Diamond Engagement Ring Part 1:  the Setting

 When working with a top tier design house like Ascot Diamonds, there are many different styles to select from, including many custom jewelry options.  Even with a single diamond on a plain solitaire style band, there are still choices to be made.  More prongs in a setting may give the impression of greater stability, but fewer prongs will allow your diamond to be showcased more impressively. Our staff can guide you through the pros and cons of each kind of setting so you know what questions to ask:  Which setting is more suitable for an active lifestyle?  What is the most classic and timeless look?  Which one would best complement my center stone?  Is there a preferred setting style or metal for nurses or people in the medical field who come in frequent contact with chemicals?

The two most secure setting styles that are good alternate choices to a traditional prong setting are bezel settings, which surround the perimeter of the center diamond with a thin encasement of metal, and pavé settings,which are used when you have many small diamonds closely set in a mounting.

Diamond Engagement Ring Part 2:  the Diamond

There are 8 key issues you should be aware of when you select your center diamond and deciding on the shape you prefer is one of the first decisions to be made.  As with the setting styles, there are many different diamond shapes to choose from: round brilliant, Asscher, emerald, cushion (antique or brilliant), radiant, princess, heart, marquise, pear and oval are still the most sought after.

While the round brilliant is still the most popular, each of the other shapes has its own appeal. Emerald cuts are rectangular with beveled corners and step-cut facets.  Asscher cut diamonds are also known as square emerald cuts and have a similar, classic charm to the emerald cut diamonds.

Oval cut diamonds have many facets like a modern round brilliant and are typically the largest looking shape.  Another shape that presents quite large is the pear, which can be one of the most classic and elegant diamond shapes when set properly.  The most popular shape today outside of a round brilliant is the cushion cut, which can be one of the most difficult shapes to select properly.

Choosing the best engagement ring for you

With so many choices, it isn’t always easy to make a decision. At Ascot Diamonds, our staff is knowledgeable on all setting style and diamond shapes. They can guide you through the process of piecing them together to create a truly magnificent piece of jewelry, one that you will love and cherish, and that is built to last for generations.

Last month, we were honored to find out that both our Atlanta and Washington, D.C. showrooms were awarded the 2012 CMUS Talk of the Town Award for “Excellence in Customer Satisfaction.” While it’s always nice to win five-star awards, what makes this one especially rewarding is that it is based entirely on feedback and reviews from our clients . Our goal is not only that visitors to our stores ultimately receive what they want, but that they understand the nuances involved in selecting a truly beautifully cut diamond as well as in creating a piece of jewelry that will make their loved one happy for years to come. This often requires time. We understand that buying a diamond engagement ring is not only a representation of love and commitment, it is also a significant investment. We take the time to educate each customer every step of the way.

One of the reasons we post testimonials on our website is because we understand that visitors to our website and showrooms need to hear what others have to say. Celebration Media U.S. (CMUS) and Talk of the Town News, the sponsors of this particular award, understand this too. CMUS, an independent professional research and marketing company, monitors positive and negative reviews, blogs and social networks. They seek out what people have to say all over the web. And what they found backs up what we’ve found: only when you take the time to give personalized attention will customers walk away happy because they will get what they want, not what they were talked into, and they will understand more about the purchase they’ve made.

In fact, we take education quite seriously. The information you’ll find on the Ascot Diamonds website is just the tip of the iceberg. Our staff will give you focused guidance, unique and tailored specifically to you. No matter what your budget level, we will diligently work with you to choose your diamonds, design your ring and create a timeless piece of jewelry built to last for generations. We want you to understand the choices you make along the way, and are convinced that only by approaching each and every customer in this way will we achieve that goal. By creating this kind of memorable experience, we believe we can convert every client into a customer for life.

We invite you to take a closer look at those testimonials and see for yourself why we have truly earned this award. We would be proud to be Your Personal Jeweler.

Key Points to Consider when Buying an Asscher Cut Diamond

1.  Asscher cut diamonds, as well other step-cut shapes, all tend to hide a diamond’s color. For example, a GIA certified I color Asscher cut diamond may ‘face up’ (appear to the naked eye) as an H, or a grade whiter.  With diamond color equating for roughly 55% of a stone’s value, this can be a great advantage to a buyer.

