Exploring Diamonds
From Cuts to Carats
At Durham Rose, we believe selecting the perfect diamond is more than just a purchase—it’s an essential part of creating your dream ring. Since the diamond typically represents over 50% of your ring’s total cost, we approach this decision with care, expert advice, and a commitment to helping you find the ideal stone.
We understand that choosing a diamond can feel overwhelming. Terms like the 4Cs can be confusing—what matters? Should you prioritise clarity or colour? And how does a diamond’s unique anatomy impact its brilliance?
To make this journey easier, we’ve done the hard work for you. As part of our design process, we offer comprehensive diamond education, ensuring you feel confident with every choice. Whether you’re looking for a dazzling centrepiece or a subtle accent, we’re here to align our expertise with your vision and budget.
Our goal is simple: to help you find the diamond that’s as perfect as your love story.
Understanding Diamond Structure
The structure of a diamond plays a crucial role in its brilliance and sparkle. Key elements include the crown, pavilion, table, and girdle, as well as the cut of the diamond, which is often regarded as the most important factor affecting its sparkle. The crown refers to the upper portion of the diamond, while the pavilion is the lower part beneath the girdle. The table is the flat top surface, and the girdle is the outer edge, separating the crown and pavilion. The cut influences how light is refracted through the diamond; the angles of the crown and pavilion affect how light enters and exits, creating brilliance, fire, and scintillation. The depth and proportions of the diamond are also crucial—if a diamond is cut too shallow or too deep, it can cause light to escape from the sides or bottom, diminishing its sparkle. When properly cut and proportioned, the diamond reflects light optimally, resulting in the dazzling brilliance we associate with these precious stones.
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Discover the 4C’s of Diamond Quality
Understanding the 4Cs—Cut, Clarity, Colour, and Carat—is essential in choosing the perfect diamond. These attributes define a diamond’s brilliance, beauty, and value. Explore how each factor works together to help you find the ideal diamond for your bespoke piece.
A Cut Above the Rest: 8x Lab- Grown Hearts and Arrows Diamond
Discover the exceptional quality of 8x Hearts and Arrows diamonds, known for their precise cut and perfect symmetry. These diamonds are crafted to achieve optimal light reflection, enhancing their brilliance. With eight symmetrical arrows visible from the pavilion and eight hearts from the crown, this cut represents the pinnacle of diamond craftsmanship and precision.
Diamond Knowledge
Understand how diamonds are assessed and priced, helping you make informed choices when selecting a stone for your bespoke piece. Learn more about the key factors that influence value, quality, and appearance.
Explore Gemstones
Discover the beauty of coloured gemstones, each with its own unique character and appeal. From rich rubies to calming sapphires, explore their individual qualities, tones, and characteristics to find a gemstone that resonates with your personal style.
How much does it cost?
Discover how bespoke jewellery is priced, with a clear overview of the elements that shape the overall cost of your piece. From metal and gemstone selection to the level of craftsmanship involved, this guide outlines what influences pricing and provides an idea of typical starting points when planning your design.
Explore Our Blog Posts
Curious about bespoke jewellery? Explore insights into the design process, gemstone selection, and the craftsmanship behind each piece. From engagement ring inspiration to practical guidance on choosing the right details, our blog is designed to help you make informed decisions at every stage of your jewellery journey.
How can I ensure the diamond is ethically sourced?
To ensure your diamond is ethically sourced, we adhere to the Kimberley Process, an international initiative designed to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. This process ensures that diamonds are sourced from regions free from violence and human rights abuses. We partner with suppliers who comply with these standards, guaranteeing that our diamonds are responsibly and ethically mined.
Can I reuse my old diamond in the new design?
Yes! We’d be delighted to incorporate your existing diamond into your new bespoke design, giving it a fresh and meaningful life. We will assess the stone to ensure it’s suitable for the new setting and make recommendations based on its unique proportions. Please note that setting client-provided diamonds is done at your own risk, as we cannot guarantee their condition or durability, but we will handle them with the utmost care and expertise.