Blog posts of '2024' 'September'

Finding the perfect engagement ring is one of the most exciting parts of getting engaged! In 2024, modern brides are shifting away from traditional round diamonds and exploring more unique, elegant shapes. If you're looking to make a statement with your engagement ring, these trendy diamond cuts are taking the spotlight this year.

1. Oval-Cut Diamond

The oval-cut diamond has been soaring in popularity in recent years. Its elongated shape offers a sophisticated look while making fingers appear longer and slimmer. Brides love how the oval diamond maximizes surface area, giving it a bigger look than its carat weight. Plus, it has an impressive sparkle and brilliance, perfect for those who want a ring that catches the light.

2. Pear-Shaped Diamond

For those who crave a blend of elegance and individuality, the pear-shaped diamond is a stunning choice. Its unique teardrop shape combines a round and marquise cut, offering a brilliant and delicate appearance. The pear shape offers versatility: you can wear the point facing either up or down, creating different visual effects. It’s ideal for the bride who wants something distinctive yet timeless.

3. Emerald-Cut Diamond

The emerald-cut diamond continues to be a favorite among brides looking for vintage glamour with a modern twist. Its step-cut facets create a "hall of mirrors" effect, offering a subtle yet striking sparkle. This rectangular shape is sleek and sophisticated, perfect for brides who prefer clean lines and an understated elegance.

4. Cushion-Cut Diamond

A soft and romantic choice, the cushion-cut diamond blends old-world charm with contemporary flair. This shape is known for its rounded corners and larger facets, which enhance its brilliance. The cushion cut offers a pillow-like appearance, making it ideal for brides who want a classic look with a touch of vintage appeal. It's versatile and pairs well with various band styles, from intricate halos to simple solitaires.

5. Marquise-Cut Diamond

The marquise-cut diamond is making a comeback in 2024, adored for its distinctive, elongated shape with pointed ends. This cut is perfect for brides who want to maximize their stone’s size, as the marquise shape tends to look larger per carat than many other cuts. It’s a bold, eye-catching choice that also elongates the wearer’s fingers, creating an elegant look.

Choosing the perfect engagement ring is about more than just selecting a beautiful stone; it's about finding a shape that reflects your personality and style. Whether you're drawn to the classic elegance of an emerald cut or the unique allure of a pear-shaped diamond, these trending shapes are sure to make your engagement ring truly special in 2024.

The History and Meaning of Sapphire

Sapphire, a cherished gemstone from the corundum family, has been revered across cultures for centuries. Its name is derived from the Greek word "sappheiros," which refers to the blue stone. Throughout history, Sapphire has symbolized qualities such as loyalty, wisdom, royalty, and divine favor. Ancient Persians believed the sky’s blue hue was a reflection of Sapphire stones, while medieval clergy wore it to represent heaven. Sapphire also carries romantic significance, especially after King Charles proposed to Princess Diana in 1981 with a striking Blue Sapphire engagement ring. Additionally, it is considered a protective stone, believed to ward off envy and harm.

Though blue is the most famous color, Sapphire comes in a range of shades—excluding red, which is classified as Ruby. Each color holds its own unique meaning. For instance, Yellow Sapphire is thought to attract prosperity, while Pink Sapphire is linked to love and compassion.

Sapphire: The September Birthstone

Not only is Sapphire the birthstone for September, but it is also the zodiac stone for Capricorn and the traditional gift for 5th and 45th wedding anniversaries.

Caring for Sapphire

Sapphire’s exceptional durability is one of its most valuable traits. With a ranking of 9 on the Mohs hardness scale and excellent toughness, it is nearly as resilient as a diamond, making it ideal for everyday wear in rings and bracelets. While Sapphire is highly resistant to scratching and chipping, proper care is essential to preserve its brilliance.

For cleaning, Sapphire is generally safe for use in ultrasonic and steam cleaners, but it's important to inspect the stone for any inclusions or fractures before subjecting it to high-pressure methods. Avoid harsh chemicals and extreme heat, as these may affect the gemstone's color.

Sapphire Options

While deep, vibrant blue Sapphires are the most popular and often the most valuable, Sapphire comes in an array of colors, spanning the rainbow. These include shades like pink, yellow, green, purple, champagne, and more. With various sizes and cuts available, Sapphire is an ideal choice for a wide range of creative designs.

In addition to its stunning color variety, some rare Sapphires display asterism—a captivating star-like effect seen in cabochon stones. There are also color-changing Sapphires, which shift from blue to violet under different lighting conditions, adding to their uniqueness.

Choosing Sapphire Jewelry

With its wide range of colors, Sapphire is a versatile gemstone, ideal for any design, season, mood, or outfit. Blue Sapphire makes a striking choice for birthstone rings, while White Sapphire is often used as a beautiful alternative to diamonds in engagement rings. Fancy-colored Sapphires, in shades like pink, yellow, or green, can transform any statement necklace into a captivating piece. Thanks to its exceptional durability, Sapphire is not only a stunning choice but also a lasting one, perfect for passing down as a treasured heirloom.