simpler setting is a great way to get more diamond quality for the dollar. Many couples choose to focus on investing in high-quality loose diamonds initially, and then upgrade to a more elaborate setting later.
4. If a couple is planning an extravagant wedding and reception, they may not have as much to invest in the ring. On the other hand, opting for a small, understated ceremony may allow the couple to indulge in their dream certified diamond.
In addition to signifying a lifetime of love and loyalty, a diamond is a financially sound investment that will continue to hold its value for years to come.
The winter holidays are by far the most popular time of year for jewelry gift-giving. For your December-born loved ones, a gift of diamond jewelry adorned with their birthstone offers a personal sentiment and a wish of luck and prosperity. December is one of several months that have multiple recognized birthstones, allowing you more freedom in the selection process. While blue topaz and turquoise were once the most popular December birthstone options, a newer, more precious stone has become today’s premier choice: tanzanite.
Found only in Tanzania, tanzanite was added to the birthstone list of the American Gem Trade Association in 2002. This was momentous, as it was the first new stone added to the register in nearly a century. Some would attest that tanzanite was discovered at just the right time; as the publicity surrounding conflict diamonds or blood diamonds climaxed, gemstone procurers queried more about the origins of all precious jewels, preferring to purchase only legitimate certified gems. Due to its rarity, tanzanite can be easily traced back to its source.
The stone was discovered relatively recently in 1967, when nomads witnessed a gleaming blue radiance on the surface of an isolated rock mound at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro. The somewhat soft crystals were collected and sent for assessment to a German lapidary. There, the stones were identified as blue zoisite, which formed inside undisturbed deposits within the elevation. As the German pronunciation of “zoisite” is phonetically similar to the English word “suicide”, it was thought best to give the matchless gem the more amiable name of tanzanite, representative of its country of origin.
Today, tanzanite has taken on a strong position in the gemstone market, with mining efforts continuing at the sole geological site. In its unprocessed state, tanzanite has an earthy, lackluster brown tint, so it’s believed that a strike of lightning was responsible for the transformation of the superficial crystals that were first to be discovered, making them conspicuous to the wandering shepherds. Now, collected tanzanite gems are heat-treated to permanently convert each stone to its majestic, mesmerizing color, which can range from periwinkle, lilac, and lavender to the deeper pigments of blue, indigo, and purple that are colloquially symbolic of royalty. Typically, a smaller-sized stone will be more pallid in color, and therefore more reasonably priced. Conversely, a larger stone tends to be more intense in color and consequently of higher value. Irrespective of its worth, the stone’s broad color continuum has earned tanzanite a reputation as the “one size fits all” jewel, appealing to a wide variety of individual tastes.
For some, a gift of a ruby or emerald may seem too seasonal to wear throughout the year. Tanzanite, with its amethyst hue, proves itself a more versatile jewel that can be donned anytime and can be placed as accents in an engagement ring or anniversary ring. Even for those who weren’t born in December, a gift of tanzanite can be presented to commemorate the birth of a new baby, symbolizing a wish of health, happiness, and good fortune to mother and child. At Brilliance, we offer a beautiful assortment of gemstone gifts for every occasion.
It comes at the same time every year, but the holiday season still manages to catch most shoppers off guard. For those who are frantically seeking unique gift ideas for the friends and family members who already seem to have everything, consider adding a little sparkle to your shopping list with some diamond jewelry.
Jewelry remains one of the most popular gift ideas this season. According to the results of a study by the National Retail Federation (NRF), more than 19% of shoppers plan to purchase a piece of jewelry for the holidays. And for good reason—unlike yet another sweater, fine jewelry serves as a long-lasting, meaningful gift that’s always a perfect fit.
With the convenience and savings offered by the Internet, consumers are more likely to hop online than drive to multiple stores to find the perfect bracelet, necklace, or loose diamond. A study by Forrester Research estimates that online shopping sales will show a 10% increase from last year. It’s easy to see why: online stores offer more expansive product selections, lower retail prices, and often incorporate free shipping offers. Plus, e-commerce sites never sleep—web shoppers can browse at their convenience, whether it’s during their lunch hour at work or in the wee hours.
If you’re like most holiday shoppers, you’re looking for the best deal possible, especially when it comes to investing in gold jewelry, platinum jewelry, engagement rings, and certified loose diamonds. Here at Brilliance, we make your choice easier by offering additional savings above and beyond our everyday low prices. Simply enter these discount codes during checkout to save instantly.
