Diamonds
Learn about what makes the diamond so iconic!
About Our Diamonds
Rachel & Victoria is committed to using responsibly sourced materials in our jewelry and providing complete transparency to our customers, and the origin of our diamonds is a very important part of that commitment. We only use Honest Promise® diamonds in all of our jewelry – Honest Promise® diamonds are real diamonds, grown above the earth, and are indistinguishable from mined diamonds as well as identical in chemical composition (the only difference is their point of origin!).
The “Four C’s” of Diamonds
The Carat Weight
Often misunderstood, carat weight refers to a diamond’s weight (not necessarily its size). When shopping for a diamond, take cut into consideration as well: a high-carat size diamond with a poor cut grade can look smaller than a diamond with smaller carat weight but a better cut.
Tip: To maximize value, buy slightly below the whole and half carat marks. For example, instead of a 1 carat diamond, consider buying a 0.90 carat diamond. Or instead of a 2.5 carat diamond, consider buying a 2.40 carat weight. This can save a considerable amount of money, and visually the difference will not be noticed.
The Cut
The cut of a diamond is arguably the most important element to consider when shopping for a diamond. The cut is responsible for creating sparkle and fire; without a high cut grade, an otherwise high quality diamond can appear dull. When a diamond is cut well with proper proportions, light is returned out of the top of the diamond. If it is not cut well, light reflects out of the bottom or escapes out the side.
Tip: To maximize value, choose the highest cut grade your budget allows. We recommend a cut grade of Very Good or better.
EXCELLENT
This is the rarest cut grade and reflects the most light.
VERY GOOD
This cut grade reflects nearly as much light as an Excellent cut grade, but for a lower price.
GOOD
This cut grade reflects most of the light that enters the diamond, but not as much as a Very Good cut grade.
FAIR
This cut grade may appear dull or even glassy, and is very inexpensive.
POOR
*Not carried by Rachel & Victoria.
The Color
The second most important characteristic to consider when shopping for a diamond. The highest quality diamonds are colorless, while those of lower quality have a yellow tinge to them. Diamonds are graded on a scale of D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The chart below represents that spectrum and although it is very difficult to see the true difference online, it becomes more apparent in person.
Tip: We find that G or H color diamonds are an excellent value. They are near colorless, yet priced lower than D, E or F. Since we only believe in using the highest quality materials in our jewelry, we do not recommend going below an H in color.
The Clarity
The clarity of a diamond is the assessment of imperfections on the inside of the stone. These internal defects are called inclusions. These tiny inclusions are microscopic and do not affect a diamond’s beauty to the naked eye. Diamonds with the least amount of inclusions receive the highest clarity grades.
Tip: Diamond clarity is the least important factor when shopping for a diamond, because most diamonds have small inclusions but they are not visible to the untrained or unaided eye. We suggest a VS1 or a VS2 to maximize value.
F | FLAWLESS
No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
IF | INTERNALLY FLAWLESS
No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader.
VVS1 & VVS2 | VERY VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see.
VS1 & VS2 | VERY SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
Inclusions are clearly visible but can be characterized as minor.
SI1 & SI2 | SLIGHTLY INCLUDED
Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader.
I1, I2 & I3 | INCLUDED
Inclusions are obvious and may affect transparency and brilliance.
Settings
Explore your range of options from Pave to Halo.
Choosing the Right Ring Setting
In addition to budget, personal style and daily activities should be considerations when selecting an engagement ring setting.
Solitaire Settings
A classic Solitaire setting is timeless and helps to make the center stone the main focus. Solitaires are rings that feature only one center diamond, and are the most popular style for engagement rings. The most traditional solitaire features a plain metal band. For a touch more glamour and sparkle, a row of diamond accents are set in the band.
CELEBRITIES WITH SOLITAIRE SETTINGS:
- Lauren Conrad
- Mila Kunis
- Hailey Bieber
Side-Stone Settings
A Side-Stone setting is a classic choice which gives the ring a vintage feel. Side-stone settings are made up of the main center stone and two smaller alternative cut stones on each side of the center. Side-stone settings offer an elegant transition from the center stone to the band.
