18K Gold contains 18 parts pure gold to 6 parts other metal (or combination of metals). This results in a product that is about 75% gold. 18K gold is softer than 14K gold, and noticeably shinier. It will cost more than 14K gold, and less than platinum. Because both 14K and 18K gold are alloys, they can come in several different colors. The end result will depend on the other metals used to compose the alloy. The most common colors are white gold and rose gold. White gold is made using traditional yellow gold that is mixed with a white metal like palladium, manganese or nickel. One common htmlFormula is 9 parts gold to 1 part nickel. Copper and zinc are also often used in jewelry htmlFormulations. Rose gold is derived from a mixture of gold and copper. It can be also be called pink or red, with the depth of redness coming from the amount of copper used in the htmlFormulation.

 Platinum is an extremely rare metal and considered a top choice htmlFor rings. It is 95% pure, and is naturally a brilliant white color. It extremely resistant to tarnishing, even at high temperatures and is called a "noble metal" because of this. Unlike white gold, platinum will not fade and will not require refinishing or re-polishing throughout the lifetime of the piece. Its purity makes it one of the most hypoallergenic ring choices - very few people will demonstrate a sensitivity or allergy to platinum. Although platinum will scratch more easily than 14K gold, it is still considered to be stronger and more durable than gold in general. All of these advantages come with a price. Platinum is considerably more expensive than gold, selling htmlFor up to three times the amount of 14K pieces.

 The best way to obtain an accurate ring measurement is to use a plastic ring sizer. This tool contains holes of various sizes. To use, simply insert your finger into the right space and read the corresponding size. As finger size can change over the years, this may prove to be a worthwhile investment. To obtain your ring size, keep the following tips in mind:

 Instead of resizing, you can simply exchange your ring htmlFor the proper size within 30 days of purchase. Note that exchanging your ring may result in an increase or decrease of the price because the new size may contain more or less diamonds, gemstones or precious metal weights.

 Diamond Mansion is proud to feature IDEAL 10 Beauty Diamonds! This collection is comprised of simply beautiful stones. Each specially selected gem displays superior qualities that greatly surpass the mere analytics of color and clarity.The collection takes into account 10 factors, which when optimized, result in what can only be described as the most beautiful diamond available - an IDEAL 10! These 10 factors are depth, table, position, symmetry, florescence, culet, facets, location of inclusion, origin or diamond rough and color source.

 IDEAL 10 Beauty Diamonds demonstrate that there is so much more that determines the overall beauty of a stone than the four C's - color, clarity, cut and carat weight. It is important to remember, these classic standards were established in order to calculate the rarity, and subsequent price, of a diamond. They were not developed to describe overall beauty! Let's face it, most people who see your ring are not going to be certified gemologists. Therefore, what matters most when choosing a fantastic diamond is not how well the stone performs under the jeweler's loop but rather how absolutely gorgeous it looks to the everyday eye. This hard to define quality is also known as the "make" of a diamond.

 The make of a diamond describes its overall appearance based on things like brilliance, reflection, shape, polish, proportion and light reflecting properties. The artistry of diamonds is expressed through hand cutting. The make is a direct result of this artistry, and is a matter of consummate taste and masterful ability. This is why two diamonds, identical in price and GIA ratings htmlFor cut, clarity, color and carat weight will look different side by side. The make of one will cause it to project a superior beauty, and result in a much more desirable stone.

 Fortunately you do not need to be a diamond cutter to recognize superior make, and extraordinary beauty. It has never been easier to select a fabulous stone! All of Diamond Mansion's White and Yellow diamonds are IDEAL 10 Diamonds. They come with an IDEAL 10 laser Inscription and Certificate. When you purchase a Diamond Mansion IDEAL 10 Diamond, you are assured of a brilliant gem which displays a magnificent shine. These stunning diamonds will impress and enchant htmlFor generations to come.