$50 off any order $5,000 or over! Use coupon code BC50BR
$75 off any order $7,500 or over! Use coupon code BC75BR
$100 off any order $10,000 or over! Use coupon code BC100BR
These codes are valid through December 31, 2008. Check back after the New Year for another batch.
Be sure to place your order with a Brilliance Sales Representative for the chance to save even more! Also, if you pay via wire transfer, you are eligible for an additional 2% discount on your entire purchase.
Order-level savings are just the start of the Brilliance Advantage. You’ll also enjoy free shipping, a hassle-free 30-day return policy, and no sales tax when ordering outside the state of Florida. We stand behind each of our diamonds and fine jewelry pieces with a lifetime warranty and upgrade availability. And you’ll enjoy the satisfaction of knowing you’re ordering from an environmentally responsible company who takes measures to reduce carbon emissions and boost reforestation efforts.
Using the catchphrase, “A Diamond is Forever,” De Beers has made diamonds the symbol of everlasting love. Their commercials often feature couples embarking on the journey of life together and offering diamond jewelry as gifts. This is one of my favorite De Beers commercials from back in 2002. The commercial is called “Walk” and expresses that a loose diamond, like love, is truly forever.
Start shopping today for a diamond gift for the one that you love.
Perhaps the most important purchase a bride and groom will ever make, an engagement ring serves as a lifelong symbol of the couple’s loyalty and affection for one another. For centuries, diamonds have been the stone of choice for a vast majority of engagement and bridal rings. Traditionally, the groom-to-be is responsible for purchasing the ring for his fiancée, but many of today’s modern couples shop together to ensure that the bride receives a ring that suits her preferences.
When shopping for the perfect engagement ring, keep these key considerations in mind:
Determine your budget. Although an engagement ring isn’t something you should skimp on, it shouldn’t drive you into debt. The general industry standard calls for spending two to three months’ salary on a diamond, but this can vary based on the amount you’ve saved, your monthly cash flow, and your standards of quality. Before starting the shopping process, set a maximum threshold and do your best not to exceed it.
Put the loose diamond first. You can always swap out the setting of a stone, but the diamond itself will be on your finger forever. If necessary, be prepared to compromise on the setting if it will allow you to purchase higher-grade loose diamonds. For those on a limited budget, a classic diamond solitaire set in a simple gold band can be a great option—you can always upgrade for a future anniversary. When choosing a shape, be sure to select one that complements your personal style and will retain its appeal through changing trends.
Make sure it’s certified. When selecting a diamond, make sure it’s a GIA certified diamond, the most respected and rigorous gem laboratory in the world. Other reputable agencies include the European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) and the American Gem Society (AGS). These organizations carefully examine and appraise each stone to ensure its authenticity and value. You should receive an appraisal certificate with your diamond detailing all of its characteristics.
Know the 4 C’s. When shopping for a diamond engagement ring, the most important elements to consider are cut, clarity, color, and carat weight. It’s important to educate yourself on the standards of a high-quality diamond before you begin shopping.
Brilliance offers diamonds that are certified by GIA, AGS, EGL, HRD, and IGI and that can suit any bride’s style preference and budget. Our assortment includes only premium diamonds that have been assessed by GIA-trained diamond and jewelry experts, so you can rest assured your stone will beautifully blend quality and value. Shop our collection of engagement rings that includes tiffany-style solitaire settings and designer settings with side stones.
When I got engaged I looked at hundreds of stones and finally told my fiancé to choose the one that most reminded him of me. I am happy to say that he chose a princess. The princess cut diamond can be described as brilliant, effervescent, bright, and detailed with the finest scintillation. The diamond expert said that this was a great cut for a girl who was outgoing and lively…it was perfect!
Designed in 1979 by Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and Israel Itzkowitz, the princess cut diamond earned its name for its unique beauty and simplicity in design. It took nearly three years to develop the notably square shaped diamond and has remained one of the most desired diamond shapes ever since. While it is recognized in the open market as a “Princess Cut” diamond, the shape is commonly referred to as a “Square Modified Brilliant” on most lab reports like those issued by the GIA (Gemological Institute of America), AGS (American Gem Society), or EGL (European Gemological Laboratory). The difference in terminology can be a bit confusing to consumers shopping for the shape by name.
However, the confusion has not deterred consumers from buying the princess shape diamond, as it is known to exhibit incredible fire and sparkle. Princess cut diamonds are a great choice of cut since they pick up light and shine brightly like a round diamond but are not as costly since there is less diamond weight lost during the cutting process. Round stones are shaved down at the edges while the princess cut maintains its corners and its overall weight; therefore a favorite of diamond cutters.
