Diamond Jewellery

Why is diamond jewellery so widely loved and sought after?

You've heard the saying that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but what makes them so well-loved in the world of jewellery?

To begin with, diamonds are incredibly rare and known for their brilliance and sparkle. The way they capture and refract light has been known to draw everyone towards them, and we get it!

As well as their aesthetics, diamonds also have cultural symbolism that makes them so sought-after. Around the world, diamonds are associated with luxury, wealth and affluence, and to wear them is to signify to others that you're associated with these things, too.

What are the different shapes and cuts of diamonds used in jewellery?

Diamonds can be cut into a number of different styles, but you're most likely to hear about them when you're shopping for diamond rings. Below are a few of the most common styles you'll find.

• Princess cut: This is often the first choice for a diamond engagement ring and is a square or rectangular shape.
• Round brilliant cut: This style is used to show off the brilliance of the diamond. It is circular and has 57-58 facets.
• Emerald cut: A confusing name, we know, but an emerald cut is another rectangular shape. It's slightly more elongated than a princess cut and doesn't just apply to emeralds.

How can I evaluate the quality and grading of diamonds in jewellery?

With enough diamond jewellery, you may be able to evaluate the quality and grading of diamonds yourself, but for the most part, consulting an expert is best. Diamonds are graded and assessed on the 'Four Cs,' which are carat weight, cut, colour, and clarity.

A carat is the diamond's weight, and one carat equals 0.2 grams. The cut refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted–both of which impact the way it sparkles. Colour ranges from a scale of D (colourless) to Z (light yellow or brown), with D being the rarest and so most valuable. Clarity refers to the presence of inclusions (internal flaws) or blemishes (external flaws).

What factors should I keep in mind when purchasing jewellery?

At Camile & Stone, we want your jewellery to last you years, and so there are a few factors we recommend you consider when choosing from our selection.

Firstly, what is your budget? While we'd all love to splurge on lots of diamond jewellery, one or two pieces are more doable for most of us!

After budgeting, consider what you're going to be using your jewellery for. Is it a special occasion piece or a piece for everyday wear? This could impact the metal you choose, i.e. yellow-gold, rose-gold, or platinum. It could also impact the style.

What does ethical sourcing of conflict diamonds mean in the context of jewellery?

Camile & Stone is committed to only offering diamond jewellery that is sourced from socially and environmentally responsible sources. This includes sourcing jewellery with conflict-free certification and ensuring our suppliers have full transparency at every stage of their supply chain.

Conflict-free encompasses responsible mining practices, fair labour practices, and the minimisation of environmental impacts in the mining, extracting, and transporting of diamonds.

We want you to enjoy your diamond jewellery, and you can't do that if you know it has caused harm to the people who mine it and the places it comes from.

What are some trends in the design of diamond jewellery today?

Diamond jewellery trends have changed across the years, but some of our favourites include these:

• Mixed metal designs: This involves mixing metals, like rose-gold with white-gold, to create uniquely coloured fixings for the diamonds. It can add an edge of elegance to your piece.
• Minimalist and stackable designs: For diamond rings, we love to see minimal designs that pair well with others. This includes rings that can be stacked on top of each other.
• Statement earrings: Big, boldly designed diamond earrings are a fantastic trending design right now. From chandelier styles to statement studs, you can let your earrings do the talking when you buy into this style.

Where can I discover vintage and antique pieces of diamond jewellery?

Vintage diamond jewellery and vintage-style pieces are popular at present, but finding this style can be tricky!

Some key places to look out for vintage and antique diamond pieces include:

• Antique and vintage jewellery shops
• Estate sales
• Online marketplaces
• Pawn shops
• Private sellers

These places are likely to have secondhand pieces in a range of antique and vintage styles.

If you're looking for vintage styles but can't find something you love, you could also try commissioning custom diamond jewellery with a jeweller you trust to mimic the vintage style you want.