Category: Diamond

Plain Zirconium differs from black Zirconium, which has a black oxide layer on the outer surface and is more prone to damage. At the same time, a brushed satin finish will show visible marks that appear from knocks and scrapes.

Both metals vary in appearance. Plain polished Zirconium resembles Titanium in colour, whereas Black Zirconium provides a dark, black-coloured metal with a shiny or matte appearance.

Furthermore, Zirconium provides a traditional colour for wedding rings, while Black Zirconium introduces the black wedding ring option, which is growing in popularity.

Which is best for daily wear and tear

When we consider plain polished Zirconium vs Black Zirconium for wear, the latter will scratch over time. Most Titanium and Zirconium wedding rings wear to a natural patina in the same way as most metals. To keep a Black Zirconium wedding ring black, rings require occasional re-finishing to maintain the even black surface.

Engraving on plain and black Zirconium wedding rings

Feature	Black Zirconium	Regular Zirconium
Durability	Highly durable, scratch-resistant	Durable, but can scratch over time
Appearance	Dark, sleek, matte finish	Shiny, silver-grey appearance
Cost	Moderate to high cost	Moderate cost
Maintenance	Low maintenance, resists tarnish	Requires regular cleaning to maintain shine
Common Applications	Popular in modern and unique designs	Classic and traditional designs

Laser engraving on Black Zirconium results in a lighter engraved effect. By comparison, a regular Zirconium surface produces a darker ‘regular’ engraved effect on a ring.

Colourful choices for wedding rings

Unlike black Zirconium, regular Zirconium allows colour to be added through a process of anodising the surface of the metal. As a result, many vibrant combinations are possible with colour added to detail.

Since the coloured effect is only microns thick, this effect does not suit the surface. Instead, we add this into patterns machined into rings. Colours include pinks, purples, blues, greens and yellows.

The post Zirconium vs Black Zirconium Rings – What’s the Difference? appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Do people buy fake engagement rings to travel abroad?

We have been asked many times over the years to create replica engagement rings based on our existing jewellery designs. But why would anyone want a travel engagement ring or a replica diamond ring?

The answer varies depending on personal circumstances.

Travelling abroad with an expensive diamond ring

Some of our clients purchase a very expensive engagement ring and worry about travel abroad. In addition to the risk of loss, an increased risk of robbery or theft exists.

Furthermore, jewellery insurance policies rarely cover items abroad. Put simply, foreign travel adds a strong sense of risk when wearing expensive jewellery.

Many of our clients travel abroad for work in addition to holidays. With this in mind, most insist on wearing their engagement rings during such trips.

Replacing a lost engagement ring at a lower cost

From time to time, we replicate diamond engagement rings due to loss. Some of our clients lack insurance, so they seek a replacement without the original price tag. Lab-grown diamonds provide an affordable yet identical solution to this problem. Working from a photograph of the original ring, our team designs and remakes engagement rings with lab-grown diamonds instead of the original natural diamonds. The result is an identical ring at a lower cost.

Creating an inexpensive diamond replica engagement ring

In addition to our diamond options, we now offer a replica option set into precious metal. Since most of the cost lies within the diamond itself, achieving a very close replica ring is possible.

The Lila engagement ring is just one design available as a diamond ring set with a natural diamond, lab-grown diamond, Moissanite, or inexpensive Cubic Zirconia.

Do replica engagement rings look real?

Anyone who visits our UK showroom will see that many of our ring designs are carried in our showroom as replica rings.

Designs are then crafted in the required precious metal and set with natural-certified diamonds.

Most of our showroom sample rings feature ideal-cut crystals. However, they make unsuitable replacement for daily wear. For this reason, we advise a lab-grown diamond equivalent.

What makes our replica diamond engagement rings the best?

Depending on whether you choose a Cubic Zirconia, or a lab-grown diamond based on the same specifications as your original ring, each replica ring we create offers a perfect mirror of the original.

We use precious metals, combined with the best synthetic or simulant gemstones with exceptional craftsmanship to re-create designs.

Furthermore if you already purchase your ring from us, we have the original design on file to re-create.

A note on creating replica engagement rings

Please note that for any order we receive for a Moissanite engagement ring or crystal, replica engagement ring design, we specify all materials used for your order. In addition, all invoices identify diamonds as lab-grown or natural, or Moissanite as part of their description.

Are lab-grown diamond rings real diamond rings?

We recently introduced the option of lab-grown diamond rings in addition to our natural diamond ring collection. As part of our service, we now provide almost all designs with a choice of natural or lab-grown.

Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, identical in every way apart from how they were formed. Unlike natural diamonds formed naturally below the Earth, lab diamonds are grown under laboratory conditions. Both provide the same hardness and optical and chemical properties. However, lab-grown diamonds lack the rarity of a natural diamond. For this reason, prices provide an identical, yet lower cost alternative to a natural diamond.

Getting further help

If you need further help with a replacement or replica ring, please contact our showroom team. Talk to me, my colleague Drina or Debbie in our showroom Monday to Saturday. Email, message or call for help at any time and will be very happy to assist.

And, if you are in any doubt, read our Trustpilot reviews to get a better idea of our service.

The post Replica Engagement Rings – ‘Fake’ Travel Rings and Replacement Rings appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

Baguette diamonds are slim, rectangular-shaped diamonds with an elongated profile and right-angled corners.

By comparison, Emerald cuts feature flattened polished corners. 

Both styles present a terraced arrangement of facets, which is far simpler than the popular brilliant style of faceting.

Our diagrams show both cuts with Baguette (left) and Emerald cut (right).

Our guide explains the differences using photographs and videos to highlight the differences between these two beautiful gemstone cuts.

Baguette-cut (left) and Emerald-cut (right) facet diagrams.

Step cut elegance

Baguette and Emerald cut diamonds look very similar. Both diamond styles feature simple step-cut facets. Similarly, both possess a rectangular shape.

Baguette-cut diamond or Emerald cut – Which would you choose?

Both cuts offer a subtle sparkle compared to brilliant cuts. Both Emerald cuts and Baguette cuts have less brilliance but plenty of flash and fire.

When it comes to the shape, Baguettes feature pointed corners. In contrast, Emerald cuts have wedge-shaped polished corners. Typically, emerald-shaped diamonds exist in larger sizes.

Origin of the name ‘Baguette.’

In French, the word Baguette translates into “rod” or “stick.” However, another interpretation comes from Randle Cotgrave’s 1673 French and English Dictionary. In this edition, the meaning of “a little jewel appears.” The French word “bague,” meant “jewel” at the time and today, “ring.”

What is the difference between an emerald-cut engagement ring and an Emerald engagement ring?

Take care when referring to Emerald engagement rings. Don’t mistake an Emerald ring for an emerald-cut engagement ring. Here, we refer to the Emerald cut, not the green Emerald gemstones used for Emerald rings. In our recent post, we looked specifically at Emeralds and their association as a birthstone for the month of May.

Are emerald-cut diamonds more popular?

Yes. Absolutely. This popular gemstone aces the baguette cut. In fact, its popularity ensures a plentiful supply of natural and lab-grown diamonds suitable for a wide range of budgets.

Do Baguette diamonds sparkle?

Baguette-cut diamonds do not sparkle like the classic round brilliant cut sparkles. Just like Emeralds, the Baguette produces subtle flashes of light with more fire than brilliance. Fire describes the division of natural light into a rainbow of colours.

Availability of baguette-cut diamonds

More Emerald-cut diamonds are cut and available in circulation for both natural and lab-grown options. At the same time, smaller baguette diamonds are easier to source than tiny Emeralds for shoulder and side stones.

Small baguettes alternating with round diamonds in a channel setting

Baguette-Cut Engagement Rings (left) and Emerald-Cut ring designs (right)

Buying a Baguette diamond or an Emerald step-cut diamond.

What do you look out for when buying both diamond shapes? There are two important details to consider: the proportions of the diamond and its clarity.

Diamond proportions

First of all, proportions are very important. Find a balance between length-to-width ratios.

Choose a length 1.5 – 1.75 times the width. At the same time, look for a nicely proportioned diamond. Thin Baguette stones rarely suit solitaire engagement rings.

How many facets do Baguette diamonds have?

The number of diamonds on a baguette cut varies depending on the size of the diamond. Including the table facet, most baguettes have 25 facets.

The large diamond in our video has 33 facets. 13 facets on the crown including the table. At the same time, 20 facets on the pavilion.

Interestingly, many sources make note of 14 facets. But, even smaller baguettes have an uneven number of facets, including the table facet.

Diamond clarity

Next, consider the clarity. Choose VS1 clarity or above for your step-cut diamond. Below this clarity grade, inclusions become visible. In contrast, brilliant-cut diamonds disguise small inclusions.

Small inclusions appear more visible within a step-cut diamond. For this reason, VS1 clarity ensures inclusions remain invisible to the eye.

Few buyers enjoy a diamond with noticeable inclusions. If, however, your budget allows a greater leap, opt for VVS diamond clarity for a Baguette or Emerald cut.

Types of Baguette cut and Emerald cut diamond jewellery

The following are some of the types of jewellery set with a baguette. Interestingly, baguette cuts are more suited to smaller diamonds—cut for eternity rings and diamond shoulders.

