One of the best ways to increase an engagement ring’s sparkle and visual impact is to use melee diamonds. They are most noticeable in pave and halo engagement rings, which add brilliance around a centerpiece diamond. Still, melee diamonds can be used in various ways to enhance jewelry. So let’s learn more about these unique diamonds.
What Are Melee Diamonds?
Melee diamonds (pronounced may-lay) are tiny diamonds, less than 0.2 carats, typically cut and polished the same way as larger brilliant-cut diamonds. However, melee diamonds can be small, down to just 0.001 carats, and are also sometimes referred to as accent diamonds.
Unlike diamond chips, irregular pieces chipped off of a larger stone during cutting and processing, melee diamonds are cut and faceted for shine and brilliance. Thanks to modern technology, these stones can be smaller and cut more precisely than ever, giving them significant impact despite their small size.
Are Melee Diamonds Real?
Melee diamonds are natural but too small to be used alone in jewelry. So instead, they are used in clusters and groupings to add brilliance.
Melee Diamonds Sizes
The sizes of melee diamonds differ from country to country. As a rule, they are diamonds that are under 0.2 carats, and they can be as small as 0.001 carats. Most often, they are between 0.005 and 0.17ct in weight, ranging from about 1.0 to 3.6mm in size, depending on the cut.
Melee Diamond Cuts
The defining feature of melee diamonds is that they are cut and polished for brilliance, despite their small size. There are three historical ways that melee diamonds have been cut:
The Single Cut
Until the first half of the 20th century, all melee diamonds were single-cut. The single-cut diamond is an 8/8 facet arrangement (also called a “huit huit” cut, using the French words for “8/8”). It has 8 facets along the crown, 8 facets around the pavilion, and a table facet on top for 17 or 18 facets.
The 16/16 Cut
In the 1970s, the 16/16 cut was invented in Antwerp. This cut doubled the facts of an 8/8 for even more sparkle. In the 70s and 80s, the 16/16 was extremely popular for melee diamonds.
The Full Cut
In the late 1980s, cutters developed the means to apply the 57-58 facet design of large brilliant diamonds into tiny melee stones. Advancements in cutting technology allow diamond cutters to cut consistently and precisely smaller and smaller stones.
Single Cut vs. Full Cut Melee Diamond
Today, the full cut has almost entirely replaced single-cut melee diamonds in jewelry. The full cut adds so much fire and brilliance that single-cut melee has become a rarity outside watchmaking. Single-cut melee diamonds are often found in vintage jewelry or inexpensive diamonds sold at a discount. Discount single-cut diamonds today are almost always low-quality stones with inconsistent facets and shaping, so it is best to choose full-cut melee diamonds when possible.
Melee Diamonds Prices
Melee diamonds are always more affordable than single diamonds for the equivalent carat weight; two diamonds weighing 0.25ct each cost less than a single diamond weighing 0.50ct because the larger diamond is more uncommon.
Like all diamonds, melee diamonds vary in price based on their size and quality. While the same factors (cut, color, clarity, and carat) can be applied to melee diamonds as any other diamond, they are too small to be graded individually. So instead, they are sold in parcels of similar stones and priced by total carat weight.
Average-grade melee diamonds typically cost $300-400 per carat. However, melee diamonds with better color and clarity can cost up to $800-1,000 per carat.
While color and clarity are essential factors in diamond grading and pricing, melee diamonds are so small that these factors may have virtually no impact on the appearance of the jewelry. Instead, cut and color are far more visible and impactful.
Taking Care of Melee Diamonds
If you choose melee diamond jewelry, especially a diamond engagement or wedding ring that will be worn constantly, taking good care of your diamonds is essential. These diamonds have many tiny faces and crevices where dirt can accumulate, yet they need to be cleaned gently to prevent the stones from loosening over time. To clean jewelry with melee diamonds:
Combine mild liquid detergent and warm water
Use a soft brush to gently sweep away dirt and debris
Do not scrub aggressively, and do not use ultrasonic cleaners that vibrate. You may want to consider professional cleaning by a jeweler to keep your jewelry in peak condition without loosening any stones.
Related Questions
On what type of jewelry are melee diamonds used?
Melee diamonds are used on all kinds of jewelry but are most popular in engagement rings, which surround and enhance a centerpiece diamond. In addition, melee diamonds are used in channel, split-shank, pave, cluster, and halo diamond engagement ring settings. Melee diamonds are also used in watches, earrings, and other types of jewelry.
How are melee diamonds priced?
