What are the different diamond cuts and what do they mean to you?
Which of all the different diamond cuts will work best for your diamond ring?
As a symbol of love, a diamond ring is the ultimate.
A diamond is an exquisite stone that is both magical and mesmerising.
The special thing about a diamond is the way it plays with the light and can play with your heartstrings every single day for all the years to come. It’s no wonder a diamond ring is the most treasured piece of jewellery.
That magic is brought out using the precision of special diamond cuts.
Why diamond cuts are crucial
You may not know what a diamond cut is but each cut of a diamond is crucial to its appearance, its performance and its overall value.
Any mistake or miscalculation in any of the diamond cuts and the result can make that precious stone even more valuable or virtually worthless.
There is a great deal resting on the design of the cut and the skills of the diamond cutter.
Any flaw in how symmetrical and properly proportioned each cut is will only detract from the look of the diamond and cut its value.
You could be forgiven for thinking that most diamonds are perfectly cut or they wouldn’t be crafted into a diamond ring. Sadly, that is not the case.
The trouble with poorly cut diamonds
Just how well a diamond has been cut and then polished is more important than the colour, clarity and even the carats of the diamond.
It’s something like making a dress from the most expensive silk material. If that material is poorly cut and put together, then you have a dress that fits badly and looks worse than a well-made dress of inferior fabric.
You also have the issue of wasted material from incorrect cutting and poor design.
Those issues are part of why poorly cut diamonds look less appealing and there has been unnecessary waste material throughout the diamond cutting process.
Even though you may not be a trained diamond grader, it is worth looking at a number of different diamonds to see the elements of clarity and symmetry with your own eyes.
This can help you gain first-hand experience in what you can expect when you come to buying your own diamond ring.
With the wrong cut – the best things about the Carat, Colour and Clarity of the diamond go flying out the window.
The difference in diamond cuts and what they mean to you
It’s important to remember that diamond cuts and the shape of the diamond are not related.
Diamond cuts are all about the symmetry, proportion and the final quality polish.
When it comes to cuts, you have a wealth of choice, including;
- Round
- Oval
- Pear and Princess
- Radiant and Heart
- Cushion
And others such as Asscher, Marquise and Emerald cuts.
Let’s look at one of the cuts that are making a serious comeback in the latest fashion of diamond rings.
The sophistication of the Cushion Cut
The special pillow shape of the cushion cut is a cross between the oval shape and the old mine cut. There are many variations of the cushion cut such as the modified brilliant-cut that creates a ‘crushed ice’ effect by using an added row of facets.
The cushion cut is considered a vintage cut these days. It has an Art Deco feel that conjures up the opulence and grandeur of the 1920s. No surprise that the diamond ring in the film of the Great Gatsby was – yes – a cushion cut diamond ring.
The extra facets mean the diamond can give off more light and sparkles. It can even show a soft medley of colours in a kaleidoscopic way.
A well designed and executed cushion cut is increasing in popularity.
An established jeweller that’s a cut above the rest
A diamond ring is a timeless symbol of love and it is an investment too.
You don’t have to know everything about diamonds, diamond cuts and the intricacies of what makes a diamond ring special.
It is better to go an experienced and trusted jeweller. Finding someone who is more than happy to take you through the ins and outs of everything involved in finding the perfect diamond ring is priceless.
That’s where Franco Jewellers are the leading name in Melbourne jewellers. There is no pushy salesmanship and tricks or gimmicks. It is a genuine love of providing the finest jewellery that is the cornerstone of everything they do.
With Franco Jewellers, you can be sure that your diamond ring will be of the highest quality, the very best craftsmanship and one you can treasure for a lifetime.
Enjoy their special one-on-one customer service that shows you how special you are.
Talk to Franco Jewellers today – because you can and because you’re worth it.
What is the importance of diamond cuts to the quality and look of your diamond ring?
Almost everyone would love a diamond ring. The sparkle, the magic, the mystery is all there in that special stone. How important are diamond cuts to the style and beauty of your diamond ring?
Most people would struggle to tell the difference between a well-cut or cheaply made diamond. It’s all about a special thing called diamond cuts.
What exactly are diamond cuts?
A diamond cut is basically how well a diamond has been cut and polished. It doesn’t have anything to do with the shape of the diamond – such as pear or oval – it’s only about how symmetrical, well-proportioned and the quality of the polish.
