Most Popular Diamond Shapes for Engagement Rings

The shape of your diamond engagement ring may reflect your personal style, be it classic, modern or your own unique statement.  From a round solitaire to princess, emerald, cushion, oval, pear shaped, to name a few, the shape of an engagement ring can say something about the woman wearing it.   

A classic, timeless choice and the most popular shaped diamond is a round solitaire.  It looks as beautiful today as it did on our grandmother’s hands and most likely will never go out of style.  When buying a round brilliant cut stone, experts recommend selecting a higher grade diamond to bring out the most brilliance.  Oval diamonds are a modified brilliant cut and offer much of the same brilliance and fire; while a brilliant-cut pear shaped diamond is a combination of a round and marquise shape with a tapered point on one end.  

Step cuts include emerald and Asscher shaped diamonds.  These square or rectangular diamonds are made up of rectilinear facets that are arranged parallel to the girdle, which produces a mirror effect that plays with the light and dark planes of the cut.  A cushion cut shaped diamond is a square cut with rounded corners much like a pillow and generally produces better fire but less brilliance than a round brilliant cut diamond. 

A princess shaped diamond is a close second in popularity to the round brilliant cut and almost matches its fire and brilliance.  Created in 1980, the square or rectangular shaped stone is a mix of diamond cuts and is the most common type of fancy cut diamonds.  The princess cut combines techniques used to create modified brilliant cuts and step cuts and has a profile similar to an inverted pyramid with four beveled sides.  It can have anywhere between 53 and 144 facets.  

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, schedule at visit to San Francisco and the Napa Valley’s best jewelry stores.

Sources: everything-wedding-rings.com/princess-cut-engagement-rings.html

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diamond_cut 

A Short History of Engagement Rings

As early as 2800 BC, Egyptians wore a single silver or gold wire ring on the third finger of their left hand, which they believed was directly connected to the heart.  During the 2^nd century BC, Pliny the Elder described the custom of grooms presenting their bride with a gold ring to wear at the wedding ceremony and on special events.  The woman was given a ring made from iron to wear at home to signify a husband’s ownership of his wife.   

Archduke Maximillian of Austria is credited with commissioning the first ever diamond engagement ring for his betrothed, Mary of Burgundy in 1477.  The ring was designed in the shape of an “M,” fashioned from a series of thin, flat diamonds.  Wealthy European aristocracy and nobility quickly followed suit by bestowing diamond rings as a token of love. 

During the 1700 and 1800s, engagement rings were often a mix of diamonds and other gemstones, enamel and metals.  The American Gem Society states that many of these rings were designed in the shape of flowers and called “posey rings.”  In Victorian times, rings using diamonds and gemstones to spell out words of endearment were common as well as rings made from the hair of their loved one. 

Diamond engagement rings really gained widespread popularity when in 1938; the DeBeers diamond company hired N.W. Ayer, a New York–based ad agency, to create an ad campaign to boost diamond sales.  The successful campaign featured famous movie stars adorned with beautiful diamond rings and was responsible for increasing diamond sales by 50 percent in just three years.  By the late 1940s, the ad agency introduced the slogan still used by DeBeers today - "A Diamond Is Forever."

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite engagement rings, fine jewelry and certified loose diamonds since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area to exclusively offer some of the top names in the industry as well as stock such a large inventory.  We invite you to visit to our showrooms to see the finest jewelry San Francisco and the Napa Valley has to offer.

Source:  americangemsociety.org/en/the-history-of-the-diamond-as-an-engagement-ring

 

A Proud Member of the AGS

When you decide to invest in a piece of jewelry, you want to know you are buying from a reputable jeweler.  At family-owned Padis Jewelry, we understand that concern and it is one of the reasons why we are proud to be a member of the American Gem Society (AGS). 

So what is the AGS and why should you care if your jeweler is a member?  According to their website, the American Gem Society is the country’s preeminent jewelry trade organization dedicated to consumer protection.  Founded in 1934, it is a nonprofit organization that puts people before profit and is designed to help educate people to safely and easily buy jewelry.  Along with consumer protection, they are committed to ethical business practices and to the development and maintenance of superior gemological skills and knowledge. The organization holds their members to the highest standards.  They also help customers to find a jeweler that is a member of AGS.

