Welcome to our captivating collection of articles dedicated to the enchanting realm of bespoke jewellery and fine jewellery.
Lab-grown diamonds are no longer foreign to the jewellery industry since their first formation in the 1950s by Howard Tracy Hall and Herbert Strong. These gems are produced using processes that closely emulate the natural conditions that produce these marvellous gemstones.
Lab-grown diamonds are just as dazzling as natural diamonds and have come a long way in terms of availability, given the advent of technology. Yet, many people doubt lab-grown diamonds, citing plenty of misgivings and myths about them.
This blog article debunks the many misconceptions surrounding lab-grown diamonds.
People often question the authenticity of lab-grown diamonds, but little do they know that lab-grown diamonds contain the same characteristics as natural diamonds. It is impossible to distinguish between the two types of diamonds with the naked eye; they can only be discerned by jewellers using special equipment.
Lab-grown diamonds are natural diamonds—the only factor differentiating them from mined diamonds is that they are created in a lab. Lab-grown diamonds are made by mimicking the same natural process that creates the gemstone under the Earth’s surface. They are formed with either of these methods: High Pressure-High Temperature (HPHT) and Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD), which uses pure carbon, the same element that forms mined diamonds.
The HPHT method involves placing a small slice of a natural diamond—also known as the diamond seed—in a growth chamber filled with pure carbon, which is then exposed to extreme heat and high pressure. The carbon melts in the heat and hardens under the pressure, shaping a new, complete diamond from the seed. This process of using high heat and pressure imitates the conditions in which natural diamonds form under the Earth’s crust. Instead of waiting millions of years for a dazzling diamond, the HPHT method can produce diamonds in a few weeks or months.
Unlike the HPHT method, the CVD method applies lesser heat and pressure and instead uses carbon-based gases as an alternative to shape and make diamonds. This process involves placing a natural diamond seed in a sealed gas chamber with various gases injected into it. The chamber is then heated to break the gases down, encouraging the carbon atoms to form around the diamond seed.
For a broader overview of their benefits, limitations and buying considerations, read our guide on whether lab-grown diamonds are worth considering.Lab-grown diamonds are different from imitation diamonds or diamond simulants. The former type is made of tiny pieces of pure diamonds exposed to similar conditions that promote natural diamond formation. Meanwhile, the latter type uses materials identical to pure diamonds, known as diamond simulants, such as Cubic Zirconia (CZ) and Quartz.
Simply put, imitation diamonds do not have the same composition as lab-grown diamonds. Expert gemologists can distinguish between an imitation diamond and a lab-grown diamond by using gemological tools and running them through tests to determine their brilliance, clarity, and thermal conductivity.
Lab-grown diamonds are less expensive than mined diamonds for several reasons. For one, natural diamonds take a long time to form—about a few million years, and extracting them would mean exhausting a lot of land as well as requiring an extensive workforce and equipment to mine them. Once an existing diamond mine has been exhausted, natural diamonds must be uncovered in new mines.
On the other hand, lab-made diamonds only require a one-time sizable investment in a laboratory equipped with advanced equipment and a team of expert jewellers and scientists. In just a few weeks, a lab-grown diamond can be produced under these controlled conditions while the facility and its staff continue to create new lab-grown diamonds. The factors determining the price of lab-grown diamonds are the complexity of their production, carat size, and certification.
The quality of lab-grown diamonds is graded in the same manner as natural diamonds, which rely on the 4Cs: Carat, Colour, Clarity, and Cut, a similar grading method used and set by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). Exceptional lab-made diamonds would be certified by highly regarded institutions.
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds have imperfections that are only evident through a jeweller’s lens. These imperfections, such as irregularities within the stone, are called inclusions. They naturally happen during the formation process, whether in the lab or within the Earth’s crust. Inclusions can affect a diamond’s quality which is usually its shiny complexion.
