08 Mar How to Buy a Round Cut Diamond Ring in San Diego
Are you looking for a timeless engagement ring that exudes elegance and sophistication? A round cut diamond ring, with its classic shape and brilliant sparkle, is a true symbol of everlasting beauty.
Each facet of a round cut diamond is expertly crafted to maximize its brilliance, allowing it to reflect and refract light in the most captivating way. Whether you’re going for a traditional or a modern look, a round cut diamond ring is versatile enough to complement the style of your San Diego fiancée.
Not only does a round cut diamond ring offer beautiful aesthetics, it also holds deep cultural significance. It has been a popular choice for engagement rings for over a century, symbolizing eternal love and commitment.
At C. Blackburn Jewelers in La Jolla, we understand the importance of finding the perfect round cut diamond ring, which is why we offer custom-made engagement rings that are designed to perfection.
Our skilled California artisans meticulously handcraft each diamond ring to ensure the highest level of quality and craftsmanship. We will then set it with a brilliant earth-mined round cut diamond, or a more budget-friendly San Diego lab-grown diamond — both of which shine dazzling on the finger.
So, let’s cover everything you need to know, before shopping for a round cut diamond ring in San Diego.
The History and Popularity of Round Cut Diamonds
Round cut diamonds have a rich history that dates back to the 17th century. It was during this time that diamond cutting techniques began to evolve, giving rise to the creation of the round cut. This innovative cut showcased the diamond’s natural brilliance and fire, making it a sought-after choice among royalty and the elite.
Over the years, the round cut diamond’s popularity continued to grow, becoming the most prevalent diamond shape on the market. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its timeless beauty and ability to showcase the diamond’s exceptional qualities. Today, round cut diamonds are the most popular choice for engagement rings and other fine jewelry pieces in San Diego.
Understanding the 4Cs of Round Cut Diamonds
When purchasing a round cut diamond ring, it is essential to understand the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. These factors determine the overall value and quality of the diamond.
1. Cut: The cut of a round cut diamond directly impacts its brilliance and sparkle. A well-cut round diamond will reflect light internally and externally, creating a dazzling display. Look for a diamond with an excellent or very good cut grade for optimal beauty.
2. Color: Round cut diamonds are graded on a color scale ranging from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). At C. Blackburn Jewelers we set our engagement rings with round cut diamonds that fall within the D to G color range, as they exhibit a near-colorless appearance.
3. Clarity: Clarity refers to the diamond’s internal or external flaws, known as inclusions and blemishes, respectively. The clarity grade of a round cut diamond ranges from Flawless (no inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification) to Included (inclusions and blemishes visible to the naked eye). When shopping for a diamond in San Diego, look for a clarity grade of SI1 or higher, so that you’ll have a visually clean stone.
4. Carat Weight: Carat weight refers to the size of the diamond. While carat weight affects the overall appearance, it is crucial to find a balance between size and quality. If you would love to buy a large carat diamond but it’s beyond your budget, do remember that you can now set a ring with a lab-grown diamond that is physically identical to a natural diamond but at a price of up to 90% less.
Choosing the Right Setting for a Round Cut Diamond Ring
The setting of a round cut diamond ring plays a significant role in its overall aesthetic appeal. Here are some popular setting options that San Diego jewelry designer Carl Blackburn offers when creating a custom engagement ring:
1. Prong Setting: The prong setting is the most common and classic choice for a round cut diamond ring. This setting uses metal claws to hold the diamond securely in place, allowing maximum light exposure and enhancing the stone’s brilliance.
2. Halo Setting: The halo setting features a circle of smaller diamonds or gemstones surrounding the center round cut diamond. This setting adds extra sparkle and makes the center stone appear larger.
3. Bezel Setting: The bezel setting encircles the round cut diamond with a metal rim, providing a sleek and modern look. It also offers excellent protection for the diamond, making it a practical choice for everyday wear, and San Diego women with active lifestyles.
4. Bead Setting: The bead setting involves creating small beads or prongs from the surrounding metal to hold the diamond in place. Bead setting is popular for its ability to securely hold stones while offering a refined and elegant appearance. It’s also a setting that C. Blackburn Jewelers of La Jolla specializes in crafting.
The Ideal Carat Size for a Round Cut Diamond Ring
Selecting the right carat size for a round cut diamond ring in San Diego depends on personal preferences, budget, and style. Here are some factors to consider when determining the ideal carat size:
1. Hand Size: Take into account your fiancée’s hand size and finger proportions. A larger carat size may overwhelm smaller hands, while a smaller carat size might not make a statement on larger hands.