Becoming a member of AGS is not easy, and in fact, only 5% of jewelers in the United States are able to meet the exacting necessary requirements.  A jeweler needs to obtain references from industry professionals as well as be approved by a panel of peers.  In addition to the initial exam, members must submit to an annual re-certification exam.  AGS members are also offered hands-on training.  

Furthermore, AGS Laboratories were founded as a way to support the AGS mission and is a nonprofit diamond grading laboratory whose primary purpose is to provide consumers protection.  The laboratory adheres to the AGS Diamond Grading Standards and offers consumers diamond grading reports “that provide consistency and accuracy based on science.”  Please see our website to learn more about Padis Jewelry’s high standards and our extensive collection of top luxury brands and the finest quality of loose diamonds.

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For the opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Source: americangemsociety.org/en/

The World Famous Hope Diamond

The 45.52 carat Hope Diamond is widely considered to be one of the most famous diamonds in the world.  The unique deep-indigo colored stone was discovered centuries ago and is probably from the Kollur mine in Golconda, India.   While in the later years, it earned a reputation for bringing bad luck to its owners, early-on it was considered to have great mystical powers because of its unusual size and color and was believed to have adorned a Hindu statue. 

One of the first accounts of the 112 3/16-carat, crudely-cut stone is when a French trader by the name of Jean Baptiste Tavernier sold it to King Louis XIV of France in 1668.  A few years later, the king had the somewhat triangular-shaped diamond recut by the court jeweler, Sieur Pitau, into a 67 1/8-carat stone.  During the French Revolution, the diamond was stolen and its location unknown for several years until it resurfaced in 1812.  It was then purchased by England’s King George IV.  When he died deeply in debt in 1830, it is believed the diamond was privately sold.    

In 1839, it was referenced in a gem collection catalogue after the death of a well-known collector, Henry Philip Hope, and for whom the stone is named.  After that the diamond changed hands several times until it was purchased by the famous jeweler, Harry Winston in 1949.  In 1958, the company donated the diamond to the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C. where it became an immediate star attraction.    

The curse stems from a story that claims Jean-Baptiste Tavernier stole the 112.16 carat blue diamond from the eye of a Hindu statue.  According to the legend, once the priest discovered the loss, they put a curse on whoever possesses the gem.   

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

Source: si.edu/Encyclopedia_SI/nmnh/hope.htm

Offering Some of the World’s Finest Timepieces

Along with being San Francisco’s exclusive authorized retailer for top luxury brands such as Tacori, Ritani, Verragio, Endless, Jeff Cooper Designs, Forevermark, Henri Daussi, Michael M., Sylvie, Demarco, Simon G., and Scott Kay, we also carry some of the world’s most sought-after timepieces.  At Padis Jewelry, we proudly offer our customers a collection of watches that includes Bulova, Michele, Stuhrling, TAG Heuer, and Breitling. 

One of the Breitling models you will find in our showrooms or on our website is the Chronoliner, inspired by watches from the 1950s-1960s.  The Chronoliner’s signature feature is a broad bezel in scratch-resistant high-tech ceramic (an ultra-hard synthetic material), and has the original star-shaped cut-out.  Breitling’s website states the company was founded in 1884 and is one of the last remaining independent Swiss watch brands.  Their specialty includes technical watches and they have played a crucial role in developing the wrist chronograph.  In addition Breitling is one of the world’s only major watch brands that equips all of their models with chronometer-certified movement as well as produce their own, exclusive mechanical chronograph movements. 

Another luxury brand we carry is Bulova, which has long been known for its innovation, craftsmanship and advanced technology.  Padis currently offers the following Bulova models: Gemini, Stratford, Massella, Mirado, Bellecombe and more.  Founded in 1875, the company’s slogan is “A Bulova watch is not only a timepiece; it is a piece of history.”  The line includes watches designed for dress, sport and casual wear in a wide price range.

We also are pleased to offer our customers beautiful timepieces from Michelle that feature hand-set diamonds and mother-of-pearl dials in stainless steel to gold cases.  Our collection includes Deco, Serein, Urban, and CSX models as well as others and a beautiful assortment of watch bands.  

You will also discover we carry a selection of watches from the luxury brand, TAG Heuer.   Founded in 1860, TAG Heuer “has successfully embraced a number of contrasting elements; heritage and innovation, prestige and performance, sport and glamour.”  Our TAG Heuer collection includes models from the Formula 1, Aquaracer, and Carrera lines to name a few.  Please visit our website to see our full selection of timepieces along with the rest of our exquisite collection.