The carefully controlled conditions of a laboratory can influence the degree of a lab-grown diamond’s overall appearance. However, since it closely emulates the same natural conditions that create natural diamonds, inclusions and other flaws can still make their way into lab-grown diamonds.
Given the nature and scope of diamond mining, natural diamonds may typically have a significant adverse environmental impact. However, the process of forming lab-grown diamonds is just as impactful as its natural counterparts, as it exhausts a considerable amount of energy to replicate the pressures and temperatures of a natural diamond—especially if the lab-grown diamonds are produced en masse. In some cases, not all facilities that produce lab-grown diamonds may declare their energy consumption or whether they use renewable energy sources.
The industry is nonetheless committed to addressing the ethical concerns surrounding diamond mining and lab-grown diamond production, especially in mitigating environmental harm. Technological improvements and tighter regulations can play an essential role in creating a more ethical and sustainable industry in the future.
Considering the above facts, lab-grown diamonds can be an excellent alternative to natural diamonds, especially if you have a budget to observe. Check out how lab-grown and natural diamonds can be used across different ring occasions.
But if you have an eye for rarity and tradition, natural diamonds are the way to go. Ling Jewellery offers an array of exquisite natural diamonds that can be fashioned into various fine jewellery, whether rings, necklaces, or earrings. Our expert jewellers can bring your bespoke jewellery to life, weaving your sentiments and shared stories into the accessory.
Book an appointment with us today, and let our professional jewellers curate the best diamond jewellery for your special occasion.
Shopping for the right engagement ring is a crucial investment for you and your partner. After all, your choice of jewellery represents your commitment towards each other, a splendid accessory that will adorn your hands for a lifetime. It does paint a pretty picture, but finding the right ring will take some planning and research, making it crucial to start the search early.
With so many options in ring designs, your choice of ring ultimately boils down to two options: getting a ready-made ring or having a custom ring made to order. If you need help deciding on the ring you want, let our handy guide give you a rundown of the advantages of each to help you make the right decision.
Often referred to as off-the-shelf or pre-made rings, these engagement rings are what you will first see when you visit a jewellery boutique. Ready-made rings are all made at a predetermined quality, size, and set of gemstone(s), with various aesthetic differences to set them apart. For many couples, ready-made engagement rings typically have a unique quality, making them the perfect choice without needing additional embellishments or additions.
Contrary to popular belief, not all ready-made rings are no-frills options that trade elegance for affordability. These rings are often made by professional craftsmen who take great pride in crafting elegant, captivating engagement rings that cater to varied tastes. It makes sense to pick a ready-made ring if it ticks all your checkboxes for the ideal engagement ring.
Naturally, one reason to choose a ready-made ring is because you can easily purchase one. More commonly found in jewellery chain stores, you will be greeted by rows of bedazzling rings of varying shapes and sizes. Are you looking for something simple yet graceful for your hand? Do you prefer having a large, brilliant gemstone as the centrepiece of your ring? You will likely find the right ring, but finding the right design that speaks to you can still take a long time.
Having readily available engagement rings can make a difference when you and your partner are open-minded about the type of ring you want. Once you pick the right one, that pretty much settles it, and you can propose sooner rather than later.
The availability of ready-made rings simplifies the ring-buying process, which can be a massive help if you are pressed for time and want to find the right ring before your proposal. Given the diversity of styles available to purchase, ranging from different ring designs, gemstone settings, and even the shape of your gemstone, you may still find something suitable for your engagement ring without wasting time browsing too many different jewellers. Plus, you will not need to wait long to complete a custom ring; just pick the ring you desire, and you are ready to go.
The other plus point of a ready-made ring is the potentially affordable price tag that still nets you a beautiful ring. Because custom rings are tailored to your wants and needs, you can expect the price to reflect the quality of the jeweller’s work and the time needed to complete the ring. Even with a ready-made ring, a jeweller can help you narrow down your options and help you decide on the right ready-made engagement ring that suits you and your partner’s preferences.
