Buying a diamond is expensive because they are so sought after and they are rare; if you want a diamond to look larger than it really is then there are some hints as to what to look for and you will come away with a diamond looking closer to a million dollars for your budget.
The setting, cut and shape will all influence the perceived size of the stone so let’s take a look.
Pavé Settings
A pave setting is made up of numerous small diamonds which are set side by side in rows with their surfaces level with each other and the setting and this gives the impression of a large diamond. The brilliance and sparkle of the diamonds makes it very difficult to distinguish one stone from another and this gives the illusion the diamonds used are actually larger than they are – a form of reflected glory!
Shaped Diamonds
The most popular choice for an engagement ring is a round diamond however, there are others and notably the marquise oval and pear shaped diamonds will look a lot larger in carat weight than they actually are. Generally if you choose a diamond stone which has an elongated shape you will gain the impression that it is larger than is the case.
Illusion Setting
An illusion setting is mounted on a mirror plate before it is set into the metal band; this creates internal reflection and makes the diamond sparkle and appear much more bright which in turn gives the illusion it is a larger stone.
Be aware when choosing an illusion setting as they are much more expensive to repair because they are a more complicated setting.
Bezel Setting
A bezel setting comprises of a metal rim completely encircling the diamond stone in the center; using a white metal such as platinum or white gold will accentuate the effect and make the diamond appear even larger though you should use this only with white diamonds.If you elect to use a yellow metal (let's say gold), that will create a yellowish tint on the diamond stone and take away from it's sparkling quality.
Watch Out For …
Side stones are frequently touted as being able to make a diamond look larger but in truth they do not; what side stones do is to add some pizzazz to the ring and give it more impact value. Using them to enhance the diamond size does not work.
Be particularly aware of shallow cut diamonds; by shallow cut we mean they are not as deep as they should be. This allows for a larger visible part of the diamond face to be set into a ring but the fire and brilliance of a diamond is directly related to the amount of internal reflection of the light which enters into it; if you cut the stone too shallow you will reduce this internal reflecting of light and the stone will look dull and lifeless in comparison.
Jill Renee - This article is provided by DanforthDiamond.com your online store source for wedding bands, diamond engagement rings and other fine diamond jewelry. Danforth Diamond gives honest advice to help you select the right engagement ring at the best price. Visit DanforthDiamond.com or call 877.404.RING
