Modern diamond jewellery houses such as Bulgari are now purchasing some of their early work since the interest in classic pieces of jewellery grows ever more popular. As we strive to find something new and a little different from the more mundane jewellery designs, many people are looking to replicate classic designs with a more modern feel. Taking the complex arrangements of diamond encrustations and adding to this the refined manufacturing techniques, beautiful vintage styles have been designed with a feel for the classic more antique creations of the previous century. Capturing the romance in such vintage engagement rings, are some elaborate arrangements with dominant central diamonds fully certified and cut to high specifications for the maximum amount of fire and scintillation.

There is always some debate over half eternity rings, and when they should be purchased, for what occasion and the advantages over full eternity rings. First things first, the most important considerations to most people are cost and design. Without the right appearance, the ring is of little interest. Whether you are considering channel set half eternity rings, or even claw set designs, it is most imporant to find the right design for yourself. There are various advantages for buying half eternity rings, which we will look at in a certain amount of brief detail.

Firstly let us consider the comfort of the ring. Large diamonds require a much deeper ring. When such designs are worn, especially claw settings, the rings will rub against each side of the fingers next to that on which the ring is worn. Half eternity rings reduce rapidly in depth past the setting, thereby ensuring a more comfortable feel with rings that contain larger diamonds across the top of the ring.

Secondly, finger size. Will your finger always remain the same size? Few will say yes. Half eternity rings provide a little room for manouvre with regards to finger size, whereas full eternity rings will not be able to be resized. Some designs of full eternity rings can be made larger by removing a small amount of metal from the inside, but this often results in loss of the hallmark. (this however can be easily re-hallmarked)

Thirdly we move onto cost. This really is a no-brainer. With a smaller amount of diamonds you have two choices. Either reducing cost by opting for the half eternity rings of the same diamond size, or alternatively you can keep to the same budget as the full eternity ring, but have fewer diamonds that are larger.

Finally, a few words about design. Claw settings are more tolerant to resizing, whereas channel settings are more vulnerable when it comes to adjustment and can either chip or produce spaces between stones, which in the case of a princess cut channel set eternity ring is not something that anyone would like to happen. Our advice is to always make sure of the finger size. Visit your local jewellery store and try some rings on. If possible seek more than one finger size check, to make sure you have the right size to begin with. With a little sound advice, and some careful consideration whichever one of the enormous range of half eternity rings chosen, it will be a memorable purchase to last a lifetime.

The Raphael Collection is a unique set of diamond eternity rings, three stone rings, diamond earrings, and pendants that has been created using precision machine setting to gain an unfaltering perfect finish. From some of the finest jewellery houses on Bond Street in London, the Raphael Collection has rapidly gained notoriety as one of the finest and most extensive ranges of eternity rings available today. Produced by a third generation jewellery manufacturer, creating unique jewellery designs since 1967, the Raphael Collection aims to provide a solution for any design of eternity ring required with a broad spectrum of setting styles and diamond cuts which all focus on colour, clarity and quality of finish. The finished results speak volumes with a finish that is simply breathtaking.

One of the challenges with trying to find a uniquely styled diamond engagement ring, has to be the balance between design and cost. For many of the branded jewellery houses such as Bulgari, the name alone demands significant prices. It is however possible to discover high end quality, along with unique designs, and therefore an expression of individuality, a far cry from the generic spread of  engagement rings found on many high streets. Unique designs of designer engagement rings, blending simple, but effective claw settings are noticeably different, and with a mere turn of the diamond, a new look has been achieved. Such an example is the sideways stye of Marquise engagement ring as seen above. This design sits across the finger and when viewed from the side, reveals an open, but finely scuptured design, perfect for a beautifully polished Marquise brilliant cut diamond.

