How do you tell if your diamond is real?

Eight simple tests will help to reveal if your diamond is real or fake. These include the line test, comparing the size and weight, the breath test, heat dispersal on the tongue, appearance, facet sharpness, wear and inclusions.

Real or fake and the 8 diamond tests

Serendipity Diamonds suggests eight tests—try them at home to see if your diamond is genuine. Remember, many gemstones look very similar to diamonds and are easily mistaken for diamonds. 

Have you ever wondered how to tell a real diamond? How do you know if a diamond is real or fake? And, is the sparkle of your diamond from the genuine article?

Which diamond tests are most reliable?

Important: These tests can help identify many diamond simulants such as Cubic Zirconia, White Sapphire and White Topaz. However, they cannot reliably distinguish a natural diamond from a laboratory-grown diamond because both share the same physical and chemical properties.

What are the different kinds of fake diamonds?

Both real and fake diamonds look very similar. Many experts use the terms simulant and synthetic diamonds to separate gems with a similar appearance into naturally occurring lookalikes (simulants) and manufactured (synthetic) diamonds, also referred to as lab-grown diamonds.

Many ‘fake’ diamonds look alike. This article reveals several ingenious ways to tell a real diamond from a fake.

You will learn to tell if your diamond is real using just one of our tests. Or is your diamond a worthless imitation? Some of the following criteria need the stone unset from the ring mount.

What are Synthetic Diamonds?

A synthetic diamond is also known as a lab-grown diamond. Other names include cultured diamond, cultivated diamond, lab-created diamond, and man-made diamond. Synthetic diamonds are produced artificially, unlike natural diamonds formed beneath the Earth. Essentially, synthetic diamonds are real diamonds. But, unlike natural diamonds, they are formed above ground by artificial means. 

Please note that our tests will not identify lab-created diamonds. Most lab-grown or created diamonds include a tiny inscription identifying them as lab-grown for this reason. You might see small writing on the girdle of a real diamond or a lab-created stone. Be cautious about lab diamond rings since ‘man-made’ the laser inscription, often lies beneath a claw or prong of the setting. 

What are Diamond Simulants?

Diamond simulants fall into the category of imitation diamonds—stones with gemmological features similar to the real thing. Diamond Simulants differ from synthetic diamonds. In contrast, synthetic diamonds have the same material properties as natural diamonds. For this reason, most of our tests help to identify a diamond simulant from a real one. 

1. The Line Test

The line test involves placing the stone on a single black line drawn on paper. It is a great way to distinguish a real diamond from a fake.

When a loose non-diamond is placed over the black line, the line can be seen through the stone. Place a real diamond over the black line and watch the line disappear. White light bends when passing through a diamond. Put simply, the higher refractive index of diamond bends light with greater effect than other non-diamonds.

2. Check the weight and size of your diamond

You can check if your loose diamond is real by weighing the stone on gemmological scales. For example, a 5mm round diamond weighs close to 0.50cts (give or take a few points.)

Diamond vs Cubic Zirconia Comparison

However, a CZ (Cubic Zirconia) of the same size weighs far heavier, which is a straightforward sign that the stone is not a diamond. You can check the size and weight of your diamond against our online size chart.

3. The breath or fog test

Some diamond experts use a breath test to spot a real diamond from a fake. When you breathe slowly on the surface of a diamond, moisture beads finely over the stone, disappearing very rapidly. The reason is thermal conductivity. The fog disappears gradually from a non-diamond. For this reason, diamonds have applications in electronics. Lab-grown wafer-thin examples make an ideal thermal conductor for circuitry. Diamonds are the best thermal conductors on Earth.

The fog disappears gradually from a non-diamond. For this reason, diamonds serve a use in electronics. Lab-grown wafer-thin examples make an ideal thermal conductor for circuitry. Diamonds are the best thermal conductors on Earth.

4. Touching a rock with your tongue

Not strictly tasting the stone, some seasoned experts can tell a real diamond by putting it against their tongue.

This test relates to diamonds’ ability to transfer heat—put simply, their excellent thermal conductivity. Because of its thermal properties, diamonds’ icy feel is very subtle and difficult to detect.

Diamonds take the heat away from the surface of your tongue. Diamonds are very good at dispersing heat. For this reason, lab-grown diamond wafers make great thermal conductors for electronic circuits.

5. Does your diamond look too perfect?

Whilst flawless diamonds exist, synthetic/simulant diamonds imitate perfect, bright white diamonds free of inclusions. They look too real! You could have a fake if the stone appears very white and free of any small marks. Or, you might be holding a costly diamond! CZs often appear almost purple-white compared to diamonds. For this test, you need a 10X loupe or a magnifying glass. We grade diamond colours using a scale starting at D colour. Some imitation diamonds appear too white. However, some gemstones set into Yellow Gold pick up colour from the metal colour, appearing less white. For this reason, most gems are colour-graded loose.

6. How sharp are the facets on your diamond?

Many replica stones, such as Cubic Zirconia, have more rounded edges to each facet compared to diamonds. Diamonds appear sharper and keep this sharpness. Compare a diamond to a CZ under a 10X jeweller’s lens, which will be noticeable upon looking closely.

The Lila engagement ring in white gold set with a large simulant for display purposes. (From the SD showroom.)

7. Is your diamond worn?

Diamonds rarely scuff or become abraded and worn. Diamonds can sometimes appear ‘smoked’ when a stone burns under high temperature—skin results on the stone which requires polishing to remove. As a result, a smoked diamond reflects light less with a dull surface.

Diamonds tend to keep their sharp, perfectly polished facets for life. For this reason, they outperform other gems for engagement rings. Cubic Zirconia and other replica stones wear more quickly. Non-diamonds wear on the joins between facets. This detail appears under a jeweller’s lens or magnifying glass. Do not confuse wear with chips, polish marks or natural inclusions on the surface of the diamond.

Most people know that it takes a diamond to scratch another diamond. In fact, diamonds rarely pick up scratches unless it is from another stone of the same type. On Mohs scale of hardness, diamonds are 10 on top of the list.

Rough materials such as sandpaper scratch diamond lookalikes but not real diamonds. For this reason, we refer to this test as the ‘Scratch Test’. We do not advise carrying out this test on any item unless there is no fear of damage. Most precious metals scratch easily, so be careful when considering this test.

8. Does your diamond have small marks?

Most natural diamonds have marks on them. We refer to these as inclusions. If you can see small marks within your diamond, the chances are that your diamond is real and not fake.

We grade diamonds 10x magnification to grade their clarity. Many items of cheaper jewellery feature diamonds with more substantial inclusions. Some might call these natural diamonds or diamonds of a commercial grade.

Interestingly, black diamonds feature incredible amounts of natural inclusions. As a result, black diamonds exist in both natural and treated varieties.

The following galaxy black diamond ring comes from our bespoke ring gallery and reveals the density of inclusions found in many black diamond rings.

Use a fake diamond tester.

Over the years, I have used electronic diamond testers. These handy tools provide a much-needed helping hand to test a diamond. Most jewellers should keep one handy.

Even as a backup to verify their own judgment. Some diamond tester pens will also identify another gemstone, including Moissanite. Expect a diamond tester price to be at least £40 + £50, and avoid cheaper versions. More expensive versions exist, such as the Praesidium diamond tester.

How does a diamond tester work?

Diamond testers have a metal tip at the end of the tester to determine if the stone is a real diamond. It measures thermal conductivity specific to diamonds. The sprung metal tip is pushed against the diamond or gemstone, and the LED reading shows whether the stone is a genuine diamond or not. Most devices are battery-operated and compact.

Will SI diamonds pass a diamond tester?

Yes, most definitely. SI diamonds and most included diamonds pass a diamond tester. They have the same thermal conductivity as diamonds and produce the same result when tested.

Ask an expert if you can’t tell a real diamond from a fake diamond.

If you’re passing our showroom in Ryde, feel welcome to drop by. We’ll gladly test your ‘fake diamond’ to see if it is real. We test third-party ‘diamonds’ often. If your gemstone is genuine or not, we can set your stone into one of our designs. We must, however, identify your stone before any work starts. Please get in touch for a quote to set your stone into one of our many settings.

Diamond tests to avoid

Some misguided articles suggest the heat test. In this test, a diamond is heated in a flame before being dropped into cold water. Theoretically, this could prove that your diamond is real.

To explain, some synthetic gemstones may shatter as a result. However, should your diamond have internal flaws and surface breaks, a real diamond could fracture similarly. Extremes of temperature can affect a real diamond.

Why does a diamond glow under UV light?

When a diamond glows under UV light, this does not mean you have an artificial or fake diamond. Some diamonds reflect UV light in varying degrees. As a result, some diamonds appear to glow under intense UV light. Read more about diamond fluorescence in our education section of the website.

We took the following photograph of a parcel of small natural diamonds to show how some diamonds appear fluorescent under UV light. At the same time, other diamonds in the same parcel show slight or nil fluorescence.

Gemstone Diamond lookalikes

For reasons of cost, some buyers search for lookalike diamond gemstones. Many transparent white gems stand in for diamonds. Some cost far less than diamonds. But many lack the hardness and dazzle of a diamond. Here are just some gemstones used as diamond substitutes.

White Topaz

White Topaz costs far less than other gemstones. Also, White Topaz occurs in various fancy shapes. Some buyers use White Topaz instead of a diamond. Real diamond shoulders work well alongside Topaz. These add an element of a ‘real diamond’ to a ring.

White Topaz gemstone looks very similar to a diamond. 

White Sapphire

Perhaps the best fake diamond substitute. Despite White Sapphires lacking the same ‘fire’ as a diamond, they are durable. Sapphires and diamonds make tough gemstones, well-suited to rings worn daily.

Moissanite

Moissanite was discovered in 1893 by the Nobel Prize-winning chemist Henri Moissan.

He found the natural form of this gemstone within a meteorite in Arizona. At first, mistaken for diamonds, he later established that the crystals were formed from Silicon Carbide.

Owing to the rarity of natural Moissanite, almost all Moissanite is lab-grown. Furthermore, this diamond alternative, with visual differences, appears similar to a diamond. For example, the brilliance of both types of gemstone differs.

Compared to a diamond, Moissanite features double refraction. To the trained eye, Moissanite sparkles with additional brilliance compared to a diamond.

Moissanites provide one of the least expensive, durable alternatives to diamonds. Furthermore, their low cost makes them an attractive option for engagement ring buyers.

Learn more about our Moissanite engagement rings available at Serendipity Diamonds. 

Lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds look identical to real diamonds, with the same physical appearance and properties. For this reason, most feature an inscription on the stone’s girdle. The words “lab-grown” appear to avoid any confusion with the genuine article. 

Lab-grown diamonds provide an identical alternative to natural diamonds with the same physical and chemical properties. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds work out exceptionally cheaper in their cost. For this reason, their popularity continues to soar. As a result, we introduced the option of lab-grown diamond rings in addition to their use across our showroom and website collection.

The following ring comes from our ready-made engagement rings collection and combines a large lab-grown pink diamond with natural white diamonds in each shoulder.

Cubic Zirconia

Many jewellers refer to Cubic zirconia by its abbreviation— CZ. Cubic Zirconia represents a cubic crystalline form of Zirconium Dioxide. Despite its visual similarity to diamond, Cubic Zirconia wears easily and lacks nearly the same durability as diamond. For this reason, many jewellers use the low-cost diamond lookalike to create replicas, try-at-home engagement rings—inexpensive versions of the real thing.

Popular for costume jewellery, CZs make an effective faux diamond for travel, the film industry and replica jewellery. Cubic Zirconia can be easily identified as fake by weight. Unlike diamonds, this similar-looking gemstone weighs more than an equivalent-sized diamond. In addition, see the line test above, which easily identifies a CZ owing to its poorer refraction of light.

Cubic Zirconia occurs in a variety of shades of white, as shown above. We use a set of CZ Master stones to demonstrate diamond colours as shown above.

Frequently Asked Questions

The post How to Tell a Fake Diamond from a Real Diamond – 8 Different Ways appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What Is a Lab-Grown Blue Diamond?

A lab-grown blue diamond is a real diamond created in a laboratory using HPHT or CVD technology. The blue colour occurs naturally through the addition of boron during growth. Lab-grown blue diamonds have the same hardness, brilliance and crystal structure as natural blue diamonds but are typically available at a lower price and in a wider range of colours.

How are lab-grown blue diamonds created?

Growing real diamonds makes blue lab-grown diamonds in a laboratory using HPHT or CVD technology. A small amount of boron is added during growth, giving the diamond its natural blue colour. The finished stone has the same structure, brilliance, and durability as a mined blue diamond, but with greater consistency and a lower environmental impact.

One of our recent blue diamond engagement rings created as part of a remodelled ring commission. The ring combined our client’s original Hearts on Fire diamond between two intense blue diamonds.

For many years, our team has sourced natural fancy-coloured diamonds for trade and private clients seeking an alternative to a traditional white diamond.

Due to the rapid expansion of laboratory-created diamonds, we have seen increased demand and availability of fancy-coloured lab-grown diamonds. For this reason, we offer one of the largest selections of lab-created blue diamonds.

What Do Lab-Grown Blue Diamonds Cost?

Lab-grown blue diamonds generally cost significantly less than natural blue diamonds. Depending on colour intensity, shape and carat weight, most buyers choose blue diamonds between 0.70 and 2.00 carats for bespoke engagement rings.

In 2026 – 2027 lab-grown blue diamonds typically start from around £200 for a 1-carat diamond including a diamond grading certificate.

Natural fancy blue diamonds remain among the rarest and most expensive diamonds in the world, whereas laboratory-created blue diamonds provide a more accessible alternative.

Buying a Loose Lab-Grown Blue Diamond

Many clients prefer to choose a loose blue diamond before designing a bespoke engagement ring. This approach allows complete control over the diamond’s colour, shape, clarity and budget.

We source blue diamonds in a variety of shades and shapes, including round, oval, cushion, emerald and radiant cuts.

Search available blue diamonds using our online diamond search tool.

The Lab-Grown Diamonds Blue Colour Scale

Based on a selection of recent jewellery commissions, we have sourced a range of blue diamond shades, from light to deep blue. But remember, we typically source each diamond individually due to subtle colour variations from one commission to another.

Light Blue Diamonds

As a result, very few engagement ring commissions look alike, owing to the variety of hues. The reason lies in the treatment process and the introduction of Boron during manufacturing.

Just like natural blue diamonds, lab-grown blue diamonds exhibit a blue colour due to the presence of Boron in the diamond. The concentration of Boron and the presence of other chemicals, such as nitrogen, often cause variations in the diamond’s hue and colour intensity.

Teal Blue Diamonds

Teal blue diamonds combine a touch of green with blue, creating one of the most desirable colours for a lab-grown or natural diamond or gemstone.

Sizes, shapes and clarity for blue diamonds

Remember, there are far fewer blue lab-grown diamonds than white diamonds. For this reason, we recommend remaining open to the selection of available diamonds. We regularly source fancy-shaped blue diamonds in a selection of cuts—for example, Round, Princess, Emerald, and cushion-cut diamonds.

Many of our lab-grown diamond engagement rings feature centrepiece diamonds. Because of lower prices than natural diamonds, many buyers opt for carat weights between 0.70 and 1.50 for their engagement rings.

When it comes to diamond clarity, most lab-grown diamonds offer a very high level of clarity. In contrast, natural diamonds, although rarer, often feature visible inclusions and are usually given less consideration in the buying process.

We avoid low-clarity, rapidly grown lab-grown diamonds, such as the “Lightbox” brand of man-made diamonds made by De Beers. Instead, we source high-quality lab-created diamonds, fully certified and polished to meticulous standards with an exceptional diamond cut. We include a full lab grading report with every client purchase.

How to buy a blue diamond without seeing it in person?

Our diamond concierge service helps clients from local buyers to customers on the other side of the World. Our team work with high-resolution 360-degree videos and photography. As a result, we can send clients clear imagery to make their choice. In doing so, our clients receive the perfect natural or lab-grown blue diamond ring. Furthermore, we provided the added benefit of bespoke design.

Many of our clients not only look for a unique diamond but also a unique design to showcase the stone. We work with clients to design a CAD model and craft the perfect engagement ring with expert guidance at every step of their journey.

Ethical blue diamonds

A further benefit of a lab-created blue diamond comes from the ethical credentials associated with man-made diamonds. We verify that all of our diamonds are conflict-free. At the same time, lab diamonds provide a 100% ethical guarantee to buyers.

Teal blue diamond ring

One of our latest commissions provided the precise shade of diamond colour for our client. As part of the design brief, we sourced a teal-blue coloured diamond.

View the teal-blue diamond ring on our dedicated bespoke design page.

Mixing blue diamonds with alternative gemstones

By far, the best combination pairs a blue diamond with a white diamond, for example, at the heart of a custom-made diamond cluster engagement ring. Or, set either side of the coloured gemstone as part of a three-stone or blue diamond trilogy ring. An example appears below, created for an overseas client, featuring a lab-grown greenish-blue diamond surrounded by white diamonds.

Lab-grown vs natural blue diamonds

The following chart shows a comparison between both natural and lab-grown options.

Frequently Asked Questions about blue diamonds

Where can you search for lab-grown blue diamonds?

You can search for lab-grown blue diamonds using Serendipity Diamonds online search tool. Use the online search filters to search for the perfect lab-grown blue diamond.

Where can I get my blue diamond set into a ring?

Serendipity Diamonds will set your diamond into any engagement ring style. Learn more about buying a ring mount or setting, from their existing ring collection or opt for a unique bespoke ring design.

Are lab-grown blue diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. Lab-grown blue diamonds are real diamonds. Rough diamonds are grown under laboratory conditions with the same chemical and optical properties as a mined diamond. Some blue diamonds achieve their colour through post-growth treatment, while others are grown with boron incorporated during the growth process.

Why are natural blue diamonds so expensive?

Natural blue diamonds occur without any interraction by man, apart from the cutting process. Their extreme rarity influences prices with many diamonds sold at private auction.

What causes a diamond to be blue?

For lab-grown blue diamonds, a small amount of boron is added during growth, giving the diamond its natural blue colour. In contrast, mined blue diamonds have chemicals such as boron naturally present from their formation process over millions of years.

Can blue diamonds be certified?

Yes. Most blue diamonds are sold with certificates. We provide GIA certificates for natural blue diamonds, and IGI certification with lab-grown blue diamonds. Certificates can be viewed alongisde diamond videos when using our online search tool.

Do blue diamonds fade in colour?

No. Colours are permanent, however extreme heat or irradiation can cause changes of colour. This rarely happens under temperature conditions experienced during jewellery making or repairs.

Which metal looks best with a blue diamond?

Platinum provides a cool, white neutral “canvas” for blue diamonds, contrasting beautifully with additional white diamonds. However, yellow gold offers a gorgeous warm contrast as seen in some of our bespoke blue ring designs.

What is the difference between a blue sapphire and a blue diamond?

Blue diamonds are carbon based, whereas blue sapphires are corundum. Both have similar levels of hardness, making both choices perfect for engagement rings.

Can I design my own blue diamond engagement ring?

Yes. Either contact our team to get help with CAD bespoke design, finding the perfect blue diamond, or a showroom consultation. Choose your own diamond and enjoy all the help needed to create your dream ring as part of our bespoke design process.

The post Lab-Grown Blue Diamonds: A Guide to Colours, Prices and Availability appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Featuring real floating diamond jewellery handcrafted in our Isle of Wight showroom.

What is a Floating Diamond? (Quick Answer)

A floating diamond is a diamond designed to appear as though it is suspended in mid-air with little or no visible setting. The effect is achieved using hidden engineering, tension settings, drilled diamonds, fine wire supports, or minimal metalwork to maximise light, brilliance, and simplicity.

Floating diamond jewellery includes:

• Floating diamond necklaces
• Floating diamond pendants
• Floating diamond engagement rings
• Floating diamond earrings
• Tension-set diamond rings
• Invisible or suspended diamond designs

The appeal lies in the illusion itself — the diamond becomes the entire focus of the design.

Why Floating Diamond Jewellery Has Become So Popular

Over the last decade, jewellery design has moved steadily toward cleaner, more minimal styling. Many buyers now prefer jewellery with:

• Less metal
• More visible diamond surface
• Contemporary styling
• Elegant simplicity
• Lightweight everyday wearability

A floating diamond setting enhances the diamond visually because the eye sees more of the gemstone and less of the setting holding it.

In many cases, a floating setting can make a diamond appear larger, brighter, and more dramatic compared with a traditional heavy claw setting.

Different Types of Floating Diamond Settings

Floating diamonds are created in several different ways. Some rely on advanced engineering, while others use extremely fine metalwork to create the illusion of suspension.

1. Tension-Set Floating Diamonds

A tension setting uses pressure from the metal itself to hold the diamond securely in place.

The diamond appears suspended between two ends of the ring or pendant with minimal visible support.

This remains one of the most technically impressive floating diamond styles because the setting must be engineered with absolute precision.

2. Drilled Diamond Floating Necklaces

One of the simplest — yet most effective — floating necklace designs uses a drilled diamond.

A tiny precision drill hole passes through the diamond, allowing a fine jump ring or wire loop to suspend the stone directly from a chain.

This creates one of the cleanest and most minimalist floating diamond effects possible.

Unlike many commercial floating pendants, the diamond itself becomes the entire pendant design.

Our Latest Floating Diamond Necklace Design

One of our newest floating diamond necklace designs demonstrates just how refined a minimalist pendant can become.

How We Created Our Floating Diamond Necklace

We created our floating diamond necklace from an ethical lab-grown round brilliant-cut diamond. A precision 0.4mm drill hole allows a fine 9ct Gold wire ring to pass directly through the diamond itself. Once formed and sealed with heat, the delicate jump ring provides the suspension point for a fine trace chain.
The result is an exceptionally minimalist pendant design where the diamond moves naturally during wear, trembling subtly with light and motion.
Because of the delicacy of the setting, this design works especially well as a pendant rather than a ring, where everyday impacts and wear would place greater stress upon the diamond.
Using a lab-grown diamond allows us to create this design with a beautiful 4mm round brilliant-cut diamond while keeping the price below £200 GBP. We currently create this design in very limited numbers from our Isle of Wight showroom workshop.

Floating Diamond Engagement Rings

Floating diamond engagement rings create an even more dramatic effect because the diamond appears elevated above the band with minimal support.

These designs often expose much more of the diamond to light, increasing brilliance and creating a clean side profile.

Popular floating ring styles include:

• Tension-set rings
• Hidden support settings
• Open gallery settings
• Suspended solitaire designs
• Minimal claw illusion settings

Example 1. The Unity Engagement Ring

Unity floats a diamond within a tension setting. Shown here with a 1.20 carat diamond. 

The Unity is one of our most popular solitaire engagement ring styles. Held under tension, the diamond sits between the embrace of the setting. Crafted over 5 weeks, we make each Unity engagement ring individually to order. This remains one of our most sought-after diamond engagement ring styles.

The Unity diamond engagement ring is set with a round brilliant-cut solitaire diamond. Available with a choice of natural or lab-grown diamonds.

Using a precision-drilled round brilliant-cut diamond, we created a pendant where the stone hangs freely from a delicate 0.4mm 9ct Gold wire jump ring — suspended directly from a fine Yellow Gold chain.

The result is incredibly subtle:

• No bulky setting
• No claws
• No surrounding mount
• Just light, movement, and diamond brilliance

The diamond gently trembles and moves during wear, catching light continuously from every angle.

Because the setting is almost invisible, the entire focus remains on the diamond itself.

The design shown below was handcrafted in our Ryde showroom on the Isle of Wight.

Are Floating Diamond Settings Safe?

This is one of the most common questions buyers ask.

The answer depends entirely on the design.

Floating Diamond Necklaces

Floating necklaces are generally very safe because pendants experience relatively little direct impact during wear.

Drilled diamond pendants are particularly effective for everyday wear because there are very few protruding parts to catch or loosen.

Floating Diamond Rings

Floating engagement rings require much more careful engineering.

A poorly made tension ring or minimalist setting can expose the diamond to greater risk from:

• Hard knocks
• Twisting force
• Edge impact
• Pressure against hard surfaces

For this reason, floating engagement rings should always be made by experienced jewellers familiar with advanced setting techniques and structural tolerances.

Natural vs Lab-Grown Floating Diamonds

Both natural and lab-grown diamonds work beautifully within floating settings.

In fact, floating designs often suit lab-grown diamonds particularly well because:

• Larger diamond sizes become more affordable
• Minimal settings maximise visible size
• Contemporary styling complements modern lab-grown jewellery trends

Many floating necklaces use:

• Round brilliant-cut diamonds
• Oval diamonds
• Pear-shaped diamonds
• Emerald-cut diamonds

Round brilliant diamonds remain the most popular because they provide maximum sparkle from every viewing angle.

Advanced engineering, CAD design and a floating diamond pendant

One of our most recent bespoke necklace commissions—a floating diamond necklace—featured a deceptively simple setting. A D Flawless diamond is held under tension provided by a solid Platinum pendant setting to provide a unique yet contemporary design created for our returning client.

Why Floating Diamond Jewellery Looks More Brilliant

Traditional settings partially block light from entering the diamond.

Floating designs reduce visible metal around the stone, allowing:

• More light return
• Better side visibility
• Increased scintillation
• Stronger contrast patterns

The result is often a brighter-looking diamond with greater visual impact.

This is especially noticeable in:

• Smaller diamonds under 0.50cts
• High-colour diamonds
• Excellent-cut round brilliants

Floating Diamond Jewellery — Minimalism at its Best

The best floating diamond jewellery looks deceptively simple.

But behind every successful floating design lies:

• Careful engineering
• Precise proportions
• Balance
• Structural strength
• Advanced craftsmanship

When executed properly, floating diamond jewellery achieves something rare in design — technical complexity hidden behind effortless simplicity.

That is exactly why floating diamond necklaces and rings continue to grow in popularity among buyers seeking refined, contemporary jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Floating Diamonds

What is a floating diamond necklace?

A floating diamond necklace is a necklace where the diamond appears suspended with little or no visible setting, creating a minimalist and elegant appearance.

How are floating diamonds held in place?

Floating diamonds may be secured using tension settings, hidden supports, drilled diamonds, fine wire loops, or invisible-style mountings.

Are floating diamond rings secure?

Yes — when professionally engineered. Tension-set and floating rings require precise craftsmanship to ensure long-term durability.

Do floating diamond necklaces move?

Yes. Many floating diamond pendants are designed to move subtly during wear, helping the diamond catch light naturally.

Can lab-grown diamonds be used in floating settings?

Absolutely. Lab-grown diamonds are commonly used in floating necklaces and rings and work especially well in minimalist designs.

Are drilled diamonds real diamonds?

Yes. A drilled diamond is a genuine diamond with a tiny precision hole added for suspension or setting purposes.

Explore Floating Diamond Jewellery

At Serendipity Diamonds, we create bespoke floating diamond necklaces, pendants, and engagement rings from our Ryde showroom on the Isle of Wight.

Our latest floating diamond necklace design features:

• A precision-drilled round brilliant diamond
• Fine 0.4mm 9ct Gold wire suspension
• Minimalist handcrafted styling
• Natural movement and brilliance
• Handmade finishing in our showroom workshop

Whether created using advanced tension settings or deceptively simple drilled diamonds, floating jewellery remains one of the purest ways to showcase the beauty of a diamond.

The post Floating Diamond Necklaces & Rings – A Minimalist Diamond Guide. appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What Does It Mean to Engrave Names on Wedding Rings? (Quick Answer)

Engraving names onto a wedding ring is one of the most popular ways to personalise a ring. Names can be added inside or outside the band using laser engraving, hand engraving, or custom design work. Most couples choose subtle inside engraving, while others opt for visible or even handwritten designs for a more unique finish.

There’s something quietly powerful about seeing your partner’s name inside your ring — hidden from everyone else, but always there when you look.

For a full overview of options, styles, and finishes, see our guide to engraved wedding rings and personalised designs, where we explore the different techniques in more detail.

Where Are Names Usually Engraved on a Wedding Ring?

Most name engravings are placed on the inside of the band. This keeps the design discreet, personal, and protected from everyday wear.

That said, there are other options depending on the look you want:

• Inside the ring – the most traditional and popular choice
• Outside the ring – for a bold, visible statement
• Around the band – continuous text wrapping the entire ring
• Hidden details – tucked into edges or beneath settings in bespoke designs

Each approach creates a very different feel, from subtle and sentimental to expressive and distinctive.

Laser Engraving Names onto Wedding Rings

Laser engraving remains the most popular choice for modern wedding rings.

It allows for incredibly fine detail, making it ideal for:

• Names and dates
• Handwriting engraving
• Script fonts and decorative styles
• Narrow bands where space is limited

The engraving is applied with crisp, clean definition, scaled perfectly to the width of the ring. Because the process is so precise, almost any font can be used—from classic Copperplate styles through to completely personal handwriting.

Laser engraving also works beautifully across a wide range of metals, including platinum, gold, and more contemporary materials such as titanium and zirconium.

For something more unusual, lettering can also be created in raised relief, where the surrounding metal is removed, leaving the name standing proud within the design.

For most couples looking to engrave names on wedding rings, laser engraving offers the best balance of clarity and flexibility.

Hand Engraving – A More Traditional Finish

Hand engraving offers a very different character.

Rather than cutting with a laser, the engraver physically displaces the metal to form each letter. The result is slightly softer, with tiny natural variations that give the engraving a more traditional feel.

This method works particularly well for:

• Classic wedding bands
• Scrollwork and decorative detailing
• Wider rings with more surface area

Because of the way it’s done, hand engraving can be more challenging on very narrow bands. In those cases, laser engraving is usually the better option.

Designing a Ring Around a Name

For a more distinctive approach, a name doesn’t have to be engraved at all—it can be built into the design of the ring itself.

Using CAD design, names or initials can be incorporated into the ring’s structure. This works especially well for:

• Signet rings
• Statement bands
• Raised or sculpted lettering

Instead of sitting on the surface, the name becomes part of the ring’s architecture, creating something far more individual than standard engraving.

Alternatives to Name Engraving

While names are a classic choice, many couples now look for something a little more personal or symbolic.

Popular alternatives include:

• A partner’s handwritten message
• Fingerprint engraving for a completely unique mark
• A meaningful date or set of initials
• Coordinates of a special place
• A short phrase or private message

These options often feel more personal than a name alone, especially when they capture something specific to your relationship.

Many couples now choose these options instead of names, or combine them for a more personal result.

Examples of Name Engraving Styles

Engraving can be as simple or as elaborate as you choose.

Some couples opt for clean, minimal lettering inside the band, while others choose more decorative styles—such as script fonts or themed lettering inspired by films or literature.

We’ve created rings featuring names written around the band in stylised script, as well as designs with inset diamonds alongside engraved lettering for added detail.

Many of these examples begin with a simple band and are then customised to suit the wearer, depending on width, metal, and overall design.

The above pair of rings features names written around the bands with Lord of the Rings, Elvish writing, with additional inset diamonds.

Choosing the Right Engraving Style

The best engraving style depends on a few simple factors:

• Ring width – narrower bands suit fine laser engraving
• Metal type – some materials favour laser over hand engraving
• Design preference – subtle vs visible engraving
• Level of personalisation – standard text vs bespoke design

We usually guide this as part of the design process, so the engraving works perfectly with the ring from the outset. This allows the design, proportions, and engraving style to work together from the start.

Whether you choose a simple name inside the band or something more personal, like handwriting or a fingerprint, engraving turns a ring into something unmistakably yours.

Frequently asked questions about engraving names on wedding rings

The post Can You Put Names on Wedding Rings? (Ideas, Styles & Tips) appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is a Cloudy Diamond? (Quick Answer)

A cloudy diamond appears hazy or milky due to a dense concentration of microscopic inclusions inside the stone. These inclusions scatter light, reducing brilliance and making the diamond look dull, foggy, or lifeless compared to a bright, well-cut diamond.

A Quick Guide to Cloudy Diamonds

• Caused by clusters of tiny inclusions rather than a single visible flaw
• Often described as milky, sleepy, foggy, or dull
• Typically found in lower clarity grades (I1–I3)
• Can also be affected by strong fluorescence
• Usually priced 20–30% lower than brighter diamonds
• Best avoided if sparkle is a priority

Our main photograph compares two diamonds. The diamond on the left appears cloudy, dull, milky and lifeless compared to the diamond on the right. 

Internal characteristics have caused a diamond to appear hazy, unlike a regular diamond with greater sparkle.

What Makes a Diamond Look Milky or Dull?

A cloudy appearance almost always comes from the diamond’s internal structure—not the surface.

1. Dense “Cloud” Inclusions

Instead of one visible mark, thousands of microscopic inclusions group together, creating a soft, hazy effect. These inclusions disrupt how light travels through the diamond, reducing sparkle.

Unlike typical inclusions such as feathers or crystals, these clouds:

Create an overall foggy or oily look

Are often evenly dispersed

May not be visible individually

2. Reduced Light Performance

A diamond’s beauty depends on how it handles light. In cloudy diamonds:

• Light becomes scattered and diffused
• Brilliance and fire are significantly reduced
• The stone can appear flat or lifeless, even if well cut

This is why some diamonds look “fine on paper” but disappointing in real life.

3. Strong Fluorescence

Fluorescence can sometimes contribute to a milky appearance.

• Medium to strong fluorescence may cause a hazy look in daylight
• Most noticeable in direct sunlight or UV-rich lighting
• Can reduce the value in otherwise good-quality diamonds

That said, fluorescence isn’t always negative—it can improve the face-up colour of slightly yellow diamonds.

Where do cloudy diamonds originate?

Not really.

While many cloudy diamonds are cut in India, this reflects the scale of cutting operations rather than origin. The rough diamond itself can come from anywhere—Africa, Canada, Russia, or Australia.

Cloudy Diamonds and Clarity Grades

Cloudiness is most commonly found in lower clarity grades:

• I1–I3 clarity diamonds are most at risk
• Some SI diamonds may also appear slightly hazy
• Lab reports may mention “clouds not shown” — a subtle warning sign

A key point:
A diamond can appear eye-clean but still look cloudy due to internal haze.