The way a diamond is cut is of the most importance. Diamond cuts affect the overall brilliance of the diamond. If it is poorly or disproportionately cut, the diamond will be less luminous and poorer in value.
Cut is probably the most important of the 4Cs (that’s Cut, Carat, Colour and Clarity).
Any mistake in the cut can and will damage the value and look of the diamond.
This is particularly true with round diamonds. Even though they are all uniform in their shape, there can be a huge difference between a well-cut diamond and a poorly cut one.
For example, while one diamond may have a higher colour grading than another one, it will be the latter that looks more beautiful and brilliant if the diamond cut is done well and the first diamond is cut badly.
Diamond cuts are the make or break of the diamond itself.
The changes to diamonds and diamond cuts
The history of diamond cuts has been traced right back to the Middle Ages.
Using a special theory as the basis for diamond cutting didn’t fully develop until the start of the 20th Century. Creation and innovation in the design continued to develop over time until the present day. This has meant a whole variety of unique diamond cuts have emerged.
The diamond cut is the process of modifying and shaping the diamond crystal in a symmetrical arrangement. The skills of every diamond cutter include finding the best choice of cut after considering key factors, such as the shape and size of the crystal.
With the advances in technology such as laser cutting and using computer design, there are now diamond cuts whose complexity, aesthetic appeal, and reduction in waste were unthinkable in years gone by.
The growing popularity of the different diamond cuts
The most popular of diamond cuts is the modern round brilliant. The arrangements and proportions have been perfected by special analysis.
The round brilliant cut is made on a round stone with 58 facets.
A single cut is a simpler form of a round diamond cutting and is done with only 18 facets. Any other style of diamond cuts than the round brilliant or single cuts is called a fancy cut, or sometimes, a fancy shape.
Fancy cuts come in a variety of shapes, most of these resulted from the round brilliant.
The cut of a diamond is evaluated by specially trained graders. Higher grades are given to stones which have a symmetry and the proportions that are closest to the particular benchmark or ‘ideal’. It is this ideal the dictates the proportions and angles and the excellence of the polish.
The strictest standards are applied to the round brilliant cut; although its facet count does not vary, its proportions can.
Beware the diamond buyer
It can be easy to be tempted by the simple look of a diamond. They are a sparkling, dazzling and almost hypnotic gem.
You need to be aware of the pitfalls in buying just any diamond or diamond ring.
For example, the majority of fancy shaped diamonds on the market are usually poorly cut. Your chances of finding a truly well-cut diamond in a store are sadly, very limited.
That’s where you need to see a trusted jeweller – one who is happy to take you through all the pros and cons of the different diamond cuts without pushing you to buy.
That’s where Franco Jewellers stands out from the crowd.
Why it pays to go to Franco Jewellers
With Franco Jewellers, you’ll always know that the diamond ring you choose is of the highest quality, the very best craftsmanship and one you can treasure for all the years to come.
Enjoy the special one on one customer service that shows you how special you are.
Talk to Franco Jewellers today – because you can and because you’re worth it.
Unique Wedding Bands-Bespoke Jeweller
As Fine Jewellery continues to trend in the direction of subtle and understated, the time is right to embrace a style adorning the fingers of countless Hollywood A-listers: ring stacking.
With ring stacking, less isn’t more—more is more. Gone are the days where your outfit is limited to one or two pieces of Jewellery; now, you can combine an assortment of delicate and fashionable bands to create a look that is cohesive, elegant, and commands attention. An increasing number of brides are elevating their beautiful diamond engagement rings with glittering stacks, whilst others use fashionable fine Jewellery as inspiration for seasonal accessorising.
Many esteemed Jewellery houses have also jumped on board this trend, releasing collections of ready-to-wear stacks and individual pieces that can either be worn on their own or group to create a complimentary, unified look.
Although there is no “wrong” way to stack rings, these four simple strategies will help you take this trend well into 2017.
1. Mix it up.
Mixing metals was once regarded as a fashion faux pas. Today, however, men and women are encouraged to experiment with different metals. Silver, gold, rose gold, copper—everything is fair game when it comes to ring stacking.
