The cut is the sparkle. A well-cut diamond is one that s been cut for beauty and not for weight or yield. Proportions are very important. Because there are so many engineers in the valley, it makes a big difference. Most important, you want to be able to look down at it in 20 years and think it s still as beautiful as the day you first saw it.
Diamonds dominate when it comes to engagement rings.
About three-quarters of all brides receive a diamond engagement ring, according to the latest figures available from the Diamond Information Center, the public relations arm of De Beers. Round stones are the favorite with 56 percent of brides, says Brandee Dallow, spokeswoman for the center. The six-prong setting holding a round brilliant cut, universally known as the Tiffany setting, is now the standard, says Marsden. In late 1999 Tiffany introduced a new cut and setting called Lucida a square, mixed-cut stone set in either platinum or 18 karat gold and platinum, which has become very popular. Bring in your own design or we ll design it with you.