2.  It’s also important to know that a truly gorgeous Asscher can tend to be a little deep in the pavilion and have slightly steeper crown angles.  This can make the face measurements a bit smaller, but allows room for a skilled cutter to build up many layers/steps, thus making for a more beautiful diamond.  It is worth the trade, provided this principle is not taken to the extreme and used as an excuse to make a heavier stone with too much weight left underneath.

3.  Because of the ‘clean’ look of an Asscher cut diamond, buyers should tend to lean up on clarity grades. As long as the inclusion is eye-clean, delicate, white and off to the side of the diamond, buyers may be able get away with a clarity grade of SI1 or SI2, but most Asscher cut diamonds are sold with a clarity grade of VS2 or above.

4.  The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) does not recognize the shape Asscher; instead, it is typically referred to as a “square emerald cut.”  By definition, an emerald cut is a stone that is NOT faceted in the style of a brilliant cut.  The underside of an emerald cut (the pavilion) is cut with layers or “steps.”   One thing is for sure with all step cut diamonds – when the ‘stepping’ and ‘cut corners’ are done properly, the result can be a truly stunning diamond that will be enjoyed for generations.These are just some of the key points to consider when purchasing an Asscher cut diamond.  Because of the complexity involved in cutting a truly exquisite stone, we recommend making sure that you are working with an expert.  Unfortunately, most of the Asschers that we are offered from vendors are cut heavy or sloppy in the corners, thus greatly decreasing their fire, brilliance and desirability and never having a chance of being included in our inventory.  Be sure you are selecting the right diamond … elevate your buying experience and speak with a personal jeweler with Ascot Diamonds before your next fine jewelry purchase.

Sometimes it’s not easy to wind down and find some peace during the holidays.  I don’t know about you, but a peaceful ride on a Clydesdale through the snow sounds a lot better than sorting through 100 Groupon and ScoutMob emails for the latest deal of the day.

But what about when Christmas morning arrives and all the noise and pressure has subsided … has Santa Claus (a.k.a. your husband or boyfriend) brought you something you really want this year?   Maybe something like a new diamond engagement ring or diamond band …

So how do you get what you want from Santa this year?  Let’s face it … he knows if you’ve been bad or good.   Assuming that you’ve been good, you’ve got to tell him what you want and here a good place to start – Santa’s Top 10 Diamond Engagement Rings.  It’s time to freshen up your look and reset your diamond in something that you’ll love looking at again each day.

Or, what’s better than 1 diamond ring … how about 2 or 3?!   Call your Personal Jeweler at Ascot today and learn how to put together your own Santa’s Wish List that will ensure that you get exactly what you want under the tree this holiday season!

Below is a sampling of some of our favorite stack rings, but the possibilities are nearly endless … add in her favorite color with colored diamonds or sapphires, incorporate your child’s birth stone colors, create a custom design, etc.

Contact your personal jeweler at Ascot Diamonds today to start a custom “stack” just for her, but don’t wait too long – most custom stack rings can take 4-5 weeks for our craftsmen to create!

One of the first questions we hear from guys who are thinking about proposing is, “How much should I spend on the engagement ring?”  Maybe you’ve already heard of the old-fashioned “2, 3 or 4 months salary rule.”  That sounds nice and simple, but there are a ton of different factors that come into play here, one of the primary ones being how old you are.  Couples in their 20′s may be in a completely different financial situation than those in their 30′s, 40′s, 50′s etc.  Plus, with people getting married later in life and most women earning an income of their own, this makes the “x-month salary rule” a bit obsolete.

Wouldn’t it be nice if there was a simple calculator to factor in the intricacies of your relationship, your history apart and together, etc. and spit out a number for you to spend?  Well, there is (sort of).  Check out Engagement Ring Calculator.  I will forewarn you, however, that I filled in the blanks and the number it spit out seemed a bit low when compared to what my girlfriend has hinted that she wants.

This brings up one of the most important and often overlooked considerations when contemplating how much to spend on a diamond engagement ring… what are your girlfriend’s expectations?  Has she always wanted the “perfect diamond engagement ring” – one that you need to stretch your budget on in order to buy and possibly even finance or go into debt for?  Or, would she be happier having a more affordable ring and you not bringing debt into the marriage?

The leading diamond industry periodical, Rapaport Magazine, recently reported that that average amount spent on an engagement ring in the United States is $6,175.*   This amount can deviate greatly based off where a couple lives, their age and socio-economic circle, family background and pressures, etc.

