Learn About Diamonds
Learn what diamonds are and how to select the diamond that’s right for you.
Blue Nile is not a river in Eastern Africa, nor it’s some special blue-tinted diamond sourced from the Nile river. It’s actually the name of one of the most famous companies that sell fine jewelry. From wedding and engagement rings to earrings, necklaces, and all that jazz, people can purchase all types of jewelry on […]
You are likely familiar with what qualities make a diamond valuable. You don’t want your stone to be yellow unless you have a canary diamond. The whiter your diamond is, the better! Additionally, a sparkly diamond is more sought after than one that is dull. A diamond’s brilliance is affected by its cut, which many […]
We hope you’ve read our 4 C’s article, but if you haven’t, we highly suggest checking it out as a primer for this guide on Astor cut diamonds. Don’t worry; we’re not going to get too technical or scientific! However, it’s essential to know that the cut is often the most important of all the […]
Blue Nile revolutionized the diamond industry with an online presence that allows customers to browse and buy beautiful jewelry from the comfort of their own homes. However, sometimes you can only commit after seeing that sparkler for yourself. The world of online shopping is excellent, but there’s nothing like trying on an item before you […]
Growing up on a Disney-rich diet, most little girls dreamed of being princesses. While any diamond shape you love can give you your daily dose of tiara-tinted luxe, princess cut diamonds are a special class all their own. Princess cut diamonds are the most popular fancy diamond shape on the fine jewelry market. Their trim […]
Whoever was in charge of marketing when they invented the term “radiant cut diamonds” should get a prize — what women doesn’t want to look radiant? Radiant cut diamonds are a relatively new addition to the diamond cut family. They were created with the intent of combining the best attributes of existing popular diamond cuts: […]
A glittering descendant of the old mine cut diamond and the soft, feminine princess cut diamond, cushion cut diamonds have a long, romantic history. They come in third place as the most popular diamond cut for an engagement ring, after round cut diamonds and princess cuts. Shopping for these soft-featured shapes can be a challenge, […]
Nothing is more classic and timeless than a round cut diamond. Whether it’s a solitaire or surrounded by diamond accents, this elegant gem always makes a statement. There’s a reason this diamond shape consistently tops the diamond sales charts, why we return to it again and again. It’s unendingly versatile, and — the round brilliant […]
What do daffodils, bumblebees, and nitrogen-rich diamonds have in common? If you answered “they all bring a smile to my face”, you’d be getting pretty close. They also share a bright, cheerful yellow hue that has a way of lighting up a room! One of the most misunderstood stones in the fancy diamond color range, […]
When you start off on your diamond shopping adventure, you’ll often hear jewelry retailers talking about gemological laboratories (namely the Gemological Institute of America and the International Gemological Institute, among others) like they’re some sacred, esoteric halls of all knowledge. Their gospel — set out in official, color-coded grading reports and industry newsletters — is […]
Ah, the endless lexicon of diamond-related acronyms. VVS diamond is another term jewelers throw around that can be a source of confusion when you are shopping for diamond jewelry. But never fear – Love and Lavender is here with another diamond education post to demystify this occluded topic. (Get it? Diamond pun!) Understanding Diamond Grading […]
When you hear the term “black diamonds,” you might imagine Sarah Jessica Parker’s show-stopping engagement ring in Sex and the City, or a black diamond proudly worn by famous artist Kat Von D, or even an edgy high school punk band called The Black Diamonds. Whatever the case, black diamonds are an up-and-coming jewelry star […]
Are you newly engaged, or hoping to be? Perhaps you’re thinking about popping the question soon? Wherever you are in your journey to the altar, you’ll need to know the difference between wedding rings vs. engagement rings before you can share the happy news! Engagement rings are the showstoppers of the fine jewelry world. They’re […]
You’ve probably heard of different karats of gold – perhaps you were gifted a pair of 10 karat gold earrings, or the engagement ring you have your eye on features a 14 karat gold band. But what do does the term gold karat actually mean? It’s actually much simpler than you may think. And knowing […]
Dazzling diamonds come in a stunning variety of shapes. Whether you have your heart set on a specific diamond shape or you just want to see what’s out there, we’ve got all of the information you need to make an informed decision about your next fine jewelry purchase. What’s in a Shape? When shopping for […]
Whether you are newly engaged (and have the engagement ring to prove it!) or you recently acquired some beautiful diamond jewelry, you’re probably wondering how to tell if a diamond is real. One of our resident jewelry experts has the scoop on how to distinguish a valuable rock from a less valuable look-alike. Dazzling Diamond, […]
There is so much to learn about when shopping for a diamond engagement ring, or any diamond jewelry – and understanding diamond cuts is one of the most crucial elements of your diamond shopping experience! Our guide will explain what exactly a diamond cut is, and why you should pay attention to diamond cuts when […]
Diamond fluorescence is one of those things that people “in the know” can’t seem to agree on. Is it a thing of beauty, a prized anomaly reserved for only a select few? Or is fluorescence in diamonds a shameful secret to be hidden between the lines of a dusty diamond grading report? Are fluorescent diamonds […]
When selling diamonds, it’s important to know what factors influence diamond resale value so you can get the best price for your jewelry. It can be emotional to part with jewelry you no longer have a place for in your life, especially if you are selling an engagement ring or other meaningful piece. But as […]
While many diamonds are stunning enough to stand on their own, a diamond accent can mean the difference between “stunning” and breathtaking. Imagine this scene… You’re sitting in a darkened theatre, surrounded by the low chatter of excited theatre goers on either side of you. A show! How exciting! But wait — the curtain is […]
Wondering how to identify vintage jewelry to discover if you have a treasure on your hands? You’ve come to the right place! Our comprehensive guide will help de-mystify vintage jewelry and help you sort the vintage gems and jewels from the cheap costume bling. One (Woman’s) Trash… There’s nothing quite like the thrill of digging […]
When shopping for diamond earrings or a dazzling diamond engagement ring, you may come across retailers offering lab grown diamonds alongside real diamonds. From complex ethical histories to steep depreciation after purchase, it’s important to learn the basics of lab diamonds vs real diamonds before making your big purchase. This guide will answer all of […]
Picture this: your friend is recently engaged and shows you her beautiful diamond engagement ring! She tells you that it is a 1.2 carat center stone with an additional half-carat in band stones. “Wow! Aren’t you lucky,” you gush, admiring the sparkle and secretly wondering what that even means or how much it must have […]
For most of us, shopping for fine jewelry can be a time-consuming task. After all, you’re going to be shelling out big bucks and want to make sure you get the perfect piece. If you’re shopping for something particularly special, like an engagement ring, you’ve probably spent lots of hours online and perusing shops looking […]
