Category: Diamonds

Rose Cut Diamond Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 19th May 2021

Rose cut diamond jewellery has risen in popularity over the last few years. They are prized for their understated charm that is both feminine and unusual. Their flat shape gives them a larger surface area. This means that, not only can you often have a larger diamond for your budget, you can also use them in flatter designs that sit snugly against the finger. Both pretty and practical!

What is rose cut diamond jewellery?

Rose cut diamonds are cut by hand with a flat base and most commonly 24 triangular facets on a gently domed top. The name comes from the arrangements of the facets which is said to resemble the overlapping petals of a rose bud. This antique diamond cut originated in the 1500’s and became particularly fashionable in the Georgian and Victorian eras. The large, wide facets are designed to catch the light in the low light conditions of candlelight.

With the invention of modern cutting techniques rose cut diamonds fell out of favour. By contrast to the 24 facets of a rose cut, the modern round brilliant cut has 57-58 facets. Whilst a rose cut will sparkle due to the light reflecting on the surface facets of the stone, brilliant cuts reflect light internally as well. An ‘ideal cut’ brilliant diamond has the perfect arrangement of facets for light to enter the stone, be internally reflected and exit the stone through the table (top surface). This is what causes the diamond to sparkle or ‘shine’.

In addition to the traditional single rose cut with a flat base, rose cut diamonds can also be faceted underneath. This is known as a double rose cut diamond. Rose cuts also aren’t necessarily round. Antique diamond are often not perfectly round due to being hand-cut. Modern rose cut diamonds are often deliberately cut in unusual irregular shapes to maximise their uniqueness. These are the stones that we love to work with.

Their hand-cut uniqueness gives each rose cut diamond its own character. This organic charm, coupled with their flatter shape, makes them perfect for our rough diamond collection. Each setting in our rough collection is individually handmade to fit the stone. This makes each ring one of a kind!

Diamonds

Unusual Alternative Diamond Cuts The April Birthstone

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 17th March 2021

When most people imagine a diamond they summon up an image of a traditional round brilliant cut diamond, colourless and sparkly. We work we these remarkable stones everyday and whilst these may be very familiar to you, there are many unusual alternative diamond cuts that you may be less familiar with. Here are a selection of our favourites…

Polki Diamonds

Polki diamonds are an ancient style of uncut diamond originating in India in the Mughal Era. These beautiful stones are flatter like slices of diamond and have a wonderful elegant, delicate feel to them. They are often unique irregular shapes and can have beautiful inclusions reminiscent of nebulae or tree bark.

rough cut Polki diamond pendant — Polki diamonds, each 8mm across.

Unusual Alternative Diamond Cuts: Old Cuts

Old Cut diamonds, also known as Old Mine Cut diamonds or Old European Cut diamonds, are an older style of diamond cut found in vintage and antique jewellery. These diamonds were often set in a way that attempted to make them look as round as possible. Once unset from their original mount, their true character is revealed. They are often in fact more cushion-shaped than round. We love to make the most of their fabulous rocky shapes in our organic carved rings, highlighting rather than concealing their unique characteristics. These designs are carved from a single piece of gold, for which we often use client’s own sentimental metal. If you have any old vintage diamond jewellery that you don’t wear anymore or is broken, why not make an appointment with our designer Rebecca to discuss remodelling them. Book an appointment here.

Uncut Diamonds and Rough Diamond Stacking Rings

We love to use all kinds of unusual diamonds in our stacking rings, from rose cut diamonds, to completely raw uncut diamonds, and old cut diamonds. Because of the organic nature of these stones they can even be mix and matched for a truly unique stack!

Diamond jewellery Diamonds

Square Cut Diamond Rings Princess Emerald Cuts

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 11th April 2019

Cappuccino diamond vintage engagement ring

Square Cut Diamond Rings Princess Emerald Cuts are hitting the headlines this week with the largest square diamond in the world unveiled by Graff Diamonds of London. The massive square emerald cut diamond weighs in at 302.37 cts. It was cut from the rough diamond named Lesedi La Rona. The Lesedi La Rona which translates as “Our Light” in the Tswana language was found in the Lucara Karowe Mine in Botswana and at 1109 cts. is the third largest diamond ever to be discovered. The Lesedi La Rona has been cut as a square using the emerald cut style of parallel facets and trimmed corners to maximise the size of this record breaking D colour diamond.