Padis Jewelry, a family-owned business, has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  For an opportunity to view one of San Francisco’s most impressive collections, please contact us to schedule at visit.

The Cullinan Diamonds

Some diamonds have achieved worldwide fame for their exquisite beauty and size of the stone as well as for the people who have owned them.  One of the most famous examples is the 3106 carat Cullinan, which is the largest rough, gem-quality diamond ever found.  It weighed approximately 1⅓ pounds and was slightly less than 4 inches long, over 2 inches wide and more than 2.5 inches high. 

The Cullinan was discovered in Transvaal, South Africa in 1905 at the Premier Mine and named for the owner of the mine, Thomas Cullinan.  Initially it was believed that it may be part of a larger diamond because of the flat surface on one side, although another piece has never been found.      

The huge, uncut diamond was sold to the Transvaal government for $1 million, who then gave it to England’s King Edward VII in thanks for granting Transvaal their independence.  The king sent the stone to the Asscher’s Diamond Company in Amsterdam where it was cut into 9 major gemstones, 96 smaller stones and approximately 19.5cts of unpolished pieces. 

The largest diamond cut from the Cullinan was the pear-shaped, 530.2 carat Cullinan I (also known as the Great Star of Africa).  The 74 faceted stone is the largest fine-quality, colorless diamond in the world and is set into the British Royal Scepter.  The 317.4 carat cushion cut Cullinan II (Lesser Star of Africa) is the second largest stone cut from the Cullinan and is mounted on the band of the Imperial State Crown.  

The pear-shaped 94.40 carat Cullinan III is the third largest stone cut from the Cullinan and was used as the finial of Queen Mary's Crown.  The cushion shaped, 63.60-carat Cullinan IV was set into the band of the crown.  Both stones can be worn together as a pendent-brooch and are seen worn that way in paintings of Queen Mary as well as on Elizabeth II.  The Cullinan diamonds are part of the renowned British Crown Jewels and are on display in the Tower of London. 

Since 1974, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, please schedule at visit to San Francisco’s finest jewelry showrooms.

Sources: capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/famous-diamonds/

famousdiamonds.tripod.com/cullinandiamonds.html

The History of Diamonds

Diamonds have been coveted for their exquisite beauty and value for centuries.  As indicated in an article by the GIA that quotes the 1^st Century AD naturalist, Pliny, who wrote, “Diamond is the most valuable, not only of precious stones, but of all things in this world”.

The stone’s name is derived from the Greek word adamao, which is why it was used in ancient times to describe the hardest substance known to man.  Translated, adamao means “unconquerable,” which may one of the reasons why diamonds are associated with eternal love and commitment.

Diamonds were first discovered in riverbeds and creeks in India as early as the 4^th century BC, and because they were so rare, were originally only owned by the wealthiest Indians.  Once they were more actively mined, diamonds were traded through the Silk Road, which were early trade routes connecting India to China. 

Diamonds were valued for several reasons including their beauty and used as adornments, as cutting tools to engrave metals, and also as talismans to ward off evil.  By medieval times, diamonds were a popular gemstone for elite Europeans.   

By the 1700’s, Brazil was a large producer of diamonds, while India’s supplies were mostly gone.  However, the diamond industry’s most significant and unexpected discovery occurred between 1866 and 1867 and forever changed the way the world thinks about diamonds.   Erasmus Stephanus Jacobs found a 21.25 carat diamond on the banks of the Orange River near Hopetown, South Africa.  Initially what he thought was a transparent rock lead to the area mining more diamonds over the next few years than India had over 2,000 years. 

According to the Cape Town Diamond Museum, “as the world diamond production increased more than tenfold in the following 10 years, a once extremely rare material became accessible to Western society with its growing wealth.”  South Africa is still the major producer of diamonds.   

As a family-owned business, Padis Jewelry has been a trusted source for buying exquisite certified loose diamonds, engagement rings and fine jewelry since 1974.  We are one of the only jewelers in the area that offers such an exclusive selection of top names in the industry as well as such a large inventory.  If you are a lover of beautiful jewels, schedule at visit to San Francisco’s best jewelry store.

Sources: gia.edu/diamond-history-lore 

capetowndiamondmuseum.org/about-diamonds/south-african-diamond-history/