Get to know the 4Cs, Carat, Colour, Clarity and Cut. Because sticking to your budget is going to mean prioritizing!
Carat weight is the actual weight of a diamond and does not necessarily correlate with dimensions. A carat weighs exactly 0.2 grams.
Colour is the lack of colour subjectively graded from D to Z. Diamonds with less colour are rarer and more expensive. Champagne diamond generally fall within the K-R colour range with champagne colour undertones.
Clarity is the lack of natural inclusions or blemishes and is graded from Internally Flawless "IF" to "I" Included. The “less included” the diamond the more expensive. Salt and Pepper diamonds generally start within the “I” included clarity range.
Cut is important because it's responsible for how the diamond looks and reflects light or “sparkles.” Cut is really a personal preference.
I’m biased. Vintage diamond cuts are my favourite. I love collecting and repurposing old diamonds. Each has an individual character imparted decades ago by a skilled diamond cutter who would have applied his skill to cut each diamond by hand and eye without the exacting tools of modern technology. The result is a tiny faceted piece of art. Some of my favourite old diamond cuts include:
We increasingly have our customers ask for lab diamonds and we are having a great time designing beautiful jewellery for them with these man created stones. Lab diamonds are the chemical equivalent of natural diamonds and have all the same desirable physical characteristics of natural diamonds at a fraction of the cost. But before you choose a lab diamond it is important to understand that unlike natural diamond, more and more lab diamonds are being manufactured and put on the market everyday and are an infinite resource. Accordingly, lab diamond prices decrease significantly every year and we expect this trend to continue. Because lab diamonds are not a limited resource, unlike natural diamonds, they have no inherent value and there is currently no resale market for lab diamonds. The value of lab diamond jewellery is in the design work, craftsmanship and precious metals.
I use the standard US ring size measurements. You can generally resize most engagement rings up or down about 3 sizes without interfering with the integrity of the setting. Rings with diamonds or engraving around the band may not be sizeable. Please ask first and I’ll confirm if we can size your ring. Please note that we are able to size most vintage rings but the sizing process will result in the loss of the rings patina as the ring will need to be polished to complete the sizing work.
WHAT’s MY RING SIZE?
Your ring should slide on fairly easily but need a slight wiggle to remove. For most accurate sizing I recommend taking a few different measurements at different times when your fingers are not swollen or cold. I’m happy to help local customers find the perfect size at the studio. For online customers, send me a note and I’ll mail you a home resizing kit.
SNEAKY SIZING GUIDE
Trying to figure out your partners’ size without him/her knowing? Here are a few ways you can estimate size on the down-low (1) Borrow an existing ring and measure the internal diameter in (mm). It helps to trace the internal diameter or press the ring into something soft like playdoh for the most precise measurement. Send me the internal diameter (not external) and I can estimate ring size. (2) Put one of their rings on your finger and draw a pen mark around your finger at the point where the ring fits you. Later measure the circumference of your finger at that point with a string in (mm). (3) Or you can bring one of their rings to the studio for us to measure for you.
When in doubt size up! You don’t want to ruin the moment if the ring doesn’t fit. You can always size the ring smaller later.
Jewellery requires care and maintenance. Care should be taken to protect items against scratching, heavy wear, hard knocks, extreme temperatures and chemicals. Do not wear your jewellery when lifting weights, carrying hard or heavy objects, working with your hands or playing contact sports (even diamonds can chip). Clean your diamond jewellery in a small dish with warm water, dish soap and a soft cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials. You should have you jewellery professionally checked by a jeweller every 6 months to confirm the stones are secure in their settings and clasps are functioning properly. If jewellery is not properly maintained, you risk losing a stone or the entire piece which really sucks:(. Loss or damage to your gemstone(s) is not covered under warranty. We highly recommend getting insurance for your jewels to cover this such loss and damage. Insurance can be purchased from your own insurance provider or via Jeweler’s Mutual.
Not all settings are created equal. Choose one that fits your lifestyle. Keep in mind that jewellery strength is really just a matter of physics. Generally the thicker the metal the less maintenance will be required overtime.
Band Thickness
We all love the look of a delicate band but need to remember a thinner band is not as strong and will require more maintenance. If you workout with weights, carry heavy or hard objects or work with your hands a thin band can bend more easily and we would recommend that you be cautious or remove your jewellery.
Claws Vs. Bezel
A bezel setting is a ribbon of metal that wraps all the way around a gem and holds it securely in place. It is our go to favorite setting for durability and generally requires less maintenance. It protects in two ways, it cushions the gem from bumps and everyday wear and tear and its smooth surface reduces the likelihood it will get snagged or catch on something and result in damage to your jewellery. If you work with your hands or lead an active lifestyle a low profile bezel setting is a great choice.
Number Of Claws
Claws are important because they are what holds your gemstone in place securely. Generally, the thicker and more claws you have the more secure your gemstone will be in its setting and the less maintenance your jewellery will require. If you are hard on things, we recommend choosing a piece of jewellery with a bezel setting or thicker more numerous claws. It is common for claws to bend or even break with everyday wear. We highly recommend that you check your claws regularly and also have your jewellery professionally inspected every 6 months so that repairs can be made if necessary. It is also important to purchase specialized insurance for your jewellery that covers against loss or damage to your gemstone as this is not covered under warranty.
Bright Polish Vs. Matte or Brushed Finish
Think of your metal’s finish as a starting point. It will change over time as you wear your ring. Over time a bright polish will brush against things and develop small scratches that will turn into lovely patina overtime. A brushed finish will rub on your clothing and sheets and gently become polished.
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