Square emerald cut diamonds are not very common, usually being rectangular. The most popular cut for a square diamond is a princess cut. The princess cut diamond has its corners on making it perfect for angular designs. Like the round brilliant cut diamond it has over 50 facets which when perfectly cut refract the light entering the diamond table is bounced straight back out giving the stone its “brilliance”. The princess cut is usually comprised of either 57 or 76 facets with a maximum ratio of 1:1.05.

Pruden and Smith love to use the clean lines of the princess cut square diamond in their “block” and “twist” collections. In the block collection the princess cut diamond is seated in a sharp sided rub over setting that frames and emphasises its angularity. The rings have a contemporary Art Deco feel and the straight sided settings of the pendants and earstuds a modernist simplicity. The Twist collection uses a tension setting to lend movement and a sense of play to these modern classics.

Here is our inspiration board made up of square cut diamond rings commissioned recently to inspire you

Princess cut diamond engagement rings the “block” and “twist” collections

Unusual dress rings featuring square white and coloured diamonds and sapphires

Creative unusual handmade jewellery Square Cut Diamond Rings Princess Emerald Cuts

Diamonds Engagement rings Platinum engagement rings Wedding and partnership rings

Bespoke Engagement Rings

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 30th December 2016

Bespoke engagement rings handmade in Ditchling Sussex. Pruden and Smith combine the best in craft skills with design excellence. Choose your diamond size and shape to fit your budget then have a contemporary or traditional ring designed to display it.

A platinum “flat twist” 0.5ct diamond engagement ring with made to fit wedding band £4400

Choosing your diamond can be confusing. There are many certifying bodies for diamonds and the colour and clarity grades that they award to the diamonds they grade are not comparable across the board. This means you can appear to have found a bargain yet when you receive the diamond it is disappointing. At Pruden and Smith we can guide you though the buying process. By explaining the colour grades and clarity grades to you and demonstrating the difference in the grading of the different certifying bodies you can make an informed choice about what diamond you are buying. As a naturally occurring gemstone each diamond has it’s own unique inclusions and shape. Some of these can detract from a diamonds brilliance depending on their position within the diamond, yet you pay no more for either. The polish and symmetry of the cutting is also an aspect that you pay no more for. We can advise you on all of these crucial aspects to diamond buying.

1ct diamond and platinum engagement ring with fitted diamond set wedding ring £10,800

We recommend platinum for the setting of your bespoke diamond ring. this is because platinum is way harder and denser than any of the other precious metals. It will keep your diamond safe for many years without any need for attention especially if you are commissioning a claw set engagement ring. If you would like to introduce coloured metals into your ring then 18ct rose gold or 18ct yellow gold are ideal both supplying a rich colour. There are many types of special finish which you can incorporate into your engagement ring design such as the hammered finish below.

Hammered finish platinum engagement ring with fitted wedding band set with a 0.6ct round brilliant cut diamond £2800

Ethical engagement rings: Ethically sourced metals and diamonds are very important to some clients. At Pruden and Smith each item is handmade and they are constantly looking to see how they can be more environmentally friendly and ethical. Mining is of itself damaging so they recycle metals as much as they can. The choice currently is Ecosilver, recycled 18ct white or yellow gold or recycled platinum. If you like yellow gold we can also supply FairTrade 18ct yellow gold. When it comes to the diamond all diamonds in the UK have to comply with the Kimberly process. We use a UK supplier so all our diamonds are traceable back to the mine through them. Here is a critique of the Kimberly Process, not all good but it’s currently all we have as a system. If you have your own older or inherited diamond jewellery then this can be redesigned for you, reusing all the materials. See our “precious legacy service”.

Rough diamond engagement ring set in hammered platinum with a matching wedding ring £749

Pruden and Smith use many unusual materials to create truly contemporary engagement rings. This ring utilises an uncut diamond. For anyone not wanting the brilliance of a cut diamond this is a great way to give your engagement ring a different look.

Claw set platinum engagement ring with o.5ct diamond £3800

Bespoke Engagement Rings: Make an appointment today to discuss your dream ring. Call our designer Rebecca Smith on 01273 846338

Diamond Earrings Diamond engagement rings Diamond Pendants Diamonds Earrings

Diamond Myths Exposed!

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 5th September 2016

There are many myths out there about diamonds. To dispel them, we are happy to share with you some professional truths!

