Welcome to our captivating collection of articles dedicated to the enchanting realm of bespoke jewellery and fine jewellery.
Though formed in carefully controlled laboratory environments, lab-grown diamonds can still exhibit unique variations in their development, as laboratories meticulously replicate the natural conditions that produce a resplendent diamond. With lab-grown diamonds now evaluated by the same grading standards as natural diamonds, what do the grades actually represent, and why are they meaningful to diamond enthusiasts and jewellers alike?
A diamond’s clarity refers to the size, location, visibility, and number of its inclusions (internal imperfections) and blemishes (external imperfections). Such inclusions or blemishes can occur even in laboratory conditions, whether via high-pressure/high-temperature (HPHT) or chemical vapour deposition (CVD). Factors such as temperature and pressure may also cause variations that can impact overall clarity across different lab-grown diamonds.
While some of these imperfections may be visible, other inclusions and blemishes are invisible to the naked eye but could still alter a diamond’s brilliance and light reflection. As such, a qualified gem-grading professional must conduct a meticulous face-up evaluation at 10X magnification to determine a diamond’s clarity. The fewer imperfections present, the higher the lab-grown diamond’s clarity grade.
Certain characteristics of these inclusions and blemishes may also influence the clarity grade, based on how they affect the overall appearance of the diamond:
While lab-grown diamonds are formed under laboratory-controlled conditions and tend to receive higher clarity grades than natural diamonds, they may still contain inclusions or blemishes that could affect their overall grade. In some cases, such inclusions or blemishes can be used to determine if a diamond is lab-grown or naturally sourced.
Here is a chart showing diamond clarity grades based on the Gemological Institute of America’s (GIA) Clarity Scale, with 11 specific grades.
| Flawless (FL) | No visible inclusions or blemishes | |
|---|---|---|
| Internally Flawless (IF) | No visible inclusions, but visible blemishes present | |
| Very Very Slightly Included (VVS) | VVS1 | Inclusions that are so slight that grading may be difficult |
| VVS2 | ||
| Very Slightly Included (VS) | VS1 | Minor inclusions are visible with some effort |
| VS2 | ||
| Slightly Included (SI) | SI1 | Inclusions are noticeable |
| SI2 | ||
| Included (I) | I1 |
Obvious inclusions and blemishes that could affect transparency, brilliance, and durability |
| I2 | ||
| I3 | ||
FL and IF diamonds are the highest and second-highest clarity grades, respectively, commanding a premium price point due to their scarcity. Their rarity stems from the fact that diamonds often have some form of inclusion or blemish arising from their formation process, during which foreign material can enter a diamond as it takes shape. While Internally Flawless diamonds do have slight surface blemishes, they are still “eye-flawless” because you cannot see these imperfections with the naked eye, even in bright light.
VVS and VS diamonds command slightly lower prices than their FL and IF counterparts, but possess an enchanting brilliance despite the presence of near-microscopic inclusions and blemishes. They still tend to command a higher price point than SI and I diamonds, and there may still be instances where SI and I diamonds are worthwhile, cost-effective purchases. Some people may even view SI and I diamonds as having a unique beauty arising from their imperfections.
Since inclusions and blemishes may be difficult to spot without magnification, only a skilled jeweller or gem-grading specialist can thoroughly evaluate a diamond and determine its clarity grade. It helps to review a diamond’s included (and verified) certification to ascertain its clarity grade.
In fact, contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as a “bad grade”. A lower clarity grade may still appear near-perfect, offering a lovely, scintillating brilliance for an affordable price. It is still essential to seek the advice of a professional jeweller, who can identify a suitable diamond based on your budget and personal preferences.
A diamond should always be evaluated based on the 4Cs, not solely on a single one, to ensure you get a complete picture of the diamond you are interested in. However, when it comes to clarity, it ultimately boils down to several key criteria to help you pick the right grade.
For those willing to splurge on a resplendent diamond, the IF and VVS grades are perfect picks that deliver a beautiful, brilliant diamond you will love. VS diamonds are an equally fitting option, especially when some VS diamonds still appear “eye-flawless” to the untrained eye.
If you are on a budget but would still like to have a charming diamond in your possession, SI and I diamonds remain the most affordable options that still offer an ornate stone that sparkles brilliantly. When combined with other aspects that cover the other C’s, you will surely find an affordable yet charming diamond to call your own.
In need of further advice on diamond clarity or the other C’s? Ling Jewellery is ready to assist you in finding the perfect lab-grown gemstone for your specific needs. Whether you wish to adorn an engagement ring with an exquisite diamond or learn more about lab-grown diamonds myths, our jewellers are more than happy to help. Check out our guide about diamond ring design here.
