What is the significance of diamond engagement rings?

A diamond engagement ring is the universal symbol of everlasting love for your significant other. It represents a commitment to a new life with your partner and acts as a sincere token of love, care, and happiness through both the good times and bad.

When is the best time to buy a proposal ring?

It is recommended to start planning the proposal and pick an engagement ring at least three to four months in advance. This will give you plenty of time to browse through your options and gather all the information you need to arrive at the best decision.

How much should I spend on the engagement ring?

A popular general rule of thumb is to spend at least 2-months of your salary on the engagement ring; however, that is no longer the case. Today, many couples in Singapore are opting for more affordable options, such as a 1-carat diamond engagement ring from Star Carat that comes in a wide range of classic designs at a friendlier price tag.

Why should I buy a diamond proposal ring from Star Carat?

Our diamond proposal rings are IGI-certified and fall into the Type llA category. This means that anyone in Singapore can now get their hands on quality, 1-carat proposal rings that do not break the bank or harm the environment!

What diamond engagement ring should I get?

While it is easy to become obsessed with buying a bigger carat, people are realising that bigger isn’t always better. More importantly, pick a diamond that works within your budget and that you are comfortable spending on. Classic solitaire designs are a timeless option if you aren’t sure of what to get. Ideally, choose a diamond that boasts a quality cut as it is the most important factor that determines how shiny and sparkly your ring will be.

What are diamond pendants and necklaces?

Diamond pendants and necklaces are popular fashion accessories for women in Singapore that exude timless elegance and are often given as a symbol of love and affection.

How do I choose the right diamond necklace or pendant?

Choosing the right diamond pendant or necklace can elevate the simplest outfit. Whether you are buying it for yourself or a loved one, it is important to take into consideration the design and price of the jewellery before matching it to their personal taste and lifestyle.

When should I gift a necklace pendant or necklace?

You don’t need to have a special occasion to get yourself a diamond necklace or pendant. Our Star Carat diamonds suit any or no occasion at all as they are all classic pieces that can last a lifetime. However, occasions like wedding anniversaries, Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or significant milestones such as a job promotion is a good reason to gift a diamond necklace or pendant too.

How do I take care of my diamond pendant or necklace?

Cleaning your diamond pendant or necklace regularly is important to maintain its beauty and sparkle. Using a bowl of warm water, mild dishwashing soap and a soft-bristle toothbrush should be sufficient. In addition, ensure you store your jewellery in a dry and safe space and remove it during activities such as exercise. Lastly, only put on your jewellery after applying your makeup or perfume to prevent it from losing its shine.

Symmetry & Polish: Taking A Deeper Dive Into A Diamond’s Cut

Posted on March 2021

When searching for the perfect diamond ring, equipping oneself with basic diamond education is an absolute must. Diamond education starts with the 4Cs diamond grading system – Cut, Clarity, Colour and Carat weight. Every diamond is graded based on these characteristics, and its cumulative grades will determine the value and price of a diamond.

Whilst all 4 characteristics are indeed crucial, cut is arguably the most important as it poses the most significant effect on a diamond’s beauty and sparkle. Often confused with the diamond shape (round, marquise, princess and the like), the diamond cut refers to how well a diamond is physically cut and, by extension, how well the facets interact with light. When a diamond is cut, it is then evaluated on its fire, scintillation and brightness, qualities that are dependent on its symmetry and polish.

Diamond Symmetry

Diamond symmetry refers to the way the diamond’s facets are arranged, their placement and their size. A diamond with excellent symmetry simply means that not only is it not out of shape, but each and every one of its facets is perfectly proportioned and sized. Inversely, a diamond with poor symmetry will possess facets that are proportionally imperfect and not properly arranged. This alone can severely affect the way the facets interact and reflect light, making it appear dull and cloudy.

Diamond Polish

Diamond polish refers to the smooth, glass-like condition of the diamond’s surface. A diamond that appears smooth to the touch is only possible through incredible craftsmanship. Whilst it is nearly impossible to have a perfectly polished diamond, a diamond that boasts an “excellent” or “very good” polish will undoubtedly have better fire and brilliance compared to its counterparts.

Despite scoring a perfect 10 on the Mohs scale, diamonds are also very prone to scratching. This means that if it is not properly maintained or taken care of, the fire and brilliance will decrease, making the diamond appear duller over time. Apart from repolishing, you can take steps to better preserve its shine. To avoid any damage, you may consider taking your diamond ring off when participating in hands-on or high-impact activities. You may also consider opting for a more protective setting style to further protect the gem.

The Importance Of Diamond Symmetry And Polish

Since both diamond symmetry and polish have a significant influence on the diamond’s cut grade, these aspects will undoubtedly also affect the appearance of the gem, especially its fire, brilliance and shine. If you’ve decided to prioritise clarity amongst the 4Cs, then you’ll want to make sure that your diamond scores either an “excellent” or “very good” for both its symmetry and polish.

Along with the 4C diamond grading scores, you can find information about our Star Carat diamonds’ symmetry and polish in their respective IGI diamond report.

Which Of The Two Is More Important?

Since many factors influence the appearance and value of a diamond, it is important to know which of its attributes to prioritise. In the case of diamond symmetry and polish, whilst both characteristics are indeed important, we recommend choosing a diamond with a symmetry rating. Whilst polish does have an impact on the brilliance of a diamond, it is nowhere near symmetry’s. The latter reflects how well light reflects off a diamond, effectively affecting its overall sparkle, brilliance and fire.

That being said, do not feel pressured to purchase a diamond with the highest symmetry grade. The difference between an “excellent” and “very good” symmetry is almost negligible, especially so for those fancy shaped diamonds. Moreover, this slight difference can easily amount to a 15% price increase! Instead of spending so much on a minute difference, you can divert the same amount to the other 3Cs instead!

Learning about the different aspects of a diamond will help you find the ideal diamond, try to avoid getting caught up in the nitty-gritty of it all. On top of the 4Cs, there are several other factors to consider during your diamond shopping. Save yourself the stress and always opt for a diamond that you feel suits you best!

If you’re still not sure if how to approach the subject, we’re here to help! At Star Carat, we are more than happy to assist you in your lab grown diamond shopping. With an extensive catalogue of Type IIA diamonds, finding a scintillating and dazzling diamond will be nothing short of a breeze! Whether it’s a treat for yourself or a diamond proposal ring for your beloved, our expert and friendly jewellery consultants are here to help. Book an appointment to get started!