We will explore how to define your style preferences through research, as well as allowing ample time for the design process. Next, we'll discuss choosing the right jeweller or designer by evaluating their experience and complementary styles.

Furthermore, we'll cover material selection and finalising your design with approved sketches that match your vision. Lastly, we will address cost considerations and insurance options for safeguarding your bespoke diamond engagement ring.

The Custom Engagement Ring Design Process

Creating a bespoke engagement ring is an exhilarating experience that can generate a unique token of affection. To ensure the process goes smoothly and results in the perfect ring, it's essential to give yourself enough time and do thorough research on different styles and materials. 

Defining Your Style Preferences Through Research

To begin, spend some time browsing various engagement ring styles online or in magazines. Once you have an idea of what catches your eye, discuss the style preferences with your partner. Consider factors such as:

• Metal type (e.g., yellow gold, white gold, rose gold, platinum)
• Diamond shape (e.g., round brilliant cut, princess cut, cushion cut)
• Setting style (e.g., solitaire setting, halo setting)
• Bands design (e.g., plain band or pave diamond band)

This initial research phase will not only help define your preferences but also make consultations with jewellery designers more efficient by reducing the number of rounds needed for design revisions.

Allowing Ample Time for The Design Process

A custom-made engagement ring can take anywhere from two weeks to several months to complete depending on its complexity. Therefore, it's crucial to start early.

1. Here are some key milestones within this timeline:
2. Ideation & Consultations: This stage typically takes one week up to one month. It involves researching styles, gathering inspiration, and discussing your ideas with potential jewellery designers.
3. Design & Material Sourcing: Once you've selected a designer or jeweller, the design process begins. This stage can take two weeks to one month depending on how many revisions are needed before finalising the design. The jeweller will also source materials such as diamonds and metals during this time.
4. Crafting & Finishing: After approving the final design sketch and sourcing materials, it's time for crafting. This stage typically takes three weeks up to two months depending on ring complexity and artisan availability.

In summary, starting early allows ample time for consultations with various jewellers or designers, refining your vision through multiple iterations of sketches until perfection is achieved.

The custom engagement ring design process is an intricate and unique journey that requires time, patience, and attention to detail. With a knowledgeable and experienced guide, you can craft an exquisite piece of jewellery that will be treasured for generations.

Key Takeaway: Provide yourself with enough time and investigate the many available styles for crafting your ideal custom engagement ring. Start early so you can go through multiple rounds of consultations with jewellers or designers, refine your vision for perfection, source ethically-sourced diamonds from Morgan & Co’s list of certified suppliers and have ample time to craft a beautiful piece.

Choosing the Right Jeweller or Designer

Finding the perfect jeweller or designer to create your dream custom engagement ring is crucial. You want someone who has experience in creating bespoke designs and whose style complements yours. It's important to collaborate with an experienced expert who can bring your design concept to life and whose aesthetic resonates with yours. You can make a no obligation consultation with the expert team at Morgan & Co, Buderim here. 

Evaluating Experience and Complementary Styles

When searching for a potential jeweller or designer, consider their past work as well as their reputation within the industry. Look at examples of previous custom-made engagement rings they've created to see if their design aesthetic aligns with what you envision for your own ring. Check out reviews and images from past clients on our website Morgan & Co Jewellery and social media platforms such as Instagram, where you can find images of our completed projects alongside customer testimonials.

• Past Work: Review portfolios showcasing previous custom designs.
• Aesthetic: Ensure that their design style matches your preferences.
• Reputation: Read client reviews online before making any decisions.

Establishing Open Communication With Your Chosen Designer

The key ingredient in crafting a beautiful custom engagement ring is communication between you and your chosen designer. From discussing initial ideas through finalising details during consultations, having an open line of communication will ensure that both parties are on the same page throughout every step of this exciting journey together.

To establish effective communication with your jeweller/designer, consider these tips:

1. Be clear and concise about your ideas, preferences, and expectations.
2. Ask questions to ensure you understand the design process and any technical aspects involved.
3. Provide feedback during consultations to keep the project on track towards achieving your desired outcome.

Morgan & Co, Buderim, based on Australia's Sunshine Coast, is a reputable jeweller specialising in custom-made engagement rings. With expertise in crafting unique designs using ethically sourced diamonds, they can help bring your dream ring to life.