Ready-made rings can look impressive, but they will not hold a candle to a custom-made ring that has the wearer’s personality and preferences in mind. In most cases, you will have a reasonably simple band design to go with any gemstone adorning the ring and a design that may be produced en masse. It will be very likely that you will eventually encounter someone else wearing the exact ring currently worn on your finger.
Note that this is not necessarily a significant disadvantage; if you prefer a ring that is uniquely yours, a custom ring is the preferable option for you and your partner. Otherwise, a ready-made ring still makes a lovely choice for less hassle.
The other concern would be the fit of the ring. Since the ring is not custom-made to your finger size, some rings may not fit your hand well, even if you like how it looks. Most ready-made rings tend to be made based on the more prevalent finger sizes to cater to most buyer needs, but there are some variations to this. You could resize the ring if the jeweller says it is possible, but you will need to pay extra for the convenience, and it may take a few weeks to complete.
A bespoke or custom ring offers you the chance to own a ring made to order based on your preferences. A consultation with a professional jeweller will allow you to outline every aspect of your ring’s design – from the band to the gemstone and additional finishings and features you want.
The most invaluable insight from a bespoke jeweller would be exploring your options, as there may be design aspects you might not have considered. Your bespoke jeweller should be able to advise on how to manifest those details in the precious metal (for the band) and gemstones of your choice.
A custom ring is typically considered the ultimate expression of a couple’s commitment to one another. Every facet of the ring’s design takes inspiration from a particular personality trait or memory shared by the couple, making it a truly unique and momentous gift you and your partner will cherish forever.
Most people opt for a custom ring because they want to make it a unique accessory that lasts a lifetime – no one else will have a ring exactly like theirs. In doing so, they unlock a near-unlimited amount of possibilities for how they want their ring to appear. Will it feature a single gemstone or three? Will it have a unique band shape? Will you incorporate an engraving that means something to you and your partner? There is plenty to think about when you meet with a jeweller.
The first thing you will notice about custom rings is how they seem tailored to your finger. Not every ring finger is the same, especially regarding nuances near the knuckle area. Most ready-made rings are made with the more common finger sizes in mind; some rings will feel tight or loose on your hand. With a custom ring, your jeweller will get an accurate measurement of your ring size to prevent this from happening. You can be sure your ring will always fit snugly on your finger.
Making your engagement ring unique boils down to how you want the ring designed. You have complete control over what goes into your engagement ring, including:
It does help if you plan and research the many different ring designs before seeing a jeweller. That way, you can get an understanding of what goes into the making of a custom ring, including the 4C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat – if you go for a diamond ring, the intricacies of band designs, the best gemstone setting to help it stand out, and many more crucial criteria and details.
Once everything is in order, you can wait for your jeweller to finish crafting the custom rings—it will definitely be worth the wait.
Having a direct part in the ring-making process and picking the materials you want can lead to a custom ring that looks stunning to everyone who beholds it. The best part is that you can still get an exceptionally crafted custom ring at a fraction of some of the more pricey, beautiful rings you may have seen in magazines or other jewellers. Working with bespoke jewellers on your custom ring can be a more collaborative experience where they would spend the time understanding how you envisage the ring and exploring your options.
Custom ring-making is commonly known to be the more expensive option when choosing the right ring. Thankfully, smarter buying choices and the existence of lab-grown diamonds—which may be appealing thanks to their lower price range while offering diamonds’ beloved qualities—all contribute to custom rings becoming more appealing options for those looking for a beautiful engagement ring within budget.
Custom making a ring can bring ineffable joy even as the entire process can be very involved. The consultation with your jeweller may sometimes take a while as you carefully ponder your choices and settle on the suitable pieces for your ring’s design. Your jeweller will help you recommend the ideal components that complement other elements of the ring or alternative options that achieve the same results, but it can still take time.
