A Cut Above
When selecting an engagement ring, there are several components to consider. Before you pop the question, check out our simple bauble breakdown.
What’s the difference?
Asscher cut
This style – first cut by the Asscher brothers in Amsterdam in 1902 – features facets which are parallel to one another. The Asscher cut appears glassy rather than brilliant.
Cushion cut
The cushion cut is an antique cut which most often resembles a cross between the old mine cut (a deep cut with large facets which was common in the late-19th and early-20th centuries) and a modern oval cut. This shape is also sometimes referred to as the pillow cut or the candlelight diamond (a reference to cuts designed before electric lights when diamonds sparkled in the light provided by candles).
Emerald cut
Originally developed for cutting emeralds, the long lines of the emerald-cut diamond tend to make it less fiery than a round brilliant cut, but the style also tends to have more dramatic flashes of light. The trim lines of emerald-cut diamonds lend an elegant, sophisticated air to the simplest and most elaborate ring settings.
Radiant cut
The radiant-cut diamond is often rectangular or square with cropped corners. The radiant-cut diamond is faceted for fire and tends to be more forgiving of diamond flaws and weaknesses than other cuts.
Round brilliant cut
Developed around 1900, the round brilliant diamond has become the most popular diamond shape for the engagement ring, either as a solitaire or with accent stones. Diamond cutters now use advanced theories of light behaviour and precise mathematical calculations to optimize the fire of a round diamond.
The ideal diamond cut has 58 facets. Fewer or more facets have been shown to detract from a diamond’s brilliance. W
What’s Trending in Engagement Rings?
The classic solitaire.
Coloured gems (pink diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc.).
Smaller diamonds surrounding a central gem.
Unusual settings (elaborate, lofty and twisted).
Vintage styles.
Eco-friendly rings which use recycled gold and diamonds from conflict-free areas.
The four Cs of diamonds:
Cut (facets and proportion)
Clarity
Colour
Carat Weight (size)
Buying a Ring for Less
Keep these tips in mind when shopping for your ideal jewel:
Understand the four Cs
– Learn the importance of the four Cs and the quality that is most affordable for your budget.
Find the right jeweller
– Whether you’re looking online or keeping it local, read reviews from previous purchasers to guarantee quality. Ottawa holds a wide range of specialty jewellery boutiques.
Navigate the salesman
– It’s important to ask the right questions to determine if a salesperson has any wiggle room.
Save in the right places
– You can save about $2,000 by purchasing a 0.5 carat less (and they look almost identical). Splurge on quality instead.
From the files of Ottawa Wedding Magazine.
