Guide to Diamond Jewelry Understanding Diamonds and Solitaires

While diamonds remain universally admired, many consumers often confuse the concepts of diamonds and solitaire settings. To help buyers make informed decisions, renowned jewelry brand VBJ presents this comprehensive analysis highlighting their differences and offering practical selection tips.

Formed through billions of years of geological transformation, diamonds represent nature's most enduring masterpiece. Their exceptional physical and chemical properties make them the hardest known mineral while exhibiting unmatched light reflection capabilities.

Diamond quality is evaluated through four critical dimensions known as the 4Cs:

• Cut: The precision of a diamond's angles and facets determines its brilliance, with grades ranging from Excellent to Poor. Ideal-cut diamonds reflect maximum light back to the observer.
• Color: Graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow), with D-grade diamonds being the rarest and most valuable.
• Clarity: Measures internal imperfections from FL (flawless) to I3 (heavily included). Fewer inclusions mean higher clarity.
• Carat Weight: The physical weight measurement where 1 carat equals 0.2 grams. Larger stones typically command higher values when other factors remain equal.

Unlike diamonds which are gemstones, solitaire refers to a jewelry setting featuring a single center stone. This minimalist design philosophy enhances the stone's natural beauty through various mounting styles including prong, bezel, or channel settings.

• Timeless Appeal: The uncluttered design focuses attention solely on the center stone's quality
• Symbolic Meaning: Frequently chosen for engagement rings representing singular devotion
• Quality Demands: Without supporting stones, the center diamond's cut and clarity become paramount

When choosing between diamond jewelry and solitaire settings, consider these factors:

• Purpose: Solitaires suit milestone occasions while multi-stone designs offer versatility
• Budget: Solitaire rings typically require higher-quality center stones
• Personal Style: Classic minimalism versus elaborate designs
• Stone Quality: Prioritize cut quality for maximum brilliance
• Metal Choice: White gold enhances diamond whiteness while rose gold creates contrast

Maintain your diamond jewelry's brilliance with these care guidelines:

• Clean regularly with mild soap and soft brushes
• Schedule professional inspections for prong integrity
• Store pieces separately to prevent scratching
• Remove jewelry during physical activities or chemical exposure
• Avoid contact with cosmetics and perfumes

The cut significantly impacts a diamond's visual characteristics:

• Round Brilliant: The most popular cut with 57 facets for maximum sparkle
• Princess Cut: Contemporary square shape with sharp corners
• Emerald Cut: Rectangular step-cut emphasizing clarity over brilliance
• Pear Cut: Teardrop shape that elongates the finger
• Oval Cut: Combines round brilliance with elongated proportions

This natural characteristic describes a diamond's glow under UV light. While generally unnoticeable in daylight, strong fluorescence in high-color grades (D-F) may create haziness. Lower-color diamonds can benefit from fluorescence making them appear whiter.