While being particular about how your custom ring looks is commendable, it may be better to be flexible with its design. The complexity of the ring’s design and the other materials that go into its creation can all contribute to the final price tag and the duration needed to make that concept a reality. And that also means you must wait much longer to propose to your significant other. A good maxim when it comes to custom ring crafting would be to focus on the details that matter the most to you.
The budget is the key deciding factor regarding the type of ring you will be buying. The price of a ready-made ring is fixed based on the materials used in its construction and its overall complexity; price changes can happen as material prices fluctuate. With custom rings, you have more flexibility in keeping the price to budget because you can pick the materials you want. However, you still need to consider the jeweller’s time and effort in working with you on designing and crafting your bespoke ring.
Traditionally, ready-made rings were always more affordable since they are essentially “pick and buy” options at the jeweller. These days, custom rings can also be just as affordable if you opt for a simple, elegant design with hints of embellishments; however, the prices can vary between jewellers, so it will be best to explore ideas with them to your preference.
Ultimately, if you have a budget and want to stick to it, you must carefully weigh your options for the best fit. If you have any doubts, you should talk to the jeweller, who can advise you on the most cost-efficient course of action.
A custom ring takes a lengthy amount of time to create, and you may have to wait a few weeks for a professional jeweller to meticulously and painstakingly craft it to your specifications. More complex designs can take even longer to fulfil, so do buffer between 8 to 12 weeks at least for the ring to be ready. A good jeweller will guide you through every step of the custom ring process until completion, and you will appreciate this time spent. If you plan to propose in a few days, a ready-made ring will be your only option.
While it might ruin the surprise, talking to your partner about their ring preferences can make it easier to pick the right ring for that special occasion. Even if they may not have particular preferences and are happy with a ready-made ring, getting their input can still be helpful. You can decide what you want the ring to feature and how important those features are to both of you. It is normal and encouraged for couples to customise the engagement ring together as it also serves as a joyous milestone to mark the start of their journey ahead.
Jewellery trends are constantly evolving, and while most people recommend that keeping up with them is not the best way to pick a ring, it does not hurt to use trends as a helpful source of inspiration. Trends are never set in stone, so a popular trend today may be considered ‘classic’ within just a few months. Whether the ring is inspired by trends or not, it is vital to cherish it once you wear it. Rather than overthinking or worrying about the ring, just remember that there is no stopping you from resetting the central diamond for another customised ring design in future.
You might find a ready-made ring with the desired trending features if you are lucky. In other cases, you can commission a custom ring that incorporates that trendy element and even add your own twist.
Are you ready to embark on your ring customisation journey? At Ling Jewellery, we offer professional expertise to guide you through designing your momentous ring. With our focus on being meticulous with details in creating our bespoke fine jewellery, we provide you with a personalised experience and means to design a ring that is uniquely yours. We will carefully walk you through our design process to understand and interpret your every preference and to create a breathtaking ring that will be loved and cherished endlessly.
Contact us today, and let us convey your love story through the beauty of our custom-made rings.
“Diamonds are forever,” as the famous song goes. Given the fantastic qualities that give diamonds its magnificence, they will not fall out of fashion soon. However, lab-grown diamonds are also growing in popularity, especially when some find them more cost-effective than an actual diamond.
Still, the name “lab-grown diamond” might seem a little odd if you are unfamiliar with it. Could it be some fancy way to describe fake diamonds? We have addressed common misconceptions in our guide to lab-grown diamond myths. Beyond the myths, there is more to lab-grown diamonds than meets the eye, and we have all the information you need to know about them in this handy guide.
As the name suggests, lab-grown diamonds are created under highly controlled conditions within a laboratory that simulates the conditions of a natural diamond’s creation. You may also hear them described as lab-made, synthetic, or artificial diamonds, but they all mean the same thing.
At first glance, a natural diamond appears similar to a lab-grown diamond. If you had to differentiate the two, you would have incredible difficulty doing so. That is because both diamonds are very similar: they share the same atomic structure and even the same kind of sparkle. The only way to differentiate the two would be to use a magnifying glass to find a laser inscription indicating that the diamond was lab-grown. Even then, it may take an expert jeweller to differentiate the lab-grown diamond from the natural one.