When deciding on a jeweller or designer, it's critical to assess their expertise and individual approaches to guarantee you get an excellent item. With this knowledge, you can then move on to selecting materials for your design and finalising your vision with sketches.

Key Takeaway: This article outlines the importance of finding an experienced, reputable jeweller or designer to create your custom engagement ring and how having open communication is key. It provides tips on evaluating experience and complementary styles as well as establishing a good line of dialogue with your chosen designer. Morgan & Co, based in Australia's Sunshine Coast, are experts at crafting beautiful bespoke rings using ethically sourced diamonds.

Material Selection & Finalising Your Design

Once you've selected a designer or jeweller, it's time to begin the thrilling process of material selection and finalising your design - a journey that will bring your dream engagement ring into reality. This is where your dream engagement ring starts coming to life. With the design process underway, let's look at how to bring your dream engagement ring to life.

Approving Sketches That Match Your Vision

Your talented designer will present various sketches based on your ideas until one aligns perfectly with your desired style. It's essential to review these sketches carefully and provide feedback so that they can make any necessary adjustments. Remember, communication is key in achieving the perfect custom-made engagement ring.

Sourcing Quality Materials for Crafting

After approving the final design sketch, it's time for your jeweller to source materials such as stones and metals needed for crafting the ring itself. At Morgan & Co, we take pride in using ethically sourced diamonds and Australian made materials ensuring top-notch quality.

• Diamonds: Choose from a variety of shapes, sizes, colours, and clarity grades when selecting an ethically sourced diamond for your bespoke engagement ring. Learn more about our commitment to ethical sourcing here.
• Metal Types: Selecting the right metal type not only affects aesthetics but also durability and price point. Common choices include gold (yellow, white or rose), platinum or palladium - each offering unique characteristics suited to different preferences and budgets alike.
• Gemstones: If you're looking for something other than a traditional diamond centre stone consider incorporating coloured gemstones like sapphires, rubies or emeralds into your design. Explore our gemstone collection for inspiration.

Once you've finalised your material choices and approved the full-colour illustrations or computer-aided designs (CAD), it's time to sit back and let the magic happen as skilled artisans bring your custom engagement ring to life.

We collaborate with you to guarantee the custom engagement ring design is ideal and fulfils all your hopes. With our selection of quality materials, we guarantee a beautiful final product. Moving on, cost considerations and insurance are important topics when creating a bespoke piece like an engagement ring - let's take a look at how these can affect the process.

Key Takeaway: Using our highly skilled artisans and ethically sourced diamonds, we can help you create the perfect custom-made engagement ring. From approving sketches to selecting metals and gemstones - it's time to bring your vision to life. With Morgan & Co., you're sure to find something that truly sparkles.

Cost Considerations & Insurance

Designing a custom-made engagement ring is an exciting and personal journey. Nevertheless, the expenditure of this exclusive experience must be taken into account. The price of your bespoke ring will depend on various factors such as material choices, metal type, setting options, and more. In general, custom rings tend to be more expensive than off-the-shelf alternatives due to their personalised nature requiring additional labour input from skilled artisans throughout the creation process.

Understanding the Factors Affecting Custom Ring Costs

• Diamonds vs other gemstones: Choosing a diamond as your centre stone can significantly impact the overall cost of your engagement ring compared to opting for alternative gemstones like sapphires or moissanites. Learn about different gemstone options before making a decision.
• Metal type: The choice between gold (yellow, white or rose) and platinum will also affect the final price tag. Platinum tends to be pricier but offers increased durability; however, gold provides versatility in colour choices.
• Setting options: Different settings such as solitaire or halo can influence both aesthetics and cost considerations for your custom design. Research popular ring settings, keeping in mind that intricate designs may require higher craftsmanship levels resulting in higher costs.

In addition to these primary factors affecting pricing decisions for bespoke engagement rings at Morgan & Co., you should consider any potential hidden fees related to resizing services or future maintenance needs when discussing budgets with our expert team.

Insuring Your Bespoke Engagement Ring

Once your dream engagement ring is crafted and in your possession, it's crucial to protect this valuable investment against unforeseen circumstances like theft, damage or loss. Insuring your custom-made ring provides peace of mind and financial security should anything happen to it. Many insurance companies offer specialised policies for jewellery items, including engagement rings.

