The Colors and Shapes of Diamonds

Diamonds actually come in different sizes and shades. If you are planning to buy loose diamonds wholesale, want to obtain a diamond engagement ring, or just love to collect loose diamonds, these characteristics should matter to you. After all, the value and the price of the hardest known mineral in the world will largely depend on them.

If you have shopped for a diamond engagement ring, for example, you may have noticed that the stones are cut into different ways. The way they are fashioned will determine their brilliance and their clarity, among others. When it comes to diamond shapes, here are some of the most popular. Note that being well-known does not really mean they are valuable. It is just that their design could have been so unique to capture the attention of the curious and the diamond ring aficionado.

First you have the emerald cut, which resembles like a rectangular diamond. Clarity is a very important element in here, because most of the diamond flaws will become very visible. Normally, emerald-cut diamond rings are filled with other stones so that there will be balance to its elongated shape.

There are also some diamond rings that are shaped like a heart, but this shape is more associated with earrings and necklaces than with an engagement ring. In fact, it is hardly used for such. Because it is very hard for someone to carve a diamond like a heart, you will seldom find one in stores. If you do, it may need thorough checking just to make sure that you are not fooled.

Of all the shapes of diamonds, the most popularly used as a diamond engagement ring is the princess cut. It is almost similar to the emerald-shaped one; the only difference is that the edges are not trimmed. They are very easy to make, so most of the rings available in stores these days are of such character. They are also very affordable, since not much is being done on the diamond.

Then you have the marquise, which is a favorite for those who are looking for diamond rings for weddings. They are very elegant and traditionally cut. The diamond is usually surrounded with other stone accents. For diamond solitaire engagement ring, you have the round one, which is also a very flexible piece. It can work with almost all types of settings, not to mention that it can go with any form of fashion.

Color is one of the 4C’s, which are being used to determine the value of your diamond. So far, there are around 300 natural colors that have been identified, so you definitely have plenty of options. However, not all of them are of great value. Since you want to go after the one that is worth your money, you should know which colors to watch out for.

The very first thing that you need to keep in mind when looking at the diamond’s color in a diamond solitaire ring, for example, is its being “colorless.” The purer or whiter it looks the more valuable it is. Nevertheless, some of them will have tinges of other shades, such as brown or yellow. If it does, the other shades should just be very light. Other colors that you can get are pink, blue, and red. However, they can be very expensive.

Some diamonds may also undergo treatment, deliberately or accidentally. There are jewelers who will have them treated to enhance their colors, or exposure to too much pressure or temperature may alter the shade completely.