A lab-grown diamond originates from a “seed” taken from an existing natural diamond, which is then “grown” into a lab-made diamond under these strict laboratory conditions. The methods for creating lab-grown diamonds require highly advanced technology to carefully mimic the natural conditions from which diamonds are formed, mainly through intense heat and pressure. However, there are other unique ways to create a lab-grown diamond.
Why does a lab-grown diamond present a more exciting proposition than a natural diamond? This section outlines a few key reasons. You may also explore how lab-grown and natural diamonds can be used across different ring occasions, from proposal rings to anniversary rings.
While lab-grown diamonds are incredibly similar to natural diamonds, their most significant advantage comes from their lower price point. The price of natural diamonds has historically been very high, requiring careful consideration of the 4C’s (Cut, Clarity, Colour, Carat) to get a beautiful diamond at a decent price. Even then, you could still be spending a hefty amount if you want a specific type of diamond. For example, higher carat weights can significantly increase the final price.
In contrast, lab-grown diamond prices tend to range up to about 70% to 80% of the cost of natural diamonds. That lower price ceiling does give you plenty of flexibility without losing out on a diamond’s desirable qualities. Additionally, there are no extra costs associated with mining since lab-grown diamonds do not rely on diamond mining activities or the associated logistics; you are primarily paying for their creation.
The artificial creation process is also more efficient, as it may only take six to ten weeks to form a rough diamond before it is cut and polished. You only need a “diamond seed” cut from a thin layer of a natural diamond to create a brand-new lab-grown diamond. In contrast, a natural diamond can take hundreds of years to form below the Earth’s surface, their rarity taking significant precedence in their pricing.
Consistency is another strength that lab-grown diamonds possess. Since lab-grown diamonds are artificial creations, you have more control when producing diamonds with desirable characteristics. As such, lab-grown diamonds can come in different colours and have fewer flaws or inclusions, increasing their value to buyers. You can quickly request a flawless, colourless diamond cut with a beautiful sparkle, and the jeweller can fulfil it in just a few weeks.
In contrast, natural diamonds are formed from nature. As a result of the natural process, natural diamonds may have plenty of inclusions or other defects that affect their quality (and price tag). It can also be rare to find coloured diamonds, as they can fetch higher prices due to their strong demand.
It never hurts to adopt the 4Cs when shopping for a lab-grown diamond, as there are still instances where you may encounter a poorly manufactured one.
As much as lab-grown diamonds have many advantages, there are still a few caveats worth mentioning.
It might surprise you that lab-grown diamonds are considered “less valuable” than natural diamonds. But when we say “less valuable,” we do not mean that a lab-grown diamond would be next to nothing compared to a natural diamond; remember that a lab-grown diamond’s price averages approximately 30 to 40% of the cost of natural diamonds.
In general, diamonds are not necessarily a stable investment. Natural diamonds may not recoup the same value as when you first purchased them — unless you own a unique, highly coveted diamond that everyone would want.
So, whether you buy a lab-grown or natural diamond, its value should primarily be based on the one that would be an ideal pick in terms of price, quality, or some other criteria you deem most important.
Some buyers may still prefer natural diamonds simply because the value lies in their natural quality. To them, a natural diamond is as real as their love for their significant other; why buy an artificial diamond when it carries more significance, one that is true to their longstanding relationship with their partner? Again, it boils down to one’s preferences.
While lab-grown diamonds are considered more environmentally conscious, their sustainability is still debatable. Diamond mining may substantially impact the environment, but considering how much energy is needed to produce even a single lab-grown diamond, one could make the case that lab-grown diamonds have an equally high environmental impact.
Moreover, various advancements in responsible diamond mining practices and rigorous certification processes are helping curb the ethical concerns surrounding the industry and reduce its carbon footprint. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds still need to address concerns surrounding their use of non-renewable energy sources that can significantly influence their carbon footprint; as such, the lines are not as clear-cut as they may initially seem.