The Aquamarine set into the above ring is edged by smaller baguette-cut diamonds.

Types of Baguette diamond ring

One of our most popular types of baguette diamond ring features a solitaire baguette set into a chamfered bezel setting. We source each baguette individually.

Modern Baguette solitaire ring ‘Brook’ design. 

Art Deco and the Baguette cut diamond

Art Deco jewellery is inspired by the styling of the 1920s and 1930s. Popular motifs and geometric shapes feature strongly. For example, we created the Deco design with a fan-shaped pattern on the ring.

This popular ring design uses small baguette-cut diamonds on either side of a Square or princess-cut diamond. In addition to Baguettes and Art Deco motifs, some designs feature beadwork, also called Milgrain.

What are tapered Baguette diamonds?

Tapered baguette diamonds are often featured in rings as accent stones. They differ from straight baguette cuts.

One end narrows or tapers towards the opposite end. For this reason, the term ‘Tapered baguette’ applies to any such diamonds.

We typically measure baguette-cut diamonds by length x width. Tapered baguettes feature a length and two widths. For example, we stock 4 x 2mm baguettes, whereas we stock 4 x 2 x 1.5mm tapered baguettes.

Tapered baguette diamonds work very well as side stones on either side of an Emerald diamond. When used as a centre stone, an emerald matches perfectly. Other suitable cuts include Trapezoids.

Other uses include matching sets added to Ballerina rings. Ballerina rings are cluster ring designs modelled on the shape of a ballerina’s tutu. A fan-shaped arrangement of straight or tapered baguette diamonds encircles a centre stone with the grace, harmony and styling of a Ballerina in motion.

Baguette vs Tapered Baguette

The video and images below compare a Baguette cut with a Tapered Baguette diamond. Both types appear in diamond shoulders. Interestingly, tapers, as we sometimes call them, rarely appear in large sizes. Instead, they make popular side-stones used in trilogy engagement rings.

Large Tapered Baguettes demand very high prices, especially in pairs. Tapered baguettes are almost always cut into pairs, specified as a total weight for the pair.

Total weight of Baguette and Tapered Baguette Diamonds

Two examples of the total weights compared can be seen below.

4 x 2mm baguette-cut diamonds – approx. 0.25cts total diamond weight

4 x 2 x 1.5mm baguette-cut diamonds – approx 0.18cts total diamond weight. 

Emerald-cut diamond engagement rings

Emerald diamond engagement rings come as solitaire designs—set with one diamond. Alternatively, trilogy rings feature an arrangement of three diamonds.

Finally, Halo engagement rings are popular engagement rings. Smaller diamonds surround the central Emerald cut. You can view various designs of emerald-cut halo rings online.

Kiera is a very popular diamond halo ring design. In detail, this photograph shows a 1-carat main diamond.

Emerald diamond pendants

Emerald cuts look amazing, set into diamond pendants. Diamond accents enhance the look of an emerald-cut diamond.

Baguette cuts in diamond eternity rings

Baguette-cut stones are often featured within diamond eternity rings. For example, one of our latest fusion diamond rings splits into two identical rings. The Cleopatra ring design has a stepped arrangement fitting together as one ring.

Emerald cut eternity rings

Emerald cuts do not exist in tiny sizes, so smaller wedding rings feature Baguette diamonds. For this reason, most Emerald cut diamond eternity rings feature slightly bigger diamonds. Our example below shows a half-eternity ring set with 5 x Emerald-cut diamonds, claw-set into the ring.

Bespoke Emerald-cut half eternity ring set with 5 x matching Emerald cut diamonds. 

Baguette wedding bands

Baguette diamond suit channel and bar settings.

But, remember, ring sizing can be very tricky when it comes to eternity rings and wedding rings.

The photograph provides an idea of the appearance of White Gold or Platinum.

The post A Guide to Baguette Diamonds vs Emerald Cut Diamonds appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

What is the average cost of an engagement ring?

As of 2024, the average price of an engagement ring is £2000 based on the typical UK purchase price of a diamond ring.

During an extensive research project, we surveyed ring purchases from £600 to £10,000.

As an average cost of an engagement ring, the £2000 represented the average spend.

How does the price compare to an average salary?

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

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” gave many buyers a traditional guideline to suggest 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.

How much should an engagement ring cost? And what do you get for your money?

In 2024, engagement ring options have increased dramatically. The introduction of lab-grown diamonds radically increased the size and specifications available for a £2000 budget. A natural 1 carat diamond engagement ring that cost over £20,000 now costs just under £2000.

As a result, many millennials look towards affordable, lab-grown diamond engagement rings instead of their natural counterparts.