In many cases, the inclusions are not concentrated in one visible flaw. Instead, they are evenly dispersed throughout the stone. This creates a milky effect that reduces brilliance without obvious marks.

Rather than seeing a single inclusion, light is diffused as it passes through thousands of microscopic particles—resulting in a hazy, lifeless appearance.

Although these diamonds may appear clear at first glance, they lack the brightness and sparkle of higher clarity stones.

Diamond fluorescence and cloudy diamonds.

Some diamonds fluoresce under UV light. Reviewing your diamond certificate, fluorescence will typically be described as nil, very slight, slight, medium, or strong. Diamonds graded with strong fluorescence may appear milky, especially in strong sunlight. UV light causes many such diamonds to glow.

Is fluorescence in diamonds good or bad?

Jewellers do not generally consider fluorescence to be inherently good or bad. However, strong fluorescence can sometimes cause a hazy appearance in strong sunlight. For this reason, many highly fluorescent diamonds fetch lower prices and rarely accompany high-quality diamonds.

Strong fluorescence (and the reduced value in a diamond).

Strong or very strong fluorescence in white diamonds sometimes results in a milky hue. Many buyers first notice this effect when wearing their new engagement ring in bright sunlight.

When does fluorescence add value to a diamond?

Tinted diamonds appearing slightly yellow sometimes benefit from a lift in whiteness as a direct result of fluorescence. UV light reflected back from tinted diamonds results in a whiter appearance.

As a result, diamonds appear whiter than their specified colour grade. This effect appears when viewing a diamond from above. In contrast, viewed from the side, we see the diamond’s true colour.

‘Smoked’ diamond – oxidation of a diamond’s surface

Occasionally, an oily film can appear on the surface of a diamond ring and be difficult to remove. This film can make the diamond look milky or foggy.

Moreover, the greasy film cannot be wiped away. The effect often follows a noticeable change in the diamond’s appearance from bright and clear to cloudy.

One of the reasons for this change results from a ‘smoked’ effect caused by extreme temperature. As a result, the diamond surface oxidises, leaving an unsightly mark on the stone.

The only remedy for this will be to re-polish the diamond’s surface with the expertise of a diamond polisher.

It’s always best to unset diamonds before melting down the setting. At very high temperatures, a diamond’s surface oxidises resulting in a dull coated appearance. 

How much do cloudy diamonds cost?

Milky diamonds frequently sell at a very competitive price compared to bright, clear diamonds. For this reason, we recommend talking to an expert before making your purchase.

Part of our work involved photographing certified diamonds for clients through our diamond concierge service.

We also provide microscopic imagery and 365-degree videos in many instances where clients cannot visit to inspect diamonds in person. Expect to pay around 20% to 30% less for a milky or cloudy diamond.

Depending on the degree of haziness in a diamond, prices will vary for any given diamond size. Keep in mind that colour and cut also contribute, along with clarity. Some buyers forgive a small degree of haziness in their diamond. In fact, many buyers never notice a reduction in brilliance because they do not have another diamond to compare it to.

As a result, we recommend buyers view a selection of different diamonds to compare different degrees of brilliance. We prepare a selection of suitable diamonds for any client who pre-arranges an appointment to view diamonds.

Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Get Cloudy?

No—lab-grown diamonds do not become cloudy over time.

However:

• They can be manufactured with cloud inclusions (just like natural diamonds)
• Poor-quality lab diamonds may still appear hazy

The key difference:

Cloudiness is present from the start, not something that develops

How to Avoid a Cloudy Diamond (Expert Advice)

When choosing a diamond:

• View the diamond in natural daylight
• Compare multiple stones side-by-side
• Check for notes like “cloudy” or “milky” on grading reports
• Ask for high-resolution images or videos
• Work with a jeweller who can hand-select diamonds

At Serendipity Diamonds, we regularly present clients with carefully selected diamonds for direct comparison. Brilliance is something you need to see—not just read about. That’s why we present diamonds side-by-side, so the difference is immediately clear

Better Alternatives to Cloudy Diamonds (Quick Answer)

If you want maximum sparkle:

• Choose VS or SI clarity diamonds with good light performance
• Consider high-quality lab-grown diamonds for better value
• Prioritise cut quality over size

Consider searching for high-clarity lab-grown diamonds to find affordably priced alternatives to a cloudy diamond.

Each diamond is carefully selected for brightness, clarity, and overall light performance.

Are Cloudy Diamonds Bad? (Quick Answer)

Cloudy diamonds are not technically “bad,” but they are generally less desirable because they lack brilliance and sparkle.

They may suit buyers looking for:

• A lower price
• A larger diamond for the same budget

However, for engagement rings and centre stones, most buyers prefer brighter diamonds with better light performance.

Final Thought

A diamond should catch the light—and your attention.

While cloudy diamonds offer a lower price point, they often lack the brilliance most people expect. In many cases, choosing a slightly smaller, brighter diamond delivers far greater impact.

Related Guides

• I2 Diamond Clarity – How Good is I2 Clarity for Diamonds
• How to Read Your Certified GIA Diamond Grading Report
• A Quick Guide to Fancy Diamond Shapes
• What Does a 375 Gold Stamp Mean? (9ct Gold Hallmark Guide)

The post Cloudy Diamonds – Milky, Foggy, Dull and Lifeless Diamonds appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

If you’ve noticed a “375” stamp inside a ring or piece of jewellery, this guide explains exactly what it means, how it compares to other gold purities, and how to check if it’s genuine.

What Does 375 Mean on Gold? (Quick Answer)

A 375 gold stamp means the item is made from 9-carat gold, containing 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% alloy metals. It is the most common gold purity used in UK jewellery thanks to its strength, durability, and affordability.

Design from our showroom pre-loved jewellery designs available to view on our Isle-of-Wight jewellery website.

Understanding the 375 Gold Mark

The number 375 refers to the proportion of pure gold within the metal.

• 375 = 37.5% pure gold
• The remaining 62.5% is made up of strengthening alloys
• Equivalent to 9ct gold (9 parts gold out of 24)

This alloying process creates a more durable, scratch-resistant metal, ideal for everyday jewellery such as rings, chains, and bracelets. White gold versions are often rhodium-plated to enhance colour and surface finish, though this plating can wear over time.

How 375 Gold Compares to Other Gold Purities

Understanding how 375 compares helps buyers make better decisions:

• 375 (9ct gold) – Durable, affordable, lower gold content
• 585 (14ct gold) – Popular worldwide, higher gold content
• 750 (18ct gold) – Richer colour, higher value (see our guide to 750 gold stamps)
• 916 (22ct gold) – Very high gold content (learn more about 916 gold jewellery)

You’ll typically find 375 gold used across the UK, while higher purities are more common in premium or international jewellery markets.

Is a 375 Gold Stamp Trustworthy?

A 375 stamp is usually reliable—but context matters.

• UK hallmarked jewellery includes:
  • A fineness mark (375)
  • An Assay Office symbol (e.g., an anchor for Birmingham)
  • A sponsor’s mark (maker’s initials)
• Some items may only show:
  • “9ct”, “9k”, or “375” without a full hallmark

While this doesn’t automatically mean the item is fake, it’s important to be cautious.

Why caution matters:

• Simple stamps can be replicated
• Non-gold items are sometimes falsely marked
• Older or imported pieces may lack full UK hallmarking

Always buy from a reputable jeweller or have items professionally tested if unsure.

Common Hallmark Symbols Found with 375 Gold

A full UK hallmark often includes additional symbols alongside the 375 stamp:

• Anchor – Birmingham Assay Office
• Leopard’s Head – London
• Rose – Sheffield
• Castle – Edinburgh

The chart below shows the main UK assay office symbols alongside common gold purity marks such as 375, 585, 750 and 916.

You may also see:

• Sponsor’s mark – Identifies the maker (e.g. initials)
• Date letter – Indicates the year of hallmarking

These marks provide traceability and authenticity, making UK hallmarked jewellery some of the most trusted in the world.

Additional marks to denote 375 gold

Other giveaway marks often feature within 9ct gold jewellery. Such marks typically appear within the hallmark. For example, a crown represents gold.

Does 375 Gold Tarnish or Fade?

375 gold does not tarnish in the same way as base metals, but it can dull slightly over time due to the higher proportion of alloy metals. Regular cleaning and polishing will restore its shine, and white gold may require occasional re-plating with rhodium.

Why 375 Gold Is So Popular in the UK

375 gold remains a staple for several reasons:

• Strength – More resistant to wear than higher carat gold
• Affordability – Lower gold content keeps prices accessible
• Versatility – Ideal for everyday rings and jewellery

For many buyers, it offers the perfect balance between practicality and value.

Antique and Vintage 375 Gold Jewellery

Older pieces may look slightly different:

• Some feature “9ct” stamps only
• Others use traditional or worn hallmarks
• Certain antique pieces may lack modern markings entirely

In these cases, jewellers can:

• Perform acid testing
• Use XRF analysis
• Assess wear patterns and craftsmanship

Expert Insight from Serendipity Diamonds

At Serendipity Diamonds, we handle both modern and vintage gold jewellery daily, including 375, 750, 916 gold and higher purities.

From pre-owned signet rings to bespoke commissions, we regularly examine hallmarks to confirm authenticity, origin, and metal content—ensuring every piece meets expected standards.

Quick Buying Advice

• Look for a full UK hallmark where possible
• Be cautious of lightweight items with bold claims
• Compare weight vs price—gold value should feel realistic
• When in doubt, ask for professional verification

If you’re unsure about a hallmark, we’re always happy to examine jewellery in our showroom or advise online.

Frequently Asked Questions About 375 Gold

• A Quick Guide to Fancy Diamond Shapes
• 9ct Yellow Gold Wire Frame Heart Pendant
• What is the Fairtrade Gold Stamp? Buying Ethical Gold Jewellery
• Diamond Earrings with Hallmarks
• Diamond of the First Water – Origin Meaning and Significance

The post What Does a 375 Gold Stamp Mean? (9ct Gold Hallmark Guide) appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is an I1 clarity diamond? (Quick Answer)

An I1 clarity diamond has visible inclusions to the naked eye, but can still offer good sparkle depending on its position. It is one of the lower-clarity grades on the GIA scale and is typically chosen for its affordability.

A brief overview of I1 diamonds

• They have visible inclusions without magnification
• They are lower priced than SI or VS diamonds
• Best in brilliant cuts (Round, Princess)
• Avoid central or surface-reaching inclusions

What does I1 mean?

I1 clarity simply means “Included to the 1st degree” and describes the clarity of a diamond with small inclusions visible to the naked eye.

For many buyers, I1 clarity diamonds offer an affordable alternative to higher-clarity diamonds, particularly for buyers prioritising size over clarity.

Learn more about clarity grades before buying an engagement ring.

Where can you buy an I1 clarity diamond? (Quick Answer)

I1 clarity diamonds are widely available from online marketplaces such as Etsy and eBay, as well as from specialist diamond retailers and jewellery websites. However, at Serendipity Diamonds, we recommend carefully selecting I1 diamonds or considering higher-clarity alternatives, as visible inclusions can affect both appearance and durability.

View Real I1 Diamonds (Natural & Lab-Grown)

Seeing real examples is the best way to judge whether an I1 diamond is right for you.
You can explore currently available diamonds using our live search tool, including both natural and lab-grown diamond options with full certificate details and rotating videos.

Tip:
Start by filtering for Round Brilliant diamonds with I1 clarity, then compare how inclusion visibility changes across different stones.

Should You Buy an I1 Clarity Diamond?

An I1 clarity diamond can be a smart choice—but only when selected carefully. The visibility and position of inclusions make all the difference between a great-value diamond and one that looks dull or flawed. During appointments in the Serendipity Diamonds showroom, we often guide clients towards carefully selected I1 diamonds, where inclusions are positioned discreetly, often towards the edge of the stone.

Want to see how these differences look in real diamonds? Try filtering I1 diamonds by shape in our search tool to compare visibility across cuts.

Choose an I1 Diamond If:

You’re prioritising size over clarity
I1 diamonds cost significantly less than higher clarity grades. This often allows you to choose a larger diamond for the same budget—something many buyers value more than microscopic perfection.

You select a brilliant-cut shape (like Round or Princess)
Brilliant-cut diamonds are designed to maximise sparkle. Their faceting helps scatter light and disguise inclusions, making them far more forgiving at lower clarity grades.

The inclusion sits near the edge of the diamond
Inclusions positioned towards the outer edge are less noticeable—especially once set. A jeweller can often place a claw (prong) over the inclusion to help conceal it.

Avoid an I1 Diamond If:

The inclusion reaches the surface
Surface-reaching inclusions (like feathers or cavities) can weaken the diamond. This increases the risk of chipping—especially during setting or everyday wear.

You’re choosing a step-cut diamond (Emerald or Baguette)
Step-cut diamonds have large, open facets that act like windows into the stone. Unlike brilliant cuts, they do not disguise inclusions—meaning flaws are far more obvious.

The inclusion is in the centre (table area)
Inclusions in the middle of the diamond are the most visible. They can appear as dark spots or clouds and are difficult to hide, even with a clever setting.

Where does I1 clarity fall on the clarity scale?

I1 clarity diamonds fall nine places below the highest clarity grade possible for a diamond. According to the presence or concentration of clarity characteristics within a diamond, the GIA diamond clarity system ranks diamonds. Many jewellers refer to these characteristics as inclusions. For this reason, I1 represents “Included 1.”

Lower-clarity diamonds fall into either I2 clarity or I3 diamond clarity, the latter of which represents the lowest official clarity grade possible for a diamond.

There are 11 clarity grades in the GIA system of diamond grading. They are Flawless, Internally Flawless, two categories of Very Slightly Included, two categories of Slightly Included, and three categories of Included. A clarity characteristic of the clarity grade is based on its size, number, position, nature, and colour or relief.

For more information, visit the GIA website.

Examples of I1 diamonds

We grade diamonds using a 10x loupe. As a result, I1 clarity stones reveal noticeable inclusions. In fact, inclusions appear visible even to the naked eye. However, they rarely diminish a diamond’s brightness. In contrast, I3 diamonds interfere with light passing through a diamond. As a result, I3 diamonds appear less sparkly and bright.

Example taken from our online diamond search tool available for natural and lab-grown diamonds.

Example of an I1 clarity diamond. A small white feather and other clarity characteristics appear within the southwest position of the image.

Video examples showing I1 across different fancy cuts

In the following video, we put together 4 different diamond shapes to better illustrate the visibility of inclusions for this clarity grade. Note how certain shapes, such as the Emerald cut, fail to hide inclusions—especially when positioned in the middle of the diamond.

I1 vs SI2 vs I2 Diamonds

A comparison of SI2, I1 and I2 clarity diamonds.

• SI2 – Often eye-clean, better brilliance, higher price
• I1 – Visible inclusions, good value if well chosen
• I2 – Heavily included, often affects sparkle and durability

Best diamond shapes for lower-clarity diamonds

I1 clarity lends itself well to round brilliant-cut diamonds. Alternatively, they suit princess-cut diamonds. Owing to brilliant faceting, inclusions often appear disguised by facets. In contrast, Emerald or Baguette-cut diamonds can be less forgiving due to their step-faceting.

What are the benefits of I1-graded diamonds?

There are two main benefits of buying an I1 diamond. Firstly, cost. I1-graded diamonds command lower prices than higher-clarity grades. Secondly, the presence of clarity characteristics acts as a blueprint for your diamond. As a result, knowing the position of each inclusion makes your diamond instantly recognisable.

We suggest buyers choose a “sensibly included” diamond. By this, we refer to a strategic inclusion located discreetly around the edge of the stone. Setters often attempt to hide such inclusions beneath a claw or prong. However, we advise caution if an inclusion breaks the surface. In this instance, the diamond can chip during the setting process.

Can you get I1 lab-grown diamonds?

Is it possible to get an I1 clarity lab-grown diamond? The answer is yes. Just like natural diamonds, lab-grown diamonds are lab-created in most clarities, including VVS clarity, SI1, SI2, I1, I2 and I3 clarities. In the same way as other clarity grades, prices fall significantly lower than the equivalent natural diamonds.

A Better Alternative to I1 Diamonds

For a similar budget, many buyers now consider high-clarity lab-grown diamonds, offering better brilliance and fewer visible inclusions.

Final thoughts

An I1 clarity diamond can offer excellent value when chosen carefully. Focus on inclusion placement, diamond shape, and overall appearance rather than clarity grade alone.

Frequently Asked Questions About I1 Clarity

What is an I1 clarity diamond?

An I1 clarity diamond contains inclusions visible to the naked eye. It sits within the “Included” category of the GIA clarity scale and is typically chosen for its lower price compared to higher clarity grades.

Are I1 diamonds eye-clean?

Most I1 diamonds are not eye-clean. Inclusions are usually visible without magnification, although some may appear less noticeable depending on their size and position.

Do I1 clarity diamonds sparkle?

Yes, I1 diamonds can still sparkle. However, brilliance may be reduced if inclusions interfere with the way light passes through the diamond.

Is I1 clarity good for an engagement ring?

I1 clarity can be suitable for an engagement ring if the diamond is carefully chosen. Brilliant-cut shapes like round or princess cuts can help disguise inclusions better than step-cut shapes.

What is the difference between I1 and SI2 clarity?

SI2 diamonds often have inclusions that are difficult to see with the naked eye, while I1 diamonds have visible inclusions. As a result, SI2 diamonds typically appear cleaner but cost more.

Is I1 better than I2 or I3 clarity?

Yes, I1 is a higher clarity grade than both I2 and I3. I2 and I3 diamonds usually have more obvious inclusions that can affect both appearance and durability.

Are I1 diamonds good value?

I1 diamonds can offer good value if inclusions are positioned discreetly. Buyers often choose I1 diamonds to maximise carat weight within a limited budget.

Can you get I1 lab-grown diamonds?

Yes. I1 lab-grown diamonds are available. However, many buyers choose higher clarity lab-grown diamonds, as they are often more affordable than natural diamonds of the same grade.

Where should inclusions be in an I1 diamond?

The best I1 diamonds have inclusions positioned near the edge of the stone, where they are less visible and can sometimes be hidden by the setting.

Which diamond shape is best for I1 clarity?

Round brilliant and princess-cut diamonds are usually the best choices for I1 clarity. Their faceting helps to disguise inclusions better than step-cut shapes like emerald or baguette.

Can I compare I1 diamonds before buying?

Yes. Viewing real diamonds is the best way to assess inclusion visibility. Using a diamond search tool allows you to compare different stones by clarity, shape, and price before making a decision.

The post I1 Clarity Diamonds – What Does I1 Mean in Diamond Grading? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

916 Gold and the 916 Hallmark in Jewellery

Gold jewellery features a hallmark to denote the purity, usually 9ct or 18 carat Gold. For example, 375 and 750 appear frequently in our jewellery commissions. On occasion, we have Gold jewellery hallmarked 916. The appearance of 916 Gold sometimes causes confusion.

Just like some other unusual gold purities (such as Gold stamped 800) the markings for 22 carat Gold are less well known.

What is 916 Gold?

(Quick Answer)
916 gold is 22 carat gold, meaning it contains 91.6% pure gold and 8.4% alloy metals. It is commonly used in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Asian jewellery, valued for its rich yellow colour and high gold content.

Gold stamped with 916 denotes 22 carat Gold. Compared to 18ct Gold (75% pure Gold – stamped 750) 22ct Gold contains 91.6% pure Gold. A higher Gold content results in an intense golden-yellow, rich colouration. As a result, 22ct Gold makes a popular choice for Indian jewellery buyers. By comparison, the lighter colour of 18ct Yellow Gold makes a popular choice in the UK.

A comparison of popular gold types

View pre-owned jewellery designs, in our cherished collection, including a selection of 22 carat gold rings.

Which is better – 18ct Gold or 22ct Gold

Although very durable, 18ct Gold offers a less malleable and more suitable for setting diamonds. Most jewellery in the UK is created in 18ct Gold or 9ct Gold. The internal hallmark ensures the item has been tested at the Assay Office for fineness. As a result, buyers have reassurance that the metal description is accurate. Any precious metal can feature a simple stamp. For example, many Platinum items include PLT 950 and PT950 in addition to a legitimate hallmark. Any such stamps signify the purity of the metal as we have already noted.

How heavy is 22ct Gold?

22ct Yellow Gold is approximately 1.15 times heavier than 18ct Gold. Visit our precious metal weight conversion chart for more help on converting precious metal weight.

The following video shows one of our heavyweight pre-loved gold chains in 22ct Gold.

Does 22ct gold tarnish?

Put simply, pure gold does not tarnish. Although all golds and precious metals will change colour and dull down over time, a simple professional clean and refinish will bring back its brightness and shine. Because of its fineness, gold can be easily worked with and reshaped if required.

The difference between 999ct gold and 916ct

In comparison, 999ct (24-carat) gold is the highest quality of fineness. 100% fine gold is very tricky to achieve due to the compromise in purity and it’s softness. As a result is not recommended for daily wear e.g engagement rings, wedding rings, bracelets.

Gold Hallmarks

Determining the Value of a 22-Carat Gold Wedding Ring?

If you need to know how much a 22-carat gold wedding ring is worth, here’s how. Use this straightforward process. Begin by weighing the wedding ring to ascertain its gram weight. Next, refer to a reputable bullion website to find the current scrap metal value for 22-carat gold. Finally, calculate the ring’s value by multiplying its gram weight by the prevailing scrap metal price.

How old is your ring? Hallmarks and Gold Date Stamps

An interesting feature of some older jewellery items is a gold date stamp, which is no longer compulsory for UK hallmarks. For example, I photographed one of our pre-owned wedding rings to show the gold date stamp inside the ring. This denotes the year the hallmark applied to the ring. We cross reference the letter against a list of gold date stamps to determine the year. In this instance, the year 1960 appears represented by the letter “L” applied in a specific letter style.

The post 916 Gold – What Does the 916 Hallmark Mean on Jewellery? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

April Birthstone: Diamond (Quick Guide)

• Birthstone for April: Diamond
• Meaning: Strength, love, clarity, and endurance
• Hardness: 10 on the Mohs scale (hardest natural material)
• Origin: Formed deep within the Earth over billions of years
• Colour Range: Colourless (D–Z) and fancy colours (yellow, pink, blue, black)
• Modern Alternative: Lab-grown diamonds and moissanite
• Zodiac Sign: Aries

April’s birthstone is diamond — a naturally occurring gemstone formed from carbon and recognised as the hardest material on Earth, symbolising love, strength, and eternity.

At Serendipity Diamonds, we work with natural and lab-grown diamonds daily across bespoke and ready-made jewellery, giving us first-hand insight into their durability, grading, and long-term wear.

What Is The Birthstone For April? 

Diamond is the recognised birthstone for April and one of the most widely known gemstones in the world.

To be honest, diamond is our favourite birthstone for the year—but understandably, we are a touch biased!

Diamond comes from the Greek word Adamas, meaning invincible. It is a gemstone of everlasting love, favoured for engagement rings.

A diamond is the strongest gemstone. In addition, diamond is thought to bring strength with mystical healing powers associated with this most precious gemstone. Buyers regard diamonds as the most durable, hard-wearing of all gemstones. Diamond is the hardest substance on Earth.

However, April’s modern birthstone shouldn’t be confused with Zodiac signs and differing systems between the UK and the US. For example, some Aries signs list Bloodstone as the birthstone. Instead, we provide guidance from a list of traditional birthstones.

Check out our brand new natural or lab-grown diamond search tool

Remember to select either natural or lab-grown diamonds, white or fancy coloured before using the filters.

Diamond is widely regarded as the hardest natural material on Earth and remains the most enduring symbol of love in jewellery.

Frequently Asked Questions About April’s Birthstone

The History And Origin Of Diamond 

Diamonds formed almost 250 km beneath the Earth’s mantle, as long ago as 3.5 billion years.

Ancient cultures in India discovered the April birthstone. Diamonds gathered from the country’s rivers and streams were traded as early as the fourth century BCE; moreover, royalty and the social elite coveted diamonds for their beauty and value.

Merchant caravans traded for Indian diamonds, along with other exotic merchandise. As a result, their trade routes reached the medieval markets of Venice. By the 1400s, diamonds became fashionable accessories for Europe’s elite and ruling classes. 

Archduke Maximilian of Austria gave his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy, the first diamond engagement ring on record in 1477.

Evidence pinpoints the origin of the legendary 45.52 carats (ct) blue Hope diamond to India’s Golconda mining area. King Louis XIV of France purchased the diamond (known as the French Blue diamond at the time) in 1668.

Today, diamonds originate from all over the World, including South Africa, Australia, Botswana, and Canada.

The Meaning Of April’s Diamond Birthstone

Diamond signifies strength, endurance and healing. In addition, a diamond magnifies the wearer’s emotions—mirroring their emotional state.

Diamond enhances the positive and the negative to bring the wearer strength, fortitude, and courage. It can drive away bad energy and fortune and bestow invincible powers on its wearer.

The diamond is believed to have a powerful effect on emotions, amplifying and reflecting the wearer’s emotional state. It is associated with providing strength and courage while driving away any negative energy or luck. Ultimately, the diamond is thought to have an emotionally healing quality.

Most importantly, diamond birthstones bring good luck to the fortunate wearer.

April Birthstone Necklaces

The hardness of a diamond lends itself well to jewellery. For long-term wear and endurance, diamond offers the highest level of durability of any material.

Regarding April birthstone gifts, a diamond necklace is the perfect choice, from classic diamond solitaire pendants to clustered necklace designs.  

At the most affordable level, silver is set with a tiny diamond. In contrast, a luxurious single-stone diamond glistens on the chest for all to see. Regarding custom designs, some feature added engraving space—for example, the engravable round and heart disc necklace designs.

Our personalised necklaces feature a brilliant white diamond flush set onto the disc. With the additional option to add a personalised message for a Birthday. Add a date, message, fingerprint, or any other engraving you can imagine. Most importantly, our custom design service includes all artwork and support.

Fancy Shaped Diamonds

In addition to our engraved necklaces, we have a range of other jewellery designs perfect for an April birthday. These include rings, earrings, and necklaces set with fancy-shaped diamonds.

Many other styles exist besides the round brilliant-cut diamond shape. Alternative popular fancy shapes include Princess cuts and Emerald cuts, as well as Oval cuts, Heart-shapes, Pear shapes, and emerald-cut diamonds.

Our photograph shows the incredible Emerald-cut pendant. Simple facets of the step-cut add contrast to the sparkle of diamonds on the bail.

Alternative Gemstones To A Natural Diamond

Many clients look for an affordable alternative to natural diamonds. With April and its birthstone, the diamond, in mind, lab-grown diamonds are affordable while staying within the April birthstone theme.

Lab-grown Diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds cost half the price of natural diamonds. Moreover, we set lab-created diamonds into any of our jewellery designs.

In appearance and physical composition, lab-created diamonds look identical to natural diamonds. In fact, natural and lab-created versions look similar. Furthermore, they provide the same high-quality gemstone, traditionally set into engagement rings with identical physical properties, including hardness.

Just like natural diamonds, polishers cut lab-grown rough diamonds into all carat weights, colours, and clarities. Lapidaries cut lab diamonds into various shapes in the same way as natural diamonds.

Above all, under magnification, our lab-grown diamonds are identified by a unique laser inscription. Applied to the outer girdle, the certificate number and reference appear. Buyers can view a current list of man-made diamonds on our dedicated lab-grown diamonds page.

Moissanite

Many sources quote ‘crystal’ for April’s birthstone, tailored to buyers with a smaller budget. For this reason, we introduced Moissanite as a further alternative to diamond.

The lower cost and ethical standards of Moissanite make this an attractive choice for consumers.

If Diamonds come from Carbon, then Moissanite comes from Silicon. Both offer near-identical properties (though differing in chemical composition) and incredible sparkle and fire.

April Birthstone Earrings

Swarovski Crystal creates a perfect birthstone gift, set into 9ct White Gold. These earrings also create a more durable finish in white gold. Above all, they put on an impressive display of diamonds. These earrings are available online here or in our Ryde Showroom. 

With a range of diamond earring designs to select from, including studs, drop or fancy shape options. Moreover, our diamond earrings are now available with a 60-day return policy. We send each pair out with a hygiene seal attached.   

Lab-Grown April Birthstone Earrings

In addition to mined diamond earrings and crystal studs, our brand-new Lab-grown stud earrings are ethical and affordable. Each pair of earrings is individually crafted in your chosen precious metal with your chosen diamond size

. Our suggested design features four simple claws in a modern setting, allowing light to pass through each diamond. We hand-select each lab-grown diamond to create the perfect pair, graded F colour and VS2 clarity to ensure each diamond has the whiteness, clarity, and brilliance to stand apart.

Coloured Diamonds

Diamonds are available in a range of colours. Differing from the regular whiteness scale that we have available, D-J. You can also find diamonds in a fancy yellow colour. Above all, creating a unique alternative for a Birthstone gift.

Pink diamonds

We get asked about pink diamonds daily. Although they can be sourced, the price range for a single pink diamond starts at 10,000.00. The demand and lustre for pink diamonds are incredible. This is why we always suggest going for our diamond-cut Pink Sapphires—giving the same look for nowhere near the same cost!

Black diamonds

Clients rarely think of black-coloured diamonds. In fact, they offer an alternative to white, colourless diamonds. Black diamonds create a unique look when set alongside brilliant white diamonds.

Coloured Lab Grown

Therefore, in addition to mined-coloured diamonds, lab-grown options are gaining in demand. This simple detail allows for achieving an intense shade for a fraction of the cost compared to mined-coloured options.
They are available in a range of diamond colours and shapes that may not necessarily be readily available in mined equivalents.

Bespoke jewellery made with birthstones 

Many past clients requested the addition of their loved ones’ birthstones to new and existing jewellery, such as placing a small diamond in their wedding ring.

Precious gemstones alternate wonderfully with white diamonds to add colour and contrast. For example, Sapphire Eternity rings incorporate both the April birthstone and the September birthstone. Blue sapphires represent September and are available in a wide range of shades, including blue, blue-black, light-blue, and blue-green.

Precision set side by side. Learn more about Birthstone Eternity rings. 

Therefore, with a fully bespoke option available, any design can be created fully set with Birthstone variations. Our example of Bespoke 18 – Set with over 0.85cts of certified diamonds. Arranged between four different gemstones, including Aquamarine, Peridot, Tanzanite and Amethyst. In conclusion, our client wanted to use these gemstones to represent her husband’s birthstone and children. 

Caring for your diamond

Diamonds attract grease and dirt. They lose their sparkle when natural oils, dust and dirt adhere to the surface. The underside of a diamond attracts dirt and grease due to contact with the skin.

We recommend professional cleaning. At the same time, occasional routine checks. We offer Diamond Dazzle Stiks to purchase.

Within the stick, a special polymer fills tiny scratches. Dazzlestiks clean diamonds, precious stones, platinum and gold jewellery settings.

Diamond remains the most iconic of all birthstones, combining unmatched durability with timeless symbolism—making it the definitive gemstone for April.

• April Birthstone Eternity Rings | Celebrating April with Diamonds
• Wedding Superstitions and Myths – Wedding Traditions
• Engagement Rings with a Diamond Band
• Natural Diamonds, Lab-Grown Diamonds, Coloured Gemstone & Moissanite
• Magnificent Jewels Auction | New York – April 17th 2013

Serendipity Diamonds is a member of the National Association of Jewellers.

The post April Birthstone: Diamond Meaning, History & Jewellery Guide appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Buying a wedding ring when you have skinny fingers and big knuckles.

People with skinny fingers and big knuckles often find buying a wedding ring tricky. And many struggle to find the expert help needed to make the right choice.

As a result, some buyers with big knuckles choose a large wedding ring that easily slides over their knuckles.

Unfortunately, once over the knuckle, the wedding ring feels loose and does not fit properly. In contrast, a smaller wedding ring inflames the knuckle.

Repeatedly trying on different options only makes things worse.

Large knuckles and skinny fingers can make it very difficult when buying a wedding ring

Why do some people have skinny fingers and big knuckles?

Some clients have naturally larger knuckles than others. One client referred to her fingers as strings with big knots! Sadly, some people suffer a large knuckle due to a finger injury.

In our recent video from the Serendipity Diamonds showroom, we tried to provide as much help and guidance as possible regarding engagement ring and wedding ring fit.

A broken knuckle often remains larger than the rest. Getting a ring to fit properly can be tricky at the best of times.

Make sure you have the correct finger for your wedding ring

In the UK, Wedding rings typically sit on the left hand. The wedding ring is placed on the third finger (next to your smallest finger) In addition, the wedding ring typically goes on first, ahead of the engagement ring.

Why not use our perfect size service as part of your wedding ring purchase?

Many buyers struggle to select the correct finger size for their rings. For this reason, we developed the perfect size service to enable clients to find the correct size—at home or during their visit to our showroom.

Find out more about the perfect size service, and remember to watch our explanatory video above.

Choosing an alternative finger for your wedding ring

A simple solution that few people think of involves wearing your wedding ring. On the other hand. If your wedding ring finger on the left hand was broken, consider wearing the wedding ring on your opposite hand. In this situation, comfort becomes more important than tradition.

Deciding on the best ring size to fit over a slightly enlarged knuckle

With a little hand cream applied to the finger, choose a wedding ring size that feels slightly tight over the knuckle. Once over the knuckle, it may feel a little loose, but it will be secure on the finger without the risk of falling off.

Wedding Rings for Broken, Swollen or Arthritic Knuckles

Special circumstances require different solutions. If your knuckle is large owing to Arthritis or from a past injury, we have other suggestions.

One solution involves soldering small bars or pips onto the inside of a slightly larger wedding band. The additional pips grip the finger once over the knuckle. This method often requires modification to get the pip size just right.