The growing acceptance of lab-grown diamonds is a good sign, as their quality is identical to that of their natural counterparts. Fake diamonds are still a problem in the jewellery market. Still, they are mainly made from glass or other stones to mimic a diamond’s appearance. Calling lab-grown diamonds “fake” may not be appropriate, given the conditions and effort needed to create them. Moreover, they are still atomically and structurally the same as natural diamonds from a chemistry point of view.
Awareness is still necessary to educate people about the pros and cons of lab-grown diamonds compared to natural diamonds and overcome the stigma of lab-grown diamonds being of inferior quality. The truth is further than that!
Since natural diamonds are a finite resource, finding the right one on a budget would still be challenging. Lab-grown diamonds are a great alternative that gives you everything you want in a diamond—and in most cases, at a lower price that will not hurt your wallet.
That is not to say natural diamonds are not going away so soon. Here at Ling Jewellery, we have a beautiful selection of diamonds to cater to your preferences and craft them into bespoke jewellery pieces. Our top-notch experts can also help advise you if you want to create custom rings, considering your every preference to make a breathtaking ring for your loved ones.
Contact us today, and let our professional jewellers help you find the diamond ring that best suits you.
With a diversity of diamond rings available, it would be easy to feel spoiled for choice. For those looking for something unique, creating a set of custom rings can better reflect a couple’s commitment to one another, expressed in its overall aesthetic decisions – from the precious stone in use to the materials needed to create the ring.
A lot of thought goes into making a custom ring. Each person will have different wants and needs that are befitting of themselves and their cherished partner, and what you and your partner may want can significantly differ. Still, the entire process can be exciting when picking the customisations you want on your ring. For those planning a surprise, it can be equal parts excitement and nervousness.
The first step to making your custom rings a reality would be to speak to a professional jeweller. With their expertise, they can quickly identify what would be best for your custom ring and make recommendations to help you create a ring you and your partner will love.
Are you interested in learning more about custom rings? Our detailed guide will help you understand the essentials of designing one.
Getting your partner’s and your ring size is not straightforward. You must obtain an accurate measurement, but several extenuating factors can influence your ring size.
You might have hands with wider fingers near the base (closest to the hand), while your partner may have thicker knuckles instead. Some rings may require extra features so as not to slip off your finger.
In most cases, your choice of band should be sufficient to ensure a good fit. Just remember that the more metal surrounds your finger, the tighter it fits on your finger. Make sure to accurately size your ring finger so that the ring fits snugly on your finger.
A ring sizer is just what you need to find your ring size. This handy tool accurately captures your finger’s diameter and circumference fit to find your ring size. Use it with a ring measurement chart for an accurate reading; take note that international ring sizing uses measurement scales that vary from country to country.
However, if you are making a custom ring to surprise your partner, using a ring sizer while they sleep might ruin the surprise if they wake up and catch you in the act.
You could also try this:
If you prefer getting more accurate measurements, consider asking a professional to help you through the ring sizing process.
Diamonds continue to enjoy significant popularity thanks to their natural brilliance and symbolism of everlasting love. Being the hardest substance on Earth, a diamond’s resilience allows it to shine bright for a lifetime.
Before you set out on your diamond shopping trip, it helps to know the 4C’s beforehand. Think of the 4C’s – Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat – as a guideline to help you buy the right diamond. There is no right or wrong answer; what is important is picking the right diamond that you and your partner will love to have on your rings.
The cut refers to the quality of the diamond’s overall appearance in polish, proportions, and symmetry. A gemstone’s cut is considered the most significant aspect of the 4C’s as it influences how it looks and how brilliant it is in light.
Diamonds follow a simple grading system based on the overall cut: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, and Poor. While the Cut’s grading mainly applies only to round-cut diamonds, you can use this grading system to pick the right diamond. It is also important to note that the cut can significantly affect the diamond’s final price, even at higher carat weights; the right proportions can make all the difference in the appearance of the diamond.