To ensure you receive the appropriate coverage for your bespoke piece from Morgan & Co., obtain a detailed appraisal that includes information about materials used (diamonds or other gemstones), metal type (gold vs platinum), setting options (solitaire vs halo) as well as any unique design elements incorporated into final product. This documentation will help insurers accurately assess replacement value ensuring full protection under policy terms.

Whilst there are many reputable providers specialising in insuring fine jewellery pieces such as custom-made engagement rings, don't hesitate to explore additional options within broader home contents insurance policies if preferred by you or partner during the research phase prior purchasing coverage plan best suited needs preferences and budget constraints alike.

Key Takeaway: This article provides an overview of the cost considerations and insurance for custom-made engagement rings. It outlines key factors that can affect the price, such as diamond type, metal choice and setting options; it also explains how to obtain a detailed appraisal from Morgan & Co., which is essential when looking into insuring your bespoke piece with a specialised jewellery policy provider.

FAQs in Relation to Custom Made Engagement Rings

Should I get a custom engagement ring made?

By creating something unique, you can ensure that the ring is special and reflects both of your personalities. By collaborating with a professional jeweller in the Sunshine Coast area, you can make sure that every detail of your custom engagement ring is perfect - from selecting responsibly sourced diamonds to guaranteeing top-notch craftsmanship. The result will be a beautiful piece of jewellery that symbolises your relationship in a truly meaningful way.

What is a custom made engagement ring?

A custom-made engagement ring is a bespoke expression of love, designed and crafted to the exact specifications of the individual with ethically sourced diamonds from Australia's Sunshine Coast. It can be tailored to fit any budget, taste or style preference, with diamonds sourced ethically from Australia's Sunshine Coast. The process involves careful design planning and craftsmanship by experienced professionals who use only the highest quality materials in order to create an exquisite and timeless symbol of love.

Is it more expensive to have a ring custom made?

Custom-made engagement rings can be pricier than pre-assembled ones, based on the intricacy of the design and materials employed. However, a custom ring offers an opportunity to create something unique that is tailored to your individual style and budget. The cost of customising a ring also depends on the skill level of the jeweller crafting it as well as any additional services such as engraving or stone setting. Ultimately, while there may be some added expense involved in creating a one-of-a-kind piece, having an expertly crafted engagement ring designed specifically for you is often worth every penny.

Are custom rings better?

Custom rings are definitely better than mass-produced, generic ones. A jeweller can help make a distinctive, individualised piece for the wearer, making sure it is an incomparable item. Custom rings also allow you to choose higher quality materials and craftsmanship which will last longer and look more beautiful over time. Furthermore, custom rings give you the opportunity to add personal touches such as engravings or gemstones that make them truly special.

Conclusion

The process of designing and purchasing a custom made engagement ring can be an exciting experience. By partnering with the right jeweller or designer, you can craft a timeless piece that is tailored to your exact specifications. By carefully considering material selection, cost considerations and insurance options, you'll have all the information needed to make sure your custom made engagement rings are perfect in every way. Don't forget to take time throughout this journey so that it's as special as possible - after all, it is one of life's most important moments.

Create your perfect engagement ring with Morgan & Co. - our custom made jewellery is crafted using ethically sourced diamonds, and all pieces are proudly Australian-made. You can make your free, no obligation consultation in studio or virtual here. 

When we think about major milestones and life events, getting engaged stands out as one of life’s big moments, as it should! It’s an incredibly exciting time and is surrounded by love and the excitement of your upcoming wedding and your future together and all the magical moments that will happen in between. 

At Morgan & Co, we offer a bespoke service that is individualised to you. We are meticulous in our design and creation processes, and have a relentless passion for elegance and quality, which ensures each piece is of the highest standard. If you’re considering a custom made engagement, read on to find out more about the process and how our team at Morgan & Co will guide you through the process every step of the way. 

What Is The First Step When Designing Your Custom Engagement Ring?

Once you get in touch with the team at Morgan & Co, we will set up a free, no obligation consultation and we use this time to get to know you (and your partner - if they are coming). Prior to coming into our office we will ask you to fill in our online questionnaire. We have one for men and one for the ladies. These questionnaires help us to be more prepared for our initial meeting and the inspirational images that you send help us further understand what style speaks to you. We make the process of designing your bespoke engagement ring an individualised journey and we feel it’s important to understand you, your style, your lifestyle, what you do for work, as this all plays an important role in the type of engagement ring that best suits you and your life. It’s important that your engagement ring stands the test of time, we want your Morgan & Co ring to be worn and loved by you, as well as generations to come. 