Sizing Beads: Trial and Error

Small pips or sizing beads work well. That is to say, they improve the fit. Additionally, rings fitted with sizing beads go over arthritic knuckles. However, there is a certain amount of trial and error. Sizing beads are not an exact science. With this in mind, chat with your jeweller to better understand the cost and the process involved.

Best wedding ring profiles for big knuckles

We recommend a pronounced court shape on the inside of your wedding ring. The court shape features a rounded surface. This glides over the knuckle easier than a flat interior surface. Ask us about suitable styles with a court or comfort fit.

A slim band with a comfort fit fits more easily onto a finger with a larger knuckle. Design shows ‘Faith’ with a matching diamond wedding ring. 

Does width affect the fit of a wedding ring?

Wider wedding bands fit tighter on the finger. A slim band in the same finger size lies against less flesh. As a result, a slim wedding ring feels looser. Finger flesh bunches around a slim finger. In contrast, a wide band forces skin under the ring. Factor in a sharp or flat edge with a wide band, and the fit can be uncomfortably tight.

If you choose a wide wedding ring, make sure it has a comfort fit, which glides onto the finger more easily. 

Hinged engagement rings and wedding rings

Another option is to adapt a ring with a hinge and catch. Rather than going over the knuckle, it fits around the finger and locks. Several companies are offering this service, such as Cliq jewellery in the USA.

Wedding rings with a split band.

Not necessarily on account of swollen knuckles, but influenced by design, we sometimes craft wedding rings with a split band. This solution may be suitable for a client with an enlarged knuckle.

Showing the split band wedding ring, fitted to the ‘flow’ engagement ring by bespoke design. 

Preparing to put your wedding ring on during the wedding ceremony

Before your wedding, apply a small amount of hand cream to the ring finger ahead of the ceremony. This will moisturise the finger and allow the ring to glide onto the hand far more easily than without.

Ring clips,  ring snuggies and temporary solutions to make a ring tighter

There are several different temporary solutions for making rings tighter. Ring Snuggies offer a flexible plastic wrap around the band.

We don’t recommend metal ring clips. Hard metal ring clips often scratch precious metal when removed or when fitted. Some Ring Snuggies feature a plastic spiral fitting—a clever design to pack out the underside of the band without damaging the ring.

Is your wedding ring too big?

Should you consider making your wedding ring smaller? Is your wedding ring too big? Many of our clients experience issues when their wedding ring is too big. Don’t put up with a big wedding ring. To prevent losing the ring, arrange to have it resized. A ring too big requires some special attention. Speak to your jeweller about keeping the hallmark. If the hallmark cannot be kept, discuss re-hallmarking the ring. By the same token, don’t forget to mention any engravings within the band.

Your best first step if you have big knuckles and slim fingers

We recommend a conversation before making any decision. Ideally, we recommend that clients visit us. During an in-depth appointment, we discuss your personal situation and make sensible suggestions. Many of our clients have large knuckles, and we work hard to provide the best solution for the best-fitting wedding ring.

What to do if your wedding ring had to be cut off

In recent months, some of our new clients, unfortunately, had wedding rings cut off their hands. The wedding rings could not be removed due to swollen hands or accidents. As a result, they had to be cut. For this reason, we added further help to our original article.

If your ring has to be cut off, ask the person cutting the ring to be sympathetic. Explain the ring will need to be repaired.

If your ring cannot be repaired, it can be remade. We regularly remake original wedding rings, working to the same design. The commission below shows the original ring alongside the new ring. We can even use your original gold, adding more metal where necessary.

View our current promotions running at Serendipity Diamonds

The post Skinny Fingers and Big Knuckles – Is Your Wedding Ring Too Big? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

The meaning of “750” stamped onto jewellery

If you’re uncertain about the significance of the number 750 in your gold ring, this blog post will certainly help unravel any mystery.

What Does 750 Mean on Gold? (Quick Answer)

A 750 stamp on gold jewellery means the item is 18 carat gold, containing 75% pure gold and 25% alloy metals such as copper and silver.

Most pieces of jewellery in the UK feature a “Hallmark.” A hallmark consists of markings to denote the purity of the precious metal. Typically, such markings include symbols and numbers to identify where the item was hallmarked and the content of the metal.

The 750 stamp on the inside of any ring usually indicates 750 parts of pure Gold, per 1000 parts. In other words, the item is 75% pure Gold. This purity is more commonly referred to as 18-carat gold.

The next closest purity with a slightly higher Gold content sometimes appears as 800 Gold stamped—an indicator of 19.2 carat purity.

Our Experience with 750 Gold Jewellery

At Serendipity Diamonds, 18ct gold (750) is one of our most commonly used metals for bespoke jewellery. It provides an ideal balance of durability and colour, particularly for engagement rings and diamond-set designs intended for everyday wear. However, when it comes to the white version (18ct White Gold) we advise clients to consider Platinum. Both Platinum and 18ct Yellow Gold are naturally coloured, whereas 18ct White Gold receives a Rhodium plating in the final stages of finishing.

Why is 750 Gold Called 18 Carat?

But why is 75% pure Gold referred to as 18-carat Gold? 18-carat gold is called so because it represents the proportion of pure gold in the alloy based on a scale of 24 parts. In this context, the term “carat” originates from the ancient practice of using carob seeds as counterweights on balance scales. 24 carats signify pure gold, so 18-carat gold contains 18 parts pure gold and 6 parts other metals, such as copper or silver. This ratio of 18/24, or 75%, strikes a balance between durability and the distinctive lustre of gold, making it a popular choice for crafting jewellery and luxury items.

Why Choose 750 (18ct) Gold?

18ct gold is one of the most popular choices for fine jewellery because it offers:

• A strong balance between purity and durability
• A rich, warm gold colour
• Excellent suitability for diamond and gemstone settings

For this reason, 18ct gold is widely used for engagement rings and wedding jewellery in the UK.

The purity of 750 Gold items compared to other purities of Gold

How “yellow” is 18-carat Gold compared to other purities of Gold?

The yellow colour of 18-carat gold stands out as a harmonious blend of pure gold’s radiant warmth and the alloy metals, typically copper and silver, that are added to enhance durability. Compared to 24-carat gold, which is the purest form with no alloy, 18-carat gold appears slightly less intense in its yellow hue. The higher gold content in 18-carat gold, when contrasted with 9-carat gold, imparts a richer and more pronounced yellow tone. On the other hand, in comparison to 14-carat gold, 18-carat gold tends to exhibit a subtler and more refined yellow colour, as the latter contains a higher percentage of pure gold. The choice between these gold purities ultimately depends on personal preferences for colour intensity and the desired balance between purity and durability in jewellery design. On the far end of the scale 22-carat gold (see our post on 916 stamped gold) and pure 24-carat gold offer buyers a darker, richer gold colour popular for Indian jewellery.

What other metal alloys go into 18-carat Gold?

All Gold with the 750 stamp includes 25% “other metals” to provide benefits to the finished jewellery item.

In the following chart, a typical breakdown of the content in 18-carat gold reveals the addition of both Copper (15%) and Silver (10%) typical for jewellery in the UK.

Does the 750 Gold stamp apply to white Gold?

A 750 stamp can appear on all gold colours including white gold, rose gold and yellow gold. As we have discussed in more detail elsewhere, white gold includes other metals such as silver and a hard, white, Rhodium plating to whiten finished items. However, its purity or fineness remains 750 parts per 1000 and includes the 750 stamp in the same way as yellow, or rose gold varieties.

How Much is 750 Gold Worth?

The value of 750 gold changes daily based on the live gold price.

As a rough guide:

• If pure gold (24ct) is £60 per gram
• Then 18ct gold is worth approximately £45 per gram

Quick calculation:

Weight (grams) × live 18ct gold price = approximate value

Jewellery may be worth more depending on design, brand, and condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About 750 Gold

The post What is the Significance of a 750 Stamp Inside Your Gold Ring? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is the Birthstone For March?

Aquamarine is the birthstone for March, a variety of the gemstone Beryl. Aquamarine means “Sea water,” a gem associated with the ocean. 

Inspired by calm waters and the Ocean

Owing to both the colour and the translation, a strong association exists between Aquamarine and the Ocean. As a result, many of our designs capture the beauty of both—paired into the design.

For example, the design below takes inspiration from the sea—the Octopus, or Kraken ring is shown with a deep-blue Sapphire, fitted with an Octopus wedding ring set with Aquamarines.

Collectors prized this Aquamarine crystal since ancient times. In addition, it makes an affordable and fascinating choice for any item of Aquamarine jewellery.

Twist engagement ring set with an Aquamarine.

History, Origins and Cultural Significance

Aquamarine, with its name rooted in the Latin words “aqua” meaning ‘water’ and “marina” meaning ‘of the sea,’ holds a profound historical and cultural significance. This captivating gemstone transcends time, finding its place in the annals of ancient civilisations. From the Egyptians fashioning protective amulets to the Romans venerating it as sacred to Neptune, the God of the sea, Aquamarine’s allure permeated through the ages.

In the Middle Ages, Greeks and Romans used aqua gemstones to be ornamental and sacred, symbolising a connection to the divine powers governing the oceans. As Aquamarine graced the jewellery of medieval societies, it became more than a gemstone; it became a symbol of purity, fidelity, and the calming influence of the sea.

Today, the legacy endures, and Aquamarine is a testament to its enduring history, weaving a narrative of reverence and mysticism across civilisations.

Valuable examples originate from Brazil. Other locations include Australia, Kenya and Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Russia.

A comparison to other gemstones

This beautiful gemstone pairs well with other gems, including blue, purple, transparent, white, and green. The following chart compares a few popular gems suitably paired with Aqua. At the same time, the chart considers hardness and durability based on the Mohs scale of hardness.

Is Aquamarine lucky?

Sailors believed Aquamarine gemstones had a calming effect on the ocean. When confronted with the dangers of the sea, many sailors welcomed any good-luck symbol available. This beautiful gemstone carries with it luck and good fortune for many sea travellers for this reason. 

Health and Healing Gemstones

Aquamarine symbolises youth and the spirit of hope. Many people associate this beautiful gem with healing properties, faithfulness and lasting love. 

Moreover, many carry this crystalline gemstone to cure ailments and promote good health. For example, it is used for healing conditions of the liver, jaws, throat, stomach, and toothaches.

Romantic properties of Aquamarine

This incredible gemstone brought happiness to a marriage. Aquamarine’s connection to love and Romance makes it an ideal choice for jewellery.

Clarity of thought

Aquamarine evokes purity connected with crystal-clear waters and the feeling of relaxation associated with the sea. It is said to calm, soothe and cleanse— to inspire truth and trust and promote clarity of thought.

Loose Emerald-cut Aquamarines photographed for client. 

Blues, hues and varieties of Aquamarine

Aquamarines vary in colour. Many shades of blue exist, depending on the gemstone’s hue and tone. 

Variations range from light blue to dark blue or even dark green colour with overtones of blue. Most gemstones exhibit a blue-to-blue-green colour. 

“The best gems combine high clarity with limpid transparency and blue to slightly greenish blue hues.” (GIA).

In conclusion, the most valuable Aqua possesses a medium tone, vivid and blue in hue.

9-carat Aquamarine ready to be set into a bespoke solitaire diamond ring setting. 

Santa Maria Aquamarine

Santa Maria Aquamarines feature the highest intensity of colour. They are rich in blue and originate from Brazil. A genuine Santa Maria Aqua has a colour nearing the depth of Blue Topaz. 

Many buyers value this unusual gemstone in its naturally occurring deep blue colours. 

Also, Santa Maria varieties typically fetch higher prices owing to their rarity and prized colour.

Pale blue Aquamarine stones

Pale blue varieties are generally more affordable than equivalent stones of a deeper colour. For example, light blue shades come from Brazil, Nigeria, Madagascar, Zambia, Pakistan and Mozambique. Owing to large crystal formations typical of beryl, Aquamarines can be sourced in large gemstone sizes.

Aquamarine gems – a perfect gemstone for all special occasions

Anyone born in March has a fantastic opportunity to create a unique and affordable piece of jewellery. The birthstone for March comes in most sizes, gemstone cuts and various hues. Regularly, we create individual pieces of jewellery as part of our customised jewellery design service

Colourless Aqua

In addition to many colour variations in natural aquamarines. Aquas exist without an absence of colour. Bright white gemstones exist and serve as cheaper alternatives to diamonds. 

For this reason, some favour aquamarines that have received heat treatment to achieve a particular shade. Although our Aquas are supplied as natural gemstones, treated gemstones can be available on request. 

9-carat Aquamarine set into an 18ct White Gold setting—bespoke design from our bespoke jewellery collection, reminiscent of the Kirsty Allsopp inspired cocktail ring. 

Aquamarine is a perfect choice for special occasions in March, such as birthdays, anniversaries, and Mother’s Day. Many buyers favour Aquamarine owing to its cost.

Compared to diamonds, this gemstone is far more affordable in large sizes. Furthermore, diamond-cut varieties of this gemstone can be sourced.
For most buyers, the most affordable option provides a pale blue gemstone cut in various shapes.

Bespoke Aquamarine Platinum ring

For instance, the sizeable Emerald-cut gemstone ring above went into a bespoke solitaire ring commission. Our client received a wide choice of different sizes. We presented several options to view during a showroom appointment in Ryde.
Other clients living further afield benefit from our photographic service. We regularly send colour-balanced photos of gemstones, along with short video clips.
Working remotely, we guide, inform and arrange new jewellery by phone and email using photography as an ideal tool.

Bespoke Design 

A client approached us and specifically requested a bespoke engagement ring set with a central Aqua in a particular shade. From conversations with our client, we sourced three stones in different hues of blue and quality. 

Our client benefited from photography and a video of the gemstone. Above all, I am confident in the selection of an 8mm sky-blue stone weighing 1.54 carats. 

Is Aquamarine a durable gemstone for jewellery?

Aquamarines possess a ‘good’ toughness for jewellery in general. This popular gemstone suits rings, earrings, and pendants. 

Like many gemstones, this gemstone can chip. But consider the hardest gem, the diamond. Even diamond chips and breaks with sufficient force. 

Wedding Day uses a blue gemstone.

One of our unique pendants perfectly complements one of the most popular wedding-day traditions. The concept of finding something blue makes it a perfect choice, added to a necklace for the big day. (Read more about the Something-Blue pendant).

The ‘Something Blue’ aquamarine and diamond pendant is engraved on the reverse of the necklace. 

Diamonds are the perfect companion gemstone for Aquamarine rings.

Diamonds are a great choice for a setting with an Aquamarine. We choose the whitest possible colour grade for each stone to contrast with the gemstone’s cool blue. For example, D to F-coloured diamonds provide a perfect whiteness grade. We created the ring below through our bespoke design service, alternating aquamarine with lab-grown diamonds.

Similarly, we set Aquamarines with diamonds in White Gold or Platinum. Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings often feature round or fancy-shaped stones held between diamond shoulders. At the same time, it makes an excellent choice for a halo diamond engagement ring. This gemstone looks very similar to the colour of a high-quality ice-blue diamond.

Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond engagement rings

Three-stone Aquamarine and diamond rings make a popular choice for engagement. For example, two bright, white diamonds add contrast on either side of the cool blue colour. In addition, the larger centre stone provides a less expensive alternative to a diamond.

3-stone Aquamarine and diamond ring crafted by bespoke design.

Alternative birthstones for March

Bloodstone is very different when it comes to appearance. However, it shares a similar reputation for protecting well-being.

The aquamarine birthstone evokes the colours of the sea. Its hues vary from deep green-blue to light, slightly greenish-blue hues. In fact, faceted aquamarines are often transparent, without inclusions, and as clear as water, symbolising the purity of spirit and soul.

In conclusion, the bloodstone birthstone is typically a dark-green cabochon that contains red spots of iron oxide. The “blood” brings health and strength to the wearer. Read on to learn more about these two March birthstones – what they mean and where they can be found.

The post Aquamarine – The March Birthstone Guide to Jewellery appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is a GIA laser inscription?

Diamonds accompanied by GIA Diamond Dossiers® typically feature a micro-laser inscription on the edge of the diamond. This certificate number appears in microscopic digits on the side of the diamond.

The diamond laser inscription identifies the diamond and connects it to a unique diamond grading report, also known as a diamond certificate.

The GIA report number appears microscopically engraved on the outer girdle of the diamond. The laser inscription gives buyers a unique way of linking their GIA report to the diamond itself.

Buyers use an online report check to enter this number on GIA’s website to receive an electronic copy of the original diamond grading report.

As part of the Serendipity Diamonds online search, buyers can view the GIA report as a PDF for any particular diamond in their search results.

Our new diamond search with digital GIA certificates

Where to find the girdle of a diamond

The girdle of your diamond runs around the outer edge between the upper crown facets and the lower pavilion facets.

This thin outer edge separates the upper part of the diamond from the lower section. The polished, faceted or bruited (matt) girdle includes the number applied microscopically. 

But why would anyone need a GIA laser inscription on their diamond? In simple terms, the inscription gives the consumer greater confidence when purchasing a diamond.

Many retailers use this as a further selling point. Not all laboratories laser mark diamonds in this way. GIA records the stone under this number in their online archive. 

The GIA inscription is invisible to the naked eye and difficult to see under 10x magnification. Very few buyers see this number owing to the tiny size of the digits. From experience, buyers who purchase without consultation are likely unaware of the inscription’s presence.

BRAND NEW SERVICE!! We now offer the option to have customised wording laser-engraved on the girdle of your diamond using a precision laser beam. Please inquire for more information on this bespoke service. Please note this service is only available on diamonds sourced via Serendipity Diamonds. 

Before choosing the ring design, we can provide any GIA-certified diamond housed within a ring clip and presented in the same way as an engagement ring. 

How to buy a setting for your GIA-inscribed diamond.

For private buyers or jewellers who already own their own GIA diamond, we create finished ring mounts based on any of our designs. Watch our short video explaining our finished-ring-mounts service.

Why is the GIA laser inscription useful?

Diamond merchants, jewellery retailers, and manufacturers handle a large volume of certified diamonds weighing less than 1 carat.

Retailers often source selections of similar diamonds to show clients during a visit. These diamonds often vary so slightly that they appear identical to the inexperienced eye.

Similar-looking diamonds are easily mixed up and require a system for checking them back into their parcels. For example, imagine the confusion of showing a client three near-identical diamonds—all identical in size and clarity, with just one colour difference.

As a result, small diamonds matched to their certificate numbers correctly identify each diamond by its inscription. Retailers must check diamonds back into parcels.

The problem with GIA laser inscriptions

We have already discussed the microscopic scale of the laser inscription. Tiny numbers pose a problem for many people who don’t have the knack or trained eye while using a 10x loupe.

Manufacturers, retailers and consumers need to be able to view their inscriptions, but the size makes this an arduous task. The inscription size needs to be microscopic to fit discreetly on the girdle and to ensure the diamond’s beauty is unaffected.

What is the best magnification to view a diamond inscription?

Based on the magnification of the viewer we sell (see below), the magnification is 20x. It will always take a little time to set up to view the inscription, but provided the number is not too faint, it should be visible at this magnification. For most people, a standard diamond loupe (10x) will struggle to provide enough magnification to read the full number.

Useful tools for viewing the GIA laser inscription

If you want to make viewing more manageable, we recommend the Laser inscription viewer. This handy well-constructed device works with a diamond held within a ring mount or ring clip. An adjustable magnifying glass rests at the end of an arm, which glides effortlessly around the diamond’s outer edge, allowing the user to scan for the GIA inscription.

Once found, adjust the lens for a clear view of the GIA number. It will take the user a little time to become acquainted with the viewer, but using this instrument will make the inscription easier to read.

As a bonus, the viewer includes a hearts-and-arrows viewer for loose diamonds concealed within the scope’s body. (Shown here alongside the inscription viewer.)

Advice for purchasing with a GIA laser inscription

If you buy a GIA-certified, laser-inscribed diamond, consider the following information.

1. In-store – ensure that your retailer has a viewer so that you can see this critical feature of the diamond. Many buyers do not require this level of detail, but some clients enjoy the reassurance of seeing their inscription.

2. If you decide upon a GIA-certified diamond engagement ring with a laser inscription, speak to your jeweller about positioning the diamond so that the number remains visible when the diamond goes into the ring. Most diamond rings feature claws or settings that obscure the inscription on the edge of the diamond.

Finally, if you are looking for a specific GIA-certified diamond, we offer an extensive catalogue on our website as part of our loose diamond service. Some even feature traceability back to the mine of origin. (See our GIA CanadaMark range or contact us about traceable diamonds or for help sourcing the perfect stone.)

Other types of serial numbers on certified diamonds

GIA inscriptions are not the only numbers found on a diamond. Additional serial numbers accompany different types of diamonds. At Serendipity, we specialise in being able to supply diamonds that are traceable back to the very mine from where they originated.

All the Canadamark diamonds available via Serendipity Diamonds include GIA certification, proof of origin and a Canadamark card with a note of the rough and polished diamond weights.

CanadaMark Inscriptions on diamonds

The following image shows the “Canadamark” serial number on the diamond from rough to polished. Look closely, and you can also see the GIA number reflected from the opposite girdle.

Contact us if you want us to source a diamond with traceability back to the mine of origin. Please note that our CanadaMark diamonds include the laser-inscribed GIA and CanadaMark numbers.

Please ask us about fully traceable CanadaMark diamonds available at Serendipity Diamonds.

Inscriptions on Lab-grown diamonds

Lab-grown diamonds and natural diamonds look identical, even to a trained eye. For this reason, human-made diamonds feature a laser inscription on the stone. Viewed through our inscription reader, the diamond certificate number and reference to lab-grown appear on the edge of the stone.

Further reading

Don’t forget to read our detailed article explaining how to read your GIA diamond grading report.

The post How to Read the GIA Laser Inscription on Your Diamond appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is a European shank engagement ring?

A Euroshank engagement ring features a subtly squared or flattened base of the band, rather than a fully round profile. This intelligent design improves balance and stability, helping the ring sit upright on the finger and reducing unwanted rotation. It is especially effective for engagement rings with larger or top-heavy centre stones.

Core Characteristics

Design Approach: Integrated into the band, not an external attachment

Profile: Round on top for comfort and aesthetics, gently squared or flattened at the base

Purpose: Minimises spinning and keeps the centre stone facing upward

Key Advantages of the European shank style

• Improves stability for rings with large or elevated stones
• Keeps the engagement ring visually aligned and upright
• Enhances comfort without bulky additions
• Offers a refined, contemporary alternative to sizing beads

Sketch of a bespoke Tiffany-style Euroshank diamond engagement ring created at Serendipity Diamonds.

The band’s flat surface prevents the ring from spinning on the finger. This is a common issue with traditional shank rings. The euro Shank is typically seen in contemporary designs but can also be incorporated into more traditional styles.

Ideal Use Cases

• Engagement rings with heavier centre stones
• Fingers where the knuckle is wider than the base
• Wearers frustrated by constant ring rotation
• Designs requiring long-term comfort and balance

Benefits of a square bottom engagement ring

One of the primary benefits of a European shank engagement ring is comfort. The band’s flat surface prevents the ring from twisting on the finger, reducing discomfort and irritation. The raised edge or rim provides extra support. At the same time, it prevents the ring from sliding around the finger. As a result, the risk of the ring catching on clothing or other objects is reduced. Moreover, the squared-off shape of the euro shank band adds a unique, modern look to the engagement ring.

In our opinion, the squared effect adds a contemporary look and feel to traditional engagement ring designs. For this reason, it is an ideal choice for those seeking a unique piece of jewellery.

Adding durability with a contemporary shank ring

Another advantage of this band style is its durability. The extra metal used to create the raised edge or rim on the euro shank band increases the ring’s durability. The added metal creates a stronger, more secure band. As a result, it can withstand daily wear and tear, making it a long-lasting choice for an engagement ring.

Additionally, the band’s flat surface helps keep the diamond in place. For this reason, the band is less likely to spin around the finger. This added security ensures that the diamond remains in place, reducing the risk of it falling out or becoming damaged.

Practical Considerations

• Slightly increases metal weight and craftsmanship time
• Requires precise sizing for optimal comfort
• Can be adapted to both modern and classic ring styles

Disadvantages of the European band are worth consideration

However, Euro Shank engagement rings have some downsides. Sizing may be an issue, as the euro shank is a modified version of the traditional shank. This can make it challenging to size correctly, particularly if the ring is custom-made or has a unique design.

It is important to have the ring professionally sized to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Moreover, the increased thickness and weight of the raised edge or rim can increase the cost of the engagement ring.

Furthermore, most of our European shank engagement ring styles take form through our bespoke design service. As a result, most rings custom-made this way command a premium over standard ring styles.

Additionally, the euro shank design is less widely available than traditional shank designs. For this reason, fewer styles exist from which to choose. For this reason, as noted above, we provide such designs through our bespoke engagement ring service.

Square shanks offer a unique and modern design while providing added comfort and durability for the wearer.

The raised edge or rim on the band provides additional support. In addition, it helps to keep the diamond in place, ensuring the ring remains secure and comfortable to wear.

While there are some downsides to squared band engagement rings, such as sizing and cost, they remain a popular choice. For anyone looking for a modern take on the traditional ring, this unique feature applies to many ring styles.

Euro Shank Square Wedding Rings

We created a shaped Euro shank square wedding ring as part of the bespoke ring set. In fact, the accompanying band was a square wedding band styled to fit perfectly with the engagement ring.

We created both rings using CAD, working to our clients’ requirements to achieve the perfect pair.

Further help with bespoke jewellery designs.

Please get in touch with us for help with any bespoke jewellery designs on the Serendipity Diamonds blog or website. Our friendly team works from our website and Ryde showroom to assist Monday to Saturday. Contact us by phone, email or message us through the website.

The post Euroshank Engagement Rings and Wedding Rings Explained appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

An asymmetrical wedding ring is a wedding band designed with deliberate imbalance—where the shape, detailing, or stone placement differs from side to side—creating a modern, artistic look that breaks from traditional symmetry while remaining intentional and harmonious.

Many sources refer to ‘asymmetry’ as an intentional imbalance in design, as expressed by artists such as Hiroshige and Mondrian.

Why should you choose an asymmetric ring design?

Some couples choose an asymmetrical wedding ring to complement an asymmetrical engagement ring with an irregular or sculptural design.

When an engagement ring has an offset centre stone, organic curves, or a flowing silhouette, a traditional straight band can feel disconnected.

Created in Rose and White Gold, this asymmetric diamond wedding ring complements the style, theme and contours of the black diamond engagement ring.

An asymmetric wedding ring shapes and contours to echo and complement those details, allowing the two rings to sit together naturally as a cohesive, intentional set rather than as separate elements.

Other buyers favour the asymmetric wedding rings as a quiet statement of individuality. By breaking away from uniform lines and predictable symmetry, the design introduces a subtle sense of character and movement—perfect for those who value creativity and personal expression over convention.

As a result, the wedding band feels distinctive and meaningful, reflecting a relationship that is unique rather than one defined by tradition alone.

Asymmetrical diamond settings

Many of our bespoke jewellery designs break away from symmetry by the placement of diamonds. For example, the addition of small diamonds offset or adjacent to the main setting. An example below positions diamonds on one side of the wedding ring rather than centrally.

The Tickled Pink engagement ring appears with a bespoke wedding ring. The wedding ring featured asymmetry achieved by adding diamonds to one side of the band.

What makes asymmetry beautiful in jewellery?

There exists a certain design philosophy behind asymmetry. In fact, imbalance often feels more organic, fluid, and natural, echoing forms found in nature such as waves, vines, and coastlines.

The symbolism of imbalance

A lack of symmetry can symbolise individuality, growth, balance within difference, and relationships that don’t follow a conventional path. For the last decade, unconventional wedding rings have accounted for almost half of our wedding ring commissions, where couples break from tradition and norm.

How are organic wedding ring styles created?

We create many of our organic wedding ring styles by CAD design. Our workshop design team express flair and imagination. At the same time, we keep our client’s brief in mind and incorporate any material preferences discussed into the design. CAD design enables concepts to evolve graphically. Once modelled, we can 3D print a physical ring model before the final band is crafted.

In many instances, we 3D scan the original engagement ring. This ensures the organic, flowing design fits seamlessly with the engagement ring’s contours.

The post Asymmetrical Wedding Rings – Organic and Uniquely Styled appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Garnet is January’s birthstone, a deep, rich red gemstone celebrated for its dark red colour, transparency, and inexpensive appeal.

Most sources of this gemstone are sedimentary rocks with high aluminium content, such as shale. To explain, the rock metamorphoses under high heat and pressure, forming. 

Garnets throughout time

A colourful history spanning cultures and civilisations. Its name derives from the Latin “granatus,” meaning “grain” or “seed,” reflecting its resemblance to pomegranate seeds. The earliest traces of garnet can be found in ancient Egyptian jewellery dating back over 5,000 years, where it was cherished not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its supposed protective properties.

The Romans, too, were captivated by the deep red hues of garnet, considering it a symbol of love and passion. During the Middle Ages, it gained popularity among clergy members who believed it offered spiritual guidance and protection. The gemstone’s prominence rose during the Renaissance, adorning the regalia of European monarchs and nobility.

Transitioning into the 18th and 19th centuries, garnet experienced a resurgence in popularity, with Bohemian garnet jewellery becoming highly sought after. In the Victorian era, the gemstone was often exchanged as a token of affection and featured prominently in sentimental jewellery. As the 20th century began, garnet maintained its allure, with new varieties such as the vibrant green Tsavorite garnet discovered in East Africa.

Today, garnet remains a beloved gemstone, cherished for its diverse range of colours, including red, green, orange, and even rare blue hues. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless beauty and the captivating narrative woven into the tapestry of human history. Whether set in a vintage heirloom or a contemporary design, garnet remains a gemstone that transcends time, captivating the hearts of those who appreciate both its aesthetic and historical significance.

Shapes, colours and sizes

Available in many different colours. For example, green, red, yellow and orange. In addition, these birthstone gemstones occur in many shapes and sizes.

Our example below features our limited-edition gemstones, available from our Ryde showroom or online shop. 

Alternative to Ruby

Garnet makes an excellent alternative to Ruby. In particular, when you consider the cost difference. Similarly, most jewellers include gem-quality Garnet in their gemstone birthstone selections.

Is it hardwearing?

Garnet is fairly hardwearing, measuring 6.5 – 7.5 on the Mohs Scale. Therefore, it is a popular choice for birthstone rings, as well as for many other types of jewellery. In fact, jewellers favour this gemstone, which debuts in the month of January. Furthermore, it makes a perfect introduction for the Valentine’s Day season. 

Many sources suggest that this gemstone is sensitive to heat. Therefore, we recommend care during jewellery making where high temperatures are used.

Types of Garnet

This gemstone varies considerably in its chemical composition and crystal structure. In fact, a wide variety exists, as outlined below and summarised in the table below.

Hydrogrossular: Bluish-green Garnet with far less transparency.

Pyrope Spessartine: Chrome pyrope garnet is a perfect alternative to Ruby, prized for its deep red tones. Spessartine: Orange variety, most prized for its Mandarin orange colour.

Uvarovite: Rare, dark, rich green, usually in small sizes and compared by many to Emerald.

Almandine Garnet: The most common gemstone in the Garnet family—available in many colours. The blend of almandine and pyrope forms the deep-red variety most people associate with this popular gemstone. 

Andradite: One of the rarest varieties of Garnet. Some suggest this type of gemstone has even more fire than a diamond. Green demantoid is highly valued amongst collectors.

Grossular: Available in many colours. This type suits jewellery with bright and vivid colours with the exception of blue.

The Spessartite-Grossular-Pyrope colour-change Garnet can change colour from light blue-green to purple under different fluorescent light sources. In addition, daylight causes the colour to appear light red to purple-red.

Gemologists and gemstone dealers further categorise wide varieties into subdivisions depending on their colour. For example, demantoid is a vivid green variety of andradite that collectors highly coveted.

Tsavorite and Hessonite are types of grossular. Tsavorites are green, while Hessonite ranges from orange to orangish-red to brown-red. Rhodolite is a purplish-red version of the gemstone. 

January Birthstone Engagement Ring

Garnet can make an ideal gemstone for an engagement ring. In particular, it is favoured over Ruby as a less-expensive alternative. Furthermore, it contrasts very well when used as a centre stone with April’s birthstone – diamond.

Most of our ring designs can be set with this intense birthstone instead of a diamond. In addition, this gemstone adds full contrast when set alongside brilliant white diamonds. As displayed here in our Sienna engagement ring.

Bespoke garnet ring designs

As part of our work at Serendipity Diamonds, we are fortunate to create many incredible jewellery commissions for clients. We completed a commission for a returning local client for a January birthstone ring. The ring featured a 1.30-carat deep-red garnet, set within a vintage halo of natural diamonds, and was crafted in 950 Platinum.

Necklace designs

The garnet and diamond halo necklace has been introduced to our showroom-ready collection. At the heart of the pendant, a 4.87-carat red garnet provides intense, vibrant colour, surrounded by 1.08 carats of 100% ethical lab-grown diamonds.

The necklace was crafted in 9-carat white gold and included an 18-inch trace chain suspended from an articulated loop.  Contact our team to re-create this bespoke halo necklace.

Nouveau

Available from our ready-to-wear collection, the Nouveau necklace is set with two teardrop garnet gemstones and crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold. It makes the perfect January birthstone gift.

Garnet Mines

The following mines are famous for Garnets, along with a range of gemstones.

1. Roxbury Mines (Connecticut, USA):
   • Operating since the late 19th century, these Connecticut mines have a rich history of producing garnets and attract collectors and enthusiasts.
2. Bohemian Mines (Czech Republic):
   • Renowned for centuries, these mines in the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic have been a historical source of the deep red garnets popular in Victorian jewellery.
3. Umba Valley Mines (Tanzania):
   • Located in the Umba Valley, these mines in Tanzania produce almandine and rhodolite garnets known for their vibrant colours.
4. Tsavo National Park (Kenya):
   • The birthplace of Tsavorite, a green garnet variety discovered in the 1960s, these mines in Kenya have added a new dimension to the gemstone industry.
5. Rajasthan Mines (India):
   • Mines in Rajasthan, India, contribute to the country’s rich gemstone heritage, producing various types of garnets.