Like other natural diamonds, melee diamonds are sorted into parcels by cut, color, and clarity and then sold by the total carat weight of the group. Because they are so small, they are not graded individually due to the amount of time involved. The price of melee diamonds depends on their size and grade, but average melee diamonds typically cost $300-400 per carat.
Are melee diamonds natural?
Yes, melee diamonds are natural and real diamonds. They are more common today because we have the technologies to handle and cut smaller diamonds than ever, with incredible consistency and precision that creates fire and brilliance. In the past, diamond chips and other irregular small diamonds were often used as accent stones than today’s full-cut, sparkling, melee diamonds.
Conclusion
Melee diamonds are an excellent way to complement a larger stone, adding sparkle and brilliance. They can also be clustered to create spectacular jewelry by themselves or add something special to the band of a ring. Melee diamonds are also available at affordable prices, allowing you to increase the total carat weight and visual impact of your jewelry cost-effectively and playing an important role in jewelry design.
A diamond ring is precious and something you will treasure for a lifetime. However, to keep your diamond ring looking brilliant, it needs to be cleaned regularly. Of course, you could go to a jeweler and have it cleaned professionally, but this isn’t necessary. As long as you have the right tools (which are minimal and inexpensive), you can get that same brilliant shine and sparkle, and your ring will look just as beautiful as if a jeweler had cleaned it.
It only takes a few minutes to clean a diamond ring and make it sparkle like, well, like, a diamond. Today we will discuss how often you should clean a diamond ring and how to do it at home without spending much money. Let’s get started.
How Often to Clean a Diamond Ring
There are several schools of thought on how often you should clean your diamond ring. Some say it should be done weekly, while others say once every month or two is sufficient. When a diamond isn’t cleaned regularly, it will lose its luster. Sure, you can bring it back with a good cleaning, but if you are cleaning it regularly in the first place, this shouldn’t happen.
Also, did you know that a ring that isn’t cleaned regularly can harbor many unwanted bacteria? This can cause the metals in the ring to deteriorate, not to mention skin irritations.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to clean your diamond every day, but it should be done regularly. In fact, experts suggest that light cleaning be done every couple of weeks, with a deep cleaning being done once every month to ensure that it maintains its sparkle.
Bi-Weekly Cleaning
Diamonds are very durable, so they can be cleaned regularly without causing any damage to them. You don’t have to worry about damaging the stone using the right materials. If you wear your ring daily, it is a good idea to clean it every couple of weeks.
Make sure you take care to clean both the stone and the gold. Remember, if you want to have your ring cleaned professionally with an ultrasonic cleaner, the more you wash it yourself, the less time it will take for professional cleaning, and the sooner you can get it back on your finger.
Monthly Cleaning
A deeper, monthly cleaning of your diamond ring is also a good idea. This should be a more thorough cleaning than bi-weekly, but using the right materials is still just as important. Never use harsh chemicals, even on diamonds. Just because they are tough doesn’t mean you should be hard on them. This is ideal for monthly cleanings if you have your own ultrasonic cleaner.
What You’ll Need
You don’t need to spend much money on jewelry cleaning solutions. All you need for at-home diamond cleaning are the following:
Mild liquid dish detergent
Warm water
Soft toothbrush
Dry, clean, lint-free cloth (a microfiber cloth is excellent for cleaning jewelry)
Instructions on How to Clean a Diamond Ring
You can clean a diamond ring safely at home in several ways. The following methods are the most popular.
Soap and Water Method
The best way to clean a diamond ring at home is to use mild soap such as mild dish liquid or mild cleaning solution specifically for jewelry. To make your own cleaning solution, place warm water and mild soap in a bowl. Leave the ring to soak for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the amount of dirt on the ring. Use a soft toothbrush to remove any residue if you need to remove makeup, skin lotion, etc. Rinse the ring under warm water after cleaning to remove any remaining soap residue.
Jewelry Cleaning Solutions
You can also use a nonabrasive jewelry cleaning solution free of chemicals. If you choose to do this, ensure you find a solution with no harsh chemicals, as they can cause the diamond to discolor and become less durable. Talk to your jeweler about the best jewelry cleaning solutions at home and how to use them.
Try Windex with Hydrogen Peroxide
You might want to try making your own ring-cleaning solution from Windex and hydrogen peroxide. Use a 50/50 ratio of Windex and peroxide. Soak the ring in this mixture for 10 to 15 minutes. The Windex will eliminate the day-to-day buildup, and if bacteria are on the ring, the hydrogen peroxide will take care of that. Next, use a soft toothbrush to scrub the ring and remove any additional residue. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
Use Baking Soda
Baking soda can be used to clean your diamond ring in several ways. Simply mix one-half cup of white vinegar with two tablespoons of baking soda. Soak the ring in this solution for two to three hours, then rinse with cool water. Use a soft brush to remove any baking soda residue.