Example of an affordable lab-grown diamond engagement ring identical to the natural equivalent.

Next, the profit margin varies 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 sets out several of the most important details influencing cost.

How much should you spend on your engagement ring?

The following chart shows 100 of our most recent engagement ring sales starting from 2022 and the wide variation of prices. Notice how the majority of sales fall between £1000 – £2000.

Compare this chart to the first one published in this article, which was taken from 50 x ring sales during 2020.

Consider your financial situation

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 options from Klarna Bank. Whilst only available to UK buyers, a range of 0% finance options exist, all subject to application. We send clients a link to apply based on their chosen ring design and specifications.

What can buyers expect from the average engagement ring price?

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

Today, some buyers favour lab-grown diamonds as an affordable alternative to mined, natural diamonds. For example, we set up one of our ring designs (Kensington) in 950 Platinum with a 1.03 carat F colour SI1 clarity lab-grown diamond for just over £2000 as shown in the chart below.

By comparison, most High Street chains—including jewellery brands such as Beaverbrooks, H. Samuel and Goldsmiths provide far less value for money.

Store Name	Diamond Weight	Colour / Clarity	Metal	Price	Notes	Value Rating
Serendipity Diamonds	0.4	G SI1	Platinum	£2,000	GIA certified. Very Good Cut	★★★★★
Earnest Jones	0.33	I SI2	Platinum	£2,095	Non-recognized lab cert.	★★★
H. Samuel	0.5	I I1	Platinum	£2,300	Multistone only available. Non-recognized lab cert.	★★
Beaverbrooks	0.31	G SI1	Platinum	£2,095	Uncertified. Diamond weight could be 5% less.	★
Goldsmiths	0.40	G SI1	Platinum	£2,150	Uncertified.	★★★★
Serendipity Diamonds	1.03	F SI1	Platinum	£2,160	IGI certified. Ethical. Lab-grown diamond.	★★★★★

The post The Average Price of an Engagement Ring in 2024 appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

A 375 Gold stamp visible within an item of jewellery indicates the items is made from 9 carat gold. To explain, the number represents the (37.5%) percentage of gold contained within the item. Jewellers alloy the gold with other metals to form the other 62.5% of metal. In contrast, a 750 stamp refers to 75% gold content as we have already discussed in more detail elsewhere.

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

Should you trust the 375 gold stamp?

Some items of jewellery feature a “9ct” stamp instead of an official hallmark. This can be due to the country where the item was first made, or due to the age of the item. Exercise caution when relying on simple stamps and not the official hallmark.

A simple online search shows a 9ct stamp can be purchased from many online stores very easily. As a result, fraudsters sometimes mark an item of “other” metal with “9ct” or “9k”. For this reason, bogus items with false stamps fraudulently masquerade as gold through illicit trade. As a result, we recommend buying from a reputable jeweller with experience in looking at precious metal hallmarks to ensure authenticity.

Many items of antique or vintage jewellery feature 9ct gold inscriptions or plates with raised letters without modern-day hallmarks. If you are unsure, many jewellery can test items or send items away for detailed analysis to confirm the fineness of any particular metal.

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.

Additional markings within the hallmark.

Additional markings alongside gold stamps include the original sponsor mark. Sponsors typically represent jewellers or manufacturing jewellers identified by abbreviations for their name. For example, at Serendipity Diamonds, most of our items feature the letters “SD” within the hallmark.

In addition, an anchor, lion’s head, castle or rose represent the Assay Office applying the stamp. In order, these stand for Birmingham, London, Edinburgh and Sheffield.

The post 375 Gold Stamp – 375 Hallmark and What it Means for Jewellery appeared first on Serendipity Diamonds Blog.

The cathedral setting is the highest-profile setting for any engagement ring; it beautifully elevates your center stone off the finger giving your ring more flow by adding two symmetrical arches on either side.

---

Create a personalized look for your partner with a gemstone engagement ring. Though not as traditional as diamond center stones, gemstones offer an alternative option that is both unique and sentimental. There are also many benefits to choosing a gemstone over a diamond for your engagement.

---

The engagement ring you design can tell a lot about your style and personality. Everyone has a different aesthetic, so what does your ring style say about yours?

---

With the rise in popularity of lab diamonds in the market, there has been a lot of debate about the benefits and differences between them and natural diamonds. We are not here to push one over the other, we simply want to make sure everyone is educated on the facts.

---

The way a diamond is cut unlocks a whole new dimension of sparkle, fire, and personality. While the round brilliant will forever be the quintessential staple shape, a captivating array of unique cuts awaits discovery. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of unique diamond cuts.

---