Caring For Garnet Jewellery

To maintain its brilliance, avoid exposing garnet to harsh chemicals or extreme temperatures. Clean gently with a mild soap and lukewarm water, and pat dry with a soft cloth. Store separately from other gemstones to prevent scratches, and remove jewellery during strenuous activities. By following these simple care tips, you ensure that your jewellery continues to shine through the ages, a testament to both its historical significance and enduring beauty.

The post Garnet – January’s Birthstone and the Beauty of the Red Gemstone appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Bold cocktail rings feature large, visually dominant gemstones with confident proportions and architectural cuts. At Serendipity Diamonds, bespoke emerald-cut aquamarine and citrine rings showcase bold design, refined craftsmanship and individuality, offering statement jewellery and alternative engagement ring styles inspired by modern cocktail ring aesthetics.

Interest in large gemstone rings has grown steadily in recent years as more people move away from convention and towards expressive, design-led jewellery. Public figures such as Kirsty Allsopp have helped reinforce this shift, often favouring substantial gemstone rings with character over delicate minimal designs. Her recognisable style has renewed appreciation for bespoke cocktail rings that balance colour, proportion and craftsmanship.

At Serendipity Diamonds, our bespoke design service allows clients to explore this aesthetic in its purest form. We design each ring around the gemstone itself, ensuring the scale, balance and setting work together seamlessly. From emerald-cut aquamarines to richly coloured citrines, every piece reflects careful design and confident craftsmanship.

This guide explores what defines a bold cocktail ring, why emerald-cut gemstones perform so well at scale, and showcases a growing collection of bespoke designs created in our workshop.

What defines a Cocktail Ring?

The statement cocktail ring places the gemstone at the centre stage. Unlike traditional engagement rings, which often prioritise symbolism and subtle sparkle, cocktail rings focus on impact and individuality.

A bold cocktail ring typically features:

• A large central gemstone with a strong visual presence
• Architectural cuts, often emerald cut or step cut
• Confident proportions that favour scale over delicacy
• A design led by self-expression rather than convention

While cocktail rings traditionally appeared on the right hand, modern jewellery choices no longer follow strict rules. Many clients now choose bold gemstone rings as alternative engagement rings, anniversary pieces or everyday statement designs. Rings as alternative engagement rings, anniversary pieces, or statement designs worn daily.

Allsopp and the Gstaad Ring

Among Kirsty Allsopp’s own jewellery references is the so-called Gstaad ring—a term she has used to describe a bold, elegant gemstone ring worn with nonchalant confidence rather than for formal occasions alone. Named after the understated Swiss resort favoured by artists and aesthetes, the Gstaad ring sits at the intersection of relaxed luxury and expressive design. It embodies the modern statement cocktail ring: generous in scale, centred on a striking cut gemstone, and chosen for character rather than convention. These rings are designed to be noticed yet worn effortlessly—pieces that elevate everyday dressing while remaining personal, distinctive, and quietly self-assured.

Why Emerald-Cut Gemstones Suit Statement Rings

Emerald-cut gemstones work exceptionally well in bold cocktail ring designs. Their long, clean step facets create a calm, reflective surface that highlights colour and clarity rather than brilliance alone.

This cut offers several advantages when working with larger gemstones:

• Elegant growth with size, maintaining balance at higher carat weights
• Strong colour emphasis, ideal for aquamarine and citrine
• Architectural clarity, which suits bespoke, design-led settings
• Timeless appeal, avoiding short-lived trends

When paired with platinum or 18ct white gold, emerald-cut gemstones deliver strength, refinement and lasting presence.

Featured Bespoke Cocktail Rings by Serendipity Diamonds

The following rings showcase a selection of bespoke cocktail ring designs created through our workshop. Each ring is unique, designed around the individual gemstone and the client’s vision. We will continue to expand this section as new designs take shape.

9-Carat Emerald-Cut Aquamarine Solitaire in 18ct White Gold

This striking solitaire ring centres on a 9-carat emerald-cut aquamarine, chosen for its exceptional clarity and soft blue tone. The design places full emphasis on the gemstone, allowing its size and colour to define the ring. Aquamarine is the birthstone for March and makes a popular choice for birthday celebrations.

We set the aquamarine in 18ct white gold, which complements the stone’s cool tones while providing strength and durability. The clean solitaire setting keeps the emerald cut as the clear focal point, creating a ring that feels architectural, confident and timeless.

This design suits those who value bold statement jewellery with refined restraint — a cocktail ring that relies on proportion rather than ornament.

Emerald-Cut Aquamarine with Tapering Diamond Shoulders

This bespoke design pairs an emerald-cut aquamarine with tapering diamond shoulders, adding structure and subtle brilliance without competing with the centre stone.

The diamonds draw the eye to the aquamarine and enhance the emerald cut’s length. This framing effect creates balance and elegance while preserving the gemstone’s dominance.

The result bridges classic design and statement style, offering a cocktail ring that transitions effortlessly from special occasions to everyday wear.

12.5-Carat Emerald-Cut Citrine Ring with Aquamarines and Diamonds in Platinum

This exceptional ring features a 12.5-carat emerald-cut citrine as its centrepiece. Citrine represents one of the birthstones for November. Citrine is prized for its warm, golden, Marmalade-like colour. Furthermore, it contrasts beautifully with aquamarines and diamonds, creating depth and visual harmony.

Citrine, Aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring crafted through the bespoke jewellery design service at Serendipity Diamonds.

We crafted the setting in platinum, providing strength, weight and a neutral backdrop that allows the gemstone colours to stand out. At this scale, proportion becomes critical. Every element works together to ensure the ring feels deliberate, balanced and confident.

This piece exemplifies bespoke cocktail ring design at its boldest — celebrating colour, craftsmanship and scale without compromise.

Choosing the Right Gemstone for a Cocktail Ring

The success of a cocktail ring depends on more than size alone. Colour, cut and durability all play vital roles in how the ring looks and wears.

Two gemstones that perform particularly well in bold designs include:

• Aquamarine, valued for clarity, soft blue tones and excellent performance in larger sizes
• Citrine, prized for warmth, visual impact and its ability to scale beautifully

Other gemstones, such as emerald, tourmaline, kunzite, and spinel, can also work exceptionally well, depending on the desired look and how the ring will be worn.

The Bespoke Cocktail Ring Design Process

Every bespoke cocktail ring begins with a detailed conversation. We focus on how the ring will be worn, the desired impact level, and which gemstone best suits that vision.

Our process typically includes:

• An initial design consultation
• Careful gemstone sourcing
• Design development with close attention to proportion
• Craftsmanship using platinum or precious gold alloys
• Final fitting and refinement

This approach ensures even the boldest designs remain comfortable, balanced and wearable.

Can a Cocktail Ring Be an Engagement Ring?

Many clients now choose bold gemstone rings as alternatives to traditional engagement rings. Emerald-cut aquamarines and other coloured gemstones offer individuality, presence and personal meaning without following convention.

A cocktail ring worn as an engagement ring reflects confidence and self-expression — values that resonate strongly with modern couples seeking something distinctive.

A Growing Collection of Bold Gemstone Rings

This guide will continue to evolve as new bespoke cocktail rings emerge from our workshop. Each new design adds to a growing body of work that celebrates large gemstones, architectural cuts and confident design.

If you are considering a bespoke cocktail ring — whether as a statement piece, an engagement ring or a personal milestone — our team would be delighted to guide you through the design process.

The post Bold Cocktail Rings: Kirsty Allsopp–Inspired Designs with Large Gemstones appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is a Dec Birthstone?

A Dec birthstone, is the gemstone associated with the birth month of December. December has three amazing birthstones, which include Tanzanite, Turquoise and Zircon.

Within the Serendipity Diamonds showroom and workshop on the Isle of Wight, we create many jewellery designs each year. We create a wide variety of designs with all of the December birthstones. Jewellery includes ready-made items from our window and a vast array of bespoke designs created individually for clients.

Tanzanite – No.1 Choice of Birthstone for December

Tanzanite is the most popular birthstone choice for December. This luxurious gemstone captivates buyers with its incredible range of violet to blue tones.

But what is Tanzanite? Interestingly, this incredible gemstone is a variety of the mineral Zoisite. Tanzanite exists in a variety of shades ranging from blue to violetish blue.

The colouration occurs due to the presence of the element Vanadium within the mineral.

As the name suggests, Tanzanite originates from Tanzania—a gemstone prized for its amazing colour and rarity. Crystalline trichroism causes the violet colour to vary under different conditions.

When mined, most Tanzanite has a reddish-brown tinge, which is removed by heat treatment to enhance the gemstone’s prevailing blue-violet colour. For this reason, most Tanzanite is heat-treated to improve its colour.

The History and Origin of Tanzanite

Commonly known as the modern-day gemstone. Tanzanite was discovered as late as 1967 in Merelani Hills near Arusha, Tanzania, by Maasai herders. It is very close to the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. News spread quickly, and the government gave permission for mining to begin.

Initially, it was thought to be a sapphire mine. However, it was quickly identified by its crystal structure as a vibrant blue variety of zoisite, a mineral that had been around since the early 1800s.

Thereafter, Tanzanite grew in popularity as an affordable gemstone compared to sapphire.

Example of a round Tanzanite showing the distinctive blue-violet colouration associated with this type of gemstone.

Our example ring comes from our bespoke jewellery service and was made in 950 Platinum. A one-of-a-kind Blue Tanzanite added contrast against small 1mm diamonds. The diamonds added incredible sparkle. Furthermore, the unique effect varied from other halo-style settings

Tanzanite was added to December’s birthstones as recently as 2002.

In fact, the name ‘Zoisite’ was avoided owing to a similarity to the word ‘suicide.’ For this reason, the name Tanzanite was used as a more appropriate name for this incredible gemstone.

The Eleanor halo ring features an incredible blue Tanzanite surrounded by diamonds.

When it comes to jewellery designs, we recommend Tanzanite for both earrings and pendants. A Tanzanite engagement ring requires care during wear. This semi-fragile gemstone is more prone to damage than diamonds or sapphires. As a result, we never recommend this gemstone to clients who are worried about damaging their ring.

Turquoise is another popular December birthstone.

The opaque gemstone Turquoise differs from Tanzanite and Zircon. It originates from many sources worldwide, including Iran, Sinai, the United States and even China. In contrast, gemstones such as Tanzanite originate from just one source.

Turquoise gets its name from the 17th-century word meaning Turkish.

The colour of Turquoise varies from white to pale blue. However, most people associate Turquoise with distinctive blue-green colouration.

Historically, polished Turquoise features in both ancient and modern jewellery. For example, from ancient Egypt, we see Pharaonic treasures set with Turquoise.

Inexpensive Turquoise jewellery often features synthetic forms of this gemstone. For example, fashion jewellery set with synthetic varieties of Turquoise makes a popular and affordable accessory. As a result, we find Turquoise across jewellery priced very differently.

Available from our Showroom collection. Sterling silver teardrop Turquoise pendant and matching earrings available.

Owing to Turquoise’s opacity, Cabochon cuts are frequently used across jewellery styles. Most gemstones feature angular facets to reflect light. Conversely, Cabochon cuts have no aspects. In addition, they are typically domed with a flat base.

Measuring six on the Mohs scale, the hardness of Turquoise compares to glass. Turquoise often varies in colour, with characteristic dark flecks caused by limonite.

Zircon Gemstone

Zircon occurs in a variety of colours, including blue, yellow, orange and red. This transparent crystalline gemstone belongs to the mineral group of neosilicates.

Its name comes from the German word ‘Zirkon.’ This, in turn, comes from the Persian word ‘Zargun,’ meaning Gold-hued.

History and Origin

Zircon dates back more than 4.4 billion years and is considered the oldest mineral on Earth. Commonly found in sand and sedimentary deposits, as well as metamorphic rocks and crystallised magma.

Due to its chemical makeup, Zircon has endured geologic events such as erosion and pressure shifts over the ages.

Zircon contains the radioactive element uranium, which changes the gemstone’s chemical structure and colour over time, giving us important clues about the planet’s formation.

During the Middle Ages, people believed that zircon gemstones could induce sound sleep, ward off evil, and bring prosperity and wisdom.

Pink Zircon – available to purchase as a loose stone or set and finished into an item of jewellery.

Blue zircon was popular during the Victorian era and was frequently used in jewellery from the 1880s. Zircon’s cloudy or smoky appearance was popular in mourning jewellery designs.

In the 1920s, heat treatment became the customary practice to enhance the colour of zircon gemstones for jewellery. Zircon has also been used in the decorative ceramics industry.

While Zircon is a popular gemstone among collectors for its range of colours, consumers seem most enamoured with the blue variety. I need clarification about the history and possibility of this expensive gemstone.

December Birthstone – Blue Zircon

Large Zircon crystals occur rarely in nature. Occasionally, we work with Blue Zircon. Moreover, we source each gemstone individually for each commission. Its beauty and rarity make it a sought-after gemstone, often requested by jewellery connoisseurs. In conclusion, it makes one of the rarer choices for December’s birthstone.

Close up of an Oval cut Blue Zircon

Blue Zircon Jewellery

One of the fabulous Blue Zircon rings created by our team featured the above gemstone set into a halo ring.

We handcrafted this bespoke ring design made from 18ct Yellow Gold. In addition, the ring featured natural white diamonds in the halo and along each shoulder.

Blue Zircon and diamond halo ring handcrafted by our team at Serendipity Diamonds, made in 18ct Yellow Gold.

December Birthstone Gift Inspiration

Recently, we added a brand new set of jewellery to our showroom collection. The Tanzanite flower earrings make a perfect gift for a December birthday. In addition, a matching Tanzanite necklace makes the perfect jewellery set for December’s birthstone.

Get in touch with us for further information, or visit our Ryde showroom to discover alternative gifts available.

Further help and guidance on December’s birthstone

Contact us for further help and guidance on any item of jewellery set with December’s birthstone choice. We provide a complete bespoke design service. This includes complimentary help and guidance with no obligation to purchase. Our team are on hand in our UK showroom to offer assistance Monday to Saturday.

• Blue Zircon & Diamond Cluster Ring – Dazzling Bespoke Jewellery Designs
• What is Spinel? Featuring Lilac Purple Colour Changing Spinel
• Engagement Rings with a Blue Stone – Sapphire, Topaz, Aquamarine
• A Guide to April Birthstone – Diamond

The post Magical December Birthstones – Tanzanite, Turquoise and Blue Zircon appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Image credit (author)

Leaf-styled engagement rings and bespoke jewellery design

If you’re lacking inspiration for a custom-made item of jewellery, look towards nature for some much-needed design inspiration. In fact, plants, trees, and the natural world offer an incredible depth of variety, with textures, motifs, and patterns drawn from them. For example, some of our wedding rings feature wood inlays or bark-textured patterns to blend precious metals with wood.

Many jewellery designers incorporate beautiful elements from nature into their designs for just this reason. And beyond the hills, trees and woods, at other times, we take inspiration from the ocean.

Here are just a few designs, inspired by nature and crafted with elements taken from the interwoven flora of trees and plants.

Leaf Engraved Ribbon-Twist Ring

We created a beautiful bespoke version of our Ribbon-Twist wedding ring. For this commission, the addition of a floral leaf effect by hand engraving transformed the design into a truly elegant, unique wedding ring. We created the ring in 18ct yellow gold, styled to match the client’s engagement ring.

Floral Leaf-Engraved Wedding Band

This particular design originates from our pre-loved, vintage rings collection. The plain band features a floral leaf motif that repeats around the band—a popular style from the mid-20th Century.

Open Gold Leaf Ring

Styled with an open leaf design, this beautiful, lightweight ring again comes from a lucky find added to our pre-owned jewellery collections. The style can be remade in a variety of metals through our bespoke ring design service for anyone captivated by the design.

Teal Sapphire and Diamond Vine-Inspired Engagement Ring

View the vine engagement ring in our bespoke ring gallery

Our next example took inspiration from the vine detail of the plant world. The recent bespoke engagement ring featured a dazzling F-colour, VVS clarity, ideal-cut natural diamond. Surrounded by four simple claws, the diamond sparkled above graduating sizes of teal-coloured sapphires set into leaf details in each shoulder. We created the ring in 950 Platinum, working closely with our client to create their perfect engagement ring design.

Green diamonds for a natural leaf effect

Our next example shows the dramatic effect of adding green-coloured diamonds into a bespoke engagement ring design. This beautiful ring was crafted for a client in the USA, styled with nature in mind. The proposal took place in the marshes of South Carolina. At the heart of this adorable ring, a central Canadamark marquise diamond rests between a combination of leaf-effect green lab-grown diamonds and round brilliant cut diamonds.

Nature in a Gemstone – Moss Agate Engagement Rings

Moss Agate might be the answer if you’re looking for a captivating, inexpensive and natural-looking gemstone. In fact, this unique and appealing semi-precious gem features strands of green that resemble fern-like filaments and foliage. In this example, we selected a cabochon-cut variation of Moss Agate designed and set between ethical lab-grown diamonds in warm Rose Gold. The ring included a matching wishbone-shaped wedding ring also set with lab-grown diamonds.

Leaves, Vines and Wedding Rings

Beyond the modern approach of laser-engraving wedding rings, we occasionally create hand-engraved wedding rings. The traditional art of hand-engraving adds an artisanal touch to Gold or Platinum, perfect for leaves, vines, branches and other natural patterns. In this example, we created a pair of leaf-engraved wedding rings to match. For the groom’s ring, he chose an engraving on the inside, leaving the outer surface plain and polished.

The post Leaf Style Rings – Leaves, Vines and Inspiration from Nature appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Order Black Friday Jewellery for Christmas delivery

Welcome to our Black Friday jewellery Sale.

Discover Black Friday diamond rings and diamond jewellery for 2025. In addition, take advantage of our exclusive Black Friday special offers.

Enjoy a welcome 10% off all lines starting this week.  Finally, browse some of our affordable jewellery stocking fillers. Orders over £50.00 quality online and in-store for 10% off your order.

Getting married in 2026? Then why not use our Black Friday deals to find the perfect wedding ring?

Enjoy 10% off all jewellery in our Black Friday event. Buy online or pay in full or with a 10% deposit.

Sign up for our newsletter to get gift ideas and inspiration this Christmas.

Individually crafted jewellery

We craft most jewellery items individually to order. As a result, most items take 3-4 weeks to create. For this reason, we advise ordering as soon as possible. 

Most importantly, use our discount code to place your order with just a 10% deposit. Then, finally, make the final payment before delivery.

Ready-made Black Friday jewellery

Visit our ready-made jewellery designs. We provide delivery right up until Christmas. Or, order any item of ready-made jewellery for New Year delivery.

From Black Friday engagement rings to Black Friday diamond earrings. In addition, browse diamond dress rings and eternity rings. All directly from our showroom window.

Jewellery ideas for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Discover the perfect jewellery gift in our jewellery gift guide. Browse some of our ready-made designs. Most are available for immediate delivery. 

In addition, every item of jewellery arrives beautifully boxed. In addition, we send all jewellery under plain wrapping.

Use our discount codes or take advantage of our finance packages. For example, get 24 months of 0% interest-free finance, subject to conditions. Look out for the Klarna button on our product pages. Please be aware that our discount code does not apply to orders placed with finance. 

Black Friday – Cyber Monday Diamond Earrings

Browse an extensive range of solitaire diamond stud earring designs available for any budget. We specialise in certified diamonds. For this reason, we hand-match precision-cut diamonds in any quality. In addition, we now offer Lab-grown diamond options for all jewellery styles. 

Order now to avoid disappointment.

Order now to ensure your jewellery arrives before Christmas. Arrange a 10% deposit online or by phone. In addition, enjoy plenty of help and guidance from our lovely team. 

But, don’t forget our discount code. Make sure you apply this at the checkout.

Jewellery ideas for Black Friday & Cyber Monday

The following are just a few jewellery ideas which might work well this Christmas.

Black Friday diamond engagement rings

Arrange your surprise proposal under the Christmas tree. Besides Valentine’s day, Christmas remains the most popular time of year to pop the question. On the positive side, an engagement ring makes a perfect Christmas present with plenty of sparkles.

Add sparkle with a Black Friday diamond necklace

Diamond pendants make a perfect gift at Christmas. Most importantly, they require no size adjustment. We have an extensive selection of diamond pendants within our showroom and online shop. 

Classic diamond solitaire necklace from our diamond necklace offers. 

Please choose from our regular designs, hand-crafted to order. Or, select one of our limited editions. For example, the Blue Sapphire and Diamond pendant is shown below—just one of our luxury limited edition necklaces.

Giving a Diamond Eternity Ring this Christmas

Browse a delightful collection of precision-set diamond eternity rings. We hand-craft diamond eternity rings to order. From classic channel set eternity rings to diamond-encrusted designs. Or, browse ready-made eternity rings in our ready-made section of the website.

Black Friday dress rings for the Christmas party

Stand out at the Christmas party. Browse our dazzling collection of diamond dress rings. Again, we stock many rings in our ready-made jewellery designs. From diamond cocktail rings to gemstone dress rings.

Starla blue sapphire and Diamond halo ring

Jewellery Stocking Fillers

We have the perfect stocking filler for this Christmas. Our range of cleaning products suits all jewellery lovers. Moreover, we stock most in our showroom. For example, the popular diamond Dazzlestik. 

Bespoke jewellery polishing cloth—an ideal stocking filler for jewellery lovers.

Or, try our dry beauty wipes. Both help to restore sparkle to jewellery. Furthermore, they make great add-on gifts. Or, talk to us about gift cards for our showroom.

Free international delivery for Black Friday deals

We send all of our Black Friday jewellery deals Worldwide from our UK showroom. For any client living outside the UK, we provide fully insured shipping. 

The keepsake necklace makes an ideal Christmas gift.

However, please remember that delivery times vary for overseas jewellery buyers. For example, delivery to the USA includes free FedEx shipping. Furthermore, we include all taxes and duties. As a result, clients enjoy hassle-free delivery to their doors. 

Remember to get in touch by email, phone or online chat. Then, we can offer additional help and guidance from jewellery gift ideas to guidance on diamonds and gemstones. 

Celebrate Christmas 2025—the perfect diamond occasion sparkling with a unique item of jewellery. 

The post BLACK FRIDAY WEEK Jewellery SALE 2025 appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Update: Serendipity Diamonds estimates the price of an engagement ring in 2026 to be £1500, based on the last 2 years’ sales, with Platinum 1-carat lab-grown diamond rings proving the most popular choice.

“We surveyed ring purchases in the £600 to £10,000 price range over the last two years. The average cost of an engagement ring was £2000.”

Mark Johnson, Founder.

With a radical shift in buyer habits and the introduction of lab-grown diamonds, many younger buyers can now afford larger diamonds at a significantly reduced ring price.

How does the price compare to an average salary?

The average ring price is related to many people’s average monthly take-home pay. As a rule of thumb, many buyers allow a month’s salary for their purchase.

According to the Office of National Statistics, the average weekly earnings are £ 648 total pay before tax. This works out to approximately £2500 gross pay per month or approximately £2000 net pay per month.

One month’s salary – and the traditional rule-of-thumb

The “one month’s salary rule” provided many buyers with a traditional guideline for spending an amount equivalent to one month’s salary on an engagement ring.

The rule originated from diamond retailer De Beers in the 1930s as part of a marketing campaign to promote diamond engagement rings. But, some organisations even attempted to suggest a 3-month rule.

At the same time, it’s important to note that the “one month’s salary rule” became a social convention for anyone budgeting for an engagement ring.

What changed during 2025?

Over the last year, engagement ring options increased dramatically. Firstly, the adoption of lab-grown diamonds radically increased the size of a £2000 diamond ring. As a result, larger diamonds became more affordable and appealing to buyers. Prices continued to decrease for lab-grown diamonds into 2026.

For example, a natural 1-carat diamond engagement ring costing £20,000 now costs around £1500 set into a Platinum ring design.

The Rise of the Engagement Ring Builder

Take a look at our engagement ring builder. This tool combines beautiful ring designs with an incredible diamond search to generate the perfect ring. Options include lab-grown diamonds alongside natural diamonds.

Combine a search for the perfect ring style with a worldwide inventory of diamonds in our latest ring builder.

Next, profit margins vary considerably from one jeweller to another. For example, some jewellers with fewer overheads can apply a smaller margin than a London boutique jeweller with higher overheads.

Factors Affecting Engagement Ring Cost

Several factors affect the cost of an engagement ring. The following table outlines several key factors influencing cost.

How much should you spend on your engagement ring?

The following chart shows 100 of our most recent engagement ring sales during 2025 and the wide price range. Notice how the majority of sales fall between £ 1,000 and £ 2,000.

Consider your finances before you choose a ring.

Before buying a ring, carefully consider your financial situation. Everyone’s financial position differs based on personal circumstances. Income, existing commitments and credit status all vary from one person to another. 

In the UK, many buyers take advantage of finance, more importantly, 0% finance. For this reason, we introduced a variety of Klarna Bank options. Whilst only available to UK buyers, a range of 0% finance options exists, all subject to application. We send clients a link to apply based on their chosen ring design and specifications.

Examples of average-priced engagement rings.

Based on the average diamond ring in the UK, we decided to add several choices to meet this budget. In addition, we offer several hundred ring styles and a bespoke service.

What is the average cost of a lab-grown diamond ring?

Sales of lab-grown diamond engagement rings soared in late 2025. As a result, lab-grown diamonds continue to provide an identical yet affordable alternative to natural diamonds. At Serendipity Diamonds, we create rings set with natural and lab-grown diamonds in a wide range of qualities. By way of example, a 1-carat natural diamond ring for £6000-£10,000 will cost around £1500.00 when set in 950 Platinum.

The post The Average Price of an Engagement Ring – 2026 Update appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

An item of jewellery stamped with the number 585 usually indicates that the piece is made from 14-carat Gold. But what is the significance of the number 585? These digits represent 58.5% gold content within an item of jewellery—consistent with all 14-carat Gold. Similarly, 18-carat gold which contains 75% gold, features a 750 stamp visible within most jewellery made from this fineness of Gold.

Besides the 58.5% gold content, 14-carat gold also contains additional metals, such as Silver, Copper, Zinc and Palladium. The additional 41.5% of alloyed metals help adjust the colour, improve casting, and alter the malleability and durability of the Gold.

How trustworthy is the 585 Gold stamp?

Within the UK, most items of jewellery feature the 585 stamp within a legitimate and official Hallmark from one of several Assay Offices in Britain. On its own, a 585 stamp cannot be trusted unless the metal’s fineness has been independently tested. For this reason, we send most of our pre-loved jewellery designs to the Assay Office if they do not feature a detailed hallmark.

Additional markings, including the 14K Stamp.

Some items of jewellery of this purity might feature additional markings. For example, 14K often appears within items made from 14-carat Gold.

14-carat Gold vs 18-carat and 9-carat Gold.

At Serendipity Diamonds, we are often asked which metal is best for jewellery. As a rule, we sell 9-carat Gold and 18-carat Gold as our two most popular alloys. 9-carat Gold tends to offer a harder less malleable metal, less expensive than the other purities. However, 18-carat tends to be more durable over time and less prone to tarnishing due to a higher Gold content. In contrast, 14-carat Gold falls between the two.

How heavy is 14ct Gold compared to 9ct Gold?

14-carat Gold is approximately 1.18 x heavier than 9-carat Gold. The difference can be seen in a precious metal weight conversion chart showing each alloy.

• What is the Fairtrade Gold Stamp? Buying Ethical Gold Jewellery
• 925 Gold Stamp? – Popular Jewellery Stamps and Hallmarks
• 2 Carat Diamond Rings – Magnificent Engagement Rings
• Fairtrade Gold Engagement Rings – A Small Cost for a Better Future
• Diamond Earrings with Hallmarks

The post The 585 Gold Stamp – What Does it Mean for Gold Jewellery appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Expert Chain Repairs for Broken, Snapped & Worn Chains — With Before & After Results

Whether your chain has broken with wear or a catch has worn over time, at Serendipity Diamonds, we restore your piece to its former beauty. We are an Isle of Wight jeweller offering repairs for a wide range of gold and silver chains.

Our expert workshop offers soldering, clasp replacements, link repairs, chain length adjustments, and professional polishing — ensuring your jewellery remains secure, wearable, and sentimental for years to come.

What types of chain repair do we provide?

The following list covers some of the chain repairs we provide. Repairs are carried out in our Ryde workshop on the Isle of Wight, with more complex, specialised maintenance carried out in our UK workshop in Birmingham’s iconic Jewellery Quarter.

Replacement catches

We provide replacement catches for most chain styles in Platinum, Silver or Gold. We replace trigger clasps, for example. These can be lobster-claw catches, trigger catches, toggle, hook or magnetic clasps. For trigger catches and lobster-claws, this can be due to a broken internal spring, wear, or the need to replace a small catch for a larger (easier-to-open) clasp. A replacement clasp in 925 Sterling Silver typically costs around £30.00, including a re-polish, and takes between 1-2 weeks, depending on our workload.

New Jump Rings / Larger Jump Rings

A jump ring is a small metal loop — usually circular but sometimes oval — used in jewellery-making to connect components. The name “jump ring” comes from the way it “jumps” open and closed when handled or cut from a wire coil.

Jump rings connect clasps to the chain or provide a loop through which a pendant chain passes. They vary in size and, based on their size and weight in Gold, vary enormously in price.

Just like many other parts of a chain, jump rings wear and thin—especially when made from 925 Silver or 9ct Gold. A replacement jump ring often extends the lifespan of a chain or bracelet.

Some clients ask us to add a jump ring to allow a pendant to sit correctly when attached to a chain. Other clients request a larger jump ring to accommodate a thicker necklace chain.

Replacement Chain Ends

Most chains feature a tapering folded section of Gold or Silver at each end. One chain end has a jump ring fitted. The other chain end receives the trigger catch to secure the chain during wear. In addition to jump rings, the narrower section of the chain end, in contact with the jump ring or clasp, wears over time. If the metal becomes too thin, the chain is likely to break and require replacement.

What is the best size for a replacement catch?

A replacement catch should match the size of the original broken catch. Or at least, the size should be similar, even if a touch larger. On finer chains, a large clasp can move around from the back of the neck to rest near the pendant. For this reason, consider the weight of any replacement catch.

Replacement catches for Pearl necklaces.

In addition to restringing pearls, we also provide replacement catches for Pearl necklaces. Single and multi-strands of Pearls can be fitted with a traditional catch. Alternatively, for older clients with arthritis, we often fit magnetic catches to make life easier when putting on and taking off the jewellery.

Can all chains be repaired?

No. Not all chains are suitable for repair. If all links are worn and thin, we often recommend clients sell their chain for scrap value and consider buying a new chain. Other chains, such as snake chains, finely linked or mesh chains, cannot be repaired owing to their complexity. Any repair will be too visible across the mesh’s even surface. If you are in doubt, send a photograph. Other chains we don’t repair include hollow chains, but this can often depend on the design and size.

Can I send a photo of my broken chain for advice?

Yes. This is perhaps the easiest way to get advice initially. Take a clear photograph of the chain and break. Email this to us (info@serendipitydiamonds.com) and our workshop will take a look and advise.

The post Jewellery Chain Repairs – Broken Catches, Links and Jump Rings appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Yes, absolutely. A clip-on earring can be turned into a pendant. However, the clip-on earring design determines how it can be done.

What are clip-on earrings?

Clip-on earrings are popular for people with non-pierced ears. They are available in most styles and in precious and non-precious metal varieties. The design typically features a hinged/sprung fitting to clamp around the earlobe, holding the earring in place. This is in contrast to regular earring backs favoured for pierced ears.

Why would you want to change an earring into a necklace?

In instances where an earring has been lost, and the remaining earring has value/design appeal, a pendant could be a good option.

What is the simplest way to change an earring into a pendant?

The easiest way to turn an earring into a pendant is to add a small ring—or two small rings—to allow a chain to pass through.

An example from our jewellery workshop.

One of my recent challenges came from a local client with a cherished 14ct Gold leaf-style earring. With one of the earrings lost, a pendant made great sense. Initially, we discussed adding a small jump ring to the existing open latch. However, I decided to make a tapered, slender bail. This proved a better match to the design, which featured a beautiful Emerald gemstone at the centre of the flower.

The simple transformation took under an hour to complete, and the pendant was re-polished as part of the final stages.

Serendipity Diamonds is a bespoke jeweller able to turn any earring into a pendant or necklace. Their expertise in jewellery remodelling is available to local Isle of Wight visitors, UK clients, and Worldwide clients. Contact the Serendipity showroom for more help and advice or fire a message across online.

• 6 Reasons to Buy a New Ring Mount for Your Existing Diamond
• What Jewellery Should a Bride Wear? Helpful Hints For Wedding Day Sparkle
• Where to Buy Lab Grown Diamond Earrings in the UK?
• Diamond Earrings with Hallmarks
• In Praise of Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Engagement Rings

What to do with half a pair of earrings?

Are you missing a diamond earring? Do you have half a pair of earrings? Read our post on a recent commission where we remodelled a remaining diamond earring into a pendant. With the addition of a bespoke bail, our client gained a brand new piece of jewellery suitable for daily wear or special occasions.

The post Can You Turn a Clip-On Earring into a Necklace? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Adding a Splash of Orange

Citrine rings have shown a steady rise in popularity over the last couple of years. This gemstone is decidedly less expensive than fancy orange diamonds (although close-treated versions exist). Citrine has a beautiful range of hues, from pale lemon yellow to intense orange, with a characteristic warmth, unlike any other gemstone. Popular with Asian, Mediterranean and darker skin tones, the colour reflects the healthy, warm glow of sunshine. The name itself originates from Citron, the French word for Lemon. The stone has a vitreous lustre and presents wonderful opportunities for jewellery commissions.

What is the meaning of Citrine?

Courage, Sincerity and Wisdom.