Here’s another way to use baking soda to clean your ring. Line a glass baking dish with aluminum foil (shiny side up). Place the ring on top of the foil, and add just enough baking soda to cover the ring. Next, pour boiling water over the ring, and allow it to sit in this solution for 30 seconds to one minute. Finally, rinse under warm water, using a soft toothbrush, to get rid of any baking soda residue.
Both methods are best for rings with silver metal bands. However, gold and white gold can scratch easily, so be careful when using baking soda because it is abrasive.
Cleaning a Diamond Ring: What Not to Do
Even though diamonds have one of the hardest surfaces in the world, it doesn’t mean you can use any cleaning solution. These stones can become damaged over time, so it is best if you only use a cleaning process that involves mild detergents and does not use harsh chemicals.
Here is a list of more things you shouldn’t do while cleaning your diamond ring:
Never use acetone to clean your rings, as it can damage the metal in the band
Never use hard or abrasive materials on your diamond
Avoid using cleaning solutions that contain abrasives
Related Questions
Now, let’s look at the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about cleaning and caring for diamond rings.
How do I store my diamond engagement ring safely?
If you are not going to be wearing your diamond ring, it should be stored properly. The best way is to keep it in a high-quality jewelry box with sections specifically for rings. Other options include storing it in the box it came in or storing it inside a cloth bag, such as velvet. Never leave the ring out in the open air, especially if the metal is silver because it can cause the metal to oxidize and turn color.
Which cleanser works the best with diamond rings?
Cleaning a diamond ring is best done with mild soap and warm water. There are also many good quality jewelry cleaning solutions available. If you prefer to use one of these, talk to your jeweler about which one is best to avoid doing any damage to your ring.
Can you clean a diamond ring with vinegar?
As mentioned earlier in this article, vinegar can be used to safely clean diamond rings. Just ensure that you are not using vinegar all the time, as it is acidic. Also, this method is not recommended if other stones in the ring are not diamonds, as they may be porous and can be damaged by vinegar.
Why is my diamond cloudy?
In most cases, a diamond can look cloudy because it has inclusions. The higher the grade of the diamond, the fewer inclusions it will have. Cloudiness can also be caused when the diamond isn’t properly cut or has a chip or scratch. Also, if you are not cleaning your ring regularly, it can look cloudy due to dirt buildup.
Conclusion
A diamond ring is an investment; not only should it last for a lifetime, but it should also last for many lifetimes and maybe even be handed down from generation to generation. You must take care of this investment. Cleaning your diamond ring regularly will ensure that it always maintains its luster and sparkles like the stars in the night sky. Be sure to clean your diamond ring regularly, and take it to your jeweler for a professional cleaning at least once a year (every six months is recommended).
Sparkle, or “brilliance”, is arguably a diamond’s most important quality. But which diamonds shine the brightest? And how can you be sure that you’re buying a diamond that will sparkle, especially if you’re buying online? Learn the factors that affect a diamond’s brilliance and how to narrow your search to include only gems that are guaranteed to dazzle.
A diamond’s sparkle is influenced by three the stone’s “4 Cs” — cut quality, shape, and color. Some diamond shapes are inherently more brilliant than others; it all depends on how the cut diamonds angles and sides (called facets) reflect light.
How a diamond’s cut affects its sparkle
Round diamonds are more brilliant than oval diamonds, because the rounder shape has a greater number of facets and reflects light from multiple angles. Heart-shaped diamond are often less brilliant; they have fewer sides that can catch light. Pear cut diamonds have one of the greatest surface areas of any diamond shapes, which makes them more prone to reflecting light.
The cut quality also has a great influence on how much a stone sparkles. There are six different angles that can be used to cut each facet on a diamond and they all have an effect on the way light bounces off of them. For this reason, cut quality is often considered the most important of a diamond’s 4 Cs when determining a stone’s value. A diamond’s cut quality is evaluated by the proportions of its facets: too deep and light will be lost in the stone, too shallow and it could lose brilliance.
If you’re looking for a diamond that will sparkle the most, then you’ll want to find one with angles cut as close to 20.75 degrees on each facet–but be prepared to pay more for it! Perfectly-cut diamonds are significantly more expensive.
Diamond color and its impact on brilliance
The diamond’s color also has an effect on a gemstone’s sparkle. Diamonds with less color tend to shine more brightly, as they have less absorption than lesser-colored stones. When it comes to a diamond’s brilliance, less color is better.
