Tag Archives: four c

02 Aug

Marquise Diamonds

marquise diamonds - victoria beckham engagement ring

One of the most unique and definitive engagement ring diamond cuts are marquise diamonds. Jewelers and fans also refer to marquise cuts as football cuts, cat-eye cuts and boat cuts because of the highly elongated elliptical shape. This 58 faceted diamond cut is actually a vintage style and looks great on long, slender fingers. Furthermore, this romantic cut breathes an aristocratic air and carries a royal pedigree.

According to the legend, marquise diamonds date back to the 18th century where “King Louis XV commissioned a jewelry to design a diamond cut that resembled the lips of Jean Antoinette Poisson, his mistress”. Furthermore, these diamonds also signify a rank just below duke, where individuals would actually wear these diamonds to signify said rank.

Additionally, gemologist originally design marquise cuts for diamonds, however jewelers now use these cuts with emeralds, rubies and sapphires.

Custom Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers
Custom Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring by Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers

Marquise Diamonds – TIPS

  • Marquise cuts are a fairly extreme cut when it comes to diamond cuts, so they are susceptible to chipping, so you may want to look for a mounting with protective prongs along the ends of the diamond.
  • A higher cut grade is important for the marquise diamond. Typically, elongated shapes tend to form a bow tie effect in the middle of the stone. Additionally, the symmetry of marquise cuts are very important.
  • One noticeable benefit is that marquise cuts tend to make the center stone look larger.

Do you like marquise diamonds? You know who else does too? Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, Ashley Simpson and THE Catherine Zeta Jones.

Ashlee Simpson Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Ashlee Simpson Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring

At Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, we can create the perfect marquise diamond (or other precious gemstone) engagement ring. Additionally, stop by our Whitefish Bay or Milwaukee location to talk with our in-house gemologist.

20 Jun

Carat Weight – 4 C’s of Diamonds

Today we finish our “Making of a Diamond” exposé with an in-depth look at carat weight.  When a jeweler refers to the overall weight of a stone, the are referring to the carat total weight or CTW. It’s important to note, karat and carat are not the same. Karat is associated with gold purity, whereas carat measures how much diamond weight is in a particular jewelry piece.

Carat Weight - Martin Flyer Tri-Stone Engagement Ring

Carat Weight Origins

So, where did the word “carat” comes from?  Hundreds of years ago, traders used a carob for determining the weight of gemstones. A carob is a small seed from the St. John’s beard (or locust bean) plant) which is consistently uniform in size and weight; perfect for determining carat weight of diamonds. Jewelers and gemologist began officially using the term “carat” in 1907. Now, jewelers and shoppers universally use “carat” to measure diamonds and other valuable gemstones.  One carat is equal to 200 mg (.02g), which is another way of looking at carat weight. The GIA likens carat weight to comparing a dollar to pennies. In other words, think of it “as a dollar divided into 100 pennies, a carat is divided into 100 points” (GIA).

It is worth noting, while the overall carat weight can increase the stone’s value (all other properties held equal), two stone of equal carat weight can have vastly different values due to differences in the other Four C’s. Jewelers will typically describe a diamond to the hundredth of a carat. However gemologist measure diamonds to the hundred thousandth due to the stone’s value.

At Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers, we have a variety of GIA certified diamonds of all sizes to meet the budget for your dream stone. Should you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment with one of our GIA certified gemologist, please do not hesitate to reach out to Schwanke-Kasten Jewelers.