A Birthstone with warmth

Citrine is the alternative birthstone for November.

Origins of Citrine

The gemstone originates from Quartz, and is most commonly found in shades of yellow. The deeper, richer colours tend to be the most desirable. Citrine is mined in Brazil, Spain, Bolivia, and Russia, among other regions. The natural preparation of the gemstone usually involves heat to improve colour. The colour itself derives from the presence of iron within the rock.

Gemstone clarity explained

Citrine rings typically offer a level of clarity consistent with the high-clarity diamonds used. Regarding clarity, Citrine is usually very good, and the stone has a good resistance (toughness) to chipping and cracking. Resistance to wear is a beneficial property for use in engagement rings (available at Serendipity Diamonds by way of personalisation of many of the ring designs.

Hardness, fragility and durability

Exposure to sudden or extreme heat is sometimes damaging, especially during mounting/setting/repair work. Steam cleaning is generally ill-advised; ultrasonic cleaning is preferable.

How to combine Citrine with other gemstones

As a final note, Citrine pairs well with white diamonds. Preferably F, G colour or higher. The contrast between a white diamond halo (see image for example) offers a striking alternative to more traditional all-diamond designs. We can, however, use this gemstone in many of our commissions by creating a custom design.

The post Citrine Rings: A Buyer’s Guide to Colour, Craftsmanship & Style appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

A guide to the cost of re-creating an item of jewellery.

Serendipity Diamonds remakes and remodels rings, with a dedicated service to recreate almost any design. This service helps clients who have suffered the loss of a ring or who wish to recreate their ring for one of many reasons.

How much does it cost to remake a ring in the UK?

The cost of remaking a ring (or remodelling a ring) depends on the style of ring required. The ring design, type and amount of precious metals and gemstones required all influence the price.

*** Follow us to see our latest remakes and remodels on Instagram ***

Much of our work involves remodelling or remaking engagement rings and wedding rings. We provide a bespoke design service to create any piece of jewellery. Many of our bespoke pieces replicate original designs that were often lost due to theft, damage, or accidental loss.

In addition, we also remake eternity rings for similar reasons.

Every bespoke piece of jewellery goes through several steps. First, we start with a consultation. Then, we build a detailed quote. Next comes the design stage, before we create the final item.

We understand the importance and sentimental value of each jewellery commission. For this reason, our team works tirelessly to faithfully recreate any item to our client’s specifications.

Remodelling a ring

But what’s the difference between jewellery remodelling and re-making? Firstly, jewellery re-modelling changes elements of a jewellery design.

For example, a solitaire engagement ring enhanced with a halo of diamonds around the main stone.

In contrast, remaking involves recycling original materials, including gemstones, into a new ring design.

Jewellery re-modelling makes up a large part of our weekly work, not just for rings but for all types of jewellery, including earrings, necklaces, and bracelets.

Can a jeweller replicate any design?

As jewellers, we can replicate a ring in any precious metal, such as Platinum, White Gold, Yellow Gold, or Rose Gold, most often in 9-carat or 18-carat purity.

To accomplish this, we work with the original ring in hand, where possible. But if this is impossible, we work from an image of the ring. In our examples below, we show the original ring pictures, alongside the recreated ring.

This is possible through various techniques, including 3D scanning and CAD design.

Lost rings re-made from a photograph

Occasionally, we receive a request to make a new ring from a photograph of a lost one. Ideally, we need a clear reference to create a new piece of jewellery from a photograph. At the same time, we often improve the quality and finish of the final ring, making it better than the original.

Remaking a badly damaged ring

If you intend to have an item of existing jewellery, such as an engagement ring, re-made, we can re-use your existing gemstones. Additionally, we can factor in the existing precious metals.

Our example shows a badly damaged Palladium engagement ring. The new ring appears on the right after a complete rebuild of the original design, which included resetting the original diamond.

As part of the price, we offset the cost of work against the metal value of the original ring.

Price guide USD 550 for the remade ring, including setting and finishing. 

Re-creating a badly made ring

Occasionally, we recreate low-quality ring designs into better, high-quality original versions.

To explain, some of our clients own existing jewellery styles they love. However, the rings lack the high-quality finish typically found in well-made rings.

Put simply, we recreate rings with better build quality. One of our local clients commissioned a new ring based on their existing design. The original ring lacked precise symmetry, with irregularly spaced claws around each diamond. The images below show the original and new rings before and after.

We designed and crafted a brand-new, substantial ring and transferred the existing diamonds into the new ring mount.

Example: Remaking a bespoke Platinum engagement ring faithful to the original design

Guide to cost in 950 Platinum: £1500.00

We remade the diamond engagement ring below for a client who had repeatedly experienced issues with her engagement ring.

Purchased at an auction some years ago, the ring’s construction resulted in the loss of diamonds due to inadequate settings. After many attempts to repair and secure diamonds, it was finally time to have their ring remade with secure claws.

As a result, we were commissioned to create a matching design with improved build quality.

At the same time, the engagement ring had to match her diamond-set wedding ring. Since we had previously crafted the wedding ring, we only needed to clean and refinish it.

Step 1. CAD jewellery design

Beyond our initial discussions, part of our work involved computer-aided design as the initial step in the design process.

Working alongside the wedding ring, our custom designer created a CAD design of the replacement engagement ring. Modelled for the existing diamonds, the new setting would perfectly accommodate our client’s diamonds.

Step 2. Making the new engagement ring

Once completed, our client was happy to sign off on the designs. Re-making a ring takes several weeks, so the timescale worked out to around five weeks once the CAD design was approved.

Showing the finished remade engagement ring alongside the original diamond wedding ring. 

What if the old ring has broken or is missing diamonds?

If you are missing diamonds from your original engagement ring (or if you have broken diamonds), we offer a service to match and replace any lost diamonds, creating a fully refurbished ring. As a result, once remade, your diamond ring appears as new with colour and clarity-matched diamonds.

Remaking a ring using a bespoke design

Bespoke jewellery design can be more costly than when clients select an existing design. This is due to the additional work involved in designing and crafting a new ring, including recreating it in CAD.

This intricate process creates a digital version of the ring. We retain the CAD model on file. Should your new ring be lost or damaged beyond repair, we can recreate it from the original model. As a result, we have created a perfect replica ring design.

This photograph shows the back of an Opal ring design we created to set an heirloom Opal ring from a jewellery box, brought back to life. The underside of the ring received equal attention to detail with intricate loops to enhance the beauty of the final ring.

Offsetting the cost against a new ring

We can offset the cost by factoring in the existing precious metal, reducing the overall cost. Once work has been completed on your ring, we calculate the value of your existing metal from the gram weight multiplied by the scrap metal price.

Reusing old Gold or Platinum to make a new engagement ring

We are regularly asked to make engagement rings, wedding rings and jewellery using old Gold and Platinum. We offer this service using 100% of your existing precious metal for the new design. This often requires additional Gold or Platinum.

Changing your ring from Gold to Platinum

We regularly remake White and Yellow Gold rings in Platinum. We work with the original design and diamonds to transform the same ring into a new piece in a different precious metal. Contact us for a personal quote on this service.

The photograph below shows two rings. The original yellow gold cluster ring is on the right after the diamonds have been removed. On the left, we photographed the re-modelled ring, made in 950 Platinum, set and finished with our client’s diamonds.

Remaking a ring to fit an engagement ring.

As part of our work, we often remake ill-fitting rings to create a new ring that fits an existing design. Our example below shows the transfer of Princess-cut diamonds from our client’s inherited wedding ring. We added her diamonds to a new band with a contoured edge. At the same time, we made the ring in Platinum to match her existing engagement ring.

Before and after. On the left, the image shows the original princess-cut ring our client inherited. The right photograph shows the new Platinum ring with a shaped edge, set with the original princess-cut diamonds.

Melting down wedding rings to re-use Gold.

Can you melt down existing wedding rings to make new jewellery from Gold or Platinum? Put simply, yes you can. We remake sentimental jewellery items into new designs and reuse precious metals in our work.

How much does it cost to melt down rings?

For items of great sentimental value, we separate the gold in our workshops to ensure it is not contaminated by other metals. For this, we use a separate can or casting crucible to melt the gold. Melting wedding rings can be costly, but the following commission demonstrates the cost and design.

Existing Gold used: 2 x 18-carat yellow gold wedding rings 11g in weight.

Objective: to melt down the rings and design 2 x pendants from the original melted-down wedding rings.

The work involved CAD design of necklaces to create two unique pendant designs, casting new items, and finishing. The ball and starfish designs are approximately 20mm in size.

Final weight of pendants: approx. 9g with additional scrap left over.

The cost indication is £1500 or less, depending on the design work involved.

The unwanted/leftover scrap gold was used to reduce the final cost by multiplying its gram weight by the scrap price at the point of collection.

***For items with no sentimental value, we offset the scrap price of the metal against any new jewellery design created.

Adding coloured gemstones to brand-new ring designs

If you already have a coloured gemstone, why not set it in a brand-new ring design? Choose from existing ring styles, or let us design a CAD model or a new design to accommodate a very large gemstone. This service comes after many years of experience resetting coloured gems into rings.

Unique coloured gemstones have been added to new ring designs. From left to right: Aquamarine, Tanzanite, Opal, Fire Opal and Purple Spinel. 

So why use old Gold or Platinum?

There is a very good reason to reuse old Gold or Platinum rather than offset the ring’s cost by selling the metal as part of the process. This reason is sentimental. If you have an heirloom ring or an item of intense sentimental value, you can transform it into a new item.

Refashioning your engagement ring with a bigger diamond

We recreate some clients’ original engagement rings with a much larger diamond. We often redesign the ring to accommodate a larger stone rather than adding a gemstone to the old ring.

Sometimes, we add a new setting to hold a larger diamond. Many couples upgrade an engagement ring in this way when finances improve later in life.

Making a brand new ring with your existing gemstone

We offer a complete re-modelling service for coloured gemstones, both precious and semi-precious. We regularly work with clients who own existing gemstones, many of which were purchased abroad or inherited.

As part of our service, we create an incredible ring design to showcase the gemstone as shown in our example below.

One of our most recent bespoke ring designs featured a six-carat Aquamarine set into 950 Platinum. Price guide £2,000, including all design, CAD modelling and creation through to the final ring. 

Remaking a wedding ring

Wedding ring designs can be faithfully replicated—even those with intricate details, such as hand-engravings. Badly worn wedding bands or heirloom rings can be remade into new ones.

The cost will depend on the work involved and the materials. Gold rings can be remade in 950 Platinum or another choice of precious metal. Variations range from wide rings with or without patterns to narrow rings in any style and profile.

The following image shows a recent commission. Subtle detail, such as engraving on the outer edge, was faithfully re-created across the remade wedding ring.

Revamping a diamond eternity ring

Recently, we re-created a White Gold diamond eternity ring in Platinum. In addition, our client needed a different finger size. In fact, the original ring no longer fits.

For this reason, we remade the original ring. We seized the opportunity to upgrade to naturally white Platinum and remade the eternity ring. Our video below shows the original ring mount. In addition, we show the final Platinum eternity ring.

Restyling a complete ring set

Occasionally, we re-create complete ring sets. For example, when three shaped rings interlock. We recreate all rings in the set, or replace a missing ring, working with the remaining rings.

Reproduction of Antique ring designs

Occasionally, we receive a commission to recreate antique rings, family rings, or vintage jewellery.

For example, we redesigned an antique opal-and-diamond ring to create a second ring design. As part of our work, we sourced a domed Cabochon opal and selected several alternatives for our client to choose from.

Every commission varies. As a result, we quote individually based on the price of materials and work involved.

The original ring we worked with…

The completed reproduction ring is made with a larger Opal and diamonds. Please note the incredible iridescence and colours within the large domed Opal. The surrounding diamonds are all exceptionally white to contrast with the intense colours of the Opal. 

View the antique opal and diamond ring on our bespoke section of the website

Recasting and reworking a personalised signet ring

Another ring commission involved remaking a personalised signet ring for a client. The original signet ring featured initials engraved on its face. Those initials changed due to marriage. In the final ring, we added crisp laser engraving with new initials and improved the original ring’s build quality.

Before and after photos of the re-made personalised signet ring.

Ring mountings and diamond settings

If you prefer to purchase an empty ring mounting or setting instead of a complete ring, we can help. We provide a full service to purchase ring mountings and diamond settings for any gemstones. Find out more by reading our dedicated information page.

Remounting a ring vs Resetting a ring

On a final note to this in-depth jewellery topic, it is worth discussing remounting a ring. At the same time, resetting a ring. Resetting typically refers to setting a diamond or gemstone in a new setting. i.e. the part that holds the stone. Remounting, on the other hand, refers to changing the design to a new mount. Reasons for this include wear and tear, damage or a style change. Sometimes, we move the entire head of a ring onto a new shank. At other times, we replace the head and remount this onto a new shank. Every person’s situation varies, and we accommodate all circumstances through our work.

• Now You Can Add Handwriting to Your Wedding Ring
• 6 Reasons to Buy a New Ring Mount for Your Existing Diamond
• “Dare to be Different” Engagement Rings with Unique Ring Designs
• Sitemap
• Yellow Gold Engagement Rings with Platinum Settings

The post Remaking a Ring – How Much Does it Cost? Re-Modelling a Ring appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Why does November have two birthstones?

A person born in November is lucky enough to have not one, but two birthstones. Both Citrine and Topaz represent November. Both varieties of gemstone offer different qualities.

But why does November have two birthstones?

Owing to the colour similarity, Yellow Topaz and Citrine provide a choice for people born in November. However, both gemstones offer wearers different meanings depending on their preferences. Both gemstones have been documented in ancient times, with examples from diverse cultures.

Meanings associated with Citrine and Topaz

Citrine bursts with positivity. This incredible fiery-coloured gemstone combats negative energy and promotes success and good fortune. Many cite Citrine as the gemstone that boosts positive energy. Furthermore, Citrine benefits the wearer with health, wealth and abundance. 

Pale yellow examples of Citrine, selected for our client.

Topaz represents healing, love and affection. Also, it symbolises strength, resilience and determination. It is a healing gemstone that benefits the wearer with improved health and well-being. 

The composition of Topaz and Citrine

Citrine is a variety of Quartz, a crystalline mineral composed of Silicon and Oxygen. It exhibits a yellow-orange colour, cut into various shapes and sizes.  Citrine represents one of the most popular yellow gemstones, and its colour ranges from pale to deep brownish orange.

Topaz occurs in many colours, but yellow Topaz resembles Citrine. Topaz is a silicate mineral composed of Aluminium and Fluorine. One of the rarest, prized colours includes this gem’s deep orange Imperial Topaz variety. 

Our example of a previous commission is our 3ct citrine halo ring design. A central 9mm wide marmalade-coloured Citrine sits within a halo of precision-cut, white Diamonds.

What is London Blue Topaz, and where does its name originate?

London Blue Topaz is a variety of Topaz characterised by a distinctive teal-navy blue colour.

Despite its name, London Blue Topaz does not originate from London. The term refers purely to the gemstone’s dramatic, sophisticated colour — a deep, inky blue with cool teal undertones. This rich hue sits darker than Swiss Blue Topaz and more intense than Sky Blue Topaz, giving it a refined elegance that feels perfectly at home in high-end jewellery.

Most natural topaz begins life colourless or pale, with the London Blue shade achieved through a professional process of irradiation and controlled heating. The result is a stable, safely enhanced gemstone prized for its striking depth and clarity. Today, London Blue Topaz is sourced from leading gemstone sources such as Brazil, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the United States, before being expertly cut and crafted into exquisite jewellery designs.

Available from our Coloured Gemstones range is this loose 4.10ct Blue Topaz. Measuring 10mm in diameter, 6.1mm deep. Available as a loose gemstone or set into one of our ring designs. Please get in touch with us for help with our bespoke design service.

Which is best? Citrine or Topaz?

Buyers favour both gemstones, but Citrine offers a more affordable choice, making it a prevalent choice for November birthstone jewellery. 

But, Topaz offers a wider variety of colours, including blue and pink variations. 

Types of November birthstone jewellery

The following features are perfect examples of citrine and topaz jewellery.

Ideas for birthstone jewellery include earrings and pendants. Neither requires the same consideration for size as rings do. If you want an inexpensive option, consider a Citrine or Topaz set in Silver rather than Gold. 

From our showroom collection is this Topaz Halo pendant. Crafted by our team of goldsmiths, the Blue Topaz and diamond halo necklace gleams in 9ct white gold. At the heart of this beautiful pendant, a pale blue Topaz weighing 1.31 carats sits within a four-claw setting, surrounded by 0.20 carats of G colour SI1 clarity diamonds that sparkle within grain settings.

Citrine Pendant

Crafted by bespoke design, this luxurious Citrine and diamond halo necklace features 0.20 carats of sparkling white diamonds, set within a grain-set halo around a round brilliant-cut 5mm Citrine. In addition, as this is a bespoke item, alternative gemstone sizes and metal options are available.

Blue Topaz Eternity Ring

Available from our offer ready-to-wear section for immediate delivery, arriving in our bespoke packaging. This affordable statement ring makes the perfect birthday gift.

Sterling Silver Topaz Set

Available from our showroom collection, sterling silver topaz earrings. Featuring a double loop drop design, set with an oval sky blue topaz in each earring. In addition, the matching birthstone necklace is included in the set.

Within our showroom, we stock a variety of birthstone jewellery designs suitable for most months. These include Silver earrings and pendants in most colours. Talk to a member of our team for additional help and guidance on ideas and inspiration for a November birthstone gift.

Other articles that might be of interest

• An Introduction to Citrine Rings
• Engagement Rings with a Blue Stone – Sapphire, Topaz, Aquamarine
• 14.82 Carat Orange Diamond Fetches Record $35.5 Million
• Gemstones that Look Like Diamonds – Best Diamond Lookalikes for Less
• Mens Platinum Wedding Rings – A Guide to Mens Platinum Wedding Bands

The post November Birthstones: Topaz & Citrine Meaning, Colours & Jewellery Guide appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Celebrating Opal – the birthstone for October

October’s birthstone is Opal. It is subtle in beauty and diverse in colour, perfect for October birthdays and anniversaries.

Owing to the diversity of shapes, sizes and colours, we create most Opal jewellery by bespoke design. To explain, no two Opals are the same. Furthermore, the colours vary from white to black with variations in orange from Fire Opals.

Example of a Fire Opal and diamond halo ring – made by bespoke design at Serendipity Diamonds

What is Opal?

Opal forms from a solution of silicon dioxide and water. Water flows through the earth and collects Silica from sandstone.

A Silica-rich solution falls into cracks and voids, caused by natural faults. As the water evaporates, it leaves behind a silica deposit. Over a long period, Opal forms.

Example of a re-created Antique Opal and diamond ring. Antique design with ornate back. From the Bespoke Opal ring collection created by the team at Serendipity Diamonds. 

Where is Opal mined?

October’s birthstone, Opal, comes from many different countries. These include Australia, Ethiopia, Mexico and the USA. In addition, from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Brazil and Indonesia.

Black Opal

Black opals are truly unique gemstones, setting themselves apart with their dark, almost ebony backgrounds. Unlike their more common counterparts, black opals boast a deep, rich body tone that spans from a mysterious dark grey to an intense jet black.

Their mesmerising display of spectral colours elevates these gemstones to a league of their own. Their vibrant, dynamic array of hues —stunning reds, electric blues, and lush greens —creates a visual spectacle that is nothing short of breathtaking. This occurs due to the diffraction of light within microscopic layers of silica spheres in the opal.

Consequently, a striking interplay of spectral colours emerges against the dark canvas. Originating primarily from Australia’s renowned Lightning Ridge region, black opals command attention and hold immense value as some of the world’s most coveted gemstones.

October Birthstone Gift Inspiration

Brand New Opal Necklace and Matching Stud Earrings 

Available to purchase separately. 

Brand new for October 2021 – opal and diamond stud earrings. Crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold, each stud holds a Opal measuring 4mm. The earrings arrive by secure courier in our gift packaging.

Our new Opal necklace is also available and in stock. Matching perfecting to the stud earrings, the pendant has also been crafted in 9ct Yellow Gold. With a central Opal measuring 5mm surrounded by contrasting diamonds. 

Transforming an Opal Ring into a Necklace

Part of our work at Serendipity involves re-modelling Opal jewellery. Opal remains very delicate and fragile, and is subject to greater risk from breakage when unset from old or existing jewellery designs. However, broken Opals can often be reset using resin as one technique to restore damaged or broken Opal jewellery. Over the years, we have remodelled many Opal jewellery designs. An example appears below—a remodelled Opal ring, transformed with a halo of diamonds and Aquamarines into a bespoke Opal necklace.

Opal Trilogy for October’s Birthstone

A recent bespoke commission, one diamond and two opals set within a trellis-style setting. Based on the Ciel ring design.

Firstly, our client chose a beautiful combination of a single lab-grown ethical diamond set between two iridescent white opals. The entire ring was crafted in 950 Platinum. At the centre of the design, an ideal-cut lab-grown diamond measures 5mm in diameter (0.50-carats) graded D colour and VS2 clarity with full certification provided for the diamond. 

Antique Opal & Diamond Ring

Our client’s brief involved recreating an existing vintage opal-and-diamond ring design. For the new commission, we initially sourced a large cabochon oval opal weighing 3.32 carats. As already explained, opals vary immensely in their size, shape, colour and variation of colours.

For this reason, we sourced a large selection of gemstones for our clients to choose from. Cabochon gems provide a distinctive domed appearance. In this exceptional example, the colours varied from reds to greens. 

Caring for Opal. How delicate is October’s birthstone?

Opal’s toughness can be described as poor to fair—5-6.5 on Mohs scale of hardness. Most importantly, Opal does not respond well to changes in temperature. For example, intense heat can craze the surface. Moreover, Opal does fairly well over time in dry conditions. For this reason, we recommend cleaning in gentle warm soapy water. Also, we suggest an Opal necklace or pair of Opal earrings rather than an Opal ring.

Opal rings often receive wear through damage whilst on the h

and. Unlike rings, both pendants and earrings avoid similar wear. For this reason, they are the perfect luxury gift for an October birthday or anniversary.

Contact our friendly team for information on creating the perfect piece of Opal jewellery.

Tourmaline Gemstone – October’s Second Birthstone

October’s commonly known birthstone is the Opal. However, contrary to popular belief, people born in this month are lucky to have Tourmaline added to their birthstone.

What Is Tourmaline?

Tourmaline has a hardness of 7 – 7.5 on the Mohs scale, with many shades of this unusual, beautiful gemstone available, such as red, pink, greens, watermelon, brown, and yellow. Interestingly, this gemstone is one of the only stones available in various shades and colours. Therefore, making it a versatile gemstone with many options available to create a special jewellery item.

Tourmaline Engagement Rings

The Cherry Pink Tourmaline engagement ring bursts with vibrant colour from a natural Pink Tourmaline with an intense dark pink colouration; the Tourmaline measures 4mm in diameter, with a carat weight of 0.25cts or above.

Shown alongside the bespoke cushion-cut teal tourmaline ring, originally crafted with a 6 x 5mm, weighing 1.18 carats. In addition to brilliant white round brilliant diamonds, weighing 0.25cts GVS colour and clarity.

Tourmaline’s chemical composition directly influences its physical properties and is responsible for its colour. Commonly comprised of aluminium and boron but contain a mixture of other elements such as sodium, lithium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, iron, chromium, vanadium, fluorine and sometimes copper.

Healing Properties

Tourmaline – thought to heal a broken heart, as it encourages love, gently disperses emotional pain and dissolves disruptive feelings. It calms the negative emotions that upset relationships.

Also considered an aphrodisiac, helping people realise when it is safe to love and when it is time to overcome sorrow or traumatic memories.

Watermelon Tourmaline

In addition to tourmaline’s wide range of colours and shades, watermelon tourmaline is also a very popular option for this precious stone.

As the name suggests, watermelon tourmalines feature a red/pink centre with green hues around the sides. All coloured Tourmaline display pleochroism, meaning the colour changes greatly when viewed at different angles.

In some Tourmaline gems, this effect is hardly noticeable, while in others it is a strong contrast. The brightly coloured zones can also occur at either end of the gem.

Mint Green

Available from the loose gemstone section.
Highly unusual tourmaline – due to the mint green shade and the fancy round cut of the stone itself. Weighing 3.78cts and measuring 9.8mm in diameter x 6.9mm in depth.

Available to purchase as a loose gemstone or for enquiries on a set and finished item of jewellery.

Pear Tourmaline Pendant

Lastly, making a perfect gift for October’s birthstone – Halo pear shape green tourmaline drop pendant.

Handcrafted in 9ct white gold, featuring a 1.95-carat natural green tourmaline pear-shaped gemstone.

Set within a pear-shaped halo of round brilliant cut diamonds, 0.30 carats in weight, graded F colour and VS clarity. The necklace is featured among our individual one-of-a-kind jewellery items available with fast delivery.

Fact File:

1. Formation: Opals form when silica-rich water seeps into crevices and solidifies over millions of years, often preserving remnants of ancient organisms.
2. Opal’s Association with October: Opal is the birthstone for October, making it a popular choice for jewellery gifts for those born in this month.
3. Historical Significance: Surrounded by superstitions and beliefs. In the past, opals were considered lucky.
4. Opal Mining Locations: Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Andamooka in Australia.
5. Care and Maintenance: Avoid exposure to excessive heat or sudden temperature changes.
6. Delicate gemstone cleaning solutions do exist. For example, Connoisseurs create a specialised cleaning fluid for delicate gemstones such as Opals.

The post Opal – Luxury Jewellery Inspiration for October’s Birthstone appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is Sapphire? 

September’s birthstone, Sapphire, endures as a symbol of wisdom, loyalty, and protection—and no one captures its enduring beauty quite like Serendipity Diamonds.

From timeless sapphire engagement rings to delicate pendants that celebrate life’s milestones, Serendipity Diamonds showcases this iconic gem with craftsmanship and storytelling that make it a natural authority for anyone exploring the meaning and magic of September’s stone.

History 

The name Sapphire comes from “Sapphirus”, meaning dear to the planet Saturn. The word Sapphirus in Latin references pink as a colour dating back to the 17 Century. 

As a result, pink sapphires are now most popular for engagement rings. 

Traditionally, this gem symbolises nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness. Moreover, it has decorated the robes of royalty and clergy members for centuries. 

In addition, it is often associated with royalty and romance. The association was reinforced in 1981 when Prince Charles gave a blue sapphire engagement ring to Lady Diana. Read more about Lady Diana’s engagement ring. 

Dating back centuries, the sapphire has been worn and represented among royalty and clergy. Said to symbolise nobility, truth, sincerity, and faithfulness.

Ancient Greece strongly believed that blue sapphire protected them from harm and envy. 

Interestingly, in the Middle Ages, the clergy wore blue sapphires to symbolise heaven. Whereas ordinary folks thought the gem attracted heavenly blessings.

Moving forward, the symbolism changed. Believed to have the power to guard chastity, make peace between enemies, influence spirits, and reveal the secrets of oracles.  

Healing Properties 

Additionally, sapphire is believed to bring healing properties to the wearer. These include helping with migraines, headaches, eyesight issues, and inner ear problems, as well as balance and fever-related concerns.

According to beliefs, the gemstone helps relieve anxiety and stress. 

Madagascar Sapphire 

Madagascar sapphires are considered one of the top types of sapphires mined. In 1998, a significant sapphire gemstone deposit was discovered, sparking considerable interest in the mine.

This was extremely rare to hear of a deposit this size being discovered. Generally, sapphires from this mine are dark blue in shade. 

Photo credit GIA 

What is a Padparadscha Sapphire? 

Some people compare padparadscha colours to a sunset. However, the Padparadscha word itself refers to the rich colour of a lotus blossom.

In conclusion, it is the most expensive version of The September Birthstone due to its unique shade. 

Moreover, it is agreed that a Padparadscha ranges from light to medium pinkish orange to orange-pink. Photo credit GIA 

Sapphire Birthstone Eternity Rings

To begin with, pink Sapphire eternity rings are perfect for a September birthstone gift. Above all, many of our designs derive from bespoke commissions—for example, we created this eternity ring in an exceptional wave design.

An additional example of a bespoke eternity ring.

For instance, this particular design featured alternating blue gemstones, including brilliant white diamonds, crafted in an unusual woven style, creating a unique alternative to diamond eternity rings. 

This set features one of our best-selling engagement rings, the Unity. Working alongside the original engagement ring, each ring went through an extensive bespoke design process from CAD, creating a perfect bridal set.

Engagement Rings 

This precious gemstone is popular for a good reason. Above all, its hardness of 9 closely follows the diamond on the Mohs scale.
Therefore, Its hardness and durability make it a good choice for an engagement ring.

Bespoke Interwoven Engagement Ring

View the bespoke sapphire engagement ring with interwoven shoulders.

Interwoven diamond shoulder twist design. An intense 1.4-carat Blue Sapphire rests within four talon claws at the centre of this elegant engagement ring. Sitting above interwoven, twisted diamond shoulders. 

Moissanite And Blue Sapphire

Moissanite and blue sapphire engagement ring

Moissanite set between natural round blue sapphires.
Meanwhile, moissanite is a wonderful ethical gemstone alternative to diamonds, available in a wide range of fancy shapes.

Trellis Style Bespoke Ring

Sapphire and diamond engagement ring with trellis setting

Trellis settings provide a framework of precious metal claws to support one or more diamonds or gemstones held within a piece of jewellery.
In this specific commission, we crafted a unique trellis ring to accommodate a sparkling arrangement of diamonds alongside a vibrant blue sapphire.

Sapphire Accented Rings

Sapphire shoulder diamond engagement ring

This bespoke Blue Sapphire and Diamond ring boasts a unique engagement ring design made in 950 Platinum. A central diamond rests between six sparkling dark blue gemstones in a truly elegant ring design.

Vintage Yellow Gold Ring

Vintage sapphire engagement ring with diamond halo

Handcrafted, this exquisite vintage blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring captures the incredible combination of blue with warm 18-carat yellow gold, set in contrast with sparkling white diamonds. At the heart of the ring design, the deep blue sapphire provided an incredible depth of colour.

Sapphire Bubble Ring

Pink Sapphire and diamond bubble ring

This eye-catching bubble ring combines intense pink gemstones with sparkling, ethically sourced diamonds. The ring design stands apart as the largest bubble ring style, set with over 3 carats of gemstones. The design makes an impressive dress ring and captures attention whenever worn.

Most popular shades of pink 

Shades vary greatly from pale pink to intense purple pink. For instance, the wide range of colour intensities allows buyers to choose a preferred shade. Some of our most valuable commissions feature high-clarity purplish-pink shades, set against dazzling white diamonds for contrast.
Alternatively, clients contact us for baby pink or light pink shades. Therefore, images or videos can be supplied for clients to cherry-pick the perfect coloured sapphire.

Cornflower Blue

It is truly a one-of-a-kind engagement ring, crafted with a unique, pale, light-blue sapphire set within a halo. Available in a range of shades and shapes, in addition, many jewellery designs can be considered for this particular shade of sapphire.

Sapphire Necklaces

Square Blue Sapphire Necklace 

Additionally, this gemstone choice is versatile and works well in any style or design. The necklace shown is crafted as a bespoke piece. The shade should be carefully considered before being set and finished. 

Matching Bespoke Pendants and Rings – Creating Jewellery Sets 

In addition to the above pendant design, a matching square blue Sapphire ring in Platinum. We crafted the ring with a matching blue Sapphire held within the same square bezel setting style as the pendant. By all means, create a full matching September birthstone set.

You can view both designs in the following video clip taken in our showroom.

Drop Necklace

Custom-made sapphire and diamond necklace

Uniquely styled drop necklace. The design was based on our existing engagement ring, the ‘Unity’ engagement ring, which is crafted with a tension-style setting. Our brief involved designing a piece to showcase the beauty of an incredible 2.39-carat natural blue Sapphire sourced for the commission. 

Gift Inspiration 

We have a range of gift ideas for anyone with a September Birthday. The following pieces are all available from our ready-to-wear range. However, if you are looking for a particular shade or design, get in touch with our team for further help and guidance. 

Halo Earrings 

 Featuring a central deep-blue round cut with a total sapphire weight of 2.22 carats, held within four double claws. Encircling each sapphire are 0.25 carats of sparkling F-colour, SI1 clarity diamonds, thereby adding eye-catching sparkle.

Halo Engagement Ring

Starla – Created in 18ct white gold – a diamond halo engagement ring. In stock and ready for immediate dispatch, arriving in our bespoke luxurious packaging.

Illusion settings create minimal stones – with a big effect. Therefore, a cluster of small stones meticulously set together creates an illusion of one big stone.

Heart Shape Rings

Pink sapphire engagement ring.

Featuring 0.15cts of GVS diamond grain set on the shoulders. Three claws hold the central 0.53ct Heart shape.

Vintage Diamond Shoulders

Charleston pink sapphire vintage engagement ring

Vintage 6-claw diamond engagement ring with pink sapphire.

Crafted in 18ct White Gold, it is available for next-day delivery in the UK or immediate dispatch overseas. Undoubtedly, creating the perfect September birthstone jewellery option.

The post A Guide To September’s Birthstone – Sapphire appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Which hand does the engagement ring go on?

In Western countries, tradition suggests that an engagement ring is worn on the fourth finger of the left hand. The tradition dates back to Roman times. They believed this finger had a vein that ran directly to the heart, the Vena Amoris, meaning a vein of love. 

The fourth digit of the left hand is sometimes referred to as the left hand’s third finger. All sources agree on the left hand, specifically the second finger from the smallest. Remember, the ring finger is not the fourth finger as some sources suggest.

Engagement rings never go on the index finger, although some people wear them on alternative fingers for specific reasons. Browse any engagement ring catalogue, and you will see numerous examples of models wearing rings on the left-hand ring finger.

For men and women, the engagement ring and wedding ring are typically worn on the left hand.

Some call the appropriate finger the ‘engagement ring finger’ or refer to it as the ‘wedding ring finger’ or ‘marriage finger’. All terms point to the same third finger of the left hand.