Other factors that increase a diamond’s sparkle
A diamond’s clarity also affects brilliance, something that the best trained diamond experts out there know all too well. A diamond with inclusions and blemishes will cause light to disperse, which causes the stone to appear less bright.
Something else to keep in mind is that light sources do also make a difference in terms of a diamond’s brilliance or sparkle. Diamonds always shine in a source of light that is white. Bright flashes of white light, when they hit a brilliant diamond and are reflected back towards you, can be nearly blinding!
A diamond with inclusions and blemishes will cause light to disperse, which causes the stone to appear less bright.
Aside from the diamond itself, how a diamond is displayed or set in jewelry will have a significant effect on how much it shines. A high ring setting that allows light to enter from underneath and reflect light back through the stone, for instance, will make a diamond sparkle more. A pavé setting that is flush with the ring will let less light through the bottom of the diamond. Less light equals less brilliance.
I’ve discussed how three of the 4Cs affect a diamond’s brilliance. But what about size? Does a diamond’s size have any impact on its sparkle? Not really. If anything, smaller diamonds may shine more brightly simply because there is more surface area relative to the diamond’s total weight. The larger the diamond, the further light needs to travel through the stone. You’ll still enjoy lots of sparkling reflections, it just may lack a bit of the “fire” that well-cut smaller stones have.
This is a good reason to consider using your budget to buy a smaller but higher-quality stone rather than a larger stone of average cut, clarity and color.
Which Diamond Cut Has the Most Sparkle?
Now that we know what affects a diamond’s sparkle or internal reflection, let’s take a quick look at the types or cuts of diamonds that sparkle the most. Well, the cut of diamond that sparkles the most is the brilliant cut diamond, and due to the critical angle at which all of the facets are cut, the internal reflection of light with this cut is unrivalled by any other cut out there. When a brilliant cut piece of diamond jewelry hits white light, it sparkles like nothing else. If you are looking for a huge sparkle, and you want to see those rainbow colors when light hits the stone, a brilliant diamond is what you want.
What about lab-created diamonds? Do lab-grown diamonds sparkle less than earth-grown diamonds?
Some people may call them synthetic stones, but realistically, they are just as authentic or genuine as the loose stones found in the ground. They shine with the same brilliance and beauty as mined diamonds, but often with a price that is much more affordable.
Do Simulated Diamonds Shine?
Simulated diamonds generally don’t have that same sparkle or brilliance as natural diamonds. Genuine diamond, due to the material itself, allows for light to pass through and reflect in a way that fake diamonds, such as those made of cubic zirconia, just can’t get close to.
Although a fake diamond might help you save money, it’s a true diamond that you need if you are looking for that amazing sparkle. Yes, there are some artificial diamonds that sparkle, but no matter what it is made of, it just won’t ever get close to an authentic diamond.
In conclusion, many factors affect how brightly a diamond shines. From the quality of the diamond to how it is mounted, setting and cut.
Understanding what makes a diamond sparkle will help you identify how to balance your budget with buying the most brilliant diamond. It’s always surprising how the hardest stone that is formed under extreme temperatures allows for so much passage of light! There’s just nothing better than watching a well cut diamond sparkling in the light.
Can you buy a diamond engagement ring on Amazon? Sure. Is buying a diamond on Amazon a good idea? Let’s discuss.
Engagement rings for sale on Amazon.com.
Can you buy an engagement ring on Amazon.com?
Yes, you can buy engagement rings and other diamond jewelry on Amazon — just like everything else!But diamonds listed on Amazon are typically sold by third-party sellers, not Amazon itself.
A recent search for engagement rings on Amazon.com yielded over 6,000 products for sale ranging from $12 for an imitation cubic zirconia ring to over $16,000 for a 3-carat diamond engagement ring. (With free Prime shipping, nonetheless.)
Amazon truly does sell everything!
But here’s the thing: If you’re a frequent Amazon shopper, hopefully you already know that many products on Amazon.com are sold by third-party sellers.
Amazon stocks and sells many popular products itself. But millions of items for sale are sold by merchants ranging from other large companies to small mom-and-pop shops operating out of their garages. The platform is also rife with merchants selling cheap goods from China.
In some cases, Amazon stores these products in their warehouses and ships them to you on behalf of the third-party sellers. This is known as fulfillment by Amazon, or FBA.
At the time of publication, Amazon itself does not sell engagement rings or diamond jewelry. All listings are offered by third-party sellers.
Details about where an item is shipped from and who sells the item is listed under the Buy Now button on Amazon.