Ultimately, the question of the right amount to spend on a diamond engagement ring involves an honest assessment of your own financial, psychological and emotional beliefs.  There is no right or wrong number.  Remember that this is just the first of several large purchases (wedding bands, honeymoon, wedding, etc.) so it’s important to stay in your comfortable budget range.  Just make sure that you speak with a jewelry professional who asks the right questions and has your best interests in mind.

Rapaport Magazine, page 38, July 2011

Natural colored diamonds exist in a rainbow of colors and intensities.  Less than one percent of the thousands of diamonds graded by the GIA annually qualify as ‘natural fancy colors.’

With colored diamonds the criteria to establish value must be re-aligned. Unlike white diamonds, which are valued for their absence of color, fancy colored diamonds are desired precisely because they have color.

White diamonds are classified on a D to Z color scale, with D being whitest and Z denoting a yellow hue.   Once the color grade goes beyond Z and the hue turns to fancy yellow, also called canary yellow, diamonds become more rare and valuable.

Color ‘intensity’ is described by the GIA as follows (Ascending order of rarity and value):

1. Faint
2. Very Light
3. Light
4. Fancy Light
5. Fancy
6. Fancy Intense
7. Fancy Vivid
8. Fancy Deep

The GIA describes color in many interesting ways with are infinite possibilities.

Examples: orangish yellowish pink, greenish yellow purplish pink, pink yellow blue, bluish green, brownish orangy pink, etc.

Often described as ‘canary diamonds,’ yellow diamonds are more reasonably priced than pinks, blues, greens, purples and reds. The more exotic colors can be very rare and quite costly.

Variations in color are caused by the presence of different natural trace elements when the diamond crystallized millions of years ago under enormous heat and pressure.  For example, fancy yellow diamonds have nitrogen in their atomic structure; fancy blue diamonds have boron; fancy green diamonds exhibit natural radiation in the earth; and fancy pink diamonds have traces of titanium.

When cutting and polishing colored diamonds, the priority is to achieve deep, even color distribution, and cutters will often use unusual proportions, facet lengths and angles to optimize color and brilliance.

Clarity in a fancy colored diamond is secondary to color, and the GIA will certify “color only” for a fancy color (if asked to do so).

When selecting a fancy colored diamond, remember that each gem is unique… many of the less intense colors have a wonderful charm and a colored stone should be selected because it speaks to you rather than because of details on a certificate.  Colored diamonds often look best when contrasted with fine white diamonds… visit our gallery to view designs from the Catherine Ryder collection.

The diamond investment market has seen a robust recovery since the economic collapse devastated the luxury goods market just a few years ago.  Numerous factors play into rising prices, but among the most significant is the recent news of De Beers cutting diamond mining production. With a marked increase in demand from China and diamond supplies simply drying up, De Beers has reduced production in order to extend the life of their mines.  As a result, we expect to see prices continue climbing as the divide between supply and demand widens.  With scarcity comes increased value, making this the optimum time to consider a diamond investment strategy to round out your portfolio.

Take a look at these Ten Year Annual Investment Results comparing diamond investments with other, more traditional, investment options* …

Gold … up 411%
Platinum … up 178%
5.00 carat diamond (RDI) … up 153%
3.00 carat diamond (RDI) … up 95%
$ per Euro … up 38%
Yen per $ … up 38%
1.00 carat diamond (RDI) … up 35%
U.S. interest rate … up 30%
NASDAQ … up 7.8%
Dow Jones … up 7.3%

According to the Merrill Lynch 2011 World Wealth Report, gemstones and jewelry account for 22% of all “investments of passion” for higher net-worth individuals.  Even the affluent urbanites in China are paying attention to the rising value and are “buying diamonds in droves” according to a recent article in Financial Times.

Diamonds are truly timeless, both in beauty and value.  The higher their rarity, the more valuable they become.  As a long term investment, natural diamonds not only maintain their value but appreciate at a far greater pace than most other investment vehicles.  Other advantages of investing in diamonds include:

• Diamonds are the most concentrated form of storing wealth.
• Diamonds require no ongoing management, nor do they incur property taxes or require liability insurance.
• They offer financial privacy not available elsewhere. Unlike other financial investments, a diamond investor has 100% direct ownership of a portable tangible asset of proven value.
• Diamonds retain their value even when the rest of the economy bottoms out and have performed consistently well throughout economic downturns.
• There is a nearly universal belief that diamonds have enduring value.
• Unlike commodities and other investments, diamonds are insulated from the daily fluctuations of the markets and are not as likely to reflect sharp price changes.
• Demand for diamonds is international.