Why is the third finger so important?

Most couples place importance on the tradition of the correct finger. Culture means we adhere to strict customs and traditions. When it comes to engagement rings, the engagement ring finger always dictates where an engagement ring sits on the hand. The same can be said for other romantic ring styles, including the pre-engagement, commitment ring or promise ring.

Which goes on first, the wedding ring or the engagement ring?

Once married, the engagement ring goes on the finger after the wedding ring, with the removal of the engagement ring for day-to-day tasks. During a wedding ceremony, opinions vary about what to do with the engagement ring on the wedding day.

Such actions come from practical considerations. Removing the engagement ring for day-to-day tasks helps protect it, ensuring the continued shine and sparkle of the ring.

The wedding and engagement rings go on the same finger of the left hand. 

Why is the engagement ring worn on the left hand?

Some ancient cultures believed in a vein flowing from the left hand to the heart. This belief resulted in the tradition of wearing bridal rings on a specific finger. Commonly referred to as the ‘Vein of Love’, its name comes from Latin.

Does the Vena Amoris vein flow directly to the heart?

Many romantics quote an ancient myth. The ring finger has a vein of love flowing directly to the heart—the Vena Amoris. This legend comes from the Ancient Romans.

Although it may seem romantic, this is not true. There is no specific vein in the finger directly connected to the heart.

A practical explanation for wearing an engagement ring on the left hand

Since most people are right-handed, there is a practical reason to wear an engagement ring on the left hand. An engagement ring and wedding band receive less wear when worn on the dominant hand. Some refer to the right hand as the active hand. The opposing hand causes less wear for wedding bands and engagement rings.

The engagement ring finger

Our photograph below shows a close-up view of the engagement ring on the finger. Shown with a simple, classically styled diamond solitaire engagement ring on the left hand’s third finger.

Names used for fingers on the hand

Doctors rarely count fingers because of the confusion over which finger is the first finger. Do we have ten fingers or eight fingers and two thumbs?

For this reason, a familiar name exists for each finger of the hand: thumb, index, middle, ring and little finger. These terms are used today instead of more technical terms.

Names applied to the fingers of the hand

Wearing a ring on your middle finger

Although this may be unorthodox, some brides and grooms wear their rings on the middle finger. It may be due to a health complication that an engagement ring or wedding ring cannot be worn on the usual finger. These may include a broken finger, amputation, or arthritis.

Some suggest the middle finger represents balance. Although we rarely see rings worn on the middle finger, we recommend simple, comfortable designs for wear on this finger.

What hand does your wedding ring go on?

Your wedding ring goes on your left hand. And what finger does the wedding ring go on? Wedding rings go on the same finger as an engagement ring.

So, if you’ve ever wondered which hand the wedding ring goes on, you now have the answer! And who doesn’t wear wedding rings after marriage?

Which hand for the wedding ring in other countries

In Russia, wedding rings go on the third finger of the right hand. Similarly, countries including Germany, Spain, Austria, India, Greece, Ukraine and Poland wear the wedding ring on the right hand.

When are wedding rings worn on the right hand?

Some people wear wedding rings on the right hand. For medical reasons, such as swollen knuckles, a person might decide to wear a wedding ring on the opposite hand. Ultimately, the choice of wedding ring hand is a personal preference. However, many wearers consider tradition when making a decision.

What finger does the engagement ring go on before marriage?

What to do with your engagement ring on your wedding day?

Before marriage, the engagement ring goes on the third finger of the left hand. 

There are many opinions about how to wear your engagement ring on the big day.

Most brides place their engagement ring on the right hand before the ceremony. After the wedding ceremony, the engagement ring returns to the left hand’s ring finger.

The beautiful ‘Daisy’ engagement ring, available in many carat weight options

What if your engagement ring gets stuck?

If your engagement ring is difficult to remove, we suggest leaving it off on your wedding day to avoid complications during the ceremony. Furthermore, you might arrange a size adjustment before or after your wedding day.

Your ring may be challenging to remove due to swollen fingers or enlarged knuckles. Avoid wearing rings that are too tight for your hands. Watch our recent video on ring fit, where we discuss various solutions to issues, including prominent knuckles.

Why do some photographs show engagement and wedding rings on the right hand?

Some bridal photos show a diamond engagement ring and a wedding ring on the right hand. When photographs appear in reverse, the illusion of an incorrect finger sometimes occurs.

How to wear a wedding ring

Some clients ask how to wear wedding rings. More specifically, the sequence of rings on the finger.

Firstly, the wedding ring is placed on the finger. Next is the engagement ring. Finally, the eternity ring. 

In what order do you wear an engagement ring, a wedding ring, and an eternity ring? How to stack your rings

The question of what order to wear your engagement, wedding, and eternity rings frequently arises. After confirming which hand and finger, let’s focus on the order in which rings are worn.

Firstly, the wedding ring is placed on the finger. People rarely remove their wedding rings unless there is a risk of damage or an emergency. Secondly, the engagement ring is placed on the finger.

Finally, the eternity ring sits on the outside. People remove both rings more frequently. Typically, the engagement ring sits between the wedding ring and the eternity ring.

The Ring Order

Showing the sequence of the wedding ring, engagement ring and eternity ring worn in order on the hand. Engagement ring style ref. Eleanor. 

Do people in other countries wear engagement rings, on the other hand?

One of our recent visitors to our Isle of Wight jewellery showroom was born in Russia. During a conversation with my colleague, she referred to the Russian convention for wearing engagement rings and wedding rings. When she lived in Russia, ladies wore their engagement rings and wedding rings on their right hand.

Stacking rings on the same finger.

Currently, stacking rings is a very fashionable trend. Likewise, stacking matching engagement, wedding ring, and eternity rings gives a fabulous effect. Some triple-stacking rings give a three-ring impact all on the same finger.

Stacking rings, wearable on the same finger (Clover design – Serendipity Diamonds)

The post Which Hand for Engagement Rings, Wedding Rings and Eternity Rings? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

August Birthstone Peridot

Peridot is the UK birthstone for August. This beautiful gemstone boasts a distinctive mossy-green colouration. Serendipity Diamonds creates a wide selection of jewellery for August’s birthstone, Peridot, from their UK showroom in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

What is Peridot, and how is the name pronounced?

Peridot comes from the mineral Olivine. As its name suggests, the mineral features a distinctive moss-like colour. The name is pronounced “Peri-doh” rather than “Peri-dot”.

Olivine’s colour variations range from yellow to brownish-green. It originates from volcanic sources and often appears in rock as crystals. The colour of Olivine results from Iron within the crystal. Forsterite, a Magnesium Iron Silicate, provides most of the gemstone-quality Peridot cut for the jewellery industry.

Jewellers cut this gemstone into various sizes and shapes, which is cheaper than other gems. In addition, the Olive-green colour contrasts beautifully against white diamonds, set into halo rings or between outer diamonds.

History of Gemstone 

Olivine originated from a volcanic island in the Red Sea, once called Topazios and now known as St. John’s Island or Zabargad.

These ancient Egyptian gemstones were revered as the “gem of the sun” for their believed power to protect wearers from nighttime fears. Some historians suggest that Cleopatra’s famous emerald collection might have been peridot.

Through the medieval era, peridot and emerald were often confused. Even the gemstones adorning shrines in Germany’s Cologne Cathedral, initially believed to be emeralds, were peridots.

In the 1990s, peridots experienced a resurgence when new deposits were found in Pakistan, producing some of the finest peridots ever discovered, including stunning “Kashmir peridots” measuring over 100 carats.

Surprisingly, the world’s most productive peridot deposit lies on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in Arizona, providing 80 to 95 per cent of the global peridot supply.

With this abundance, peridots have become an affordable and beautiful birthstone option for those born in August. Embrace the legacy of peridot jewellery and discover its timeless charm for yourself.

Spiritual and Healing Properties 

In ancient times, physicians believed that Peridot possessed natural healing properties, particularly for the liver, gall bladder, and digestion. This vibrant green gem was closely associated with the concept of detoxification. Harnessing the essence of renewal, Peridot was revered as a tonic for overall well-being, aiding in the regeneration of cells and tissues, enhancing metabolism, and supporting the adrenal and endocrine systems. Legend has it that it also proves effective in treating skin problems, soothing rashes, and restoring a radiant glow.

How durable is Peridot as a gemstone?

Secondly, on the Mohs Hardness Scale, this gemstone registers at 6.5-7, which is hard enough for jewellery, as peridot is a relatively soft gemstone. In addition, it can break upon impact, so care should be taken during wear. In short, it is suitable for most jewellery types, from engagement rings to dress rings, earrings and pendants. Another benefit is cost. It is far more affordable than many other Green gemstones. Furthermore, the lower cost makes bigger gems competitively priced. For this reason, it is popular for larger bespoke dress rings and custom-made ring designs.

Why choose Peridot as the birthstone for August?

Peridot makes an excellent gift for anyone born in August. A loose gemstone makes a great gift ready to work into a bespoke commission. Most importantly, it is possible to arrange this at a later date based on the recipient’s tastes. Alternatively, choose ready-made Peridot jewellery to present on the person’s birthday.

We carry a small limited-edition selection of gemstones in our shop ready for making into bespoke designs. 

Other types of Peridot jewellery perfect for August

Another application for this gemstone is a necklace. Halo necklace designs, or solitaire necklace styles lend themselves well to Peridot—especially suited to August celebrations. Below we see an example of a necklace typically made with diamond. This alternative design suits most gemstone styles, but appears here with a round cut Peridot held within an elongated tapering necklace design.

Peridot eternity rings for an August wedding anniversary

Moreover, one of our final suggestions alternates Peridot with diamond. As a result, a beautiful contrast results between the diamond’s icy whiteness and the gemstone’s moss-green colouration. Our example shows a bespoke eternity ring styled this way—hand-crafted in 18ct Yellow Gold.

Claw set bespoke Peridot and diamond claw set half eternity ring

Pear and Diamond Birthstone necklace 

In addition, brand new to Serendipity is this delicate 9ct Yellow Gold Necklace. The Peridot weighs 0.57cts, measuring 7×5 mm. This beautiful gemstone has been set alongside an accent of white diamonds flowing around the pear-shaped gemstone – Arriving with an extendable 16″ – 18″ Trace chain. View on our website. 

• 198 Carat Letseng Diamond Sells for 10.6 Million
• Pear Shaped Diamonds Pros Cons – Choosing Your Perfect Stone
• Most Common Ring Size for Men & Women? Average Ring Size UK and US
• Valentine’s Day Pendants – Romantic Necklace Designs Inspired by the Heart
• A Guide to April Birthstone – Diamond

The post Peridot – The UK Birthstone for August | Exploring Peridot for Jewellery appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Serendipity Diamonds offers a replacement service for diamonds lost or missing from jewellery. In addition to finding a replacement diamond, their service includes setting the replacement stone and refurbishing the ring.

We provide replacement diamonds for several reasons.

Firstly, a diamond replacement for a lost stone.

Secondly, a replacement for a broken or chipped diamond.

Or, perhaps a gemstone or fake diamond was replaced with a genuine new diamond.

Replacement diamonds for engagement rings, eternity rings, or wedding rings.

Losing a small diamond from an engagement ring can be very upsetting. Despite every care, diamonds can be lost from settings. Loose claws, damaged prongs, a knock or a scrape can dislodge a diamond with a visible loss that stands out like a rotten tooth.

What else can you do when a ring is missing a diamond?

Besides adding a missing diamond, it might be possible to remodel the ring itself with the remaining diamonds. In our example below, our client lost a diamond from a five-stone half-eternity ring. Instead of us matching a new diamond, she chose to remodel the ring.

We transformed the ring into a new four-stone ring with her remaining diamonds instead of replacing the missing stone.

Few people realise that diamonds sometimes break. Despite their hardness, diamonds occasionally chip, and some break depending on the impact and other issues, such as flaws. Put simply, sometimes a flaw or inclusion breaks the surface, making the diamond vulnerable.

Small replacement diamonds for engagement rings

As diamond specialists, one of our day-to-day services involves matching up lost diamonds from engagement rings.

We take the existing shape, size and quality of your other diamonds into consideration, matching a new stone for your ring. Matching replacement small diamonds is daily work for us—helping both jewellers and members of the public.

The resulting work ensures a perfect replacement and restoration of your engagement ring with full contact at any time during the process.

You would certainly struggle to see where the lost diamond was before our work commenced.

Be cautious when approaching a jeweller for this type of service. Some bench jewellers use low-quality jobbing parcels of diamonds for this type of work.

As a result, the new diamond rarely matches the quality of the original diamond set. We take great care to match the whiteness and clarity of the new diamond with the existing diamonds.

Remember to insure your diamond engagement ring against the loss of diamonds.

All too often, we help clients with replacement rings and diamonds accidentally lost or stolen. A large proportion of people have either no jewellery insurance or insurance that has expired for their jewellery.

One of our main recommendations for any engagement ring purchase is an insurance policy for your diamond engagement ring.

Engagement ring insurance provides much-needed reassurance and peace of mind against the possible loss of a diamond.

Replacing the diamond lost from a signet ring

At Serendipity Diamonds, we replace diamonds lost from signet rings. Our example below shows a 0.25 carat diamond added into a gold signet ring with a star setting.

We provide both natural or lab-grown diamonds as replacement stones, depending on budget.

What to do if you lose a diamond from an invisible setting

If you have an engagement ring with a diamond missing from an invisible setting, contact your original retailer.

Invisibly set Princess cuts (see example below) feature tongue-and-groove style edges that lock together. Such diamonds are very difficult to replace.

In some instances, the entire ring would need replacing. Other illusion setting styles are suitable for replacing diamonds because they feature small claws to hold diamonds rather than the diamonds’ edges.

Diamond replacement service for other jewellers

We provide replacement diamonds for members of the public and for other jewellers. Furthermore, we cover inward insurance for items sent to us for diamond replacement. In addition, we match, replace, set and finish new diamonds into an existing item of jewellery, including various shapes, qualities and cuts.

Small old cut diamonds, as shown in the above ring, can be difficult to match and replace

How to replace a diamond in any item of jewellery

An outline of the process for re-fitting missing diamonds includes the following stages.

1. Contact us with details of your situation. Provide us with a photograph initially.
2. Alternatively, send your ring to us for inspection.
3. We provide an electronically emailed estimate detailing all work required and cost.
4. Upon approval, we carry out the work over a period of approximately 1.5 weeks.
5. Payment is made upon completion and before delivery
6. We deliver you a re-set engagement ring by fully insured Special Delivery.

For local clients within travelling distance of the Isle of Wight, we are happy to arrange an appointment for the delivery and collection of your item. We can also arrange an inward cover for your jewellery item being sent if your item is above the £2500 maximum value offered by Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Please contact us for additional advice and guidance. We have an online chat on our main website and we can be contacted by email or phone at any time.

Difficult diamonds to replace

Some diamond shapes can be very difficult to match up and set into jewellery. For example, small tapered baguette diamonds vary enormously in shape. As a result, we often sort through many carats of diamonds to find one suitably shaped tapered baguette that matches to the gap created by a lost or broken diamond. Broken baguette diamonds appear unsightly with an obvious crack across the stone. As a result, they impair the appearance of jewellery and require a suitable replacement.

In addition, some antique diamond cuts prove difficult to match. For example, Swiss-cut diamonds—a hybrid mix of single-cut and brilliant cut- are added to some antique items of jewellery.

How to replace a missing diamond cheaply?

At Serendipity Diamonds, we can replace a missing natural diamond with a lab-grown diamond. This cheap and affordable option reduces the cost of replacing an expensive natural diamond. Some clients favour this option for replacing a large engagement ring diamond.

Get further help from our showroom team

Reach out for more help and guidance from our specialist team of diamond experts. Whether you represent a member of the public or jewellery trade, we can help. Email us, talk to us online or call into our showroom for assistance.

The post Replacing Missing Diamonds from Rings and Jewellery appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

The Sancy four-claw engagement ring set with a 2-carat diamond

A 2-carat diamond ring offers the wearer a true feeling of luxury, either from a 2-carat diamond or a 2-carat diamond set into jewellery. The difference sounds subtle but has a great impact on the price. 

Serendipity Diamonds creates incredible 2-carat diamond rings, including natural and lab-grown varieties. Options include fully bespoke designs or designs from their extensive showroom collection.

2-carat diamond rings vs 2 carats of diamonds in a ring

Firstly, a classic 2-carat diamond solitaire ring provides the perfect way to display a large diamond. Take the Lila design, for example. Here, we see a simple setting perfectly suited to a 2-carat diamond. 

View the Lila engagement ring, available as a finished ring mount, set with a natural or with a lab-grown diamond.

The ring features all 2 carats of diamonds in one stone. By comparison, a ring set with many smaller diamonds totalling 2 carats costs far less. 

7 Stone Engagement Rings

We create many ‘cluster’ ring styles, set with 2 carats of diamonds divided across a set of 7 diamonds. We carry regular designs such as the Daisy 7-stone ring (see below) or make bespoke versions.

For example, we frequently create the Daisy diamond cluster ring with 7 diamonds weighing 2 carats in total diamond weight.

2 Carat Diamond Bubble rings

From our Bubble ring collection, the Bowery 2-carat diamond ring design features seven diamonds with a total carat weight of 2 carats.

Bubble rings serve many occasions. Occasionally, we create the Bowery ring as an engagement ring. We have even crafted a specially shaped wedding ring to fit the design.

2-carat engagement ring settings

Two-carat engagement rings stand out due to the chosen ring design. For this reason, the setting makes an important decision for buyers. For example, a simple setting elevates the beauty of your diamond. 

Your ring design should provide an immaculate setting, focusing on your diamond. 

Regarding precious metals, we recommend 950 Platinum as the best metal choice. Platinum provides a luxurious metal choice with a natural whiteness without Rhodium plating. Furthermore, Platinum offers strength and beauty worthy of the most expensive diamond. Finally, 950 Platinum feels dense compared to other metals and carries a higher intrinsic value than Silver and 9ct Gold.

If you prefer some colour to your precious metal, why not opt for Yellow or Rose Gold with a Platinum setting—a perfect combination for your diamond? Alternatively, a solitaire engagement ring made entirely from yellow or rose gold looks equally stunning. 

2-carat Pear shape with beautiful proportions selected for a client

2-carat diamond ring shapes

From classic, brilliant-cut diamonds to slender Marquise cuts, diamonds come in all shapes, colours and clarities. 

Round brilliant cuts and Princess cuts outsell most other shapes by a country mile.

Unusual shapes like the Cushion cut are favourable alternatives for the diamond connoisseur. Emerald-cut engagement rings provide a more subtle look with less flash and more fire than brilliant cuts. 

Finally, other choices exist, such as radiant cuts, oval brilliant cuts, pear shapes, heart shapes, and trilliant-cut diamonds.

Where can you view 2-carat diamonds?

Many of our clients book an appointment to view diamonds. They appreciate the hands-on approach to selecting a perfect diamond.

Our luxury showroom is a stone’s throw from the beautiful Isle of Wight coastline and long stretches of sandy beach—perfect for a romantic getaway with a little ring shopping!

Please give us a little notice; we are happy to source diamonds for your appointment.

For clients unable to visit us, we can provide high-resolution photography of any suggested diamonds. This process can be far better than viewing a diamond with the naked eye. 

Judging diamond quality without seeing the diamond

Recently, our clients have benefited from high-definition videos of potential diamonds. Most of our larger polished diamonds include a clear video, allowing clients to see their prospective diamonds without needing to examine the stone in person.

We sent this example video to one of our clients overseas.

The following video shows a good example of the HD video of a 2ct diamond, with the GIA report for our client to consider. 

What are the best colour and clarity grades for 2-carat diamonds?

Only some buyers choose the best diamond colour and clarity for their 2-carat ring. Owing to the rarity of single diamonds, most buyers select a suitable colour and clarity to ensure a white and clear diamond. As we have seen, ‘D’ represents the best diamond colour grade.

At the same time, Flawless or Internal Flawless represent the best clarity grades. However, prices skyrocket at the highest quality. For this reason, we recommend G or H colour and between VS1 clarity and SI1 clarity with only very slight or slight inclusions.

A stylish six-claw setting with a timeless solitaire set.

How to choose your 2-carat setting

Consider designs with added security. Build quality remains very important. Six claws give added security – embracing the diamond evenly around the girdle.

View many of our designs in person; the finish and build quality become evident upon first inspection.

We also offer a comprehensive bespoke ring design service to create a unique, one-of-a-kind 2-carat ring design set featuring any diamond or gemstone. 

Ella designed 2-carat claw white gold solitaire engagement ring 

For design inspiration, look at some of the many engagement ring styles online and contact us to arrange a viewing. We work with all diamond shapes, sizes and qualities. In addition, we work with certified and uncertified diamonds in natural and lab-grown varieties.

14k White Gold vs 18ct White Gold

We receive many requests for 14k white gold, but insist on 18ct White Gold instead. The purer 18ct White Gold has a greater density and is more hypoallergenic than 9ct White Gold and 14k White Gold, popular in the US.

2-carat lab-grown diamond rings

We work with natural and lab-grown diamonds and a full selection of gemstones. Regarding appearance, natural and lab-grown diamonds look identical and have the same physical properties.

Lab-grown diamonds feature a laser inscription on the stone’s girdle to confirm their authenticity.

The cost of a diamond varies according to several factors. For example, lab-grown 2-carat diamonds cost approximately half the price of a natural diamond. For this reason, they are a popular alternative to natural diamonds.

Enjoy expert guidance

Enjoy expert guidance anytime from our team of friendly jewellery consultants. Find the perfect 2-carat diamond ring in our boutique showroom in Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

We provide free insured shipping to many locations Worldwide, including the US, Canada, Australia, Europe and Ireland. We provide incredible customer service and expert diamond guidance.

Furthermore, we source ethical diamonds from across the World. In addition, we recently launched 2-carat diamond engagement rings made with lab-grown diamonds. Our website includes a list of current available diamond stock. Search our list or get in touch for more help from our diamond experts.

2-carat diamond necklaces

Like most jewellers, we create incredible jewellery in various designs. In addition to diamond rings, we craft exquisite diamond necklaces. Styles vary from classic solitaire pendants to elaborate 2-carat diamond cluster pendants with natural or lab-grown diamonds.

Our example below features a 2-carat Emerald cut diamond necklace, styled with a diamond-set loop and presented in our Serendipity Diamonds box. Due to the variation in diamond proportions, we design most pendant settings using CAD, working to the precise measurements of the chosen diamond.

2-carat diamond earrings

Buyers have two main choices for diamond earrings. Firstly, a pair of single diamond solitaire earrings—with 1 carat in each ear. Alternatively, we sometimes divide the 2-carat weight between multiple diamonds.

For example, three-stone ‘Trilogy’ earrings will divide 2 carats across six diamonds. As a result, each diamond will measure 4.5mm and weigh 0.33 carats. In essence, multiple diamond earrings cost far less compared to solitaire designs with two single diamonds.

Another significant factor influencing price is the origin of each diamond. Natural diamonds originate from the Earth and formed millions of years ago. In contrast, lab-grown diamonds, which are identical in appearance, are created from laboratory-produced rough diamonds.

The cost between natural and lab-grown 2-carat diamonds can be staggering. As a rule of thumb, expect to pay under half the price compared to the equivalent pair of genuine diamond earrings.

Frequently asked questions

The post 2 Carat Diamond Rings – Magnificent Engagement Rings appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Cigar band rings are wide, flat-edged rings that resemble the paper or foil band wrapped around a cigar. Cigar bands are decorative paper or foil bands wrapped around cigars, primarily to identify the brand or variety. Most feature the brand’s logo, name, or other intricate designs, inspiring the design of certain types of rings.

Who makes Cigar Band Rings?

Serendipity Diamonds creates a variety of Cigar band rings, working with a range of precious metals, widths, and ring styles. Extra-wide bands are created through a dedicated bespoke design service. We handcrafted this style of ring with the utmost attention to detail, embracing a classic style now experiencing a surge in popularity.

Beyond branding, the cigar band dates back to a time when the band prevented tobacco stains on fingers and gloves.

The name refers to rings in jewellery that describe wide, substantial bands crafted in gold or platinum, suitable for both men and women. Their unisex appeal and timeless design make them a standout choice for everyday wear or modern wedding bands. The design typically features a plain surface, often completed with a mirror polish. Talking about cigar band rings, they are synonymous with elegance and sophistication.

Adding diamonds to a Cigar ring

Diamond-set examples sometimes feature flush-set diamonds sunk into the ring’s surface. Other decorative elements mimic the foil wrapping of cigar brands. For example, a machine that follows the edges of the ring. Such details retain the simplicity whilst adding an element of style, beautifully complementing the cigar band design.

Why are they popular in 2025?

This extra-wide ring style lends itself well to luxury jewellery design and aligns with the luxury associated with fine cigars. Gender-neutral and suitable for a variety of uses, the additional width makes a statement of both luxury and opulence, especially when formed in solid gold. Indeed, their popularity can partly be attributed to the cigar band ring’s striking appearance.

How wide are Cigar Band Rings?

This distinctive ring style typically spans widths between 6mm and 10mm. Few jewellers create rings in 10mm or wider widths, but at Serendipity Diamonds, any width is possible, combined with any finger size. Cigar band rings continue to impress with their bold width and unique charm.

Ring profiles, styles and the comfort fit

Ring profiles vary for this style of ring. In the simplest form, many rings feature a flat inside and outer surface. Other styles include a comfort fit, best described as a domed inner surface that is created to enhance the comfort of the ring during wear. When considering cigar band rings, the comfort fit adds a practical and appealing dimension to keep in mind.

The post What are Cigar Band Rings? Bold, Gold and Rolled to Impress. appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

July ignites with the passionate glow of its birthstone, the ruby—a gem revered for centuries for its deep crimson hues and profound symbolism. As Tolkien once envisioned the Ruby Ring of Fire, so too does this gem capture hearts with its fiery allure. Join us as we explore the essence of July’s birthstone, from its historical significance to its enduring appeal. Discover the ruby’s timeless representation of love, courage, and strength, embodied in an Elvish ring adorned with this captivating gem.

In addition, Ruby, birthstone for July is beautifully captured in the following poem.

“The gleaming Ruby should adorn,
All those who are in July born,
For thus they’ll be exempt and free,
From lovers doubt and anxiety.”

Harriet Bishop

What is Ruby?

The variety of the mineral corundum with red hues differs from September’s birthstone, sapphire.

Did you know both Ruby and Sapphire are the same gemstone with colour being the ultimate deciding factor. 

In its purest form, the mineral corundum is colourless—trace elements that become part of the mineral’s crystal structure cause variations in its colour.

Chromium causes ruby’s red, ranging from an orangey-red to a purplish red.

The strength of ruby’s red depends on how much chromium is present—the more chromium, the stronger the red colour. Chromium can also cause fluorescence, which adds to the intensity of the red colour. 

Pigeon’s Blood Red

Because Ruby colours vary, certain general expressions describe the more desirable colours for this exceptional gemstone.

“Pigeon Blood” is one such term used to describe a particularly intense, ruby-red colour.

Blood-red examples of ruby serve many jewellery themes, including jewellery related to Gothic themes, often combined with black rhodium-plated gold. 

Besides a refined collection of ruby and diamond designs, we can customise most of our jewellery designs to include Rubies.

In addition, our bespoke service includes a comprehensive and detailed, no-obligation quotation based on your preferred design, featuring any gemstone combination.

History and origin

The name’Ruby’ originates from the Latin word ‘Ruber’, which translates to ‘Red.’ It was thought that due to the glowing red of this precious ruby gemstone, it had a flame burning deep inside.

Secondly, rubies date back to the first century AD and are also mentioned in the Bible 4 times. In the ancient language of Sanskrit, ruby is called ratnaraj, or “king of precious stones.” Some rubies, being deep red, are believed to symbolise blood and be the symbol of life itself.

Healing Properties

“Ruby encourages passion and a zest for life. It improves motivation and helps set realistic goals.

It balances the heart and instils confidence. It is said to encourage joy, spontaneity, laughter and courage. It promotes positive dreams and stimulates the pineal gland. Aids in retaining wealth and passion.”

Ruby Ring Designs

This romantic gemstone makes a perfect alternative to mainstream ring designs. Its vivid colour and variation of shapes and sizes subsequently make it ideal for the majority of ring designs.

In addition to solitaire rings, this gemstone has a dramatic effect when set alongside a halo or cluster of diamonds. As a result, the deep red contrasts with brilliant white diamonds.

Generally, this gemstone is most popular in Yellow Gold, with its deep red colour against the rich yellow colour. Additionally, most vintage designs are often paired with this combination, and consequently, it remains a popular choice today.

Remodelling a Ruby ring

The most popular request is our ring remodelling service. Perfect for clients looking to upgrade the metal, centre stone, or even the design of a current ring.

Our client contacted us, wishing to take advantage of our comprehensive bespoke service to recreate a very sentimental ring design that had subsequently been lost.

Bespoke Ruby Statement Ring

This incredible vintage ruby and diamond ring design was handcrafted through our bespoke ring design service.

The ring style was inspired by a vintage ring design with a combination of rubies and diamonds. 

Featuring a total of 2.55cts of oval rubies alongside 0.70cts of princess cut brilliant white diamonds. The design was created to span 10mm at the widest stone set point and taper to 6.5mm behind the finger.

The Ruby anniversary is represented by 40 years of marriage. Traditionally, a Ruby gemstone is presented to mark the occasion.

In addition, the symbolism associated with this vibrant red stone. Representing romance, devotion and passion, making it very worthy of such an amazing milestone.

Gift Inspiration

A range of July birthstone gifts available from both our website and the Ryde showroom.

July Birthstone Necklace

This delicate and striking Ruby birthstone necklace is available in 9ct yellow gold. Hanging from a delicate 16″ gold chain featuring a 4mm stone with a six-claw setting. Available for immediate dispatch or collection from our Ryde Showroom.

July Birthstone Earrings

These ruby and diamond stud earrings contrast beautifully with 9ct yellow gold and white diamonds. Secured to the ear with a post and secure butterfly backs.

July Birthstone – Ruby Halo Necklace

Centrally set with an oval measuring 5mm x 4mm, encircled with a halo of 8 – cut diamonds. Crafted in 9ct White Gold. In addition, it makes the perfect gift for either a July birthday or 40th wedding anniversary.

Alternative Gemstones

Lastly, is there an alternative gemstone? Most of the time, the symbolism of a Ruby gemstone is the most important detail to feature.

However, there are alternatives to consider for someone looking for the overall look, but not necessarily having the budget to fit.

For example, the Garnet. Associated with a dark red colour, garnets come in many different hues and in a variety of colours.

Rich in colour, transparent and inexpensive, garnet makes an affordable choice when it comes to jewellery. Commonly associated with the birth month – January.

Get In Touch

We would be more than happy to quote you on most of our rings if you wished to add some Ruby glamour to one of our designs! Contact us today with any ideas you have.

• Free Personalised Engraving
• Rainbow Rings – Red Orange Yellow Green and Blue Diamonds
• January Birthstone and the Beauty of Red Garnet
• Disney inspired Engagement Rings from Serendipity Diamonds
• The Cute Proposal

The post July’s Red Hot Ruby Birthstone – Fire and Brilliance appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Fingerprint enhancement involves refining a fingerprint to create a clear, crisp graphic suitable for jewellery engravers or tattoo artists. Most fingerprints (even clear examples) lack the clarity required for a sharp, defined work of fingerprint art.

Fingerprint reconstruction and restoration involve highly skilled processes to re-create a fingerprint with very little detail visible. For example, when a section of the print is smudged. Some prints cannot be reconstructed. For this reason, each print must be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Who provides fingerprint enhancement?

Serendipity Diamonds provides fingerprint enhancement, provided the fingerprints include enough detail to clarify and enhance.

As part of my work creating fingerprint jewellery, I provide this time-consuming service for jewellery, tattoo designs, and for memorial purposes.

***As a guide to cost, please note that this manual process takes approximately 2 hours to refine a print, for £50.00. *** I endeavour to provide this service, dependent on time constraints with current photography and editing commitments.

What is fingerprint enhancement? Why would you need to enhance it?

Most of the jewellery created at Serendipity Diamonds features personalisation in one way or another. For example, one of our most popular services involves applying a loved one’s fingerprint to a ring. We add enhanced fingerprints onto the outer and inner surfaces of many types of jewellery.

But why would you need fingerprint enhancement? Many of the fingerprints received from clients carry imperfections, smudges, scars and missing sections. Moreover, fingerprint enhancement improves the quality of the print. For example, many clients prefer the removal of scars or blank areas.

The enhancement work cleans the print, transforming it into a clean, crisp image. As a result, the final item stands apart from alternative fingerprint rings with low-quality prints and an inferior finish.

How are fingerprints enhanced?

We consider every fingerprint on an individual basis. Interestingly, some take less time to enhance. Conversely, others take several hours of manual reconstruction.

Firstly, using our free fingerprint kit, clients return their fingerprints for scanning.

Then, we import the image file into Photoshop and apply changes to the contrast and brightness. Through a process of manual editing, we clean up dust, scratches, scars and faded areas of the fingerprint.

Finally, most clients receive the final enhanced artwork for their approval before we apply it to an item of jewellery.

After the painstaking process of fingerprint editing, we create a crisp vector image of the fingerprint, perfect for engraving.

Some of our fingerprint jewellery features a combination of prints. For example, the double heart design with two fingerprints.

For this ring style, we create a canvas of equal size to the item of jewellery and use a heart-shaped template to isolate the best area of the fingerprint. As a result, the important whorl or arch detail features in the final enhanced fingerprints.

Enhanced fingerprint jewellery – final results

The final result of an enhanced print speaks for itself. When viewed on the final item, the fingerprint detail appears very clear.

View the following design in our shop section of the website

Many other engravings go through a similar process of enhancement. These include footprints, handprints, paw prints, and nose prints (in dogs), to name a few.