You can check to see who you’re actually buying a ring from by looking under the Buy Now button on Amazon. In the example above, this ring is sold by The World J Center but shipped from Amazon’s warehouse.
Amazon.com diamond jewelry quality
The quality of diamond jewelry on Amazon is widely-varied. As with any Amazon purchase, you want to make sure you understand what you’re buying and the seller’s reputation.
As I write this article, there are a few dozen brands (storefronts) selling engagement rings on Amazon. I can’t say I’ve heard of any of them.
Many of the sellers are offering lower-priced diamond rings or very cheap cubic zirconia and gemstone engagement rings. I wouldn’t expect amazing quality from these sellers, but you get what you pay for.
There are also very expensive diamond engagement rings on Amazon. One of the top sellers is the Houston Diamond District. I wasn’t familiar with them, but they claim to be the largest jeweler in Houston and have 4.4 stars from 82 Google reviews. I don’t see any reason why they are not selling quality diamond rings on Amazon.
A 3-stone diamond engagement ring for sale on Amazon for $16,500.
If you’re going to buy a real diamond engagement ring on Amazon, just be sure to do your homework. The nice thing is that Amazon serves as the middleman and offers some protections for your purchase.
The biggest advantage to buying a diamond or engagement ring on Amazon is the same as any other Amazon purchase — it’s easy. On the downside, you’ll have far less selection to choose from and will miss out on some benefits offered by online jewelers.
If you’ve suddenly decided that you’re going to propose tomorrow and need an engagement ring, Amazon’s got you covered. But you simply will not have the same number of diamonds to choose from on Amazon as you would at online jewelers.
Amazon has more than 6,000 engagement rings for sale. That’s plenty of inventory for someone to find a basic ring. But some online jewelers have over 100,000 diamonds in inventory.
At Amazon, you’re limited to a few static images of an example of each ring. In other words, you can’t see a picture of the exact ring you’re buying. Many diamonds for sale at online jewelers have 3D images of the exact diamond you’re purchasing.
Finally, when it comes to jewelry-specific customer service, Amazon just can’t compete. Yes, Amazon has guarantees and return policies that will ensure you can return any ring you’re not happy with for a full refund.
But what if you want to resize your ring? Finding a woman’s ring size can be tricky if you want to keep the proposal a secret. Online jewelers offer free ring resizing. Problem solved.
Better places than Amazon to buy an engagement ring online
Online jewelers like Blue Nile, James Allen and Brilliant Earth offer superior selection and customer service to Amazon when shopping for engagement rings.
When you shop at an online jeweler, you’re dealing with a company that specializes in diamonds. You can see 3D images of the actual diamond you’re going to buy. And almost all of their diamonds come with a diamond certificate testifying to the gem’s authenticity and value.
At online jewelers like Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth, it’s also easy to build your own engagement ring. You select a loose diamond from their tens of thousands of examples and then select the perfect ring setting. The jeweler creates your one-of-kind ring and mails it to you in a few days.
But the benefits over Amazon don’t stop there. Return and upgrade policies are of equal importance.
Both James Allen and Blue Nile, for example, offer no-questions asked return policies for 30 days with free shipping both ways. (Return policies are extended during the holiday season, too!)
James Allen also offers a lifetime diamond upgrade guarantee. You can exchange your diamond purchased at James Allen for any diamond of double or greater value for life.
If you need an engagement ring fast, Amazon could be a solution. But online jewelers also stock many rings that can be shipped overnight, for free, too.
If you are looking for a wedding band at the lowest price, there are plenty of good options on Amazon to check out. The selection that can be found on this online retailer really is out of this world, and it’s all thanks to the many business brands that these products come from. Let’s take a look at some examples of the types of stunning wedding bands that can be found on Amazon.
Pave set round diamond engagement ring
Carat moissanite rings solid sterling silver
Moissanite engagement ring
Eternity Ring
Solitare cubic zirconia engagement ring
Silicone Diamond Rings
Diamond halo engagement ring
Promise Ring & Stackable Rings – Silicone Diamond Rings
Sona diamond cubic zirconia cz
Women – Bridal Rings Sets
Silver Wedding Sets
Blue Sapphire Wedding Rings
Diamond 3 stone women engagement ring
3-Stone Promise Rings
Amazon Meteorite Ring
Baguette Cut Pink Sapphire Ring
Black Diamond Ring
Birthstone Ring
Colorless Moissanite Ring Set
Why Buy a Diamond Wedding Ring on Amazon?
You might be wondering why you would ever buy a diamond women’s engagement ring on Amazon. There are actually quite a few reasons why buying an engagement ring or wedding band on Amazon might be beneficial for you.