Diamond investment may not be for everyone, but during such volatile economic times wouldn’t it be wise to invest in an asset that not only stands a great chance of appreciating and looks great in a stunning piece of jewelry?

(December 2000-December 2010, courtesy of Rapaport Diamond Report, 2011. RDI is the average price per carat for D-H, IF-VS2, VG+ diamonds)

Just like clothing, hair and shoe styles, diamond engagement ring styles tend to cycle as the years go by.  From the heavy-handed yellow gold look of the 1980′s to highly ornate white gold and platinum engagement ring styles of the past decade, styles are continually shifting.  In recent months our design team has seen yet another trend … “back to the basics” – classic solitaire diamond engagement rings are being requested more and more frequently by our customers.

Even celebrities like Eva Longoria are “simplifying” their look and going with more classic ring designs and solitaire engagement rings.

So a midst an era of “bigger is better,” highly ornate engagement ring styles, why are we seeing a lot of requests for solitaire diamond engagement rings?  One recent Ascot Diamonds client was quoted as saying, “It’s simple… I’m tired of squinting to see what shape center diamond my girlfriends have.  Diamond engagement rings have become so ornate that you can’t even distinguish between the setting and the main diamond.  If you have a good quality diamond that is well cut, why would you want to overshadow or cover it up?  I love the look of a single diamond featured delicately in a 4-prong head (a true solitaire engagement ring) and was pleasantly surprised to learn that you can still have a unique, hand-designed engagement ring setting even with the solitaire look.”

When it comes right down to it, we still feel that a diamond engagement ring should be a reflection of the individual’s personality – some people are more reserved and some want their ring to make a splash.  Working with a jeweler who asks the right questions and gets to know the taste and style of the bride-to-be is an important part of selecting a diamond ring that will be cherished and stand the test of time.

So once you have your ring picked out, how are you going to propose?!  Looking for a unique, funny way to propose?  Well, here is one way that is certainly out of the ordinary!  We can pretty much guarantee that whether you’re presenting a solitaire engagement ring or ornate setting, this proposal style will grab her attention!!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hya9xxn7CA0

• What is your budget range for the project / can extra be allocated for platinum?
• Are you comfortable knowing that white gold will require ‘dipping’ or ‘rhodium plating’ on a fairly consistent basis in order to retain its crisp, white appearance?
• Does your occupation put you in constant contact with chemicals, require you to wear gloves or make it so you wash your hands frequently?

Main advantages of platinum over white gold…

• Platinum (especially the highest grades of 900 and 950 like we use) is noticeably whiter because it is an intrinsically white metal, whereas white gold has been mixed with silver and other alloys in order to make it ‘appear white.’

• White gold will inevitably lose the whiteness of its appearance over time.   Engagement rings will begin to fade towards yellow, especially underneath the ring or in areas of higher wear and tear.  The process our jewelers use to make white gold pieces regain their white appearance is called rhodium plating (a.k.a. ‘dipping’ your rings).  Although a relatively inexpensive process, it is more a matter of the time required, the frequency that you need this done and the skill level of the craftsmen who plate your jewelry.

• Platinum is a stronger and more durable metal.  In terms of scratching or becoming dull over time, both platinum and white gold engagement rings require regular maintenance from time to time (polishing and cleaning).

• In general, we have found that far fewer clients have allergies to platinum than white gold.  Typical allergic reactions to can include a rash, redness, swelling or infection.  Most of these symptoms can be tracked back to one of the secondary alloys in white gold or a reaction to certain chemicals or products that the customer comes in contact with on their hands.

Budget permitting, we recommend platinum in engagement rings because of the wear and tear that they incur.  A typical diamond ring in platinum will cost approximately $700-$1,200 more than its 14 or 18 karat counterpart.  If this amount can be better spent by our customers on the center diamond or elsewhere, we are comfortable suggesting white gold – you just need to be aware of the pros and cons.

For most other types of diamond jewelry (necklaces, earrings, bracelets, etc.) white gold is generally suitable, as the wear and tear is typically less in these items.

Bottom Line:   polished platinum is brighter, stronger and will always be white.  Budget permitting, it is the correct metal choice for an important piece of fine jewelry like an engagement ring – no question.