2. Play with texture, color, and style.
The sky is the limit when it comes to blending textures, colors, and motifs. You might be surprised to discover a bold, statement ring pairs effortlessly with a sleek, chic sterling silver band. Similar to incorporating pops of color in interior design, adding colored gemstones to your ring stack is an effective way to boost visual interest.
3. Balance is key.
While the number of rings you choose to stack is up to you, it’s important to keep balance a core consideration. Failure to evenly space your rings can create unnecessary clutter and weight on your fingers. To create a balanced stack, we recommend wearing thicker, heavier rings on the bottom and lighter pieces on top.
4. Express yourself!
Ring stacking is all about creative self-expression, and creating an ensemble that is reflective of you and your personality.
At Franco, we are pleased to offer our customers a rich assortment of ready-to-wear Jewellery stacks to suit your taste and budget. From white gold to black diamonds and everything in between, our Jewellers will work with you to select a stack that is true to you, or build one to complement staples from your personal collection. Connect with a qualified Franco Jeweller using our contact form or by dialing 03 9564 7755.
Gucci Flora- Jeweller for Quality Brands
Franco Jewellers is proud to be one of Melbourne’s select retailers of the iconic Italian fashion house Gucci. A brand from humble beginnings, the name Gucci has since become synonymous with luxury, timelessness, and high-end design.
In addition to their staple leather goods and clothing, Gucci also produces exquisite collections of watches and Fine Jewellery. Each season, Gucci releases a line of Jewellery designed to stand the test of time whilst also complementing the latest wardrobe trends and styles.
The release of Gucci Flora—a collection of accessories featuring a delicately hand-crafted floral and butterfly enamel pattern—is perfectly suited to Australia’s spring and summertime weather. Because each piece is painted by hand, no two items look exactly the same.
The entire Gucci Flora range, which comprises watches, rings, bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, is available in 18K rose gold, white gold, yellow gold, or silver. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store with an experienced Franco Jeweller at one of our Melbourne locations, you’ll have no troubles finding a piece to elevate your summertime wardrobe.
Stand out from the crowd and become the envy of your friends by incorporating Gucci to your personal Jewellery collection. Request a consultation online or by contacting us on 03 9564 7755.
Ring Stacks- Jeweller Melbourne
As Fine Jewellery continues to trend in the direction of subtle and understated, the time is right to embrace a style adorning the fingers of countless Hollywood A-listers: ring stacking.
With ring stacking, less isn’t more—more is more. Gone are the days where your outfit is limited to one or two pieces of Jewellery; now, you can combine an assortment of delicate and fashionable bands to create a look that is cohesive, elegant, and commands attention. An increasing number of brides are elevating their beautiful diamond engagement rings with glittering stacks, whilst others use fashionable fine Jewellery as inspiration for seasonal accessorising.
Many esteemed Jewellery houses have also jumped on board this trend, releasing collections of ready-to-wear stacks and individual pieces that can either be worn on their own or group to create a complimentary, unified look.
Although there is no “wrong” way to stack rings, these four simple strategies will help you take this trend well into 2017.
1. Mix it up.
Mixing metals was once regarded as a fashion faux pas. Today, however, men and women are encouraged to experiment with different metals. Silver, gold, rose gold, copper—everything is fair game when it comes to ring stacking.
2. Play with texture, color, and style.
The sky is the limit when it comes to blending textures, colors, and motifs. You might be surprised to discover a bold, statement ring pairs effortlessly with a sleek, chic sterling silver band. Similar to incorporating pops of color in interior design, adding colored gemstones to your ring stack is an effective way to boost visual interest.
3. Balance is key.
While the number of rings you choose to stack is up to you, it’s important to keep balance a core consideration. Failure to evenly space your rings can create unnecessary clutter and weight on your fingers. To create a balanced stack, we recommend wearing thicker, heavier rings on the bottom and lighter pieces on top.
4. Express yourself!
Ring stacking is all about creative self-expression, and creating an ensemble that is reflective of you and your personality.
At Franco, we are pleased to offer our customers a rich assortment of ready-to-wear Jewellery stacks to suit your taste and budget. From white gold to black diamonds and everything in between, our Jewellers will work with you to select a stack that is true to you, or build one to complement staples from your personal collection. Connect with a qualified Franco Jeweller using our contact form or by dialing 03 9564 7755.
