sign in or register

Royal de Versailles
top-banner-bridal-guide

bridal guide

Every moment of every step should be just like you dreamed it would be. This bridal guide is the perfect first step in learning the 4 C's of diamonds, their various shapes, and setting options for your perfect ring.

4cs

The C’s. Some clarity.

Beautiful. Rare. Cherished. Each diamond is unique and is a miracle of time, place and change, holding specific qualities that establish its value.
Today, the 4Cs of Diamond Quality is the universal method for assessing the quality of any diamond, anywhere in the world. The 4C’s stand for carat weight, clarity, colour and cut.
The creation of the Diamond 4Cs meant two very important things: diamond quality could be communicated in a universal language and diamond customers would know exactly what they were about to purchase. Every diamond, like a human fingerprint, has certain distinguishing characteristics. The first step in choosing a diamond is by looking at the soul of the stone and the personality of the wearer. At Royal de Versailles, our associates will walk you through each step and ensure your stone is as distinctive as your fingerprint.

colour

Grading colour involves deciding how much the colour of a stone varies from “colourless”. A colourless diamond – the rarest and most sought after – is graced with a glorious display of light and prismatic colour for which diamonds are so highly prized.
The presence of colour then goes from barely discernible near colourless to light yellow or brown. Most diamonds have a trace of yellow, brown, or grey body colour.
Beyond a certain point, or with such colours as red, pink, violet, orange, blue and green etc., a diamond is considered a fancy colour.
The G.I.A colour grading system. Diamonds are colour graded on a scale from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow), with fancies following. The differences between one grade and another are very subtle, and within each grade is a range.

cut

Cut refers to the proportions and finish of a fashioned diamond; (it sometimes also means “shape” as in emerald cut, standard round brilliant cut, marquise cut etc.).
Of all the 4Cs, cut is the one most directly influenced by man – it is the only value factor that can be controlled by human hands. The other three are dictated by nature. The cut or make of a diamond will dramatically influence its fire and sparkle, for it is the polisher’s skill that releases its beauty.
It is the goal of the expert diamond cutter to fashion a diamond that produces the most satisfying return of light to the eye within a pleasing symmetrical shape. A well-cut diamond can often offset any compromises in the other 3 C’s.
It is the goal of the expert diamond cutter to fashion a diamond that produces the most satisfying return of light to the eye within a pleasing symmetrical shape. A well-cut diamond can often offset any compromises in the other 3 C’s.

clarity

Clarity is the relative position of a diamond on a flawless-to-imperfect scale.
Almost all diamonds contain minute traces of non-crystalized carbon or small non-diamond crystals. Most are not discernible to the untrained naked eye and require magnification to become apparent. Called inclusions, they are nature’s fingerprints and make every diamond quite unique.
The size, number, position, colour, and nature of a diamond’s clarity characteristics determine the clarity grade. A diamond that is virtually free of interior and exterior inclusions/flaws will be of the highest quality. The fewer inclusions there are, the rarer the stone will be, and therefore the more expensive the stone will be.

carat

As with all precious stones, the weight of a diamond is expressed in carats. The word carat originated in a natural unit of weight: the seeds of the carob tree. One carat is divided into 100 “points”. A diamond of 25 points is described as a quarter of a carat or 0.25ct, which is equal to 0.2 grams.
Carat weight is the easiest of the 4Cs to determine. Size is the most obvious factor in determining the value of a diamond, however, two diamonds of equal weight can have very unequal values. This depends on the other C’s: clarity, colour and cut. If other factors are equal, the larger the stone, the greater the cost.

a guide to diamond shapes.

First impressions are everything. Make sure you’re unforgettable with a diamond shape that’s perfectly suited to you.

Round Cut

Round Cut

Round Cut

Emerald Cut

Emerald Cut

Emerald Cut

Radiant Cut

Radiant Cut

Radiant Cut

Cushion Cut

Cushion Cut

Cushion Cut

Oval Cut

Oval Cut

Oval Cut

Pear Cut

Pear Cut

Pear Cut

Heart Cut

Heart Cut

Heart Cut
shop pieces
shop-pieces-05

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

shop-pieces-06

PLATINUM DIAMOND RING

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

Choosing your setting.

Once you’ve chosen your stone, we’ll consult with you to select your setting. We take pride in creating a memorable experience as we help you choose a timeless setting that matches your unique style.

Halo Setting

Halo Setting

Pave setting

Pave setting

Solitaire Setting

Solitaire Setting

Three Stone Setting

Three Stone Setting
shop pieces

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

18KT WHITE GOLD DIAMOND RING

18KT YELLOW GOLD DIAMOND RING

frequently asked questions

An engagement ring is a unique piece of jewellery that should speak to the individual wearer. The most important “C” is often a personal preference. Our diamond experts can guide you through the 4Cs and help you decide which one is most important to you.

We know how important it is for your ring to look and fit perfectly. We are more than happy to make any adjustment needed. Reserve an appointment to have your ring sized and serviced so it fits correctly on your finger.

The value of a diamond isn’t determined solely by its size. Each of the 4Cs - cut, clarity, carat and colour – will significantly influence its value. Please read the section above on the four C’s, read our blog post or ask one of our sales associates to learn more.

There is no right or wrong answer when choosing a precious metal - It is often a completely personal preference. Your sales associate is here to help you decide between 18 karat yellow, white, or rose gold or platinum. They will ask you some questions about what metals your partner currently enjoys wearing, her skin tone and other preferences. This way, whatever decision you make, it will feel right.

It’s all about the sparkle. We recommend that every 6 months you visit Royal de Versailles Jewellers for a complimentary cleaning. Not only will this bring back your diamonds’ sparkle, but we will check to ensure that all diamonds are secure. You can learn more about how to care for your jewellery by reading our blog.

Admittedly, this is not easy. Our suggestion is to discreetly ask her friends or a family member if they know her ring size. You can also measure a ring she already wears on her ring finger. If the engagement ring you choose is not a perfect fit, not to worry! We can certainly have it resized for you and your partner after the big moment.

back to top