Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend
Kirstin O’Brien shares her insights into all that sparkles…
Published in Eye Magazine Collector’s Edition 2021
Hope Diamond - Photograph taken at Natural History Museum, London
The allure of the diamond has long featured in history…
… From the checkered possession rights of the Koh-i-Noor diamond being ceded to Queen Victoria off the last Mughal emperor; and the rare blue Hope Diamond which has been owned by the French, British and Americans… the diamond has captivated us throughout the ages.
Pink and White Diamond Hearts
Diamonds
Owning your very own diamond has become steeped in romance and history and its feature in an engagement ring is documented back to 1477 when the Archduke Maximillian of Austria commissioned the first diamond engagement ring for his fiancée Mary of Burgundy. The diamond engagement ring trend continued amongst the aristocracy of Europe for centuries and was adopted by most western countries as diamonds became more accessible. Today, a Diamond Engagement Ring is something that many women dream about and look forward to the day when they can either choose or be presented with one of their own.
Diamonds are like owning your own personal rainbow!
Pear cut Diamond at TORY & KO. Jewellers: Gemmolgist and Diamond Experts
Selecting a Diamond
When choosing a diamond, opt for the whitest diamond you can afford: look for excellent cut grades and D-H colour (colourless and near-colourless diamonds) as these diamonds offer the whitest stone as see by the eye which shows off that rainbow of light. This is where your jeweller becomes your trusted guide - they can talk you through all the intricacies and show you diamonds of different grades so you can feel confident in what you are buying.
Diamond Colour: D-F (Colourless), G-J (Near Colourless) Grades
Gemological Institute of America (GIA) Colour grading Scale for Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
There are a multitude of special shapes which bring out the fire and brilliance of a diamond: the traditional and every-popular Round Brilliant cut, and super-sparkly square Princess and Radiant cuts, to the more exotic Marquise and Cushion cuts. Asscher and Emerald cut diamonds offer a mirror-like 1920’s elegance and Pear and Oval cuts show a lot of volume and allow for some exciting wedding rings designs to compliment their rounded shapes.
Champagne Pear cut Diamond with Diamond halo and “Tiara” Ring - TORY & KO. Jewellers
There is a diamond shape out there for most lovers and also a variety of colours: white, yellow, green, pink, black, chocolate, cognac and champagne to satisfy everyone’s tastes - especially those who salivate at the mention of Champagne & chocolate!
TORY & KO. Jewellers Lily Ring from their Signature Collection of Engagement Rings
Not only are diamonds beautiful, they are the hardest naturally occurring mineral on earth.
Diamonds are also the most scratch resistant of any material known to humankind, making them a perfect choice for a ring to signify longevity and commitment to the one you love…
Gemstones
However, the radiance and fire of a diamond is not to everyone’s tastes.
Gemstones are becoming a popular choice as the centrepiece for engagement rings and come in every colour for those seeking the drama and sparkle of something unique. Coloured gemstones can be used alone or alongside a diamond in an engagement ring. Some coloured gemstones - although beautiful - are not ideal to be worn every day of your life so seek the trusted advice of your jeweller when selecting your gemstone for an engagement ring.
Bespoke Pink Sapphire and Marquise Diamond Ring designed and made by TORY & KO. Jewellers
Luckily, the second hardest gemstone - the Sapphire - offers so many colour options you are only limited by your imagination!
From the pale pink, orange & yellow combinations of the Padparadscha Sapphire to greens, hot pinks, yellows and of course, various depths of blue.
You might be surprised to learn that red sapphires are called Rubies! These coloured gemstones can make a truely unique engagement ring with or without added diamonds to compliment their colourful sparkle.
Gemstones
Your jeweller - especially if they are a gemologist - can show you some beautiful examples of sapphires and coloured gemstones in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit your dream engagement ring design. Using a coloured gemstone or gemstones in an engagement ring showcases the wearer’s personality and offers the chance for more creativity for your designer jeweller.
Whatever you choose, it is an exciting journey selecting the diamond or gemstone to make your dream Engagement Ring and working with your jewellery designer/gemologist is the best way to create such a special piece to last your lifetime together.
Kirstin O’Brien is co-Director of TORY & KO. Jewellers