Buying a diamond wedding ring on Amazon means not having to leave the comfort of your own home to buy a stunning engagement or wedding ring.
Buying a Diamond engagement ring on Amazon means not paying huge in-store commissions to salespeople. This is one of the factors that will help you save money.
Wedding rings on Amazon tend to be very reasonably priced, and often much more affordable than with your local retailers.
Although not quite as good as a large jewelry shop, Amazon does have a great selection of rings to choose from.
Amazon can deliver in a very short period of time, often within a day, for those rush occasions.
Where should you buy an engagement ring on Amazon?
In my opinion, buying an engagement ring on Amazon might make sense if you’ve got a small budget and want something simple and fast.
If you’re thinking of buying an engagement ring on Amazon, it all comes down to how much you want to spend on your ring. If you’ve got a budget of $1,000 or more, you can get a high-quality ring on James Allen or Blue Nile.
For budgets of less than $1,000, you may be able to buy a larger ring on Amazon. But the quality of diamond may not be the same.
Let’s look at an example. Below are two solitaire princess-cut rings set in 14-carat yellow gold rings from Amazon and Blue Nile. Both diamonds are about 3/4 carat set. The Amazon ring is much less expensive than the Blue Nile ring ($850 vs $1,400). Amazon for the win, right?
Not so fast. Even though I selected a diamond of the lowestclarity grade sold on Blue Nile (SI2), the Amazon ring is three clarity grades lower (I3). Jewelers like Blue Nile simply don’t sell diamonds with this many flaws because they are low-quality gems. End of story.
Both of these diamonds have J color, which is low on the scale and will likely appear yellowish to the naked eye. The Amazon diamond is probably of inferior cut, too, and does not come with any certification.
Two 3/4-carat princess-cut solitaire engagement rings for sale on Blue Nile and Amazon. The Amazon ring is much cheaper, but it’s a low-quality diamond — Blue Nile does not even sell diamonds with such low clarity.
The Amazon ring might be half as costly, but it’s nowhere near the same product.
Now, there’s nothing wrong with buying this ring. Getting a 3/4-carat diamond on an $800 budget is attractive. Even the diamond’s low color-rating isn’t as much of an issue with a yellow gold setting. (Yellow gold hides lower color quality diamonds better than white gold or platinum). Every ring is a personal decision. The point is, you won’t find a ring like this for sale at big online jewelers.
Yes, you can buy engagement rings on Amazon, both jewelry for women and men.
If you’re looking for an affordable diamond ring on a budget of less than $1,000, you may be able to find some rings on Amazon that will work for you.
If you want to ensure you’re getting a high-quality diamond and enjoy benefits like tens of thousands of diamond choices, 3D diamond images, ring resizing, and lifetime upgrade guarantees, try shopping at an online jeweler instead. A good online jeweler will be able to help you find engagement ring for women, a bridal ring, and more.
To cut to the chase: The best diamond cut for an engagement ring is the Round Brilliant, followed closely by the princess cut, the cushion cut, and the oval cut. Almost everyone agrees that the Round Brilliant cut is the most stunning diamond shape.
Diamond shapes — sometimes referred to as “cuts”.
That’s my best answer in a nutshell. And I’ll back up my opinion with some clear information and some reasoning that will convince you, I believe.
Having put my cards on the table I also want to state the obvious truth:
The best diamond cut for an engagement ring is the one she likes best!
In this article, I’ll lay out a systematic way for you to choose the best diamond cut for your engagement ring — as a couple, or else you choosing alone, if the proposal is to be a surprise.
Your ring, your decision
What society thinks should not be given overwhelming weight. But it should be taken into account. Here’s why.
You’ll notice two opposite ways of thinking about the question: “What’s the best diamond cut for an engagement ring?”
We’ve already stated them in the opening section.
1. The best diamond cut is the Round Brilliant, because most people agree on that, because it’s the shape with the most brilliance, fire, and sparkle.
2. The best diamond cut is whatever you like as a couple.
These aren’t necessarily in conflict. Let’s briefly explore the relation between them, so that you can make a choice that you and your spouse will be happy with for a lifetime.
1. The first way of deciding the question is to accept the consensus of experts and of the market. (The Round Brilliant Cut has the most fire and the most brilliance of any diamond cut, therefore it’s the best.)
2. The second way of deciding the question is to allow your own personal preference to override whatever the experts and the market may say. You may choose a heart-shaped diamond “because we like it, and we don’t care what the others say.” And fair enough. Who would argue against that?