While it might be odd to think of diamonds as having colour, coloured diamonds are the rarest and most expensive on the market. Diamonds come in numerous shades, and their colour scale reflects this. For clear diamonds, the colour scale goes from D to Z, with D being colourless and Z having a light yellow hue; the standard diamond typically falls between D and J.
It might interest you to know that the shape of the diamond can influence its colour. Round diamonds are the best at hiding a diamond’s colour, making it appear colourless to the naked eye. Conversely, longer shapes reveal colour much more quickly.
Not every diamond is flawless. Natural imperfections, called inclusions, may sometimes be found in a stone. Clarity pertains to the number of inclusions in a diamond, their size, and how easily you can spot them. In most cases, however, you will hardly notice any inclusions when you examine a diamond with the naked eye.
Carat is the measurement unit used for diamonds, where one carat equals 0.2 grams (200 milligrams). The higher the carat weight, the more expensive it gets. Even so, no two diamonds are the same, and you may find two diamonds of similar carat weight and the same colour, cut, and clarity will have vastly different shapes and sizes. If you are lucky, it is possible to find a diamond that weighs 2 carats but looks just like a 2.2-carat weight diamond as the depth of the diamond might differ significantly between them.
Coloured gemstones come with their unique qualities and characteristics. Different gemstones can exhibit a variety of colours and hues, depending on how they were formed naturally, making them stand out when designed with diamond rings. Consider speaking to a jeweller about a suitable coloured gemstone that matches your style, or perhaps to find one that is also your birthstone.
Here are several popular choices you can consider:
A highly sought-after and popular choice is sapphire. Sapphires are also very durable, ranking as one of the highest among coloured gemstones and ideal for everyday wear. Typically found in blue, you can find sapphires sparkling in a variety of colours, giving you plenty of options to choose from.
Here is a fun fact: rubies and sapphires derive from the same mineral, corundum. As sapphires do not come in red, you can call a ruby a red sapphire.
Emeralds have a radiant green hue that is truly captivating. Emeralds with medium intensity and high transparency are a must-buy since these features add great beauty to the gemstone. Before you decide on an emerald, note that it is less durable than a diamond; extra care will help keep it in excellent condition.
This lovely green gemstone is one of the rarest garnets in the world, primarily found in the Tsavo National Park that borders Kenya and Tanzania. It symbolises enduring happiness and a reminder that life is an exciting adventure. Beyond its deeper meanings, Tsavorite also possesses incredible brilliance and fewer inclusions than its gemstone cousin, emerald.
Essentially a red sapphire, as they hail from the same corundum mineral family; the ruby has long held a reputation as the stone of kings. This brilliant, blood-coloured stone is also known to protect its wearer from all sorts of perils and dangers. Rubies also have strong fluorescence that makes them seem glowing in the light, contributing to the myths of how a ruby could shine through whatever was used to wrap it up.
Occasionally confused for a ruby, a red spinel is a rare gemstone sufficiently durable for jewellery. Spinels also come in various hues, from pink to red and blue to purple – but interestingly, hardly in green or yellow. These gems gain their colour from trace elements within their structure. A highly sought-after variety is the Jedi Spinel, aptly taking its name from the Star Wars franchise for its glowing hot pinkish-red appearance
An equal amount of thought must go into the ring. Though some materials pair better with specific gemstones, careful consideration must be given to balance aesthetics and durability.
Gold is an evergreen choice for any piece of jewellery, whether yellow, white or rose gold, and is usually the preferred metal for fine jewellery houses to design unique pieces. The gold rings are commonly crafted in 14- to 18-karat gold, where trace amounts of metal alloys are imbued to strengthen the rings. 24-karat is an alluring colour choice, but it is also the softest and most malleable, making the rings easier to deform.