 Carat weight has a big impact on price The price of a diamond doesn’t increase proportionally as its carat increases. For example, a 1-ct diamond will cost more than twice as much as a 0.5-ct diamond of the same quality. It’s also worth noting that the carat weight doesn’t always reflect appearance, so it’s often a good area to compromise on if you’re looking to reduce the price.

 You don’t need a flawless diamond htmlFor it to “appear” flawless Flawless diamonds (stones that have no internal or external inclusions) are incredibly rare, and as a result are very expensive. However, only diamonds with the lowest GIA clarity rank of I1 - I2-I3 (not recommended) will have inclusions that are visible to the naked eye. A grading of ‘Slightly Included (SI1-SI2)’ has inclusions that are very easy htmlFor a skilled jewelry expert to see — but only at 10x magnification. Therefore at Diamond Mansion we recommend our customers to choose a minimum grading of SI2 or preferably SI1+.

 Watch out htmlFor diamonds with a high level of fluorescence Although fluorescence is invisible in normal light, diamonds with high levels of fluorescence do give off a faint blue glow when exposed to sunlight. It’s usually too low to see with the naked eye. However; in instances where VERY STRONG fluorescence is combined with D,E,F, G Color grade diamonds it could make the diamond look hazy and take away from its luster.

 Only buy diamonds with a certificate Purchasing diamonds that have been certified by a reputable gem laboratory, like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), is the safest way to ensure you’re buying a stone that appears as advertised. Even if you find an uncertified diamond htmlFor a low price that claims to be great quality, it’s probably too good to be true.

 You could argue that deciding on the most important of the four Cs is subjective and a matter of personal choice. Maybe you want a large diamond (carat) or a particular color. However, the majority of people agree that cut is the most important — but why?

 Diamonds are revered htmlFor their sparkle; the way the light bounces off the stone and glistens in the light. This is all down to the cut. With a good, very good or excellent cut grade the angles inside the diamond will reflect the light within it and then back out. What’s more, a poor cut can inhibit an otherwise excellent clarity and color.

 The cut doesn’t refer to the shape but the proportions, polish and symmetry. While differences in carat, color and clarity have a relatively limited impact on the apparent quality of a diamond, lower quality cuts can significantly reduce its brilliance.

 There are 4 major elements of the cut that will determine a diamond’s sparkle: polish, symmetry. depth percentage and table percentage. The polish and symmetry can have two different grades on the certificate, htmlFor example you might have polish graded as ‘good’ and symmetry graded as “excellent”. The Ideal depth and table percentage is different htmlFor each shape.

 Of course, you’re probably not working with an unlimited budget, in which case you’re going to have to compromise on certain elements of the diamond. For example, with lower cut quality carat weight is maximized over other proportional factors.

 Exploring your options for engagement ring shapes and deciding which one is right for you is a fun but important part of the buying process. Choosing engagement ring shapes is the first step in our engagement ring buying guide. From the enchanting mirror effect of emerald cuts to the dazzling sparkle of a classic round cut diamond, each shape offers something unique. Understand the differences between engagement ring shapes with this simple guide.

 Queensmith offers the entire collection of these shapes, tailored to reflect personal style and elegance. You can also request other, rarer shapes such as a coffin cut or kite shape, and versatile shapes that make wonderful side stones on trilogy rings, such as cadillacs and trapezoids. Explore our full range of engagement rings to find the perfect shape for your special moment.

 Choosing the perfect engagement ring shape is a deeply personal decision that reflects not only your individual style but a unique meaning behind each cut. So let’s explore the exclusive meanings of ten common engagement ring shapes, helping you to find the symbol that resonates with and reflects your relationship’s journey.

 Celebrities who decided on an emerald cut diamond for their engagement ring include Beyoncé, Amal Clooney, Jennifer Lawrence, Kristen Bell and Anne Hathaway. Oscar-winning actress and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, was also known for her iconic 10.48 carat emerald cut diamond engagement ring.