But before you simply accept the verdict of the experts and the market, or before you simply insist on your own personal preference without listening to experts and the market, let’s notice some interesting facts:
First, of course experts can’t dictate to you what you like as a couple. Of course you’ll have your likes, preferences, and dislikes.
But on the other hand, marriage is a cultural institution. Getting engaged is not exactly a highly individualistic act. It’s expected. It has norms around it. So it won’t hurt to listen to the input od experts and the market when choosing a diamond cut.
Taking part in the beauty, value, comfort, discipline, and community of the institution of marriage is an act of sacrificing part of your individuality for the family. For the community. So that you’re more committed to your new family, and extended families And to the extended community.
That’s one of the main reasons for getting married in the first place. (And it’s also why anarchists are rarely known for their beautiful weddings. Or any weddings at all.)
I mean, you are choosing to get married. (That’s listening to experts and the market.)
And you are choosing to solemnize the engagement by purchasing a diamond ring. (That too is listening to the culture, and following its recommendations.)
And so it only stands to reason that you’d consider the input of experts and of others’ massive preferences when you are choosing a diamond cut.
Questions to ask before choosing a diamond cut
You can ask yourself these questions about each cut as you choose the best cut for your engagement ring:
1. How am I, or my spouse, going to feel about this cut over the next possibly 7 decades of life?
Choosing a cut which has stood the test of time (the Round Brilliant, the Princess Cut, the Cushion Cut, or the Oval Cut) can be a reassuring choice.
2. How will my future spouse feel about this cut when presented with it?
3. Will it inspire respect for the care with which I chose it? Is it formal enough? (The four cuts I’ve chosen as “the best” fit that bill.) Is it individual enough? (The need for individuality can often be satisfied by a more unique setting, or a ring inscription.)
4. Is it risky? (For example, a Heart Cut can be perceived as too cute for an engagement ring, by some people. A black diamond also might not be the best choice, unless a lot of discussion precedes it.)
5. Is it too idiosyncratic?
A Pineapple Cut diamond in Fancy Yellow, with green emerald accents, may seem like you were really shopping around, trying to be individualistic, and to give her something special. (She loves pineapples, after all.) But … it can also just seem … inappropriate, like wearing a colorful tie to a black tie party.
6. How will this shape be seen by others who are, and will be, important to us … over the years?
Who are the people you must impress over the next decades, to get ahead professionally or socially? Their opinions shouldn’t count for more than your own preferences, but it’s wise to take them into account. Can you find a ring that you both love, and that doesn’t cause consternation in your social and professional world?
What kind of diamond sparkles most?
Round Brilliant cut diamonds have the best light performance — fire, sparkle, and brilliance.
A Round Brilliant diamond showing its brilliance against a black background.
Light performance (or sparkle) is the main thing people love about diamonds. Not just their expense. Not just the meanings a diamond carries as the world’s most indestructible substance, and as a symbol of eternal love.
Many people new to shopping for diamonds (and that includes the vast majority of people shopping for an engagement ring) are surprised to find that cut shape is one of the most important factors in light performance of a diamond.
And in fact, this is the main reason the Round Brilliant Cut has consistently been the most popular choice through the decades, even when others trend upward for a time.
What is this fire and brilliance, in simple physics?
Simply put, it’s the amount of light pouring upward through the top of the diamond.
Because of the way it is shaped, the Round Brilliant Cut captures more light from its sides, then directs a greater percentage of that light out through the top. (Obviously, a diamond on a ring is meant to be viewed from the top. So, cuts that refract and reflect light internally to direct it through the top of the diamond are more appealing.)
Some shapes come close to the Round Brilliant Cut’s light performance.
For example the Cushion Cut. And the Princess Cut. And the Oval Cut.
But no cut does light better than the Round Brilliant. This question has been affirmatively settled by long experience of experts, and by scientific studies of how light behaves in certain shapes of diamond.
Some diamond cuts make no attempt to maximize fire, sparkle, and brilliance.
These include the Emerald Cut, and the Asscher Cut. They aim for a more understated beauty — a beauty of internal transparence.
As a measure of diamond quality, cut means the quality of the job the jewel cutter did when cutting the rough stone.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has the most authoritative and recognized cut scale of Poor Cut Quality, Fair Cut Quality, Good Cut Quality, Very Good Cut Quality, and Excellent Cut Quality.
In looking at cut quality, we ask questions such as these:
Did the cutter make the cuts symmetrical? Proportional? Cleanly? Did they avoid chipping the diamond? And most important, does it all result in maximum brilliance, fire, and sparkle?
