WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE RING DESIGN THAT FEATURES ONLY ONE DIAMOND OR GEMSTONE?

Gemstones are precious objects that are usually found deep beneath the earth’s crust. Many of them are formed from the transformation of mineral deposits which are buried miles beneath the surface of the earth. Gemstones are definitely unique because each particular one can only be found in certain specific places around the world (diamonds, for instance, can only be found in 35 countries across the world). As a result of this, rarity is a very important factor when it comes to the determination of a particular gemstone’s worth; that is, the rarer a gemstone is, the more expensive it is.

THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF GEMSTONES

There are different types of gemstones in the world, and all of them can be divided into two major categories, which are; precious stones and semi-precious stones.

Precious stones are the kind of stones – or gemstones – that are generally rarer than other types of stones. They also tend to be more highly regarded or esteemed compared to other types of gemstones. This is because most precious stones have always held a place of high value in the world, in comparison with other types of gemstones; they are usually seen to be of superior quality and higher value compared to other stones. Examples of precious stones include; diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Each one of these stones has a long, illustrious history in the world’s gemstone scene, and several age-old sentiments and myths have been attached to them (e.g. diamonds, which are generally seen as the hardest known natural substance, as well as the hardest gemstone known in the world; is usually regarded as a symbol of long-lasting, enduring and – perhaps, even – everlasting love. Rubies, on the other hand, are usually seen as a symbol of passion and a perfect gift to be exchanged between lovers, because of their distinct red color).

Semi-precious stones, however, refer to all other stones which do not fall under the category of precious stones, and they include; kyanite, citrine, carnelian, garnet, turquoise, lapis lazuli, spinel, jade, tiger’s eye, alexandrite, celestite, agate and so many others.

But of all the gemstones in the world, diamonds are the most popular.

WHAT ARE DIAMONDS?

Diamonds are gemstones that are formed miles deep beneath the soil. They are usually formed when deposits of pure carbon are exposed to strong forces of heat and pressure deep beneath the surface of the earth (hundreds of miles underneath the earth’s crust, in some instance).

Diamonds are precious stones, which mean that they fall under the category of gemstones which are generally regarded to be more expensive, valuable and desirable, compared to other kinds of gemstones. They are often regarded as the hardest known gemstone, as well as the hardest natural substance known on earth.

The extreme pressure and heat that transform pure carbon to diamond crystals usually works by rearranging the atoms of the pure carbon into a rigid crystal lattice structure; that is very difficult for other compounds to infiltrate. Such high levels of pressure and heat are usually produced in places that have experienced volcanic eruptions, at least once in the history of the world, and the world is very old; which means that some diamonds can take over a billion years to form.

The diamond’s rigid crystal lattice is what makes it very hard and resistant to degradation and chemical corrosion. It is also one of the reasons why diamonds can last for a very long time, and are often seen as a symbol of long-lasting and abiding love.

In cases where the diamond’s rigid crystal structure is breached, it can lead to the formation of inclusions and other flaws; as well as colors.

Diamonds are used majorly in the jewelry making industry, although, they also have industrial applications in fields such as mining and drilling. They are usually seen as the best gemstones for engagement, weddings and anniversaries. They are also seen as a symbol of elegance, style and class.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF DIAMOND RING DESIGNS IN THE WORLD?

There are different types of designs, which are employed in the jewelry-making industry during the crafting of rings (particularly when it comes to the design and placement of the stone). Some of them include the following:

Flush setting

This type of ring design involves the setting of a stone into a drilled hole inside the ring’s band, after which the metal of the ring is hammered around the diamond; so as to hold it in place. As a result of this, the diamond’s stone is usually set “flush” in line with the band of the ring.

Flush setting is usually a common design for men’s engagement rings, because the stone is often well protected.

Bar setting

This is a type of diamond setting whereby stones of diamond are set around a ring (albeit not all around it). The diamonds are usually set separately, and held between vertical bars of metal. In this type of setting, the diamond is usually left exposed at 2 sides, while the vertical bars of metal holds it in place.

The bar setting can be used alone on a ring or it may be used in conjunction with a center stone.

Three-Stone setting

This kind of stone can be used for different purposes such as anniversaries, weddings, proposals and engagements. It features three gemstones, which are set close together. Jewelers’ generally say that these three stones stand for the couple’s past, present and future. And because of the strength of this kind of sentiment, the Three-Stone setting s one of the most popular ring designs used in the world.