Is A Solitaire Engagement Ring Boring?

The answer is yes and no. Some brides like the classics, such as solitaire engagement rings, while others are looking for something a little more unique.

Don't be ashamed if you prefer classics like solitaires; buy the ring that you want to wear for the rest of your life. But if a solitaire engagement ring doesn’t suit your tastes, then here is everything you need to know to help you find your unique ring.

(The links open to new pages)

How to Find An Engagement Ring That Isn’t Boring

If you've spent hours, days, or months shopping for engagement rings in-person and online, you've probably become desensitized to them. They can all start to blend together. One .75ct. solitaire looks very similar to the next, especially if you're not experiencing that stone in person. Even larger stones, the big 2.5 carat pieces, seem to run together after you see enough of them.

Of course, bigger stones and fancier settings can always add significant "wow" to a diamond ring, but these upgrades can come at a considerable cost. Remember, there is a hefty price jump at the one-carat mark and again at two carats. Maybe it's time to change your angle. Forget a single solitaire diamond, and go for something truly unique, like her. Let's change how you're shopping for an engagement ring. Start by jotting down a few details of her personality.

For instance, your intended might be:
- Petite, delicate and flowery
- Modern, strong and powerful
- Mysterious, dark and thoughtful

Unique Engagement Ring Styles to Consider

When it comes to picking an engagement ring, it can be overwhelming due to all of the different styles, cuts, and stones. That is why we put together a few unique styles that you should consider:

Vintage Engagement Rings

Vintage diamond engagement rings can come in feminine, floral styles. Others boast a geometrical Art Deco setting, or perhaps a rarer cut of diamond, like an old mine cut diamond or marquise cut stone. These diamonds have a different sparkle than the standard round brilliant cut marketed primarily as engagement rings today. Or, take a step away from diamond marketing for a moment. De Beers made diamonds a popular choice for engagement rings in the 1940s. But things weren't always this way.

Gemstone Engagement Rings

If you are interested in something more unique, coloured gemstones can be a fantastic choice for your engagement ring. High-end rubies, sapphires and emeralds can all blend the suitability of a durable stone with a rare look.

Ask A Jeweller for Help

With this knowledge about the different styles as well as what to keep in mind when choosing an engagement ring, you are ready to visit a local jewellery store and speak with a professional jeweller or gemologist about finding a ring that fits her personality. If you still can't find the perfect ring, you may want to consider designing your own.
 

Need Help Finding an Engagement Ring?
 

If you still need help searching for the perfect engagement ring for the love of your life, then get in touch with the team at Cynthia Findlay. Our expert jewellers are ready to help you find the perfect ring for your style and budget!
 

Book an appointment to see our selection of engagement rings for that special someone.

What Is Vintage Jewelry?

Vintage jewelry has become more popular recently due to the trend of thrift shopping, with more and more people purchasing vintage pieces. But what makes a piece of jewelry truly vintage, and what are characteristics that shoppers can look for?

(The links open to new pages)

How Old Is Vintage Jewelry?

The Jeweler's Manufacturers Association states that jewelry can be considered vintage if it was made between the years of 1935 and 1981. Jewelry from within this time frame can have drastically different appearances in keeping with the trends of the time, and certain decades will present certain qualities. The 1930s and 1940s promoted a lot of brooches, particularly floral and bow motif, as well as synthetic stones, which combine to give a retro aesthetic. In contrast, the 1970s and 1980s were defined by bright colours and gaudy accessories. Vintage jewelry originating from this time period will likely have glitter, rhinestones, or feathers. Even though these are cheaper materials than other eras of vintage jewelry, the pieces are still considered to be vintage due to time of their creation.

How to Shop For Vintage Jewelry

Because the characteristics of true vintage jewelry aren't commonly known, sellers will oftentimes attempt to sell a fake piece at a high price, claiming it to be vintage.

For those that are interested in purchasing vintage jewelry, here are a few things to look out for:

Seek out trusted sellers: Look for individuals online or stores with excellent reviews, and potentially certificates of authentication for more expensive pieces.

Buy individual pieces: Bags containing vintage jewelry in bulk for a lower price may seem like a great deal, but it's unlikely that there will be more than a few true vintage pieces in the bag.

Know your era: Do research beforehand into the era of jewelry you're interested in, and seek out jewelry with similar qualities when you're shopping.

If you're looking to purchase vintage jewelry, reach out to Cynthia Findlay Fine Jewellery & Antiques so they can help you find vintage pieces you're sure to love!

What Makes A Diamond Sparkle

Diamonds are famous for their distinctive glitter and glow, but what really makes a diamond sparkle?

The short answer is the diamond's cut. It is therefore important to understand what a diamond's cut is, and how the sparkle is created.

(The links open to new pages)

What Are The 4C's Of A Diamond?

The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) came up with a broadly acceptable industry standard for evaluating the quality of diamonds.

Consequently, diamonds are evaluated based on these certain set of parameters called the 4C's. The components of the 4C's are:

Colour

Clarity

Cut

Carat weight

So, as you can see, Cut is a component of the evaluation matrix of diamonds. Yet, according to GIA, Cut is the most important indicator and predictor of a diamond's worth and value.

So, what exactly is a diamond cut?

What Is A Diamond Cut?

Contrary to what you may think, a diamond's cut has almost nothing to do with the shape and form of a diamond.

Instead, a diamond's cut is a measure of how the diamond's facets interact with light. The diamond's facet is the flat, even exterior on a gemstone.

You can think of a diamond's facet as a diamond's face. A typical diamond has about 58 facets, or mirror-like faces.

So, how exactly does it work?

How Does A Diamond's Cut Affect It’s Sparkle?

We've seen that a diamond's cut is all about the symmetry and evenness of its facets.

It's these facets which—depending on how well polished and symmetrical they are—absorb, reflect, or refract light in a way that will make diamonds sparkle.

The way light will behave after hitting the facet is what will determine how sparkly the diamond will be.

And in short, the behavior of light is determined by the quality (and workmanship) of the facet. This quality and workmanship of a facet is what is referred to as a cut.

That's how a diamond's cut influences the degree to which a diamond will sparkle!

If you want the best cut diamond, for the best sparkle and glow, contact us for a journey towards elegance and glamour.