Jewellery Buying Guide
Articles and information to help you buy jewellery and loose diamonds
A trapezoid diamond has four sides and is similar to a triangle with one point missing. Trapezoids are available in both brilliant and step cuts; each giving a unique look so it is recommended to view both options during your diamond appointment.
Trapezoids are most often used to frame a centre diamond on the left and right sides, creating an angular three stone effect. It works best when the centre stone is of emerald, princess or asscher shape as each of these has flat sides for the trapezoids to sit against.
In terms of proportion, the trapezoids should be smaller than the centre diamond, even if just slightly.
Trapezoids are becoming an increasingly popular option in diamond engagement rings, and offer a great alternative to baguette and trillion cuts, which are often used for the same purpose.
For those wanting diamonds to frame their oval or cushion cut centre diamond, crescent trapezoids are the answer.
The longest edge of a crescent trapezoid is curved inwards, which allows t ...
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The GIA (Gemological Institute of America) was established in 1931 and is the world’s foremost authority on diamonds, coloured gemstones, and pearls.
GIA’s certifications are therefore highly trusted within the jewellery industry and purchasing a GIA certified diamond ensures a safe purchase.
“GIA exists to protect all purchasers of gemstones, by providing the education, laboratory services, research, and instruments needed to accurately and objectively determine gemstone quality.”
The term ‘The 4 C’s’ was created by the GIA, as well as the D-Z colour scale and Flawless to I3 clarity scale.
Larsen Jewellery specialises in custom made diamond rings, as well as the sale of loose diamonds and coloured gemstones certified by the GIA.
To view a range of GIA certified loose diamonds, as well as their certificates, please contact Larsen Jewellery in Sydney 02 9223 2006 or Melbourne 03 9662 3005.
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Rings featuring three gemstones, usually diamonds are known as three stone or trio diamond rings. This kind of design is commonly used for engagement rings and can be created using any shape of diamond or coloured gemstone by the expert Jewellers at Larsen Jewellery in Sydney and Melbourne. Your design options are endless and upon appointment we can show you a beautiful selection of diamond to choose from to create your own unique ‘trio’ design.
A vital element to consider is that the two gemstones placed on the outer-sides match each other perfectly in terms of colour, cut and overall look; otherwise one stone will clearly stand out from the other which is not ideal. The centre gemstone, however, can completely differ from the side gemstones without taking away from the design.
Another recommendation is to keep the side gemstones proportionately smaller than the centre stone, even if the difference is only slight, as this will keep the attention on the centre stone which should always be the main focus ...
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What kind of earrings should I wear at my wedding?
The earrings you choose to wear on your wedding day will be photographed just as much as, or perhaps even more than, your wedding rings; therefore you should make sure that they complement your other wedding jewellery as well as your hairstyle in order to pull your whole look together.
Most brides tend to choose earrings set with either diamonds or pearls and will select a style that reflects their personality. These are both very elegant options that will look timeless in your wedding photographs.
In terms of design, the common choices are studs, drops and chandeliers. Of course, there are no set rules; however this general guideline is a helpful starting point.
Studs
Studs can be made with two pearls, two diamonds or a cluster of diamonds. Pearls come in a range of colours including pink, peach, white, cream and black. The size you choose will depend on your personal taste.
If you decide on diamond studs, you have a range of setting ...
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Asking the price of a diamond is akin to asking the price of a car, it depends on many factors.
The price of a diamond is largely determined by the carat size, colour, clarity and cut of the individual stone and whether or not it has been certified. There are also certain stones that are significantly more expensive than others due to their rarity, such as pink and blue diamonds.
Every individual diamond is unique and will be priced accordingly, based on its overall quality, grading and characteristics.
A recommended way to receive more information on pricing is to contact a reputable Jeweller that specialises in the sale of loose diamonds.
Once you have viewed a selection of diamonds, you will find some elements to be more important to you than others. For example, you may prefer to have a larger diamond and step down one grade in colour, whereas others may prefer a smaller stone of higher colour grade.
It is also recommended that you choose the diamond, within your price range that catches your eye th ...
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A Bezel-set diamond is one that is completely surrounded by a border of metal, framing the stone along the outside edge. Bezel settings are classic and neat in design and are favoured by those who want to branch out from the traditional claw settings.
Not only does this setting look great, it is also the most secure way to set a diamond. Claws can require re-tipping over time, whereas Bezel settings are incredibly hard-wearing and contrary to popular belief, will not subtract light flow or brilliance from a well-cut diamond.
Another benefit is that this type of setting will not catch on delicate garments or long hair.
Larsen Jewellery in Sydney and Melbourne specialise in custom made engagement ring design. You have the benefit of choosing your own diamond personally, then the exciting task of designing your ideal ring design with the help of your very own expert Jeweller.
If you are after a Bezel setting for your engagement ring design, you also have the liberty of deciding on the width of you ...
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A Diamond Grading Chart is a useful information guide to assist you in making an educated decision when purchasing a diamond.
Being informed with all the vital information ensures you will have a wonderful and easy buying experience. Learn about diamond colour and clarity grading, view the variety of cuts available, and compare carat size.
Larsen Jewellery has created a comprehensive Diamond Chart for your convenience. You are also welcome to visit our workshops in Sydney and Melbourne for a personal diamond consultation with one of our expert Jewellers who can answer any of your questions and show you an array of diamonds to choose from, within your price range.
To book a no-obligation diamond appointment, please call Larsen jewellery in Sydney: 02 9223 2006.
Conflict diamonds (also known as ‘blood diamonds’), are diamonds that are mined and traded through violent and illegal means. These diamonds are then sold to fund civil war and terrorism. The conflict diamond trade is a multi-billion dollar industry and millions of lives have been lost as a result.
This illegal trade has fuelled brutality and war in places such as Sierra Leone, Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC); where rebels and warmongers controlled civilians and breached human rights using weapons which were funded by the sale of conflict diamonds.
In 2003, the United Nations established an initiative to prevent diamond sales from funding violence. The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) imposes requirements on participants to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are conflict-free. The purpose of the scheme is to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market and being sold, which would in turn evaporate criminal funding. This initiative also protects individuals from unknowingly purchasing conflict diamonds.
Today, conflict diamonds are estimated to account for less than 1% of world diamond production.
Larsen Jewellery does not sell or deal with any suppliers who are, or may be, involved with conflict diamonds. Larsen Jewellery is also a proud member of the Jewellers Association of Australia and the Goldsmiths Guild of Australia.
To view any of our beautiful, conflict-free loose diamonds, please call Larsen Jewellery in Sydney: 02 9223 2006.