Posts Tagged ‘ pavé diamond engagement rings ’


Vintage Diamond Engagement Rings: Cushion Cut Diamonds

Written by
February 1st, 2010

The cushion cut diamond was an extremely popular diamond shape a century ago for a vintage diamond engagement ring.  Cushion cut diamonds have a romantic look about them unlike other fancy shape diamonds have lent themselves to the ‘halo’ and ‘micro pave’ ring designs which are at present hugely popular.   An engagement ring with a cushion cut sapphire center stone is a very beautiful variation of this design.

Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are also sometimes referred to as “pillow-cut” diamonds. This style is based on the antique cushion cuts, which are a combination of a round and square outline with a softened square or “pillow” shape.

Cushion cut diamonds have rounded corners and larger facets to increase their brilliance. These larger facets highlight the diamond’s clarity, so if you choose to get a diamond pave engagement ring with a cushion cut diamond be sure to take a closer look at the stone through a jewelers loupe to make sure you get a nice clear diamond, as the cut will reveal any imperfections.

Cushion cut diamond shapes can vary in the degree of rectangular shape to an almost square look but elegant and classical charm a length to width ratio of 1.1 – 1.2 is best.  Cushion cut diamond engagement rings are an interesting alternative to oval shape diamonds or a modern princess cut diamond. The cushion cut diamond has the ability to display a high degree of returning light and brilliance and a sparkle which is dazzling. Cushion cut diamonds come to life, yet they still possess a dreamy quality.

An alternative to this style is to have a round cut diamond surrounded by a cushion shaped halo.  Usually these settings will have smaller pave diamonds encrusted on the halo to give the ring extra sparkle.  With so many styles reminiscent of the vintage era for its timeless beauty, you will be sure to find the perfect vintage diamond engagement ring of your dreams.

C. Sparkles

Tags: , , , , ,
vintage diamond rings | No Comments

Pave Diamond Engagement Rings

Written by
January 22nd, 2010

A pave diamond engagement ring is one where the ring’s band is literally paved with diamonds. Small diamonds encrusted along the ring’s surface give the illusion of a solid diamond surface rather than a metal band. Unlike channel or bezel settings, a pave setting uses only tiny beads or minute prongs to hold each stone, minimizing the appearance of the metal while maximizing the illusion of free-standing diamonds

. Most pave diamond engagement rings are constructed from white gold or platinum in order to further minimize the metal, though yellow gold can add a measure of traditional elegance.

A pave set diamond engagement ring incorporates a larger central stone above the encrusted diamonds. Round and princess are the most frequent shapes for center stones because the remainder of the setting adds sufficient brilliance to the ring without needing a fancier center stone. In some cases, the center stone may be a colored diamond or other gemstone that is heightened by its glittering surroundings.

Pave diamond setting has been around for hundreds of years, maybe thousands. It is a very low-tech style of setting in which a goldsmith will drill holes into the selected area of a jewelry item (or possibly the entire item) and then place the corresponding pavé diamonds into the holes and then with another tool, form tiny beads of metal from around the edge of the diamond and then carefully push these beads of metal over the edge of the diamond to hold the diamond in the hole.

Many pave engagement rings feature this technique and it is a widely popular design element.  Whether you would like to surround your center diamond with pave or the shank around your finger, this technique really makes a ring sparkle.

Eternity bands and wedding rings are also popular pieces to feature the pavé set diamond design.  I have even heard of some brides choosing to have the entire engagement ring in pave including replacing the center with many tiny pavé diamonds instead of one single larger diamond.

C. Sparkles

Tags: , , ,
Diamond Engagement Rings | No Comments