Yes, as one of the 4Cs, clarity plays an equally important role in how the diamond is regarded. Moreover, under the Laboratory-Grown Diamond Quality Assessment, Premium-grade lab-grown diamonds have a clarity grade of Very, Very Slightly Included and higher. Meanwhile, Standard-grade ones have a clarity grade of Very Slightly Included and lower.
No, colour is evaluated as a separate criterion as part of the 4C’s, and does not factor into the clarity grade. However, strong fluorescence that makes a diamond appear cloudy or oily could affect its clarity grade and overall value.
Aquamarine engagement rings are deeply adored for their ethereal blue-green hue. As a member of the Beryl family, like Emerald, aquamarine is a stunning gemstone with a unique history. When worn as an engagement ring, it brings a unique appearance while having rich symbolism. Considering an aquamarine ring for your engagement or other special occasions? Learn more about the meaning and symbolism behind aquamarine, popular cuts, and the various ring styles you can choose from.
The name aquamarine is derived from the Latin words “aqua”, meaning water, and “marina”, meaning the sea. This gemstone is named for its greenish blue to blue-green colour because of the iron trace within its structure.
Aquamarine is mined mainly in Brazil, and can also be found in Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan, and Mozambique. For at least 3000 years, this gem has been used in noble jewellery and as a talisman, as it was believed to protect the wearer from negative forces. Egyptian and Sumerian civilisations also viewed aquamarine as a symbol of happiness, believing it could bring everlasting youth. Roman sailors and fishermen were also known to carry an aquamarine on their voyages for luck.
Today, aquamarine continues to be a popular choice for jewellery and is associated with qualities such as truth, peace, and calmness. As an engagement ring, it reflects profound meanings of union, trust, and harmony. It is also believed to protect the couple from life’s storms.
Although aquamarine rings are known for their bluish colour, they exist in several slightly different shades that have their own unique personalities. Those with more saturated colours are often more valuable. Here are some options you may find:
This pastel shade is soothing to the eyes, making it an exquisite choice for those who love subtle elegance.
Some aquamarine gems have a brighter colour, often described as sky blue. It is a livelier, more youthful option for those with a cheerful personality.
Teal blue aquamarine is a mix between blue and green, which gives the stone more depth and richness. Darker teal shades are generally more difficult to find.
While teal aquamarine stones tend to look darker, some other aquamarines have a lighter greenish-blue shade.
A vibrant and mysterious shade, aquamarines of deep blue are considered to be the finest among their kind.
Like most other gemstone rings, aquamarine engagement rings can be fashioned into a wide variety of cuts, such as:
Emerald cut aquamarines have a classic rectangular shape that was popularised by their use with emeralds. This shape is widely loved due to its clean, geometric lines that make the gemstone appear larger for a statement look.
The Asscher cut is also known as the square emerald cut. It looks almost similar to the emerald cut, but with a square shape instead of a rectangle. The Asscher cut typically displays more brilliance than emerald cuts, as the shape gives more depth to the stone.
The round cut is a brilliant cut with its numerous facets that enhance the stone’s sparkle and maximise light reflection. It is suitable for those who want a dazzling display for their stone.
If you like the square shape but do not want lines that are too strict or geometric, cushion cuts are a great alternative. The four corners are slightly rounded, giving your aquamarine engagement ring a classic and wearable look.
The pear cut, also called the teardrop cut, is a trend among modern brides-to-be. The elongated shape of this cut creates the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, which is considered very flattering.
After choosing the cut you want for your aquamarine ring, the next step is choosing an engagement ring style that suits your taste. Just like diamond ring designs, aquamarine engagement rings come in various styles, such as:
Minimalist solitaire aquamarine rings are a big hit among those who adore simple and clean looks. The ring includes one aquamarine stone set on a narrow band, commonly in platinum or white gold. With nothing to distract from the stone, this ring draws attention to the colour and clarity of the aquamarine itself. It is especially beautiful for aquamarines with the emerald or cushion cut.
Halo settings for aquamarine rings are gaining popularity lately. This ring style has a centre aquamarine gemstone flanked with tiny diamonds or crystals, which make the aquamarine appear larger while adding extra dazzle. Some halo rings also have tiny engravings or filigree details that give them an antique look.
Three-stone aquamarine rings usually consist of a large aquamarine in the middle, with two smaller stones on either side, which may be more aquamarines or diamonds. This design is rich in symbolism, especially for engagements and weddings, as some consider each stone to represent the past, present, and future.
Nature motifs are another huge favourite among brides-to-be. Designs may include leaves, flowers, vines, or waves that surround the aquamarine gemstone and give it a chic appearance.
The east-west design for aquamarine rings mounts the stones horizontally along the finger. This contemporary style offers a distinctive look that many modern couples admire. It also gives the illusion of a wider appearance without too much bulkiness.