CELEBRITIES WITH SIDE-STONE SETTINGS:
- Miranda Kerr
- Eva Longoria
Three-Stone Settings
Three Stone settings have grown in popularity since Meghan & Harry got engaged. They feature a gem on either side of the main stone. What makes them different than side stone settings is that three stone settings tend to be made up of three similarly cut and sized stones.
CELEBRITIES WITH THREE STONE SETTINGS:
Meghan Markle
Jessica Simpson
Halo Settings
Halo settings are extremely on-trend at the moment. They add extra sparkle, and give the illusion of a substantially larger center diamond. They are growing in popularity because they help to achieve a larger look in an affordable way.
CELEBRITIES WITH HALO SETTINGS:
Amy Adams
Natalie Portman
Jessica Alba
Pave Settings
Halo settings are extremely on-trend at the moment. They add extra sparkle, and give the illusion of a substantially larger center diamond. They are growing in popularity because they help to achieve a larger look in an affordable way.
CELEBRITIES WITH HALO SETTINGS:
Amy Adams
Natalie Portman
Jessica Alba
Metals
The durability and history of gold, silver, & beyond!
Learn About Metals for Jewelry
There are many different metal types that are used to make jewelry, and we’ve listed some popular metal types below.
Yellow Gold is always a classic choice when selecting metal for an engagement ring; it’s an alloy made of a mixture of pure 24k gold and either zinc or copper. The higher the karat amount, the more pure the gold. Rachel & Victoria only use 14k and 18k yellow gold.
STYLING:
- Has a timeless, vintage feel to it
- The contrast of a white diamond on yellow gold really makes the stone pop
- Yellow gold also looks great with almost any type of gemstone, particularly sapphires and rubies!
DURABILITY:
- Both 14k and 18k yellow gold will stand the test of time.
- 14k gold is slightly more durable than 18k
- 18k gold has more pure gold in it, which makes it softer and more prone to scratches.
White Gold is the most popular form of gold used for engagement rings; it’s an alloy of gold and at least one white metal: usually nickel or palladium. It gives the same look as platinum, but at a cheaper price. Rachel & Victoria only use 14k and 18k white gold.
STYLING:
- The most popular choice for engagement and wedding rings.
- A white diamond on white gold looks extremely clean, with no distractions.
- White gold is often used to make the center stone the main focus of the ring.
- White gold can be worn with other yellow & rose gold jewelry also!
DURABILITY:
- Both 14k and 18k yellow gold will stand the test of time.
- 14k gold is slightly more durable than 18k
- 18k gold has more pure gold in it, which makes it softer and more prone to scratches.
Rose Gold gives a feminine, vintage feel to an engagement ring. It’s composed of a gold-copper alloy that gives it a rose colored tint. It is also known as “pink gold”. Rachel & Victoria only use 14k and 18k rose gold.
STYLING:
- Very on trend at the moment, and gives a vintage feel.
- Looks great with every color of gemstone, especially morganite and champagne diamonds!
- The contrast of a white diamond on rose gold makes the diamond pop.
DURABILITY:
- Both 14k and 18k rose gold will stand the test of time.
- 14k gold is slightly more durable than 18k
- 18k gold has more pure gold in it, which makes it softer and more prone to scratches.
Platinum gives the same clean look that white gold does, but is more durable and resistant to corrosion. One of the most popular choices for engagement and wedding rings. Since it’s pure, platinum is hypoallergenic. More expensive by weight than gold.
STYLING:
- An excellent choice to showcase the center stone.
- The color doesn’t change over time.
- Pairs beautifully with white diamonds.
DURABILITY:
- One of the toughest of all metals.
- One of the only metals that doesn’t have “memory” (meaning that once it is shaped into place, it stays that way).
- Since it is a pure white metal, the color of platinum will not fade, but will develop a soft satin glow over years.