When choosing your dream engagement or wedding ring, you’re likely to lean towards a hefty diamond with magnificent sparkle. While a large diamond is undoubtedly attractive, the price of one may not be friendly to your wallet.
When choosing your dream engagement or wedding ring, you’re likely to lean towards a hefty diamond with magnificent sparkle. While a large diamond is undoubtedly attractive, the price of one may not be friendly to your wallet.
Many ring shoppers tend to fall into the trap of considering carat weight as the only factor that determines the diamond’s appearance. However, there are numerous other factors such as the cut, style, and colour of the ring that can make your diamond look extra striking when you know to work them to your favour.
With that said, here are 10 ways to maximise the size of your diamond for a standout sparkle without going out of budget.
1. Prioritise the cut
Beyond the carat weight, colour or clarity, a diamond’s cut is the factor that defines its overall beauty. A cut determines how well a diamond will reflect light based on the way its facets and angles were cut. The better the quality of the cut, the more light will be reflected by the diamond.
In turn, a well-cut diamond is likely to appear larger than a diamond of the same carat weight that’s poorly cut. You can easily tell the two apart by comparing their brilliance and sparkle.
2. Opt for elongated diamond cuts
While round diamonds are the most popular and classic choice for engagement rings, they often cost more than other diamond shapes of the same carat weight. Elongated shapes such as oval, marquise and emerald, on the other hand, tend to appear larger while cutting down on cost. They have a larger surface area per carat weight which gives them a greater spread than a round diamond.
However, certain shapes can make your diamond appear smaller. For example, cushion cuts should be avoided as they are deep-set, so the majority of their carat weight is not visible on the surface. If you’re looking for a diamond that’ll take up more space on your finger without breaking your budget, try elongated shapes instead.
3. Say hello to halo
The ring setting you choose can also work to your advantage in achieving a bigger-looking diamond. For instance, halo ring settings are known to create the illusion of size.
A halo setting features a large centre diamond surrounded by a halo of smaller sparkling diamonds. This setting increases the diameter of the centre diamond and adds to its impact, making it appear a lot larger.
4. Go for three stones
Three stone settings aren’t anything new. They symbolise a couple’s past, present and future, making them a timeless staple for engagement rings. They’re also the same type of ring that Prince Harry proposed to Meghan Markle with!
A three stone setting features two smaller diamonds on both sides of the main one. The trick to making your main diamond look bigger is by ensuring that the side diamonds are kept small. This directs the attention to your main diamond, making it appear more extravagant.
5. Go for a pavé setting
Pavé, originating from the French word for ‘pave’, is a setting in which the band is paved with small diamond accents to accentuate the main diamond. This creates a line of continuous sparkle that reduces the visibility of the metal band. Thanks to the density of stones, the added shimmer on the ring causes the main diamond to look larger than it actually is.
6. Choose a slender band
A small, slim band will make your diamond seem large in comparison. To emphasise this feature even more, opt for a slender band that also tapers towards the centre. The contrast in size enhances the brilliance of your diamond, allowing it to take centre stage.
7. Less (prongs) is more
Many rings typically feature six prongs, but this tends to divert the attention away from the diamond’s sparkle. Less means more when it comes to prongs, so it’s wise to opt for fewer of them. If you’re unsure of how many to get, a four-pronged setting is highly favoured.
Having fewer prongs obstructs less of the diamond, so more of the stone is visible. This makes it appear bigger and enhances its shine as well, as more light is able to reflect off the stone.
8. Stick with platinum prongs
Regardless of whether you’re going with a yellow or white gold wedding band, always go for platinum prongs to make your diamond appear bigger. The metallic colour of platinum blends in with the diamond to prevent the prongs from being too distracting, while creating the optical illusion of a slightly bigger stone.
9. Clean your ring regularly
Keeping your diamond clean and polished will preserve its sparkle and radiance. The shinier the diamond, the larger and more eye-catching it’ll look. In contrast, dirty diamonds look dull and smaller. Generally, it’s a good practice to get your ring cleaned professionally by a jeweller every six months.
In between professional cleaning, you can use a few drops of dishwashing liquid in warm water and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Use only a soft, lint-free cloth to dry your ring. Regular ring cleaning also prevents the buildup of excess oil and debris from sweat or lotion.
10. Consider a lab grown diamond
Lab grown diamonds are identical to mined diamonds – they both share the same chemical, optical and physical properties, apart from their origin! Lab grown diamonds are created by imitating the high-temperature and high-pressure conditions that form diamonds underground, all done in a lab.
Because they are less labour-intensive than mined diamonds, they come at a much lower price point. For our Star Carat collection, our lab grown diamonds cost 50% less for the same carat weight as a mined diamond – this means you get double the carat weight without spending too much!
Conclusion
Keep these tips and tricks in mind to help in your diamond ring shopping. Save more without sacrificing quality when you shop at SK Jewellery. Our Star Carat collection offers IGI-certified lab grown diamonds that qualify under Type IIA category, which are almost or entirely devoid of impurities.
Browse through our Star Carat lab grown diamond rings online or visit SK Jewellery’s showrooms to consult with our experts and find the best sparkle for your needs!
