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The Ring Leader Blog

What Size Diamond is Right for your Hand?

January 19, 2024

Diamond engagement rings are simply not “one-size-fits-all” and when you are shopping for yourself or a lover, keep these handy tips in mind for choosing the right stone.

At first, this question might seem simply answered, “it’s all about what you can afford.” Yet many other factors should influence your design decisions and will make a big visual impact when you wear your diamond ring.

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Why Fancy Diamonds ROCK

July 27, 2023

Have you been considering a colorful stone for your engagement ring and/or wedding band? With several stone options out there that offer many color varieties, the choices seem endless. However, when other stones get compared against a Fancy Colored Diamond, the benefits of going with a diamond start to vastly outweigh any other stone choice. see the full article

Two Stone Engagement Rings: It’s “Toi et Moi” Forever!

January 31, 2023

Toi et Moi, or “You and Me” engagement rings are a unique design choice, and gaining popularity! The idea behind this style is that there are two center stones to represent the couple, rather than a single center stone. One for you, and one for me. The appeal of this style is that yo… see the full article

So You Say You Want a Conflict-Free Stone . . .

December 09, 2019

Conflict-Free Diamonds
A lot of attention has been paid lately to conflict-free stones, and rightfully so. Even with all the reputable vendors out there, the mining and cutting of precious gems isn’t always handled in the most ethical way. Think small children working 12- to 16-hour days in a factory and breathing in harmful diamond dust. Or miners working in unsafe conditions with very little or no medical help at the ready and for little pay. see the full article

The Hottest Trend in Engagement Rings: Salt and Pepper Diamonds

September 11, 2019

Many engagement ring trends have seen their day, such as rose gold rings, black diamond center stones and whatever the most current celebrity said “I do” to. But nothing is quite so interesting as the latest surge of unique engagement rings: the salt and pepper diamond. 
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A Guide to Designing with Colored Diamonds

October 02, 2015

Have your heart set on a fancy colored diamond (FCD)? We don’t blame you. With their array of eye-catching shades, these beauties add a pop of color and a quirky-cool edge to your jewelry. Just like their more traditional white cousins, FCDs are the hardest stones on the market and can be easily customized into the piece of your dreams. But since they are colored, you’ll have a few extra things to keep in mind during the design process.

Here’s what you—and your jeweler—should know. see the full article

Fancy Colored Diamonds 411

August 12, 2015

Want a Fancy Colored Diamond? Then R


Jenny McCarthy. Carrie Underwood. Jennifer Lopez. Kelly Clarkson. The list of celebrities who have rocked fancy colored diamond engagement rings is long—and it’s easy to see why. These rare, tinted stones add an exotic touch to a treasured piece of jewelry, and since each one is unique, you’re guaranteed a one-of-a-kind creation. What woman doesn’t want that?

Luckily, you don’t have to have an A-lister’s bank to buy a fancy colored diamond (FCD). Though natural, untreated ones are pricey—especially in ultra-rare blue—there are plenty of lower-cost options that are just as beautiful. Here’s what to know before you shop for one of these colorful sparklers. see the full article

8 Hot Jewelry Trends in 2015

July 08, 2015

JCK Vegas
Image Credit: Professional Jeweler
Every year in June, the who’s who of the jewelry industry descend upon Las Vegas for the international convention JCK. Besides walking the floor and feeling like I’ve been transported to another country, I love seeing what design trends are emerging.

Here are eight of my favorites: see the full article

Basic Diamonds Education for Dummies

May 08, 2015

Basic Diamond Education in 5 Minutes or Less

Lisa Krikawa
Lisa Krikawa

Diamond shopping got'ya down? Fear no longer! You are five minutes away from knowing almost everything you need to know about diamonds.  After looking at thousands of diamonds, both loose, and set, with and without certs, bloody and clean, I've now settled on what I believe to be smart diamond shopping.

Here is my shpeel on The Four C's: CARAT - COLOR - CLARITY - CUT. 
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Everything You Need to Know About Black Diamonds

December 05, 2014

Take one look at a black diamond and it’s immediately clear why it’s is so popular these days. It’s sparkly, dramatic, sexy. In short, it’s a showstopper that looks just as good in a fancy engagement ring as it does in a pair of everyday earrings. But as with any gemstone, it pays to do a little research about black diamonds before you hit the jewelry store. Here are answers to the most common questions we hear from our customers.  see the full article

What Is Diamond Fluorescence? Everything you need to glow!

October 29, 2014

Of all the amazing features of a diamond, I think one of the coolest is its ability to glow under a UV light. The phenomenon, called fluorescence, doesn’t occur in all diamonds, but it’s fairly common. About a quarter of all the diamonds submitted to the Gemological Institute of America over the past decade show some degree of it. see the full article

Ask the Jeweler: What Are the Best Diamond Alternatives?

July 18, 2014

Q: I’m helping my fiance design my engagement ring, and I’ve decided against a diamond. I love the sparkle of a diamond, but I’d prefer something more socially responsible. I’m considering a white sapphire. What do you recommend?

Moissanite Engagement Ring
Moissanite Cushion and Snowflake
Engagement Ring
with Round Moissanite
I love when customers ask me this question because I’m constantly researching and trying out the latest diamond alternatives. And I can see why you’re tempted to go with a white sapphire: It’s a 9 on the hardness scale (diamonds are a 10), won’t cost your fiance an arm and a leg, and it sounds beautiful. But here’s the big drawback:  see the full article

Indulge Your Black Diamond Fantasy

February 04, 2014

Black Diamonds for Wedding and Engagement Rings

Black is the New White


A black diamond engagement ring:
Exotic Black Diamond Wedding Set
Exotic Black Diamond Wedding Set
it’s exotic, unique, opaque and mysterious. A black diamond combines the brilliance of a faceted diamond with dark romantic love. 
 
Why should I have a black diamond in my engagement ring or wedding band? 
 

Out of This World: Are Black Diamonds from Space? (Updated 2019)

November 14, 2013

Black Diamond
Natural Untreated Black Diamond
credit: www.krikawa.com

The Origin of Black Diamonds

Where do black diamonds come from? This question has only increased the mystery surrounding these amazing gemstones, and the answer to the question of origin is even more alluring than their unique appearance. Black diamonds are less commonly known as carbonado, and scientists believe that outer space may actually be the birthplace of these particular stones.
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