What's Next? 

Throughout our consultation, we will educate you on buying a diamond. It is important to us that you are well informed. An engagement ring is a big investment and like any investment, you should know what you’re spending your money on. There is a lot to know when it comes to choosing a diamond or precious stone and our design team are all trained in diamond grading and are experts in this field. We will narrow down the education of a diamond to the four C’s - carat, cut, clarity and colour - and we will inform you on what and where we can manipulate and alter things to best suit you, your budget and your desired outcome. 

Our diamond dealers are based in Melbourne CBD, Sydney and Brisbane and once we narrow down the shape of the stone you love, we will have diamonds sent from Melbourne to show you. It’s important to us that you touch and feel the diamonds or gemstones so you can personally see the sparkle, size, clarity and the way the light magically bounces off the stone. We often have three stones sent so you can see the difference in size and quality and we can provide you with a quote based on your desired diamond. 

We have access to each and every fancy shaped diamond; round, marquise, pear, oval, cushion, princess, radiant and baguette, asscher and heart. We also deal in both lab grown, also known as ethical or cultured, diamonds and mined diamonds and we will educate you on the difference between the two so you can choose the type of diamond that is best for you and your partner. We also have experience in coloured gemstones and precious stones, such as aquamarine, emerald, sapphire and ruby - both in lab grown and natural. A coloured gemstone engagement ring is becoming increasingly popular and we love creating a ring with a pop of colour! 

Our diamond dealers have access to the major diamond hubs globally so if we see a diamond online that we think is perfect for you, then we have men on the ground overseas who can physically look at that stone and will advise us if it is as good as it seems online. We are in a unique position where we choose your stone individually for you, based on your price point and what is important to you. Each and every diamond that leaves in a Morgan & Co box will be colourless, or near colourless, will have no inclusions to the naked eye or black, unwanted, marks and it will shine and sparkle. This is our promise to you. 

Designing Your Unique Engagement Ring…

At Morgan & Co, we have a file of designs that we have created previously that we can share with you for inspiration. We will talk through what you love about different designs that you have seen or ideas you like, and together, we will design the ring of your dreams. Once we design your ring, we will have our master jewellers create a drawing of your design, this will have the measurements and specifications of the ring and you are welcome to change this drawing as many times as you like until it's perfect. These drawings are complementary. Throughout this process, we will also help you choose the metal you want your ring to be made in. We can custom make any engagement ring in yellow, rose or white gold. We quite often create two tone rings, where the band is in yellow or rose gold and the setting in white gold. This allows the diamond to really shine and sparkle with the claws almost disappearing. These are the details we go through with you, educating you on the advantages of such design choices. 

The Manufacturing Process…. 

Once you choose to proceed with your stunning custom made engagement ring, we require a 50% deposit to secure the diamond and our master jewellers will commence production of your engagement ring right away. The turnaround time is approximately 8-10 weeks from the deposit being paid, but this can be expedited for a small fee should you require it sooner. Your ring will be made using the highest quality metals and is manufactured in Australia by jewellers who have been crafting fine jewellery and setting diamonds for decades.

Our Point of Difference...

• Lifetime manufacturing warranty on band setting 
• Individually selected diamond for you
• We work within your price point 
• Ethically sourced & certified diamonds
• Australian made and designed
• Insurance valuation estimate provided 
• Unlimited in studio complimentary ring cleans
• Complementary re-size offered if your ring is a little large or small

Custom designed and made in Australia - Our pieces are designed on the Sunshine Coast. 

Highest quality materials and ethically sourced diamonds - All our pieces are made from the finest quality precious metals and our diamonds are ethically sourced and certified.

Free consultation and design - all design appointments are free of charge and we offer free education along the way. Book in here for your consultation - in studio or virtual. 

Versatility in appointments — Morgan & Co is not a retail store and does not have a shop front, this allows us to provide very competitive prices to clients and versatility in appointments.

To your price point - we work to your price point and help you create a ring that you and your partner will adore forevermore within your budget. You will walk away with the perfect engagement ring without paying too much. 