2. Style and Setting: The style of the ring and the chosen setting can affect the perceived size of the round cut diamond. Certain settings, such as the halo or pavé, can create an illusion of a larger center stone.
3. Budget: Carat size significantly impacts the cost of a round cut diamond ring. It’s important to establish a budget and find a balance between size and quality. Also consider the price differential between earth-mined and lab-grown diamonds, or whether an aquamarine engagement ring or sapphire engagement ring might be alternative option worth considering.
4. Personal Preference: Ultimately, the ideal carat size is determined by the personal preference of your future San Diego bride. Some individuals prefer a larger, more eye-catching diamond, while others appreciate the elegance of a smaller, more understated stone.
Maintenance and Care for Round Cut Diamond Rings
Proper maintenance and care are essential to keep your round cut diamond ring looking its best for years to come. Follow these tips to ensure its longevity:
1. Regular Cleaning: Clean your round cut diamond ring regularly using a mild detergent, warm water, and a soft brush. Gently scrub the diamond and the setting to remove dirt and debris.
2. Avoid Chemicals: Remove your round cut diamond ring when using household chemicals or engaging in activities that may expose it to harsh chemicals. Chemicals can damage the metal and affect the diamond’s brilliance.
3. Professional Inspection: Have your round cut diamond engagement ring professionally inspected and cleaned by a San Diego jeweler at least once a year. They can check for loose stones, prong wear, or any other issues that may require repair.
The Symbolism and Meaning of Round Cut Diamond Rings
Round cut diamond rings hold significant symbolism and meaning, making them a popular choice for San Diego engagement rings and special occasions. Here are some symbolic interpretations associated with round cut diamond rings:
1. Eternal Love: The round shape of a diamond symbolizes eternity, representing everlasting love and commitment. The unending circle of the ring also signifies the unbreakable bond between two individuals.
2. Clarity and Purity: The brilliance and transparency of a round cut diamond reflect purity and clarity, mirroring the purity of emotions and the transparency in a relationship.
3. Enduring Beauty: Round cut diamonds are timeless and never go out of style. They represent enduring beauty, just like the love shared between two individuals.
4. Tradition and Legacy: Round cut diamond rings have been a popular choice for engagement rings for centuries, carrying on the tradition and legacy of love and commitment from one generation to the next.
Famous Round Cut Diamond Ring Designs
Throughout history, numerous iconic round cut diamond ring designs have captured the hearts of many. Here are a few famous examples:
1. Tiffany Setting: The Tiffany Setting, introduced by Tiffany & Co. in 1886, revolutionized the way round cut diamonds were showcased. This classic six-prong setting maximizes the diamond’s brilliance and has become a timeless symbol of elegance.
2. Cartier Solitaire 1895: The Solitaire 1895 is Cartier’s trademark four prong setting with basket that illuminates the brilliance of the diamond. These iconic Cartier engagement rings are often fashioned in platinum, but also can be made in rose gold and yellow gold.
3. Harry Winston Micropavé Ring: The Harry Winston Micropavé Ring showcases a round cut diamond surrounded by a delicate band of pavé diamonds. This design exemplifies the luxury brand’s commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and elegance, and has inspired San Diego jewelry designers to incorporate micropavé diamonds into their engagement rings.
Designing a Custom Round Cut Diamond Ring
While there are many styles of pre-made round cut diamond rings available at San Diego and La Jolla jewelry stores, there is nothing that compare with a custom-made diamond engagement ring (one that is as unique as the woman who wears it).
Carl Blackburn at C. Blackburn Jewelers works within your budget to design the custom engagement ring of your dreams. In addition to round cut diamond rings, Carl also designs marquis cut diamond engagement rings, radiant cut diamond engagement rings, and rings set with other diamond cuts — and always in a style that perfectly matches the one your fiancée desires.
From stylish contemporary rings to timeless vintage diamond rings, Carl Blackburn is a La Jolla jewelry designer who can be entrusted with the honor of making a one-of-a-kind engagement ring that is unique as your love story.
Contact Carl directly by calling 858-251-3006 or sending him an email via contact form below. Get things started by arranging a friendly, no-obligations, chat at his boutique jewelry store in La Jolla By the Sea.