Memorial fingerprint reconstruction

We create some designs intended as memorial fingerprint jewellery. From time to time, we restore fingerprints from documents such as birth certificates.

Read our related posts on Fingerprint jewellery

• Fingerprint Wedding Rings – Unique Fingerprint Rings in 5 Easy Steps
• Fingerprint Jewellery | A Guide to Fingerprint Engraved Jewellery Designs
• Memorial Fingerprint Rings & Memorial Wedding Rings
• Wrap Your Ring in Diamonds with an Enhancer Wedding Ring
• Adding a Halo to a Solitaire Ring – Enhancer Wedding Ring Wraps

Do you need to have a fingerprint enhanced?

We can provide fingerprint enhancements for other individuals and organisations upon request. Please get in touch with us with an example of the fingerprint you need to be enhanced for more information.

The post Fingerprint Enhancement, Reconstruction and Restoration appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Raindance Rings and the Evolution of Bubble Cluster Rings

The Raindance ring gained popularity in contemporary jewellery design. Raindance rings were introduced by Boodle and Dunthorne (also known as Boodles), founded in 1798.

An example of the Raindance ring design resides in the V&A Museum.

Who creates the best alternative to the Raindance style of ring?

Serendipity Diamonds creates the best alternative to the Raindance genre of rings, with many styles tailored to a variety of tastes, carat weights, and diamond shapes.

Whilst the copyright relating to the Raindance ring belongs exclusively to Boodles, similar designs take inspiration from the design in much the same way as the iconic Tiffany style setting inspired other ring designs.

Many popular jewellery styles originate from some of the most famous jewellery companies. Moreover, exclusivity and luxury make designs desirable and aspirational. An example can be seen in Boodle’s television documentary, which features the purchase of a Raindance ring by actress Emma Thompson. As a result, celebrity endorsement offers incredible credibility and value to both designers and ring designs.

The Tiana diamond bubble ring features over 1 carat of diamonds set in part-bezel settings across a triple-band ring design. 

Diamond bubble rings with lab-grown diamonds.

Enjoy all of our diamond bubble ring designs set with lab-grown diamonds. Identical in appearance to our natural diamond bubble rings, each design provides a more affordable option for many buyers. View designs in our lab-grown diamond rings section, or contact us for a tailored quote.

Additionally, you can incorporate any gemstone combination into your design as part of our bespoke design service.

A brand new bespoke lab-grown pink diamond bubble ring created as an alternative based on the Bowery 2-carat ring design.

What are diamond bubble rings?

Bubble rings feature several diamonds set close together. In detail, most feature a finely crafted arrangement of bezel-set diamonds across multiple strands. Most bubble designs resemble the many variations of the Raindance ring.

View designs collectively referred to as diamond bubble rings

Arrangements of round diamonds define the style of a diamond bubble ring. Most rings feature a random arrangement of diamond sizes. And, diamond sizes vary enormously, depending on the overall carat weight of the ring design.

The Diamond Pop Ring

Our latest design features a single band with a decadent arrangement of different-sized diamonds, styled in 18-carat Gold or Platinum. The Diamond Pop Ring offers a versatile design, suitable for both dress rings and engagement rings, and is available with a shaped diamond band to match.

The first designs featured an interwoven arrangement of different diamond sizes in full bezel settings. Bezel settings form a polished frame around the edge of each diamond.

The original bubble rings featured three bands that merged into a single band behind the finger.

Many variations are possible by mixing different sizes of diamonds. Two similar rings of the same carat weight often contain different diamond sizes.

At Serendipity Diamonds, bubble rings are available in several carat weight options, including 1-carat, 1.5-carat, 2-carat, and 3-carat versions.

Waverly Anniversary Bubble Ring

The Waverly diamond bubble ring features 0.90cts of G colour SI1 clarity diamonds.

We create this with variations of colours, clarities and even gemstone arrangements. Try mixing Pink Sapphires with ultra-white diamonds!

The Waverly design is shown below, set in 18ct Yellow Gold.

View Waverly online

Manhattan 0.50-carat Ring

The Manhattan diamond bubble ring is our latest addition to the collection. This incredible design features a proportionate arrangement of scattered diamonds in the classic bubble ring design, set with 0.50 carats—ideal for anyone with a smaller budget. Or, perfect for any person looking for a petite version of the larger designs.

View the Manhattan diamond bubble ring

Madison 1 Carat Diamond Bubble Ring

Click for details

Delancey 1.5 Carat Diamond Version

Click for details

Bowery 2-Carat Diamond Bubble Ring

View the Bowery 2-carat bubble ring

Carnegie 3-Carat Diamond Bubble Ring

Click for details

We create most of these ring designs in three parts. First, we make each band. Then, we finish each section before joining them to arrive at the final fused ring. As a result, we polish each section to perfection for the best possible finish.

We craft bubble-style diamond rings in a full choice of precious metals—for example, 18ct White Gold, 18ct Yellow Gold, 18ct Rose Gold and 950 Platinum.

We typically make most rings with round brilliant-cut diamonds. These include natural or lab-grown diamonds. Larger diamonds exceeding 0.30 carats are accompanied by full diamond certification. Additionally, we now offer Moissanite bubble rings at a more affordable price than diamonds.

Bubble Rings On Hand

To get an overall look at the different total carat weights available. Alternatively, contact our team to arrange a loan for a silver sample bubble ring.

Starting with the Madison-1ct, Delancey 1.5ct, Bowery 2.00ct, and the Carnegie 3.00ct.

Rainfall, Raindance-inspired ring design RLD004.

Custom Made Bubble Style Diamond Rings

We create custom-made bubble rings, individually styled for each client. For example, the design above featured clustered arrangements of small diamonds. Additionally, two larger diamonds provided by our client were matched to a diamond. As a result, we created a matching set of diamonds for this particular commission.

Our bespoke rings require weeks of work to create, encompassing design work using CAD, image production, and model making. The final stages involve the ring evolving through mounting, setting, and finishing.

For further information on how we can assist with your commission, please email us with as much information as possible regarding your required design, or call us to discuss further.

The following designs are all based on a similar feel to the Raindance style of ring, featuring distinctive multiple-band styling and variable diamond sizes.

Petite Ring Designs in the Bubble Style

Some of our existing designs offer petite, finer variations, ideal for small hands. For example, our diamond bubble ring “Bubble” R8D001 features a fine band with a clustered arrangement of full bezel settings.

R8D001 – “Bubble” – petite, with a boastful show of diamonds.

Pink Sapphire and diamond version of the R8D001 Bubble ring design

Shaped wedding rings for Bubble Style Rings

We design, craft and create shaped wedding rings suitable for bubble rings. Furthermore, many of our clients commission bubble rings for engagement rings. As a result, we provide a custom design service for shaped wedding rings.

Fairtrade Gold and Ethical Jewellery

Most of our bubble ring styles can be made from 100% Fairtrade Gold, which is ethically sourced. Please get in touch with us for assistance if you require a diamond ring crafted from Fairtrade Gold.

The raindrop shown here is crafted in 100% ethically sourced Fairtrade Gold. 

Diamond rings are perfect for Summer.

Diamond bubble rings make a spectacular statement for Wimbledon. The photograph below shows one such commission, crafted with 2 carats of diamonds.

Diamond bubble jewellery additions

Since we introduced the first bubble-style scatter rings, we have evolved many other jewellery styles. Firstly, diamond earrings. Our showroom designs now include a small selection of ready-made diamond bubble earrings. Typically, we create designs in 18 18-carat white Gold or Yellow Gold.

The post Raindance Inspired Diamond Rings – Diamond Bubble Rings appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What does VVS mean?

VVS describes the clarity of a diamond with almost no inclusions. To elaborate, microscopic inclusions are hard to see even under a 10x lens. VVS clarity diamonds represent the closest clarity grades to an Internally Flawless diamond.

The abbreviation of VVS clarity stands for “very very slightly included.” 

The term was introduced in 1953 by the GIA and is now adopted worldwide alongside many other diamond clarity grades.

A professional gemmologist assigns diamonds one of several clarity grades. Clarity grades range from Flawless (Fl diamond grade), which indicates the absence of any internal or external flaws, to I3, the lowest grade. 

The Difference Between VVS1 and VVS2 Diamonds.

The VVS clarity grade is divided into two grades: VVS1 diamonds and VVS2 diamonds, with one grade being better than the other, making it difficult to differentiate to an untrained eye.

Both grades represent some of the highest-clarity diamonds available. Moreover, VVS1 stands one clarity grade lower than Internally Flawless.

Where do VVS diamonds fall on a diamond clarity chart?

The following chart illustrates the position of VVS diamonds compared to other clarity grades.

Why buy a VVS diamond?

But why should you buy a VVS clarity diamond? When you buy a diamond, expect to spend plenty of time learning about the 4 C’s (Colour, Clarity, Carat weight and Cut).

Clarity affects the transmission of light through a diamond. For this reason, choose a higher clarity grade wherever possible. SI diamonds provide an eye-clean clarity grade. However, if your budget allows for VS clarity or VVS clarity, there will be no inclusions visible to the naked eye within your diamond. 

Some buyers question the price difference between VVS diamonds and lower clarity grades. For example, how good is good enough? Other questions arise. How high does the grade need to be to own an eye-clean diamond?

In this video, we compare a D-colour, VVS2 clarity, 1-carat diamond with a D-colour, VVS1 clarity, 1-carat diamond.

Best clarity grades for a clear diamond

VVS diamonds offer exceptional clarity. But the lower price of a VS diamond has its merits. Firstly, in terms of price. VS diamonds provide superior clarity ,hard to distinguish from a VVS clarity diamond. Moreover, VS diamonds are less expensive.

The diamond shape and its effect on clarity

Consider the size and shape of your diamond. Very slight inclusions can be more apparent in some diamond shapes. For example, Baguette or Emerald Cuts. Other diamond shapes help to hide inclusions. For example, the Princess cut.

Emerald cuts (left) are best sourced in higher clarity grades available in natural or lab-grown options via our diamond search tool.

VVS lab-grown diamonds price compared to natural diamonds.

The market for lab-grown diamonds has experienced significant growth over the last 12 months. Now, during 2025 there are an incredible amount of VVS clarity lab-grown diamonds available in most colours, sizes and diamond shapes.

As part of our work at Serendipity Diamonds, we source both natural and lab-grown diamonds, but how do they compare in terms of price?

Natural price: £ 6,000 – £10,000, based on a 1-carat D colour, VVS1 clarity, GIA-certified natural diamond.

Lab-grown price – Approximately £300 for a 1-carat D colour, VVS1 clarity, IGI-certified lab-grown diamond. (Price last updated in June 2025)

Contact our team for more help and guidance on any of our services. Showroom appointments are available Monday to Saturday.

Ethical diamonds – going beyond conflict-free

As part of our work, we source 100% ethical, traceable diamonds. As such, we regularly source VVS clarity stones for clients from the Ekati and Diavik Mines in Canada’s North West Territories.

CanadaMark Diamonds offers buyers information on the origin of each diamond. Additionally, diamonds include the original rough diamond weight and a full GIA certification.

The post VVS Diamonds. What Does VVS1 Stand for in Diamond Grading? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Redesigning your old wedding ring for a brand new design.

There are many reasons why someone would want to redesign their old wedding ring. For sentimental reasons, this is a no-can-do for some people.

Today, we’re encouraging change, helping you to reconsider. Why? Because you can redesign your wedding ring. Furthermore, you can include your original wedding ring for sentimental reasons. You needn’t lose your original ring. It can be transformed into a new design. Same ring—brand new design.

Now set with diamonds, a wedding ring is re-created in a new design

Why would you want to redesign your wedding ring?

You will almost certainly have your reasons. Here are a few reasons why you might want to re-create your wedding ring.

Excessive wedding ring wear over a long time

Perhaps your wedding ring is badly worn. As a result, sadly, it looks unattractive. You’re so used to it, sitting on your finger—looking worn—you rarely notice it. You love it, yes, but it’s not pretty. Be honest.

A worn pattern is recreated in a brand-new ring

An old-fashioned wedding ring

Due to fashions, trends, and a limited budget, many couples choose what is available at the time. Over the years, some designs have become dated. Some people decide that their metal choice is now outdated. Classic styles like the traditional court wedding ring rarely date, but many patterned designs show recognisable styling linked to certain decades.

Your wedding ring became thin or too narrow

Over time, wedding rings can become thin or narrow for various reasons. We often see very old 9-carat gold wedding rings that have worn thin over the decades. In addition, slim bands, resized, can become thin behind the finger.

What if your wedding ring never fitted?

Another reason to consider redesigning your wedding ring is that it is ill-fitting. For example, Tiffany & Co. suggest a straight band for their Tiffany Ribbon Ring; however, from experience, a dedicated shaped wedding ring is necessary to sit flush alongside the setting. Such a redesign will improve the fit, factoring in the original wedding ring metal.

Your wedding ring is broken and perhaps difficult to repair

Maybe you’re not even wearing your wedding ring. It might be damaged or broken, snapped or cracked.

You want to remake your Grandmother’s / Grandfather’s wedding ring

Maybe it’s just not your style. You love the ring. Maybe you cherish the thought of wearing your grandma’s original wedding ring. But it does suit you or perhaps it does not fit.

Can the original wedding ring be made into a new design?

Simply put, the answer is yes. The original metal can be melted down and re-used. In addition, original diamonds can be re-set to create a new ring. If there is not enough metal, additional precious metal can be added to your new wedding ring. Provided the purity and type remain the same, this is all possible. Most noteworthy is the separation of your wedding ring metal from all other precious metals in the workshop.

How much does it cost to redesign a wedding ring?

There are several important considerations to keep in mind. If you are considering using an existing ring consider the following points.

Separating your original metal requires a different approach to a regular wedding ring. The process adds approximately £200 to the overall cost. Additional costs include any CAD design required, as well as any extra metal that may be needed to enhance your wedding ring. It is always essential to obtain a comprehensive quote before signing off on any work.

Don’t choose the original metal if you’re purely trying to save money.

If you are trying to reduce the cost of a new wedding ring, factor in the scrap value of your original metal. This will reduce the overall cost. Using actual metal in your new wedding ring adds to the cost. Decide which is most important. Many people choose to use the original metal if the ring has enormous sentimental value.

Points to remember if you are re-using your existing wedding ring metal

If you are re-using your Gold or Platinum in a new wedding ring, remember the following points:

Firstly, there is rarely a guarantee that the finished ring will achieve the same purity. Much depends on the precious metal itself. The finished ring will be hallmarked at the highest purity achieved when submitted to the Assay Office.

Secondly, in some instances, small amounts of porosity may be present in the finished ring. This is due to the quality of the original metal when melted and recast into the new ring

Thirdly, there is a good chance that more metal will need to be added to the new ring. Seek a quote with full details before any work commences so that you are prepared and fully informed before deciding to go ahead with work.

How to ensure that the original metal was used?

It is very easy for jewellers to say that they reused their client’s original metal. But not very ethical. We suggest that a written statement is included with your final valuation to declare that the original precious metal was used. Final documentation should consist of a written, signed declaration with further details regarding the original and new gram weights, purity, and other relevant information. These details will be worked out and include confirmation that your original precious metal was used in the latest piece of jewellery. Furthermore, most workshops retain a record of progress and materials used throughout your commission.

More help re-designing your wedding ring

If you would like more help re-designing your old wedding ring, please get in touch with us. One of our friendly team members will be happy to chat with you and give you more information at any time.

The post Re-Designing Your Old Wedding Ring – Creating a New Dream Ring appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is a solitaire?

A Solitaire diamond is a single diamond. This popular term refers to jewellery set with a single diamond. 

“Solitaire” refers to any jewellery set featuring a single gemstone. Popular solitaire designs include rings, pendants and earrings.

Most people associate a solitaire diamond with the classic engagement ring design.

A floating diamond solitaire pendant, suspsended from a small drill hole passing through the diamond.

Misconceptions: Solitaire vs Monolithic

In recent weeks, we received a request for a monolithic engagement ring. In basic translation, this refers to Mono (one) and Lithic (stone), but is incorrectly used to describe a large single stone pillar or monument.

Our Kensington ring design is our latest contemporary addition, featuring a Tiffany-style setting and knife-edge shoulders, as shown here with a 1-carat lab-grown diamond (Price approx. £ 1,600, updated).

At the same time, the alternative definition of Solitaire relates to a popular card game.

This card game dates from the mid-18th Century. Today, many people play solitaire games on their phones or devices. 

The most popular single-stone ring

New clients often ask which of our solitaire styles is the most popular for buyers. The Lila design has been in great demand for the last few years. Its simple styling and choice of options make it a popular design.

Furthermore, we create the Lila engagement ring with large lab-grown solitaire diamonds and Starlight Moissanites. Buyers can get the look of a two- or three-carat diamond at a much lower cost than a natural diamond.

Most popular amongst solitaire rings? The ‘Lila’ ring design.

The iconic solitaire ring design

The most popular type of solitaire jewellery is the iconic round brilliant-cut diamond engagement ring. Think of the Tiffany setting when you think of an engagement ring. 

Tiffany & Co. brought the engagement ring to true fame with the classic round diamond engagement ring. Tiffany boosted Platinum engagement rings to new heights. Set with a single diamond, a Platinum solitaire provides a secure setting. Additionally, it gives sufficient strength to hold a diamond. 

After round diamonds, the square Princess cut is the second most popular diamond cut for solitaire rings.

Beatrice, a beautiful traditional engagement ring available for most diamond sizes. 

Popular diamond solitaire shapes

 Video showing some of the popular solitaire diamond shapes.

Diamond shapes

 Video showcasing some of the most popular single-stone diamond shapes.

The most popular diamond solitaire engagement rings feature round brilliant cut diamonds. However, many other diamond shapes exist. 

In addition to the popular Round and Princess cut, many more diamond shapes exist. In fact, many unique diamond shapes exist. For example, the Ten Commandments diamond cut!

Finally, Antique diamond cuts arise. Typically salvaged from Vintage jewellery, the Old Mine Cut, surfaces at auction.

Round brilliant cuts, Princess-cuts and other shapes

Round Solitaire – The round brilliant cut diamond. The most popular round diamond shape with 57 facets. This design frequently features single diamond rings.

Princess Solitaire – Square princess cut diamond. The second most popular, the square Princess cut, features over 70 facets.

Emerald-Cut Solitaire – Rectangular step-cut diamond. A more subtle diamond shape, cut for fire rather than brilliance.

Oval Solitaire – Similar to the round brilliant but elongated. Excellent for size but less popular than the round.

Marquise Solitaire – Boat-shaped with pointed ends. Marquise diamond gives a beautiful elongated diamond with plenty of elegance.

Heart Solitaire – Most romantic heart-shaped, brilliant cut. Popular for Valentine’s Day buyers either love or hate the heart shape.

Why are diamond solitaire rings so popular?

In addition to Tiffany, DeBeers gave solitaire rings a boost. DeBeers came up with one of the most popular advertising campaigns in the World. 

A young copywriter working for N. W. Ayer & Son, Frances Gerety coined the phrase “Diamonds are Forever.” As a result, the solitaire diamond experienced a surge in popularity.

De Beers provided us with a suggestion on how many months’ salaries were committed to a purchase. Their romantic TV ads helped forge the modern proposal on one knee. 

As a result, the solitaire ring became an iconic symbol of romance. 

Butterfly-inspired Papillon solitaire engagement ring

Is it possible to buy a solitaire setting without the diamond?

Many ring buyers already own their diamonds. For example, an inherited diamond. For this reason, it is possible to purchase just a solitaire setting without the stone. Furthermore, we make finished settings without a diamond. 

We offer this service for private and trade clients. Some of our solitaire settings appear with an option to purchase without a stone. Browse our guidance page on ring mounts or contact us for more help.

The Annabelle solitaire ring is crafted in a choice of precious metals

How much would you pay for a single diamond engagement ring?

Expect to pay anything from £500.00 for a small diamond ring. Remember, the price varies greatly depending on the size and quality of a diamond. In addition, the choice of metal affects the price.

Single gemstone rings

We make single-stone engagement rings with coloured gemstones.  Gemstones add a vibrant burst of colour. 

Clients supply some. But we also source gems for clients. Many exist as limited edition coloured gemstones. Many designs appear on our website.

Unusual Purple Spinel solitaire ring featuring forked shoulders. This was a bespoke commission created in the style of the Elsa Solitaire ring.

What is the best quality for a solitaire diamond?

Four factors affect the value of a diamond. They are referred to as the 4 C’s. They include colour, clarity, cut and carat weight.

The value of a diamond comes from all four factors. To explain, the combination of carat weight, colour, clarity and cut gives a diamond its value. For example, take a D-colour diamond. 

Factor in a Flawless clarity grade. Then, add an excellent cut. Finally, choose a high-carat weight. As a result, you have a very expensive diamond!

Examples of diamond engagement rings

At Serendipity Diamonds, we create amazing solitaire engagement rings. We deliver solitaire designs worldwide. 

We are one of the few jewellers to include tax and duty. Our solitaire rings are sent to the furthest corners of the World. 

We carry most designs on our website and within our brand-new Ryde showroom. 

Besides online purchases, we help many clients in person by phone or by email. Additionally, we have clients visiting us from the UK and abroad.

Click on the images below to view the design.

Solitaire in the Unity ring design

Unity. Our most popular solitaire engagement ring. Shown here is set with a 1.20-carat diamond. 

The diamond is held between the sides of the ring over a polished setting. We created a matching-shaped wedding ring to match this design. 

The Ella engagement ring. A perfect four-claw round solitaire ring design. In addition, we craft many other four-claw solitaire styles in many contemporary styles.

This example shows a 1-carat round diamond solitaire engagement ring.  

Beau solitaire ring style. Similar designs feature slight differences. This elegant set features a simple four-claw arrangement. 1-carat round diamond solitaire engagement ring set into white gold.  

The Orion solitaire engagement ring design breaks tradition. A solitaire style with a fresh, clean look. Crafted with a sweeping part-bezel, the opposite claw holds the diamond in place. 

The flute engagement ring is styled with six claws. This solitaire diamond setting benefits from added height. The tall, fluted setting features a web-like design, characterised by slim shoulders. 

View additional designs by continuing to browse the full collection in our shop. 

Where does your diamond come from?

When you buy a diamond ring, how do you determine its origin? Certainly, the ring came from the jeweller. But where did the diamond and Gold originate? Few buyers ask such questions about the origin. 

One of our unique services helps to answer this question. Many of our rings include details about the origin of the materials. 

For example, some of our diamonds originate from Canada. Additionally, they include details about the mine of origin. 

These include the Ekati and Diavik mines. CanadaMark diamonds include a unique serial number to identify them. 

This number accompanies the diamond from the mine to the cutting process. Then, through to the final polished diamond.

The number appears on the side of the diamond in addition to the GIA report number. The final, most important aspect sets CanadaMark diamonds apart. All CanadaMark diamonds are 100% ethically sourced. 

Both systems, CanadaMark and Fairtrade, are independently audited. Both provide reassurance to people about how our jewellery is made. And, most importantly, where the materials came from. 

Alternatives to the classic solitaire engagement ring

Without straying off-topic, we have many options to the solitaire engagement ring. For example, two-stone, three-stone and cluster ring designs. 

Are solitaire rings cheaper than other styles?

If you choose a ring with more than one diamond, the price will be lower than that of a single-diamond ring. This is based on the same colour and clarity of diamonds. 

For example, a one-carat solitaire engagement ring costs more than a 1 carat two-stone engagement ring. Smaller diamonds have a lower cost per carat. 

This is due to their rarity. Larger diamonds are rarer than smaller diamonds. As carat weight increases, so does cost. 

Can you put a bigger diamond into the same ring?

Most settings are made to hold a specific diamond size. For this reason, a bigger diamond cannot be added to the same ring. 

When we carry out this work, we remove the original setting. This can only be done if the ring is a two-part ring. This means it has been created with a separate shank and head. 

Firstly, we remove the original setting. Next, we create an identical setting built for a bigger diamond. Next, we mount the new setting on the original shank. 

Finally, we set the bigger diamond and polished the ring. The result is the same ring design. The ring features the original band, but with a new, larger diamond. 

We offset the cost of the new ring against the value of any scrap metal. Some clients provide additional items of jewellery to scrap in this way. We drop the item on the scales. 

Then, we calculate the gram weight and scrap metal cost on the day. Finally, we subtract this price from the cost of all work. 

The post What Does Solitaire Mean? – Solitaire Diamond Definition appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Engagement rings with skinny bands.

Thin band engagement rings are ideal for petite and slender fingers. At the same time, a narrow shank often enhances the size of the diamond, gemstone or setting.

Typical widths for engagement rings.

Most engagement ring bands typically measure 2.5mm in width. Slim bands usually measure between 1.5mm and 2mm in width by comparison.

We recommend a shank with a width of at least 1.5mm to minimise the risk of bending or distortion due to its reduced strength.

Dainty engagement rings with small gemstones.

Dainty engagement rings typically feature slim, slender shanks, balanced by smaller sizes of diamonds and gemstones. As an example, we created the Alexandrite and diamond engagement ring as part of a bespoke ring set. Small diamonds nestle with a beautiful Pear-shaped Alexandrite, birthstone for June.

Thin or thick engagement ring designs.

Engagement ring styles come in all shapes and sizes, with wide bands, narrow bands, straight bands and tapering bands. The width and depth of a ring vary from style to style. At the same time, many rings narrow towards the setting. As a result, the overall width varies along the ring’s band.

For buyers looking for a more affordable engagement ring or a commitment or promise ring, a lighter band saves on cost. Especially in less expensive metal choices.

What is a shank?

Firstly, it is worth noting that many jewellers refer to the band as the ‘shank‘ of the ring. Some ring shanks adjoin the setting, whilst others attach to the setting through ‘mounting.’

The process of making an engagement ring takes between 3 and 4 weeks. Our clients typically choose their engagement ring design from our website or showroom collection. They then customise the ring depending on their budget and preferences for diamond quality.

Tall settings with a slim engagement ring band

Slim engagement rings often feature tall settings. Like a long, slender neck, a skinny band combined with a tall setting give grace and poise to the design. For example, the Flute design featured below provides this effect. The slim band is slim but crafted with strength for daily wear.

The Calla engagement ring design offers a tall setting with a slim yet durable band. 

Comfort and the thickness of your engagement ring band

Consider the thickness of the band when choosing a slim shank. If the band is too shallow, the band will be weak. At the same time, if it is too thick, the band will be too ‘chunky’ and uncomfortable.

Some engagement rings feature knife-edged shoulders, tapering from a regular-width band. This gives a skinny band look with enough strength for day-to-day wear.

The diamond cluster engagement ring below features a solitaire effect, with a thin band that enhances the setting size. Knife-edged shoulders slim the appearance of the band. 

What is the typical width of engagement ring bands?

The standard width for an engagement ring band is 2.5mm.  Engagement rings with skinny bands range from 1.5mm to 2.0mm in width. Wide-band engagement rings are less popular. Wider bands make the diamond appear smaller unless you have a large diamond or gemstone set into the ring.

Is it possible to order an ultra-thin engagement ring band?

It is possible to find engagement ring bands under 1.5mm. We strongly recommend against ultra-thin bands. Instead, we suggest 2mm, with a reduced thickness in the shoulder section of the ring.

Slender bands are worn as a combined ring set.

Thin bands worn as a ring set offer greater strength when worn together. Take our clover design, for example. Together they have more strength and look incredible in three colours.

Engagement rings, diamond-set shoulders

Skinny ring styles with diamond-set shoulders add a little extra sparkle to an engagement ring. There are many engagement ring designs featuring diamond shoulders, some with narrow bands.

The Orchid engagement ring design features skinny diamond shoulders and a petite flower arrangement, set with a diamond, surrounded by Pink Sapphires. 

If you would prefer the addition to diamonds on your wedding ring instead, there are many skinny or thin eternity ring styles to complement a slim band engagement ring.

Best precious metals for skinny band engagement rings

Carefully consider your precious metal when choosing an engagement ring with a slim band. We recommend Platinum or 18ct Gold to give enough strength and durability to the ring. Avoid Silver at all costs. Silver lacks the strength offered by other precious metals.

Even the more expensive Platinum engagement rings can bend out of shape. For this reason, a few engagement rings are crafted with a band that is under 2mm wide.

View diamond set eternity ring styles created with thin bands in the shop section of our website.

Popular styles of engagement rings with a thin band

There are advantages and disadvantages to skinny band engagement rings. Here are a few of each for consideration.

Most importantly, remember a thin band engagement ring enhances the ring setting. The ring setting and diamond size appear larger than those of a wide-band engagement ring.

The following princess-cut engagement ring features slim shoulders and is available by request.

What are the advantages of an engagement ring with a skinny band?

Skinny engagement ring bands are less expensive due to their lightweight. For this reason, many jewellers provide slender rings to reduce the cost of rings.

Skinny engagement ring bands enhance the size of the setting. Select a diamond in proportion to the ring size. 

A slim band can give more comfort than a wider band. 

Delicate and fine, perfect for slim fingers.

A skinny band will match beautifully with a dainty wedding ring—with or without diamonds.

Matching slim wedding bands makes a more affordable ring when budgeting for a wedding.

The half-diamond eternity ring below is 1.6mm wide, with 0.25cts of diamonds. (Available by request approx. £850 based on current prices.)

Disadvantages of an engagement ring with a thin band

Any future size adjustments will reduce the ring’s width. For this reason, ensure that the ring is wider at the base, under the finger. Slim bands demand a perfect fit to avoid thinning the band with future adjustments.

Skinny ring shanks are weaker and more prone to bending under pressure. Avoid Silver as a choice of precious metal for this reason. 

Slim band engagement rings often have very fine details on the setting. Ensure the diamond setting provides sufficient protection for the stone. 

Slim shanks often look disproportionate on larger fingers. Fat fingers rarely suit skinny bands. Larger engagement rings work better on bigger hands. 

Thin Wedding Bands

In addition to a wide range of thin, plain wedding rings, we feature a dedicated section on thinner diamond-set wedding rings. Therefore, the finished dainty ring set was created perfectly. Additional options include crafting a bespoke slim band to your requirements and design preferences.

Knife-Edged Bands

To begin, what is a knife-edge shank? Put, it features a tapering edge protruding out from the centre of the band, creating an angled shape on each side. This, therefore, creates a thinner / slimmer look to the ring itself. Although some clients prefer the comfort of a court profile band, it can also be done with a tapering effect towards the setting.

Creating a fine engagement ring band with strength

Many of our engagement rings feature slim bands that offer sufficient durability for daily wear. Choose a skinny band, but ensure it has enough strength. For example, a 2.5mm wide band has plenty of strength. If tapered to a fine width at the setting, the band appears slender but retains sufficient strength.

Further guidance on engagement rings featuring a slim or skinny band

Please contact us for style suggestions related to engagement rings with slender bands. We feature many engagement rings online and have thousands of designs in our showroom.

We advise clients daily on suitable styles. Furthermore, we offer a complete bespoke design service. Working with the latest CAD design technology, we can design any ring with any desired width. All information and quotes are provided without obligation.

The post Thin Band Engagement Rings – Skinny Rings with Narrow Bands appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Celebrating a June birthday with gemstones

People born in June have a choice of two birthstones: Pearl or Alexandrite. A third option adds Moonstone into the realms of possibility—all beautiful choices.

Pearls hold profound significance in various cultures and traditions, symbolising purity, wisdom, and tranquillity. Their luminous quality often connects pearls to the moon, believed to bring clarity and calmness to the mind.

Pearls also symbolise integrity and loyalty, making them popular choices for bridal jewellery and gifts marking important life milestones.

In many cultures, pearls are believed to possess protective qualities, safeguarding the wearer from negative energies and promoting inner peace and harmony. Their timeless elegance and deep symbolic meanings make pearls treasured gemstones with enduring spiritual and emotional resonance.

Pearlescent Birthstones – History and Origin

The history and origin of pearls go back thousands of years, with ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Chinese, and Romans. Pearls stand amongst the earliest gemstones discovered by humans, often found in the waters of the Persian Gulf, the Indian Ocean, and the Red Sea.

In ancient China, they were believed to symbolise wisdom and were often worn by royalty. The Roman Empire considered pearls a status symbol, adorning their garments and accessories with them.

During the Age of Exploration, pearls from the New World, particularly from the waters around Venezuela and Panama, gained prominence in Europe. Throughout history, pearls have maintained their allure and status as symbols of wealth, purity, and sophistication.

Pearls are a cultured gift for every occasion.

Pearls make a wonderful gift for many occasions, not just for a June birthstone. Set in Sterling Silver, many of our Pearl gifts offer an affordable and elegant gift, with neutral colours. Cultured pearls keep budgets at a sensible level, whilst Silver makes an inexpensive choice.

Purple Pearl Perfection

Did you know Pearls come in a variety of colours? For example, we create some designs with beautifully coloured freshwater pearls. The addition of colour adds a vibrant burst of colour, perfect if you prefer some added interest in your jewellery designs. A great example – the Purple Pearl Halo Necklace comes from our Serendipity Jewellery website, also available from our showroom in Ryde.

Bridal Set 

Also available from our showroom or by order over the phone is this matching pearl bridal jewellery set. Available to order separately, the necklace and earrings, both crafted in 9ct White Gold, feature a diamond accent. 

How are pearls formed? 

There are a few different varieties of Pearls, from freshwater cultured pearls to the Mother of Pearl. They grow inside the issue of a freshwater or saltwater mollusc – Either an oyster or a mussel. Typically found away from any built-up areas. Pearl-bearing molluscs fail to thrive in polluted waters, so farms are usually located far from civilisation – and often in breathtaking settings. 

Although pearls don’t have a strict grading system like the 4Cs of diamonds, they are still evaluated by the GIA. ( Gemological Institute of America)

Grading

GIA employs a grading system of seven qualities to determine value, which is more complex than the diamond grading system. Instead of colour, clarity, cut, and carat, like diamonds, they are graded by Lustre and Surface quality. Depending on the quality, they can range from £35.00 to 5 million.