‘Carat’ only refers to weight: 1ct=0.2gm. For example, these earrings of ours have a total carat weight of 2ct which is equal to 0.4gms.

The ‘sparkle’comes from light entering the top (‘table’) and bouncing or refracting out again, NOT from the back or sides. This is one reason why we favour ‘rub-over’ settings such as this ring:

There is no real point in having an internally flawless or colourless diamond. Only the most discerning professional eye can distinguish these from ‘G’ colour with very small inclusions (‘VVS’)
Work out your budget. Contrary to popular belief your fiancee would not wish you to suffer hardship! The rule about 3 times your monthly salary is a pretty good one.
Divide out design from value. We pride ourselves on our strong designs. So often we see very expensive diamonds set in awful settings. The ‘metal-work’ is only likely to be £1-£2K and you can trust us to set your stones in real beauty. See how to commission HERE

Bespoke rings Diamonds Partnership Rings Rings Wedding and partnership rings Wedding rings

Diamond Wedding Rings Partnership Rings

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 31st May 2016

Our Unique Diamond Wedding Rings Partnership Rings are hand made in our Ditching workshops in Sussex. Working in all precious metals: platinum, 18ct and 9ct gold in white, rose and yellow we can match your wedding ring to your existing engagement ring so that both compliment each other perfectly.

Pruden and Smith Workshop — Hand Made in our Ditchling workshop, Sussex

A wedding band these days can break with tradition and does not need to be just a simple band of precious metal, it can be set with diamonds to give it that extra sparkle. Diamonds are ideal for this because of their hardness. We can also incorporate other coloured gemstones. Aquamarine or pink sapphire make a subtle combination, where sapphire or ruby a more striking contrast.

You could choose to have your wedding ring with diamonds set all the way around the band but we also make them with a 60% or 40% spread: Both appear as a full spread of gemstones from the front. Our designers can suggest what will look best with your existing engagement ring and also make sure that the new ring will not cause any damage or be damaged by your existing ring.

We use several setting styles for our diamond wedding rings partnership rings. A rub-over setting surrounds a stone emphasising it’s shape. Our new collection utilises this effect by mixing different shapes such as an alternating princess cut diamond with a round brilliant cut.

A claw set wedding ring creates a ring that appears to be made of only diamonds or the gemstones that they are mixed with.

Channel setting creates a linear look to the diamonds with a metal edge emphasising this.

Pave setting combines the claw set look with the neatness of the channel setting, ideal if you like the look of a channel set ring but have a claw set engagement ring. Micro setting utilises carved claws like pave setting but leaves no edge to the diamonds more like a claw set wedding ring and is very useful for setting tiny diamonds in very narrow rings.

It is now popular to “flush set” diamonds into a band of your choice. We do this in a number of designs from evenly spaced to scatter generously around the ring using up to one hundred gemstones.

We can combine colours of gold to give a variety if mixed metal patterns. Diamond Wedding rings Partnership rings can be made in any precious metal. Our handmade wedding rings and civil partnership rings will remind you of your wedding day and the special bond that you share with your partner for the rest of your life. Once you have chosen the design of your partnership rings for your wedding day we make them for you in our Ditchling workshops in Sussex. Please allow four weeks.

We can hammer your bands in many different ways to give them texture or an organic form. If you want to step away from the traditional we have plenty of unusual diamond set wedding ring ideas for you to choose from.

We can also incorporate your own diamonds for sentimental reasons in our process called “A Precious Legacy”.

This is the advantage of handmade diamond wedding rings partnership rings. You will also want your rings to express both of your design senses and personality. What will you choose?

Also, be sure to follow us on our social media pages for new designs and updates on:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/prudenandsmith/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/prudenandsmith

Tags Diamond set Partnership Rings, Diamond set wedding rings, hand made wedding bands

Diamond engagement rings Diamond Pendants Diamonds

Rough Stone Jewellery

Post author By prudenandsmith
Post date 15th October 2015

Rough stone jewellery is growing in popularity, we are certainly increasing selling products with rough cut diamonds in them. Diamonds are the hardest substance known to man and takes it’s name from the ancient Greek word “adamas” meaning the “unconquerable”. So, if you think a rough cut diamond won’t be as strong – think again! Rough cut diamond rings are seeming to be a new and unusual choice. A rough cut diamond is cheaper to purchase than a specified cut diamond. Often the design of a rough cut diamond will enhance the beauty of the imperfect stone. For example, a rough stone looks beautiful with a rough hammered finish metal. Examples of our rough diamond products are pictured below.

