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Faizan
If you have inherited an heirloom diamond, a beautiful way to use it in your own jewelry is to set it in your engagement ring. Though there are many setting styles available, not all will work for your diamond. Therefore, it is prudent to take it to a professional jeweler to have the diamond's size recorded so you can find the perfect setting.
Resetting Dilemmas
If your grandmother's diamond is still in its original setting, tread carefully if you want to reset the stone. Your family may be offended if you make plans to tear the ring apart the minute you get it. However, if you approach your grandmother (or the person who gave you the ring) and ask her permission, the transformation may be more readily accepted. For instance, mention if the repair to the setting would be more expensive than a new setting. Or, bring up the fact that you only wear white gold and the ring's metal is yellow. If the setting is too tall to be practical in your life, such as a cathedral setting, say that you would like to bring the diamond down closer to your finger.
Making the Stone Appear Bigger
If your hands are larger than your grandmother's, then chances are that the stone she selected is better suited to petite hands than your own. Make the diamond appear bigger than its actual size by choosing a setting with stones that surround the center stone. This addition visually enhances the center stone's size, particularly if the diamonds are of the same color and clarity. This look can also be accomplished with baguette-cut diamonds on either side of the stone.
Showing off a Deep-Cut Diamond
Diamonds with a deep cut deserve to be displayed to the fullest. Cathedral settings are very tall, and their prongs are spaced so as to allow light to shine on the diamond from all angles. This allows the diamond to sparkle and reflect light to its maximum potential. If, however, your diamond is not quite tall enough to fill a vamped cathedral setting, a taller solitaire setting will create much the same effect.
Making the Most of a Shallow Cut
Most diamonds can be used in classic pronged or tension settings. However, if your heirloom diamond is too shallow to work in a traditional solitaire setting, consider a bezel setting. Bezel settings hold the diamond in place with a rim that completely encircles the stone. They also protect all the faceted edges of the diamond, protecting it from everyday bumps and scrapes. These cuts are often enhanced with side stones, though this is an optional addition.
Resetting Dilemmas
If your grandmother's diamond is still in its original setting, tread carefully if you want to reset the stone. Your family may be offended if you make plans to tear the ring apart the minute you get it. However, if you approach your grandmother (or the person who gave you the ring) and ask her permission, the transformation may be more readily accepted. For instance, mention if the repair to the setting would be more expensive than a new setting. Or, bring up the fact that you only wear white gold and the ring's metal is yellow. If the setting is too tall to be practical in your life, such as a cathedral setting, say that you would like to bring the diamond down closer to your finger.
Making the Stone Appear Bigger
If your hands are larger than your grandmother's, then chances are that the stone she selected is better suited to petite hands than your own. Make the diamond appear bigger than its actual size by choosing a setting with stones that surround the center stone. This addition visually enhances the center stone's size, particularly if the diamonds are of the same color and clarity. This look can also be accomplished with baguette-cut diamonds on either side of the stone.
Showing off a Deep-Cut Diamond
Diamonds with a deep cut deserve to be displayed to the fullest. Cathedral settings are very tall, and their prongs are spaced so as to allow light to shine on the diamond from all angles. This allows the diamond to sparkle and reflect light to its maximum potential. If, however, your diamond is not quite tall enough to fill a vamped cathedral setting, a taller solitaire setting will create much the same effect.
Making the Most of a Shallow Cut
Most diamonds can be used in classic pronged or tension settings. However, if your heirloom diamond is too shallow to work in a traditional solitaire setting, consider a bezel setting. Bezel settings hold the diamond in place with a rim that completely encircles the stone. They also protect all the faceted edges of the diamond, protecting it from everyday bumps and scrapes. These cuts are often enhanced with side stones, though this is an optional addition.