Size

To begin, the size factors into where it has come from. Generally, they are 6mm – 7mm. Any larger and the size becomes more desirable, similar to when a diamond is 1.00ct, the price goes up dramatically. Only a small percentage of the biggest, healthiest molluscs can produce the larger pearls, making them rare. 

Lustre

About lustre, this is measured by the degree of shininess. When great lustre is observed, light travels through the layers of nacre and is refracted and reflected from within, giving the pearl its shine. 

Shape

 Shape has a big impact on value, with a perfectly round shape meaning it is subsequently more expensive. 

Three round grades exist, ranging from Near Round, meaning perfectly round when worn, to Round. Interestingly, this is an illusion and is not normally perfectly round when viewed close up. 

Baroque – Meaning irregular in shape. However, the irregular shape is commonly known to allow more light, improving lustre.

And finally, Keshi & Keshi shaped – Meaning very small and Baroque. Keshi is the Japanese word for ‘poppy seed’, and it’s an apt name because when you look closely at poppy seeds, they’re small but very irregular in shape. 

Colour

As a rule, colour doesn’t significantly impact the value. A range of colours exists for different types of pearl, which also affects the Lustre on what colours to look out for. Commonly, white, peach and purple Freshwater pearls of the same lustre, size, shape and surface quality are of the same value. 

Surface Quality

The most important factor for grading and value, only a small percentage of pearls have a smooth, even surface. The majority are marked with pits, bands, bumps or even cracks. 

Nacre Quality

Relating to thickness – additionally only relevant for nucleated bead pearls, i.e. saltwater and certain Freshwater pearls, because most Freshwater pearls are 100% nacre and have no bead in the middle. 

Matching

Matching reflects the whole piece rather than the individual pearls. It’s an assessment of how well-matched the pearls are for the other value factors.

Black Tahitian Pearls 

Black Tahitian pearls, renowned for their exotic allure and striking dark hues, are sourced from the black-lipped oyster, Pinctada margaritifera, found in the warm waters of French Polynesia. Unlike traditional white pearls, these gems exhibit a remarkable range of colours, including peacock green, aubergine, and silver. Their unique shades and natural lustre make them highly sought after in the jewellery market. Cultivated primarily around the islands of Tahiti, these pearls have become symbols of sophistication and luxury, prized for their rarity and the captivating, iridescent beauty that sets them apart from other types of pearls.

Care and cleaning 

“Pearls are 2.5 to 3.0 on the Mohs Scale of hardness, so they are a comparatively soft gem and require special care.

Store them separately from other gemstones and metal jewellery to prevent scratching. Never store your birthstones in a plastic bag — plastic can emit chemicals that damage their surface.

Always apply perfume, hair products and cosmetics before putting on your jewellery. The best way to clean your June birthstone: Use a soft, damp cloth, ideally after each time the pearls are worn.”

Alexandrite – a unique and beautiful alternative for June

Firstly Alexandrite is the rare variety of the mineral chrysoberyl that changes colour in different lighting. Above all, the most prized are those alexandrite birthstones that show a vivid green to bluish-green in daylight or fluorescent light and an intense red to purplish-red in incandescent light. Most alexandrites come from Brazil, Sri Lanka and East Africa.

Secondly, the most important value factor of this rare gemstone is its colour and colour-changing properties. The more saturated the alexandrite’s colour, the more valuable it is. The same goes for colour change; the more dramatic the difference between incandescent and daylight, the higher the value.

Do Alexandrites have inclusions?

Similarly to diamonds, alexandrites exhibit natural characteristics, including needles, crystals, and twinning. However, fluorite, apatite, mica platelets, rutile, and multi-phase inclusions are common in alexandrite because of the elements present during the growth process. Fingerprints, liquid inclusions, and hollow tubes are also common.

Bespoke Design with Alexandrite 

We created this incredible Alexandrite engagement ring working with our existing Unity ring design. Crafted in 950 Platinum, the Unity design provides a simple and minimalist setting to display the rich purple Alexandrite. Moreover, our client chose a 6.5mm Alexandrite, weighing 1.28 carats, with a round brilliant cut. In conclusion, the rich purple colouration of the gemstone stands out against the mirror-polished platinum, providing a unique alternative to this simple ring design.  

• Black Pearl & Diamond Rings – Lustre, Contrast, Brilliance
• The Diamond That Looks Like a Pearl – Spherical Diamond Cuts
• Mother’s Day Sparkling Jewellery Inspiration
• The Ribbon Twist Wedding Ring – Bridal Styles in Focus
• A Guide to April Birthstone – Diamond

The post June Birthstones – Pearl Perfection and Amazing Alexandrite appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Emerald – the official birthstone for May 

The official birthstone for May is the Emerald. And, for anyone with a passion for luxury and precious green gems. A May birthstone benefits anyone born that month, with the possibility of an incredible gemstone.

The ‘Gem of Springtime’ with its breathtaking green hues also stands as the gem of the 20th and 35th wedding anniversaries.

What does “nothing greens greener” mean?

“Nothing greens greener.” That’s how the Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder famously described emeralds in his first-century encyclopedia, Natural History. This poetic nod to the unrivalled green colour, emphasised that no colour in nature—no leaf, gem, or landscape—surpasses the vivid green of an emerald.

He was right: the rich, intense hue of emeralds remains unmatched and is a major reason why these stones have captivated people for centuries.

The difference between Beryl and Emerald.

Emerald is a green to greenish-blue variety of beryl and demands a particularly dark hue to be named an Emerald. If the shade is too light, then the gemstone is graded as a Beryl instead. 

History And Origin

The oldest Emeralds date back 2.97 billion years to South Africa. The first known mines were in Egypt, dating back to at least 330 BC and continuing into the 1700s. Cleopatra was known to have a passion for Emeralds and used them in her royal adornments.

In ancient Greek Mythology, it is said that Hermes gifted the goddess of love, Aphrodite, a giant Emerald. Additionally, both Greeks and Romans believed the emerald possessed great powers. The ancient Romans associated the emerald with Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.

A Healing Gemstone

This beautiful gemstone has both physical and mental healing properties. It can help improve one’s healing from negative thoughts and heal both emotional and physical heart issues. It can also help improve liver function, reduce infections from illnesses, and alleviate symptoms in the sinuses and lungs. In addition, it is generally a sign of good fortune.

An Emerald is said to be a bridge between two people when the gem is given in unconditional love. 

Lab-Grown vs Natural

Lab-grown alternatives for this gemstone choice include synthetic varieties, deep in colour, yet clear. Unlike their natural counterparts with visible inclusions, lab-grown gemstones cost a fraction of the price. Although lower in value, their appearance matches the finest intensity of a real gemstone.

Emerald Birthstone Gift Inspiration 

For birthstone gift ideas, visit the Serendipity showroom or website.

Emerald Engagement Rings

As with all gemstone varieties, a wide range of shapes and cuts is available, contrary to the traditional shape, we can also supply them in most fancy shapes, such as Oval or Round. To create an Emerald engagement ring, we can initially look into providing a range of qualities and particular shades of green.

In particular, an emerald engagement ring set with a brilliant white diamond halo creates an unusual, striking finished effect.

Hidden ‘Secret’ Emeralds added into rings

We created the ring below as part of a bespoke ring commission for one of our clients living in the USA. As part of the design, we set the couple’s birthstones in the ring’s band. Secret diamonds and gemstones add a lovely touch, sealed inside the ring, and a unique personalised detail for any custom-made ring design.

US Mother’s Day Rings

US citizens celebrate Mother’s Day in May each year. What better occasion than to commission a Mother’s Ring for her, set with your birthstone and a personal message?

May Birthstone Necklaces

Alternative styles include a pendant with a brilliant white diamond halo.

Emerald Cluster Ring Designs

This green gemstone benefits from a cluster ring design. Set alongside brilliant white diamonds, all of which match perfectly before setting, creates a classic look as well as a modern statement. The example shows our client’s incredible yellow-gold cluster ring design.

Emerald quality and inclusions

Emeralds typically contain inclusions that are visible to the unaided eye. Because of this, trade members and some consumers understand and accept the presence of inclusions. Eye-clean emeralds are precious because they’re so rare.

Interestingly, mines in Colombia, in northern South America, produce emeralds for the majority of the world.

The inclusions look mossy or garden-like. They’re sometimes called “Jardin,” which is French for garden.

Colour

Firstly, and most importantly, the most desirable colours are bluish-green to pure green, with vivid colour saturation and a tone that’s not too dark. The most-prized emeralds are highly transparent. If the hue is too yellowish or too bluish, the stone is not an emerald but a different variety of beryl, and its value drops accordingly.

Carat Weight

Available in a wide range of carat weights. The Sandawana mine in Zimbabwe is known for its tiny yet vividly coloured stones. Its emeralds are as small as 1 mm square, but they’re still intensely green. The mine’s cut stones average about 0.05 to 0.25 carats and rarely weigh more than 1.50 carats.

The smallest sizes range from 1 mm to 5 mm, with weights from 0.02 to 0.50 carats, while stones ranging from 1 to 5 carats are popular as centre stones. Prestigious pieces of jewellery can include emeralds that weigh over 20 carats.

Emerald Bespoke Design

Although most of our designs are available with an alternative gemstone option, it’s possible that you’ve envisioned the perfect design, whether it’s a ring, pendant, or even earrings. Therefore, our bespoke design is the ideal option for bringing your amazing emerald piece to life.

With a showroom based in Ryde on the Isle of Wight, appointments are available from Mondays to Saturdays. In comfortable surroundings, most importantly, we can discuss the design and ensure we have some gemstones here for your appointment to view and select the perfect green!

Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day and Green Clover

Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with a ‘shamrock’ or clover ring featuring this vibrant green gem.

The Meaning of the Shamrock, the symbol of Ireland. The word “shamrock” comes from the Old Irish “seamróg”, meaning “little clover.” The shamrock is the most common 3-leaf clover native to the Emerald Isle. 

Caring For Your Gemstone

How to clean and care for your gemstone. Ultrasonic vibrations can weaken already fractured stones, and hot steam can cause oil or unhardened resin to seep out of fractures. Moreover, using warm, soapy water coupled with gentle scrubbing is the safest way to clean the gemstone. Take special care while cleaning this gemstone.

Sources

1. Gemological Institute of America (GIA), Emerald Gemstone Information.
   https://www.gia.edu/emerald
2. Pliny the Elder, Natural History, Book 37, 1st century AD.
   Translation available via Perseus Digital Library.
3. National Jeweller, Everything You Need to Know About Emeralds.
   https://www.nationaljeweler.com
4. Smithsonian Institution, Gems and Minerals Collection.
   https://naturalhistory.si.edu

The post Are You Green with Envy for May’s Birthstone Emerald? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

When it comes to jewellery, chains provide an essential functional role, merging practicality with aesthetics. Few buyers realise the enormous variety and types of styles available. Factor in length, gauge (thickness) and metal type and the number of options becomes staggering.

Whether you’re layering necklaces, adding a pendant, or searching for the perfect bracelet, the right link style can completely transform your look.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most popular varieties, from classic cable and curb chains to bold rope and figaro designs. We’ll also explore how each style suits different aesthetics, outfits, and occasions.

The Belcher

The Belcher, also known as the rolo chain, features uniform, round or oval links typically wider than they are thick, giving it a sturdy yet refined appearance. Originally popularised in the 18th century, this classic chain style offers timeless appeal and versatility. Its balanced design makes it suitable for both men and women. It pairs beautifully with pendants thanks to its strength and even spacing. For a minimalist look, wear a delicate Belcher on its own. Or, choose a heavier version to add substance to statement pendants.

Box Chains

The box chain, sometimes referred to as a Venetian chain, is distinctly characterised by square-shaped links that are tightly connected to form a smooth, sleek profile. This design gives the chain a modern, geometric look and a solid structure. This style offers clean lines and versatility—worn alone for a minimalist statement or paired with pendants thanks to their strength and balanced weight. Available in various thicknesses, finer box offer subtle elegance, while thicker styles make a bold, contemporary impression. Their resistance to tangling and kinking also makes this style a practical choice for everyday wear. We provide finer box styles with most of our diamond pendants, in addition to classic curbs.

The Classic Curb

The curb chain is a classic and instantly recognisable jewellery style, featuring uniform, oval-shaped links in a twisted and flattened style lying neatly in a repeating pattern. This design creates a sleek, interlocking to catch the light with a subtle shine and elegant drape. Known for its strength and flexibility, the curb chain is a popular choice for both men’s and women’s jewellery. This smooth and comfortable style provides a bold statement, or can be paired with a pendant for a more personalised look.

The Figaro Chain

The Figaro chain is a distinctive and stylish jewellery design characterised by a repeating pattern of one long oval link followed by two or three shorter round links.

The name derives from the character Figaro, the clever and charismatic barber from the famous operas The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro—both written in the late 18th century. These operas were immensely popular across Europe, especially in Italy and France, and Figaro became a symbol of style, wit, and flair.

Italian jewellers were inspired by the rhythm and sophistication associated with the character. Naming the chain after such a cultural icon gave it an air of elegance and continental charm that continues to appeal to jewellery lovers today.

Snake Chains

Snake chains, as the name suggests, resemble the scales of a serpent. This compact, flat-lying chain offers less flexibility compared to other styles. This popular style provides a decorative and luxurious alternative to open-link designs, but can be difficult to repair if it breaks.

Bead or Ball Chains

The ball chain is also known as a bead chain or dog tag chain. This style features small metal balls linked together at regular intervals by short connector rods. Its flexible, lightweight structure makes it a popular choice for minimalist necklaces, and military ID tags.

Their uniform design and smooth finish give them a clean, modern look. Ball styles come in a wide variety of diameters, starting from 1.5mm. Pendants worn on this style remain in place. As a result, they are less popular for slider pendant designs.

The Rope Chain

Rope chains provide a visually striking, compact chain style crafted from a series of metal links twisted and woven together. The appearance resembles that of an actual rope.

This luxurious chain design provides strength and an intricate appearance. Rope chains catch and reflect light from multiple angles, giving them a shimmering, elegant look. Their durable construction makes them ideal for wearing on their own. Their strength suits heavier diamond set pendants, offering a blend of style and function. Rope styles suit fine and fashion jewellery for men and women. Furthermore, their timeless appeal ensures they remain a staple in any well-rounded jewellery collection.

Foxtail and Franco Wheat Design

Two similar styles with a decorative appearance are the Foxtail and Franco (or Wheat) chains. Both appear alike, but with differences.

The Foxtail chain features a series of oval links, connected and twisted at slight angles. This chain style has a braided, feathered appearance. Its soft, fluid design provides a textured look similar to a fox’s tail—hence the name. Foxtails provide flexibility and elegant movement for statement necklaces and feminine styles.

In contrast, the Franco features tightly woven V-shaped links that create a solid, structured chevron pattern. Francos are sometimes referred to as Wheat, but also Spiga Chains. Spiga, the Italian word for Wheat, explains this alternative name.

This gives the a more geometric, bold profile with a squared or rounded silhouette, depending on the finish. Durable and visually striking, The Franco provides strength with a sleek look, ideal for masculine jewellery.

A Guide to Chain Lengths

Depending on your neck size, different lengths vary in length during wear. The following infographic provides a guide to how different chains appear on an average-sized lady’s neck. Longer chains suit statement pendants worn over clothing. By comparison, smaller lengths often include an extender section to provide a versatile choice of two sizes. For example, 16 inches extending to 18 inches.

Choosing the best precious metal option

The decision of chain style includes the choice of which precious metal to select. Most of the styles mentioned are available in Silver, Gold (9 carat, 14 carat, 18 carat, and 24 carat), and in various colours. For example, White Gold, Yellow Gold and Rose Gold. Silver remains the most cost-effective option, with Sterling Silver popular as a lower-cost alternative.

Gold remains the most luxurious choice. Keep in mind that the cost soars for heavier chains made in Gold. Especially, as Gold prices have surpassed record prices in recent months. A lighter, trace-chain makes more sense for small gold pendants, available in different thicknesses or gauges. On a cautionary note, watch out for hollow or plated chains offered at too-good-to-be-true prices. And, finally, insist on a hallmark when purchasing new in the UK.

The post A Guide to Jewellery Chains: From Snake to Foxtail appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

A contemporary ring guard provides a striking alternative to a traditional wedding ring. Ring guards surround an engagement ring on each side in a mirrored design. The name comes from the protection for the ‘sandwiched’ ring, but most choose this style for aesthetic reasons.

The difference between ring guards and ring wraps

Every ring wrap is a ring guard, but not every ring guard is a ring wrap. The following table outlines the main differences between each design.

Alternative names for double wedding rings

We’ll note alternative names for this wedding ring style to avoid confusion. Some jewellers refer to spacer rings, nesting rings or nest guards, bridge enhancers or Tiara wraps. Some clients have approached us requesting a wrap-around wedding band or a bridged wedding ring.

Most names relate to the aim of creating an interlocking bridal set with the engagement ring centred between two bands.

Bridged wedding rings

A bridged wedding ring features a double band design with small bars to fuse both rings together. The bars are positioned on the outer face of each ring to allow the engagement ring to insert between.

Both rings mirror each other and carry the diamond and gemstone “theme” from the engagement ring across all three rings. The combination of all rings provides an enhanced appearance. For this reason, the bridged design is both an enhancer and guard.

Fusion and Stacking rings

We refer to two identical bands fitted together without an engagement ring as Fusion rings, or stacking rings, depending on their design, not to be confused with ring guards or enhancers.

Shaped to fit with a Contoured Guard

A contour guard is a double-shaped wedding ring created to fit around an engagement ring setting on both sides. Some designs feature a bridge to hold each side together. The design also suits two mirrored wedding rings, with the option to wear them together or alone as separate rings.

In this instance, one ring might serve as a wedding ring, and the other, a shaped band, as an eternity ring. In fact, this brings us to an interesting variation of the bridged double wedding band where one ring differs to the other. For example, two identical rings—one with diamonds, the other with diamonds and sapphires.

Contoured wedding bands to mirror an engagement ring

Without a bridge joining both rings, each ring sits independently of the other, contoured around the engagement ring. Each ring goes onto the finger in sequence. The outer rings typically represent two wedding rings, or a wedding and eternity ring if purchased on separate occasions.

Halo enhancer rings from Solitaire to Halo.

Some enhancer rings singly (or doubly) enhance a classic solitaire with the addition of a halo to surround the diamond setting. Once removed, the engagement ring returns to its solitaire appearance. This provides a “jacket” design around the diamond. We used this same concept for jackets added to solitaire earrings for the same versatile effect.

The post A Guide to Ring Guards, Enhancers, Wraps and Double Bands appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What Does the 625 Gold Stamp Mean?

The 625 gold stamp refers to 15 carat gold (15ct), a gold purity standard used in the UK prior to 1932. The number 625 represents 62.5% pure gold, with the remaining 37.5% of other metals like copper or silver to enhance durability.

In previous posts, we explained other unusual precious metal stamps, including the 800 Gold Stamp and 916 Gold Stamp, which are rarely seen within gold jewellery hallmarks. But, closer still is the 585 Gold purity for 14-carat Gold.

This marking is a hallmark of antique gold jewellery, especially Victorian and Edwardian pieces, and is most often found on rings, brooches, and lockets from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Hallmarks on Antique Jewellery: The Victorian Era

In addition to the 625 stamp, many antique gold rings feature a series of British hallmarks, which help to date and authenticate the piece. A Victorian ring may display:

• A maker’s mark – the initials of the jeweller or company
• The Assay Office mark indicates where the piece was assayed (shown here as Birmingham with the anchor symbol).
• A date letter, such as the letter Z, which corresponds to a specific year, in this case 1899-1900
• A metal fineness stamp, such as 625 for 15ct gold

These hallmarks provide a fascinating window into the jewellery’s origin and are especially valuable to collectors and buyers of antique gold rings.

Is 625 Gold Valuable?

Yes, 15ct gold (625 gold) holds intrinsic and historical value. Although no longer produced, it remains sought after by antique jewellery collectors due to its rarity and vintage appeal. The hardness of 15-carat gold made it a popular choice for rings and items worn daily during the 19th century.

Its value depends on weight, condition, historical interest, and current gold prices—but as a general rule, well-preserved Victorian 625 gold jewellery can command premium prices.

The post 625 Gold Stamp on Rings – Victorian Hallmarks and 15 Carat Gold appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Have you ever Googled a jewellery question but couldn’t find a straight answer? You’re not alone. We’ve delved into 10 real common jewellery questions people are asking to give you the honest answers no one else has.

1. Why does my gold ring turn my finger green?

A green tint on your finger results from a chemical reaction between your skin and metals, including copper or nickel, in lower-karat gold, such as 9-carat Gold. The effect is harmless but can be avoided by choosing a precious metal with a higher Gold content, such as 18ct Gold, with its 75% Gold purity. Keep your rings clean and dry, remove tarnish with a polishing cloth and avoid wearing items if you experience a rash on your finger. Try to include an engagement ring care routine for your jewellery to ensure rings are kept clean. If the ring has immense sentimental value, but the metal causes a green tinge, consider upgrading to Platinum or a higher purity of Gold.

2. Is it bad to sleep with my engagement ring on?

Yes, sleeping with your engagement ring on can cause the prongs to bend or loosen over time. It also increases the risk of scratching your skin or snagging on fabric. For long-term care, it’s best to take your engagement ring off at night. Place it in a safe place, ready to wear again in the morning. If your ring is too tight to remove easily, consider a size adjustment to make removal possible.

3. Can I wear silver and gold jewellery together?

Yes, mixing silver and gold is completely fine — and stylish. Just keep the pieces balanced in tone and style for a cohesive look. Mixed-metal stacks and layered chains are a modern trend that works well.

4. Why is my diamond loose in the setting?

A diamond may become loose from daily wear, hard knocks, or worn prongs. If you notice movement or hear a rattle, stop wearing the ring and take it to a jeweller immediately to avoid losing the stone. Avoid poking the diamond and setting since this can cause the stone to become loose. Instead, once cleaned, tap your ring with a finger next to your ear. If your diamond is loose, you will hear a faint rattle as the stone moves in the setting. This remains one of our most common jewellery questions answered during our daily work.

5. How often should I clean my engagement ring at home?

Clean your engagement ring once a week using warm water, mild soap, and a soft toothbrush. This helps prevent buildup from lotions, oils, and dirt, keeping the stone sparkling between professional cleanings. For anyone looking for a near-professional cleaning solution, we recommend DazzleStik. This ingenious pen-sized cleaner includes a cleaning gel and a fine brush to clean behind settings.

6. What’s the safest way to travel with expensive jewellery?

Always carry jewellery in your hand luggage, use a travel jewellery case, and avoid wearing flashy pieces in unfamiliar areas. If staying at a hotel, use the secure hotel safe. Consider jewellery insurance if travelling with high-value items. Some travellers organise replica travel rings for expensive engagement rings, leaving their more costly counterparts in a home safe.

7. Can I resize a ring more than once?

Yes, most rings can be resized multiple times, but repeated adjustments may reduce the thickness and strength of the band over time. It’s best to get professionally measured and only resize the ring when necessary to maintain the ring’s integrity. When purchasing an engagement ring, choose a ring with a substantial band suitable for multiple size adjustments. We recommend 2.5mm—the standard width for many of our engagement ring styles.

8. Why do my earrings smell bad?

The odor comes from a buildup of dead skin cells, oil, and bacteria around the piercing. Clean your earrings and earlobes regularly with warm water and gentle soap to prevent this.

9. Are lab-grown diamonds a bad investment?

Lab-grown diamonds have a much lower intrinsic value compared to natural diamonds. For many people they offer everything a natural diamond provides, except resale value. They’re a smart, ethical, and budget-friendly choice if you’re buying for love, not profit.

10. Can I insure a ring I didn’t buy from a jeweller?

Yes, you can insure any ring even if you have not purchased it from a jeweller. Many of our clients inherit diamond rings or buy second-hand (pre-loved or pre-owned) engagement rings. If you can verify ownership of the item, it will be possible to insure the ring. As part of our work, we create detailed valuations for insurance. An insurance valuation confirms the ring exists, details the specifications of the ring and lists a replacement value suitable for insurance.

The post 10 Jewellery Questions Most People Are Afraid to Ask appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Remembering loved ones with a sentimental item of memorial jewellery.

Serendipity Diamonds creates jewellery with cremation ashes as part of their growing memorial jewellery collection. The range includes an extensive selection of ashes rings, featuring visible or hidden ashes within the designs.

Serendipity Diamonds partnered with memorial jewellery specialist “See You Jewelry” to expand their collection of personalised memorial jewellery to clients across the Isle of Wight and beyond. As part of our service, we now add ashes into jewellery in our Isle of Wight showroom.

Over the years, we have helped many clients with our existing collection of memorial designs. For example, the Ashes ring and memorial fingerprint jewellery. In fact, we have expanded our designs to include unique, colourful jewellery designs with coloured resins with cremation ash.

The organisation See You Jewellery provide the largest collections of memorial jewellery designs, established in 2008, just a year after we began our own journey. Visitors enjoy the option of bespoke items in memory of loved ones who have passed away. As a result, they create unique, sentimental tributes for families to treasure.

Why should you order See You jewellery from us?

Our cremation and ashes jewellery is completed in our Ryde showroom on the Isle of Wight. We have example designs and colour samples to show visitors. Furthermore, we never send ashes away so that all work is completed in our showroom. We add ashes into jewellery, in addition to other services such as breastmilk jewellery and pet-hair jewellery, depending on our client’s needs.

As jewellery experts, we can guide clients and answer specific questions related to memorial jewellery and the See You jewelry collection. As part of our service, we take away all of the hassle and walk clients through the entire process from start to finish.

Unlike other memorial jewellery service providers such as funeral homes, we complete all items of jewellery in person, by our fully trained jewellery team in our Isle of Wight workshop.

There is no extra cost for our help. At the same time, we provide a wider range of products and services. These include the creation of fingerprint designs for other designs.

Some of our own memorial jewellery commissions have included portrait engraved necklaces, along with enhanced fingerprints for rings.

How to view the entire Ashes and Memorial Collection

Visitors can view examples of ashes and memorial jewellery in our Ryde showroom. At the same time, we will provide a free brochure to show some of the most popular designs.

To view the entire collection, please visit the “See You Jewelry” website and contact us with the design for a tailored quote and more guidance.

Your loved ones in caring hands

Our small team are very experienced and extremely caring in all that we do. Our sensitivity and compassion extend into all aspects of our jewellery making and memorial jewellery is no exception. We endeavour to provide the most kind and understanding service to create the perfect memorial keepsake for your friend, family member or pet.

Please get in touch for more help. Our team provide a kind and understanding service at all times.

Rings with Ashes for men

There are many ring designs available for men, set with cremation ashes of a beloved family member, friend or pet. Our growing collection includes several designs to view in our Ryde showroom. Amongst these is our most popular double-channel Steel ring for men, set with fine ash in resin within the band.

View the men’s ashes ring at Serendipity Diamonds

The post Ashes Jewellery – Isle of Wight – Cremation and Memorial Jewellery. appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

I3 diamond clarity means “Included in the 3rd degree”.

Is I3 diamond clarity good?

I3 diamond clarity represents the lowest grade of diamond clarity available.

Firstly, the letter ‘I’ stands for ‘inclusion’. Next, the proceeding number ‘3’ represents the third and lowest clarity grade that any included diamond can achieve.

By comparison, I2 clarity diamonds are less included, and I1 clarity diamonds are even higher in clarity.

How clear is an I3 diamond?

I3 diamonds are not clear at all. They lack the desired clear appearance most buyers aspire to when purchasing a diamond.

To elaborate, I1 clarity diamonds feature fewer visible inclusions than I2 clarity diamonds and I3 clarity diamonds.

To gain a broader understanding of clarity grades, the following scale shows the full range of available clarity grades.

Where can you buy an I3 clarity diamond? (Quick Answer)

You can buy I3 clarity diamonds from online marketplaces like Etsy or eBay, budget jewellery retailers, and some trade suppliers. However, most high-quality jewellers, including Serendipity Diamonds, do not typically recommend I3 diamonds due to their visible inclusions and reduced durability.

Diamond clarity chart showing the different diamond clarity grades

As clarity improves, we move up to slightly included (SI) and very slightly included (VVS) grades, until we reach the Internally Flawless (IF) and Flawless (FL) clarity grades.

Included-3 clarity represents the lowest official clarity grade for a diamond. However, huge differences exist between all available diamonds graded at this clarity level.

Example of a diamond at the very lowest clarity grade possible. Notice how little light passes through the diamond without affecting its overall sparkle.

The problem with I3 diamond clarity

Besides highly visible inclusions, there is an issue with I3 clarity diamonds. Since I3 represents the worst clarity, it covers a multitude of sins.

Two diamonds of I3 clarity can differ greatly. For this reason, some jewellery manufacturers invented grades—for example, I4, I5, I6, I7, etc. But the GIA clarity scale ends at I3 for the lowest possible diamond clarity.

How much do I3 clarity diamonds cost?

Expect a much lower cost when you purchase an I3 clarity diamond. Heavy inclusions can be white or black. Or, I3 diamonds may appear consistently opaque, cloudy, or bluff in appearance. Included diamonds are more plentiful. For this reason, prices are far lower.

All included diamonds feature a variety of inclusion types, ranging from feathers to crystals.

The only way the lowest-clarity diamonds are further reduced in value is through their carat weight, colour grade, and cut.

Prices vary considerably due to the significant difference in the clarity of the lowest diamonds. For example, a 1-carat diamond might cost between £800 and £ 1,500.

Fashionable, trending diamond styles.

One of the recent I3 clarity diamond trends relates to ‘Salt and Pepper Diamonds.’ The name applies to very low-clear diamonds with a speckled arrangement of black and white inclusions. Their lower cost makes this diamond attractive. 

Unique I3 clarity diamond ring created through our bespoke jewellery design service. 

Over the last decade, demand for Salt and Pepper diamonds skyrocketed. But at the same time, such diamonds prove that low-quality diamonds can be extremely fashionable.

Other examples include natural fancy-coloured diamonds. From experience, many of the rarest intensely coloured diamonds exhibit heavy inclusions. Moreover, their colour determines their rarity and value. 

At Serendipity Diamonds, we recommend SI2 as a minimum clarity grade. At this grade, diamonds appear eye-clean. Below SI2 clarity, expect to see noticeable inclusions. Do not mistake I3 clarity for Si3 clarity—an unofficial grade falling between SI2 and I1 clarity. 

If you buy an I3 diamond, heavy inclusions reduce the amount of light passing through the diamond. As a result, the stone will have reduced brilliance. In addition, there will be an increased risk of damage during setting.

Inclusions breaking the surface increase the risk of cleavage from pressure applied during setting.

One of our recent YouTube videos shows one of our finished jewellery commissions. Notice how the ring contrasts white, brilliant-cut, high-clarity diamonds with the shield-shaped salt-and-pepper diamond.

Lower-clarity diamonds without noticeable inclusions.

Some of the lowest-clarity diamonds show no visible inclusions. In this situation, instead of a dense arrangement of clarity characteristics, a diamond may appear dull, foggy and lifeless. This is due to an even distribution of inclusions that are dispersed evenly throughout the diamond. For more information, see our alternative post on milky and cloudy diamonds.

Price alternatives to low-clarity diamonds.

Many buyers choose a low-clarity diamond because of its lower price. In recent years, we introduced a new alternative to our collections.

For the same price as a low-clarity natural diamond, buyers can arrange a higher-clarity lab-grown diamond for the same cost.

As a rule of thumb, expect to pay around half the price for a lab-grown diamond compared to a natural diamond. For this reason, lab diamonds make an attractive choice by comparison.

Alternatively, non-carbon-based Moissanite provides a further choice and makes a popular alternative to diamonds with similar hardness and optical properties.

Do I3 lab-grown diamonds exist?

Yes. I3 lab-created diamonds exist, but there is little demand for I3 man-made diamonds. This is because the cost of a high-clarity lab-created diamond is equivalent to an I3 natural diamond.

The post I3 Diamond Clarity – The Meaning of I3 in Diamond Grading? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Unconventional wedding rings and engagement rings break from traditional ring styles with alternative designs rarely chosen by past generations.

The conventional idea of an engagement ring and wedding ring consisted of a singular (solitaire) diamond ring worn alongside a plain wedding ring.

Many couples now break away from tradition to adopt and explore a variety of exciting designs deviating from standard, generic ring styles. Many couples now choose unusual wedding rings—either paired with traditional engagement rings or chosen as a result of a non-traditional engagement ring.

The popularity of new traditions showcased by celebrities draws attention to the near-infinite variety of styles available.

Unorthodox engagement rings demand shaped wedding rings

The choice of alternative engagement rings often demands unconventional wedding rings. This may be due to the shape of the band, which is required to sit neatly alongside the original ring. For example, the engagement ring below adopts bold, unconventional styling and demands a specially shaped band to fit.

How we create a non-standard design

Today’s cutting-edge technology enables our designers to sculpt a design in 3D digital imagery for the client to see. The engagement ring is scanned to ensure the wedding ring shapes accurately alongside the original ring.

Wedding rings for offbeat engagement rings

Occasionally, we create engagement rings based on ring styles typically worn as eternity rings or dress rings. For example, we recently created an unusual wave-styled diamond ring worn as an engagement ring. As part of the ring commission, we were tasked with creating a shaped band to fit. At the same time, our brief involved a simple design unlikely to detract beauty from the original ring.

The result was a simple, wavy band running around the engagement ring, following the outline with a slightly broader width.

Quirky wedding rings bursting with personality

At the opposite end of the offbeat spectrum, we often transform regular plain wedding rings into new, different, whimsical and free-spirited ring styles. Most commissions involve highly-customised effects added to the inner or outer surface of a ring. One of our best-selling designs features the combined effect of two fingerprints merged into a heart pattern when placed together.

Clients can order each ring directly from the prepared design on our website, or they can reach out for in-depth guidance in person from our team.

The post Unconventional Wedding Rings for Non-Traditional Alternative Engagement Rings appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.