Diamond earrings are by far one of the most popular additions for the wedding day. Once the wedding rings are purchased and the groom is looking for a suitable present for the bride, diamond earrings make the perfect addition for the big day. Whether they are diamond stud earrings or drop earrings, they make the perfect accessory for bridal wear. Another advantage is that they will remain an important piece of jewellery that will last and carry a  significant sentiment for life. Diamond earrings can be created for all budgets ranging from small stud earrings, with round stones 0.20cts total diamond weight, measuring 3mm in each ear, to larger diamond stud earrings with a quarter, third or even a half carat in each ear. Much depends upon the budget for the diamond earrings. By opting for 18ct White Gold instead of Platinum, more money can be put into the carat weight, provided the colour and clarity are of an acceptable but not too higher specification. There is no real need to go beyond SI1 clarity since higher clarities will not be distinguishable from this. This therefore allows more of the budget to be spent on increasing carat weight of the diamond earrings. There is a sliding scale with colour, cut, clarity and carat weight (the four C’s) and it is important to adjust this in your favour to arrive at the best and most practical combination. For example G colour and SI1 clarity will look fantastic, whereas  F colour and IF clarity, to the naked eye, will never look noticeably different whilst in the ear, for any particular carat weight.

Twist Engagement Rings

Twist engagement rings provide an added dimension to a very simple style of ring. There are a few designs that take the simple four claw setting and provide that little extra bit of detail, without taking the emphasis of the diamond or diamonds. Take for example the above designs. There is a solitaire version and a three stone diamond version of the diamond four claw cross over twist design. The three stone version might even provide an add-on after a few years of marriage, complementing the solitaire if this was purchased as an engagement ring. The three stone example of a particular weight will form an added incentive for those saving money, since any particular diamond weight (eg. the 1ct version) will be less expensive than the solitaire version by spreading the overall diamond weight between the three diamonds.

Twist style engagement rings such as this are both functional, secure and simple. They represent an extremely successful style of engagement ring and few men go far wrong in this choice for any special occasion.

Simple Six Claw Solitaire Ring Designs

Keeping it simple is indeed a rule to live by. Simplicity can sometimes be the best option, but it need not be boring. When it comes to that all important engagement ring, the solitaire ring does just this. It consists of a simple setting holding a single diamond. You are after all spending a great deal of money on the stone and not on the metal surrounding the stone. The diamond provides the fire and the last thing you want is for the attention to move to the ring, away from the stone. In the same way that Italian cuisine keeps the food simple, the classic solitaire keeps the ring simple. Subtle design variations can add that extra interest though, such as those designs featured above. Each design is a simple 6 claw solitaire ring. But each design is different.

Sourcing and sorting the diamonds

One of many three stone diamond engagement rings, available at Serendipity Diamonds.

For anyone looking for diamond engagement rings, the current state of affairs has left many people searching for high quality at a more affordable price to the high street. It is now possible to find an engagement ring specialist who will provide high quality finished items that can be customised to your exact preference, for a much lower cost than can be found elswhere. Furthermore such companies provide comprehensive, clear terms and conditions, may of which offer full refund assurances if the product does not meet all requirements.

Some designs prove very popular. These styles include classic four or six claw engagement rings. Simple settings allowing light to penetrate into the diamond. They offer sleek lines, graceful tapering shoulders and secure claws offering a great deal of protection for the diamond. Such diamond engagement rings are available in combinations of settings, ranging from claw settings to bezel settings where the diamond is held by a continuous edge of metal protecting the diamond.

For more information on the wide range of diamond engagement rings available, most search engines will provide a comprehensive list of specialist companies offering these services.

Believe it or not, there are many different types of square diamond cut. The most popular, and the one that will spring to mind for most people is the Princess cut diamond. Princess cut engagement rings are probably next most popular behind round brilliant cut diamond engagement rings.

The variation of styles is enormous. Many of these styles are influenced by the four cornered shape of the stone. A diamond has to be secured by claws that are both delicate, non-intrusive yet secure. Too heavy and the ring looks clumsy. Too delicate and you risk the ring becoming damaged or even worse, the stone lost.

The princess cut diamond solitaire is a popular choice for an engagement ring. Some of the most attractive designs work on the theory that little is best. Keep to simpliciy in the design and the attention will be focused on the diamond.

 With small features, such as crossover shoulders, it is possible to provide simplicity and individuality in engagement rings. The Lucida style of setting shown in the images here is one such design. The four simple claws are secure yet delicate. The straight shoulders give the ring a substantial look but not too heavy for the design. This particular ring features a 0.50cts diamond. This would measure 4.5mm ideally.

Available from Serendipity Diamonds, the focus is on a beautiful finish with an appropriately sized diamond, beatifully cut. The results speak for themselves.

For more information and available styles, please visit our section on engagement rings or see our links.