 Asscher cut engagement rings is renowned for its distinctive square shape with cropped corners and step-like facets, creating a mesmerising hall-of-mirrors effect. Originally developed in the early 20th century, this vintage-inspired cut offers a unique blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. Its deep pavilion and high crown enhance the diamond's clarity and brilliance, making it a stunning choice for those seeking a timeless and eye-catching design.

 The Asscher cut is perfect for those who appreciate Art Deco aesthetics and a ring that stands out with its architectural beauty. Several celebrities have chosen this distinctive cut, among them are Elizabeth Hurley, Zooey Deschanel, Nicky Hilton, Jessica Alba, Gwyneth Paltrow and Pippa Middleton.

 Some celebrities who’ve chosen the bold marquise cut diamond for their engagement ring include Portia de Rossi, Victoria Beckham, Ashlee Simpson Ross and Catherine Zeta-Jones. Jacqueline Kennedy also had a near-flawless 40.42 carat marquise cut diamond engagement ring, though she only ever wore it twice.

 The most popular engagement ring shape in 2024 was the round cut, and it has remained the most popular shape for several decades – however, shapes like ovals and emeralds were increasingly approaching the top spot. Known for its timeless elegance and unmatched brilliance, the round cut diamond continues to be the preferred choice for many couples.

 This classic shape's popularity stems from its ability to maximise light reflection, creating unparalleled sparkle. Its versatile design suits various settings and styles, making it an enduring favourite. The round cut's symmetry and brilliance not only symbolise everlasting love but also offer a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, appealing to a wide range of tastes. At Queensmith, our round cut engagement rings are crafted to the highest standards, ensuring each piece is a true reflection of your unique love story.

 As predicted by our experts, solitaire engagement rings continued to dominate as the top choice for 2024 with shapes like round, oval and emerald cut gaining significant popularity. Comprising 47% of Queensmith's sales in 2024, the solitaire style has proven its timeless elegance. The rise in popularity can be attributed in part to the growing accessibility of lab grown diamonds which accounted for around 80% of all Queensmith’s diamond sales in 2024.

 Choosing the right engagement ring shape for your partner is a meaningful and personal decision. Each shape has its unique characteristics and symbolism, reflecting different styles and personalities. This is how to select the perfect engagement ring shape that aligns with your partner’s preferences and captures the essence of your relationship.

 Different diamond shapes come at varying price points. When considering the size of a one carat diamond, it’s important to realise that size in millimetres often differs depending on the cut. For example, a round 1 carat diamond size is usually around 6.34mm, while a cushion diamond is slightly narrower at 5.7mm.

 These will make some differences in terms of the price, so it's essential to consider this when setting a budget for your engagement ring. If you want to understand more about the diamond carats and differences in cut size, we have a guide about one carat diamond rings.

 The meaning of the ring will be impacted by the meaning of each shape cut. When choosing a ring, consider your partner’s preferences, style and characteristics. Additionally, the ring setting and metal type play a significant role in the overall look and feel of the ring. For more information, explore our Engagement Ring Style Guide and Engagement Ring Metal Guide.

 Choosing the right engagement ring shape involves more than just personal style; it’s also important to consider how the ring will look on your partner’s finger. The shape of their fingers can influence which diamond cuts will appear most flattering.

 For small or short fingers, elongated shapes such as oval, pear or marquise can create the illusion of length and make fingers appear longer and more slender. These shapes draw the eye along the length of the finger, adding elegance and balance.

 For large or full fingers, choosing a ring shape that doesn't add extra width is key. Shapes like pear, oval and marquise are ideal as they help elongate the appearance of the finger. Opt for a setting that sits low on the finger to create a more flattering look.

 Selecting the ideal diamond shape for your engagement ring is an important step in creating a piece that truly reflects your partner's style and personality. At Queensmith, our diamond and design experts are here to guide you through every step, from understanding the 4Cs of diamonds – carat, colour, cut and clarity – to designing a bespoke engagement ring that suits their hands perfectly. Whether you prefer a classic round cut or a unique pear shape, we’ll help you craft the ring of your dreams.