When shopping for a princess cut diamond there are a few things to keep an eye out for. Firstly, look for large length and width measurements in your carat weight range to give the appearance of a bigger diamond. The ideal length to width ratio is 1:1, a perfect square. Generally the best princess cut diamonds have a table of 62%-76%, crown height of 10%-15%, and a total depth of 64%-76%. I suggest not going below an H-I color and SI1 clarity to ensure your diamond will be completely eye clean. Polish and symmetry are two important factors to inquire about when shopping for the Princess cut. The finer the polish and the higher the quality of the symmetry, the more it will reflect the light and result in the “bling” you are seeking.
The Princess cut is considered a timeless classic though it is only a few years older than most couples getting engaged these days. It can be playful, elegant, or downright gorgeous once it is set in any of a multitude of engagement ring settings. Once you have chosen your loose diamond, try it in several settings to be certain that you will be as in love with it as you are with the fellow who has given it to you. Whether you choose a tiffany style setting with nothing on the sides, or lined with baguettes, trillions, or imbedded rounds, you are not going to be able to keep your eyes off of your hand…once you put on your engagement ring.
Go to Brilliance for more information on the Princess Cut Diamond or to choose the diamond shape that is right for you.
The illicit trade of blood diamonds has always been a huge concern in the diamond industry, but it was not until the release of Leonardo DiCaprio’s 2006 movie ‘Blood Diamond’ that the heated topic took center stage in the minds of retailers and consumers. To most diamond buyers, a first priority in the search for the perfect loose diamond is that it not be in any way connected with conflict diamonds. Responsible diamond importers and wholesalers can reassure customers with the knowledge that their diamond was mined and processed in an ethical manner by adhering to the guidelines set forth in the Kimberly Process.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is an initiative that was launched in conjunction with the United Nations and the gemstone industry in an effort to rid the market of conflict diamonds. Conflict diamonds first gained national exposure in the late 1990s, when the country of Sierra Leone was wracked with civil war. The brutal nine-year battle was sparked by, in part, the desire of insurgents to control the local diamond mines. In the years since, the term “conflict diamonds” has been used to describe any diamonds that are illegally sold to fund hostile warfare, primarily in western and central Africa.
The UN has issued the following official definition of conflict diamonds: “…diamonds that originate from areas controlled by forces or factions opposed to legitimate and internationally recognized governments, and are used to fund military action opposition to those governments, or in contravention of the decisions of the Security Council.”
The ultimate objective of the Kimberly Process is for all diamond trading to follow a stabilized, legitimate procedure while complying with all environmental and social regulations. All members of the Kimberly Process pledge to ship only conflict-free diamonds to jewelers and consumers.
The Kimberley Process gets its name from the town of Kimberley, South Africa, where the original proponents met in May of 2000 to identify strategies for reducing the flow of conflict diamonds. The following December, the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was adopted by the U.N. as a means of standardizing the requirements for certified distributors of conflict-free diamonds. Members of the KPCS must agree to enact laws that regulate the import and export of diamonds, to purchase gemstones only from suppliers who are also in accordance with the KPCS, and to provide full disclosure of all diamond trading.
Today, approximately 99.8% of the world’s diamond distributors adhere to all guidelines of the Kimberly Process as a means of boycotting conflict diamonds. Since its inception, the initiative has resulted in a significant decrease in the flow of conflict diamonds. In addition to working to eliminate conflict diamonds, the Kimberly Process has also worked to boost the economic development of impoverished countries by increasing the flow of legitimately acquired diamonds into the jewelry market.
It is widely believed that responsible consumers, those that inquire about the origins of their diamonds before purchasing, are the biggest component in the effort to stop the trade of conflict diamonds. Here at Brilliance, we are proud to be a certified diamond retailer that is in full compliance with the Kimberley Process.
Victoria’s Secret’s Miami fashion show had all the usual stars and glamour, but all eyes were on one very unique lingerie piece. Model Adrianna Lima was adorned with a 5 million dollar bra named the Black Diamond Fantasy Miracle Bra. Totaling 1500 carats of diamonds and rubies, the stunning display of diamonds surpassed the glamour of the 68 sexy outfits displayed at the show.
A true masterpiece, the bra is set with 3,575 black diamonds, 117 round cut 1-carat loose diamonds, 34 rubies, and two stunning black diamond drops. This behind-the-scenes video provides insight into the conception and creation of this designer bra.
The winter holidays are by far the most popular time of year for jewelry gift-giving. For your December-born loved ones, a gift of 
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