(from left) Rough diamond cluster pendant £332, Rough diamond stacking ring set £1310

It’s not just diamonds that look great in a rough cut finish, but Ruby and Lapis Lazuli also share the quality of looking perfectly imperfect…

(from left) Rough cut Ruby in 18ct gold setting £150, Rough cut lapis lazuli in 18ct gold setting £240

Diamonds Gold Jewellery Recycled Jewellery Rings Ruby jewellery Stacking rings

New Tricolour Stacking Rings – Reusing Old Gold Diamonds and Ruby.

Post author By Suzy
Post date 30th September 2014

This stunning new set of unusual stacking rings were made using recycled gold from jewellery that was no longer worn by the owner. The metal and stones from the unwanted jewellery were remodelled into these stunning new dress rings that can now be worn and enjoyed every day.

Stacking rings are an excellent way to reuse old stones from unwanted jewellery because they make excellent use of stones of different sizes and shapes. At Pruden and Smith we love to create bespoke commissions to breath new life into tired or damaged jewellery that is no longer worn.

If you are looking for a unique dress ring or just something to wear everyday, stacking rings could be the perfect choice. Stacking rings offer the perfect opportunity to build up a collection of collectable jewellery by ordering a ring for each special occasion. You could even tailor the design to suit the occasion for example order a birthstone ring to celebrate your loved ones or perhaps something for your ruby wedding anniversary or diamond wedding anniversary.

If you would like more information about stacking rings please contact us on 01273 846338 or at info@prelive.prudenandsmith.com

You can see more of our work at: prelive.prudenandsmith.com

Tags handmade stacking rings, mixed gold jewellery, recycled gold jewellery, stacking rings sussex, tricolour stacking rings

Diamonds Recycled Jewellery Rings

Diamond Ring Commission – 5 Stone Diamond Rubover Ring

Post author By Suzy
Post date 17th March 2014

Our latest diamond ring commission was designed to incorporate reclaimed diamonds from unwanted jewellery and was handmade in our workshop in new palladium. These diamonds were originally set in yellow gold but the client preferred white metal so we bought the scrap gold and the client put the money towards the cost of the new ring. Selling scrap gold is an excellent way to fund the redesign or restoration of a ring.

We love to recycle gold, platinum, diamonds and gemstones from old jewellery that our clients no longer wear and remodel the materials into a contemporary design. When people have old jewellery they no longer wear or inherit pieces of jewellery that are not to their taste, redesigning them is a great way to give the materials a new lease of life.

If you are considering having your old jewellery remodelled all you have to do it book a design consultation with our designer Rebecca Smith. In our gallery you can view and try on samples of some of the designs we do and Rebecca will guide you through the commissioning process.

Call us on 01273 846338 or email us at info@prelive.prudenandsmith.com to book your design consultation.

Diamonds Rings

Handmade Diamond Rings

Post author By APruden
Post date 30th October 2013

handmade diamond and platinum swirl ring

Handmade diamond rings make that wonderfully perfect way to show the person who you love most in the world that they mean everything to you.

This could be via an engagement ring, the most important of those handmade diamond rings and a huge statement to make! Engagements cannot be taken lightly and they need thinking very seriously about. They also do not come cheap and therefore you need to be fully prepared! It may take several months to organise and plan an engagement – very exciting and a little scary perhaps, but we can definitely put you at ease by helping and advising on your choice of engagement ring.

Or perhaps you may be looking an unusual eternity ring. We offer many handmade diamond rings for you to choose from, ranging from a full set of diamonds to a smaller and just as stylish simple eternity ring.

We can include different precious stones, either with diamonds or on their own – the choice is yours!

We also receive many requests for wedding rings with diamonds in them – they really don’t have to be plain gold wedding bands!

Handmade diamond rings make a really stylish addition to an engagement ring and we advise on the right style to go with your engagement ring.

Then we get to stacking rings and these really are handmade diamond rings!

We can also offer other jewels to go in these rings – a really beautiful and unusual collection of rings.

Handmade diamond rings are our speciality – we just love designing and creating a piece of jewellery that is unique, stunning and just looks perfect on any finger.

Please give us a call if you would like to make an enquiry – we look forward to hearing from you…

Tags Handmade diamond rings, Handmade engagement rings, Handmade jewellery

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