The serene appearance of aquamarine makes it an excellent choice for couples who want a unique and elegant design for their engagement ring. At Ling Jewellery, you can even get a customised engagement ring in Singapore, tailored to your one-of-a-kind love story. Reach out to us today and let us help you create an unforgettable engagement ring for your special day!
Ruby engagement rings have a unique allure that captivates many bride-to-bes. Its fiery red brilliance is often associated with love and passion. Although many individuals may see rubies as July’s birthstone, they are an increasingly popular choice for engagement and wedding jewellery, especially for couples that are drawn to coloured gemstones. Are you considering a ruby proposal ring? Learn more about the meaning and symbolism behind rubies as well as ideas to customise your ring design here.
Ruby has long been considered one of the most precious gemstones, with rich red hues due to the presence of the chromium element. Until the early 1800s, red spinels, tourmalines, and garnets were often mistaken for rubies.
Many cultures in history have cherished ruby. The Chinese emperor Kublai Khan was said to have offered an entire city in exchange for one. In ancient civilisations, rubies were believed to be able to melt wax, ward off plague, and banish sadness. It was also believed that Burmese warriors used to insert rubies into their flesh to make them invincible. Rubies also held a special place in the British Royal Collection for their symbolic meaning of passion, power, and protection. Queen Elizabeth II was known to have an array of ruby pieces that reflect both exquisite taste and the monarch’s powerful reign.
The pure red energy emanated by ruby was thought to stimulate the chi, or the energy that brings life. Moreover, rubies were also believed to protect their wearers and bring courage. When worn as an engagement ring, it is believed to add a layer of strength to the union, along with passionate love, commitment, intimacy, and the hope of becoming a family.
The shape of a ruby determines its brilliance, colour, and overall appearance. Unlike diamonds, where precise symmetry and facets maximise sparkle, rubies are cut to enhance their colour and carat weight, minimising visible inclusions. Get to know popular ruby cuts to bring out the best in your ruby engagement ring.
Oval shaped rubies are one of the most common and preferred shapes as the elongated shape maximises colour and carat weight. Oval rubies work well in solitaire and vintage-style rings, offering elegance and a delicate look for brides-to-be. Its balance of brilliance and symmetry makes it ideal for everyday wear.
Cushion cut rubies feature a soft square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, another excellent choice for vintage-looking proposal rings. The cushion cut concentrates on the colour deeply and is ideal for larger rubies as it helps retain the carat’s weight. A great way to style a cushion cut ruby is to pair it with ruby or diamond halos and filigree metalwork.
The round cut brings out all the important qualities of the gemstone, offering an exceptional light reflection. It is more suitable for smaller rubies, as forming a round ruby from a larger gem leads to higher material loss during cutting.
Emerald-shaped ruby engagement rings have a rectangular gemstone with step-cut facets, which draws attention to the clarity of the ruby. It creates a sleek and elegant look often found in high-end ruby rings. This shape requires high-quality ruby with fewer inclusions, as it may show imperfections more clearly.
Rubies are one of the hardest gemstones, ranking 9 on the Mohs hardness scale. This means they are suitable for various settings. Choosing an ideal setting style is about ensuring security, aesthetics, and longevity while complementing the ruby’s deep colour.
A prong setting holds the ruby securely in place with small metal prongs, enhancing the visibility and sparkle due to maximum light exposure. The prong setting style works great with various ruby cuts, including oval, cushion, and round. However, it may require more maintenance to ensure the prong remains secure.
If you want maximum protection for your ruby engagement ring, a bezel setting is the superior choice. This style surrounds the ruby with a thin metal ring, providing durability for everyday wear. It is ideal for active individuals who want a sleek, modern look.
A halo setting places the ruby in the centre of your engagement ring, surrounding it with smaller diamonds or gemstones to amplify its brilliance and perceived size. The stones around the ruby will add extra sparkle by reflecting light, creating an elegant and luxurious design. This style of setting may need more regular cleaning as there are multiple stones to maintain and require more careful handling.
Looking for customised proposal rings in Singapore? Ling Jewellery is delighted to help you craft a bespoke design that brings your love story to life in the most unique way. Get in touch with us today and let us be a part of your special day!
Certain metals are preferable to pair with rubies due to their deep red hue. Yellow gold is the most commonly chosen metal, as it accentuates the brilliance of the rubies very well. Rose gold is another popular choice that complements most skin tones beautifully. Its pinkish tint makes a perfect complement to the brilliance of the rubies.
Customising a ruby proposal ring at Ling Jewellery may take anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks. Do expect a slightly longer time for more intricate designs. Be sure to schedule accordingly to ensure that we deliver your bespoke jewellery just in time for your special day.
Choosing between a ruby or diamond ring design depends on your taste, preferences, and budget. By carat, rubies may cost you more, as natural rubies with excellent grades are considered rarer.