Many people don’t realize it, but diamonds don’t split automatically along perfect lines when cut. In fact the jewel cutter’s skill, and also luck, play huge roles in the cut quality of a diamond.
Cut quality is the most important variable in how beautiful a diamond is, and in its light performance, and in its value. It can be even more important than the shape. For example, an Oval Cut diamond with a GIA Cut Quality of Excellent will perform better than a Round Brilliant Cut diamond with a GIA Cut Quality of Poor.
Of course, cut quality and diamond cut (shape) work together in determining light performance of a diamond.
An Asscher Cut or a Emerald Cut, while beautiful for their transparency, can never hope to compete with a Round Brilliant Cut or Princess Cut when it comes to light performance. It doesn’t matter if they are the most perfect cut Asscher or Emerald cuts in the world. The dimensions won’t allow them to perform better than a decently cut Round Brilliant.
How to choose the best cut for you as a couple
(If you want a reliable system for choosing the best cut as a surprise, see below.)
Here’s a simple way to choose the best cut together, as a couple. This assumes that the proposal is not a surprise.
Click through each of the shapes offered in the sliders. (See the green arrow in the image.) When you click on the next one, the first one is deselected. So when you click on the icon for Princess Cut, you’ll automatically deselect the Round Brilliant filter, and be presented with only Princess Cut diamonds.
2. Make a list of the shapes that appeal to you.
3. Try to rule out at least one or two.
4. Ask yourself how important a diamond’s brilliance is. (It’s honestly far and away the most important quality for most people. Those flashes of fire are visible from across the room, so far away that a shape is not even discernible.)
If fire and brilliance are as important to you as they are to most people, then you may likely want to focus on the first tier (or possibly the second tier) below.
First tier of diamond cuts ranked in brilliance
A. Round Brilliant Cut — Always the champion. Physics and decades of experience prove that no diamond cut can beat the Round Brilliant for light performance.
B. Princess Cut
C. Radiant Cut
D. Cushion Cut
A second-tier, still quite brilliant
A. Oval Cut
B. Pear Cut
C. Heart Cut (But it’s often seen as too “cute” for an engagement ring, which most people agree should be more formal.)
5. If fire and brilliance are not the most important quality of a diamond for you, then simply page through the shapes looking for shapes that you both like.
6. One consideration for longer, more elegant fingers: Fingers that are long and elegant can benefit from a Marquise cut which emphasizes them.
7. Keep a live list together for a few days, in a document you both can share. Jot down your thoughts separately and together, whenever an idea or a feeling hits you.
8. Within a few days, you both will have settled on a shape. Congratulations! You took the time to do it right, with a system, and with thought. You’re sure to be happy with it for decades to come.
How to choose the best cut if the proposal is a secret
If choosing the diamond cut shape is all up to you, because the proposal is a secret, then you have a huge responsibility. But you can meet that responsibility systematically, and make the right choice.
Here’s what you do: Go through all the steps in the section just above this one, imagining her responses. Imaginatively get into her head. And because you know her, you can have confidence that you’ll make the right choice.
“Listen” to her in your imagination, as you imagine talking with her about it.
Should you ask her friends? Her mother? Her aunt? Anyone?
That’s open to your judgement. My opinion is that you should not. This is a decision by you, for you both. You can’t really take the pressure off of yourself by getting input from her friends and family. It’s good to be decisive, and independent, especially in an important decision like this. Take your time, think it through imaginatively with her, and then decide.
Remember: the gift of an engagement ring is not just about the ring itself. It’s about the whole cultural ceremony of making the decision and buying the gift. It’s about you as much as it is about the ring.
So, of course there’s no real right and wrong way to go about these things. Every couple is unique. But at the same time, I believe making the choice on your own, using the 8-step systematic decision making process above, is a great choice.
Conclusion
The best diamond cut for an engagement ring is, ultimately, what you like best.
But most people best like a diamond that fits into the whole family, community, and cultural institution of marriage. A diamond that everyone will also like, and approve, and congratulate you on. In that light, how the ring will be perceived should also be taken into account.
We marry, in part, to give up some of our individuality. Some of our universal natural tendency toward self-centeredness. It’s in order to have closer relationships with each other, with family and with community. It’s only reasonable to take our families’ and communities’ norms into account.
Most people prefer the Round Brilliant Cut, because most people prefer a diamond to have maximum fire, brilliance, and sparkle.
But in the end, it’s you two together. Not the rest of society. Not your families. Not your communities. And also, everyone respects individual choice — or should.
Having taken all these things into account, you’re fully equipped to choose the diamond cut which you love best.