As one of the most durable precious metals, it is ideal for everyday wear as it retains its lustre and is not easily damaged. However, these benefits come at a literal price, as platinum is a generally costlier option for a ring and is only available in white for ring designs.
We are now getting to the fun part. With so many designs available, you will no doubt feel spoiled for choice or even a little overwhelmed when you can hardly decide what is best for your ring.
The shape of your gemstone can make a huge difference in your ring’s appearance. Some cuts help accentuate the gemstone’s beauty, letting it shine and sparkle brightly. Other cuts are more subdued, so the focus is on your slender hands. Picking the proper cut ensures your ring can make a statement when you wear it.
Here are some of the more popular options for your consideration.
The ring’s setting can make a huge difference in how your ring looks, working in tandem with the gemstone’s cut to create a wondrous sight. You will have plenty of choices for setting the gemstone, but all originate from one of three basic settings.
This setting, also called the prong, lives up to its name. The gemstone is held in place by claws or prongs along the sides or corners. You may commonly see four- or six-clawed rings since they highlight the gemstone’s beauty while showing off its brilliance with the setting’s clean, open look.
A jeweller surrounds the central gemstone with a metal trim for this setting. The bezel setting is ideal if you want to protect more of your gemstone or hide inclusions or flaws in the gemstone while giving a classic yet sturdy feel to the ring. The surrounding trim does make the gemstone look smaller, but you can set the gemstone higher on the band to counteract that.
Halo settings rely on smaller gemstones to surround the main gemstone and accentuate the ring’s overall sparkle, bringing out the main gemstone’s beauty with a contrast in colour. The smaller gemstones on the halo can be diamonds or other coloured gemstones.
Since these three basic settings come in different variations, the ideal pick depends on what you and your partner want in your ring. A simple solitaire is suitable if you do not want your ring to be opulent. For a more brilliant look, you could opt for a channel setting with gemstones running down the centre of the band. If you want to add accent stones to your ring, a cluster setting with an asymmetrical pattern might do the trick. The possibilities are limitless.
A unique band design can add even more splendour to the entire ring and make it exclusively yours. Take the V-band, for example. Instead of a traditional round ring shape, one part of the ring tapers into a V-shape, with additional reinforcement to secure the gemstone in place.
Your imagination is the only limitation to your desired band design. The more complex a ring’s design is, the longer it will take a jeweller to complete it. But given enough time, it will be worth the wait.
Now that your ring has taken shape, why not add a few more finishing touches to complete its overall appearance?
Filigree involves intricate metalwork made from precious metals, shaping it into thin veins to create an elaborate design. Once a design is confirmed, the filigree is soldered onto the ring’s surface. Many custom rings add a filigree to give it a nostalgic, vintage design. Extra care must be taken with filigree rings, considering how thin the details can get. The space on a ring is limited, and it will be wise not to overcomplicate the filigree on the ring design.
Milgrain is a jewellery-detailing technique that involves adding tiny metal beads to create an ornate, textured border. It is an inexpensive finishing touch that can add more detail to a ring or add accents that help to contrast and bring out the gemstone on the ring. The milgrain technique typically adds a vintage touch to your ring.
Alternatively, why not engrave a personalised message onto your custom rings? Engravings happen at the end of the custom ring-making process, giving you and your partner time to think about what to engrave. Laser engraving is the fastest and most efficient way to get your message onto the rings. There is usually a limit to how many characters you can engrave onto your ring to be seen legibly.
Customising a ring for a loved one is a beautiful project to embark on together. We at Ling Jewellery offer our professional expertise to meet your needs. Our focus on excellence and attention to detail in creating fine jewellery gives you a personalised experience when designing your bespoke ring. Our experienced team will carefully walk you through our design process and guide you through exploring your every preference to make a breathtaking ring that signifies your love story.
Contact us today and start your ring journey with us!
111 Somerset Road
#03-28 TripleOne Somerset
Singapore 238164
* By Appointment Only
* Closed on Public Holidays