Ruby colours range from pinkish red, red, vivid red, to the ideal pigeon blood red. This is a vibrant, saturated red with a hint of blue, showing exceptional quality and often commanding a premium price.
The cost of a ruby engagement ring varies depending on the size, colour, and clarity, as well as the setting and any surrounding stones. Share your ideas for the bespoke engagement ring that you want to create so that we can give you a quotation based on your vision.
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are considered a modern favourite among couples. Adored for their soft, romantic charm, they were a widely popular diamond standard in the 19th century. Today, cushion cut diamonds remain an elegant choice in jewellery. Learn the characteristics of cushion cut engagement rings below before deciding to get one for your momentous day.
The history of the cushion cut diamond traces back to the “Old Mine Cut,” which emerged in the 18th century. This cut was originally designed to highlight the diamond’s brilliance under candlelight, giving it a squarish shape with rounded corners and 58 facets. These diamonds were hand-cut, resulting in various symmetries and proportions.
The cushion cut’s romantic appeal made it highly valued among jewellers. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, more advanced diamond cutting techniques led to the transition from the Old Mine Cut to the cushion cut. The cushion cut had more refined proportions and symmetry than its precursor. During the Art Deco period in the 1920s to 1930s, the cushion cut became more popular for glamorous jewellery. Until today, the cushion cut diamond continues to attract jewellery buyers because of its vintage and contemporary appeal.
Cushion cut diamonds have several characteristics that distinguish them from other diamond cuts, such as:
Cushion cut diamonds come in different cutting styles, and no two cushion cut diamonds are the same. The standard cushion cut diamond resembles the Old Mine cut the most, showing an antique and classic feel with broader facets and sometimes more rounded sides. This cut is highly uncommon in the market. Modern modified cushion cuts, on the other hand, have features more closely associated with the brilliant round cut. This cut has an extra row of facets and has a more splinterier-looking appearance.
The cushion diamond shape allows it to show colours in high saturation due to its large facets that maximise light reflection. Fancy coloured cushion cut diamonds can be found in pink, blue, and yellow hues. If you prefer a colourless or white cushion diamond, select a higher colour grade ( H colour or better), especially if set in white gold or platinum.
Cushion cut diamonds give off a lot of sparkle due to being faceted with the brilliant cutting style. The majority of VS2 (Very Slightly Included) and some SI1 (Slightly Included) look flawless to the eye without magnification tools, with their inclusions masked by the diamond’s sparkle and scintillation. For cushion cut diamond engagement rings, VS1 or SI1 clarities offer an ideal balance between brilliance and budget.
Cushion cut diamonds can be found in various carat weights. Those with a more elongated shape tend to appear larger in carat size than the square cushion versions due to the larger surface area of the stone. Keep in mind that two cushion cut diamonds of similar or even the same carat may appear quite different visually.
Cushion cut diamond ring designs are dazzling choices for your engagement. Compared to other popular cuts, they have a number of differences in terms of brilliance, shape, and style. Here are some key comparisons to help you decide based on your taste and preference.
Compared to cushion cut diamonds, round cut diamonds have a perfectly circular and symmetrical shape, which maximises their brilliance. Cushion cut diamonds have more fire than rounds, or spectacular flashes of rainbow colours from light dispersion. Cushion cuts also come in various proportions, from square to elongated, offering more variety in style. When it comes to prices, cushion cut diamonds may be slightly more affordable due to less material loss during cutting.
The princess cut is known for its rectangular shape with sharp corners, giving it a modern geometric appearance. It is also highly valued for its brilliance and maximised light reflection, with around 50 to 76 intricate facets. Meanwhile, cushion cut diamonds have a softer glow that is suitable for those who love a more vintage style. Cushion cuts also have more rounded edges that make them less prone to chipping, while princess cuts may need more care due to their pointed corners. In terms of pricing, cushion cut engagement rings tend to have a more competitive price than princess cuts.
When comparing cushion and oval cut diamonds side by side, you may notice that the cushion cut diamond has a more enhanced brilliance and a touch of regalness. This is because the facets on a cushion-cut create a centralised source, while the oval cut has its sparkle dispersed across more surface area. This also makes the oval cut appear larger, as the length of the diamond creates an illusion of space. Generally, cushion cuts are often more budget-friendly than oval cuts, especially compared to oval diamonds that are well-cut to minimise the “bow-tie” effect or the dark shadow in the centre, which causes poor light reflection.
Cushion cut diamond engagement rings exude an elegant and vintage look for your unforgettable moment. Looking for a custom proposal rings? Ling Jewellery is ready to help you craft a bespoke design that truly resonates with you and your partner. Contact us today and let us be a part of your one-of-a-kind love story.
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