We look forward to meeting you and your partner and going on this journey together. We can’t wait to guide you and help you bring your dream to life. The only thing more important to us than the exquisite jewellery we create is the relationship we develop with you.

One

Two

Consult with a professional: A reputable jeweller, such as Morgan & Co, can help you find the perfect ring and guide you through the process. They can also help you design a bespoke ring that fits within your budget, ultimately you'll end up with a unique and unforgettable ring without paying too much. 

Three

Make it personal: Personal touches can make the engagement ring even more special. For example, you can choose a ring with a birthstone of her favourite colour. Or you can choose design elements that reflect your partner's style and lifestyle. Each ring at Morgan & Co is custom made, which means you can make any changes you like, to really make it one of a kind.

Four

Plan the perfect proposal: Once you have the ring, plan the perfect proposal. Think about your girlfriend's interests and choose a location that is special to both of you. You could plan a surprise trip, or a romantic dinner at a fancy restaurant. See our blog on Locations to Propose on the Sunshine Coast.

Five

Be thoughtful: The most important thing is to be thoughtful and considerate when choosing the ring and planning the proposal. It's not just about the ring, it's about the overall experience and the thought that you put into it.

If you're still not sure?

If you still feel nervous that you don't quite know how to approach it, or if you'll get the ring "right", we offer stunt rings at Morgan & Co. A stunt ring is a place holder ring that you can propose with and once she says "yes", you can come into the studio together to design your partner's forever ring. Contact us here to learn more.

Remember, the most important thing is to show your girlfriend that you love and care for her and that you want to spend the rest of your life with her. The ring is a symbol of that love and commitment so why not bring her dream to life with our design team at Morgan & Co? You can get in touch with them here to book your free, no obligation in studio or virtual consultation. 

The difference between 9ct, 14ct, and 18ct gold lies in the amount of pure gold in the alloy.

9ct gold is made up of 37.5% pure gold and 62.5% other metals, such as copper or silver. This means that 9ct gold is less pure than 14ct and 18ct gold.

Diamonds are not just stunning gemstones; they hold a rich history and carry significant meaning. Our blog aims to delve into the four C's (cut, colour, clarity and carat). 

We believe in empowering our readers with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions when it comes to purchasing diamonds. From the famous 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight) to the lesser-known aspects like fluorescence and diamond shapes, we'll provide in-depth explanations and practical advice.

Furthermore, we understand that diamonds are more than just gemstones; they represent love, celebration, and milestones in our lives. We'll share inspiring stories, delve into the symbolism of diamonds in different cultures, and explore creative ways to incorporate diamonds into jewellery designs.

Whether you're a diamond connoisseur seeking to expand your knowledge or someone starting their diamond journey, the Diamond Education Blog is here to accompany you every step of the way. Our goal is to create an engaging and educational platform that helps you navigate the world of diamonds with confidence and appreciation.

Stay tuned for our upcoming articles, expert guest posts, and informative guides. We look forward to being your trusted source for all things diamond-related. Remember when you are searching for a diamond, it is important that you consult with an expert team who are well trained and have extensive knowledge on diamond buying. The team at Morgan & Co are here to help and offer free in studio consultations or virtual consultations to go over their diamond buying process and to answer your questions. 

Carat

The carat, the standard unit of weight for diamonds and other gemstones, takes its name from the carob seed. These small seeds had a fairly uniform weight so early gem traders used them as counterweights in their balance scales. A point is the equivalent of a fifth of a gram, meaning that 1 whole carat is approximately 2 grams. The modern metric carat was adopted by Australia circa 1913. Today, a carat weighs exactly the same in every corner of the world.

Carats, not to be confused with karats of gold, describe the weight of a diamond. Just as a dollar is divided into 100 cents, a carat is divided into 100 points. For example, a 50-point diamond weighs 0.50 carats, however, two diamonds of equal weight can be worth very different values, depending on clarity, colour and cut. Larger diamonds occur less frequently in nature so the higher the carat weight, the higher the value. 

Colour

Diamond colour is all about what you can’t see. Diamonds are valued by how closely they approach colourlessness, meaning, the less colour, the higher their value. The exception to this is fancy-colour diamonds, such as pinks and blues, which lie outside this colour range.

The rarest white diamonds have no colour at all, but some do exhibit slight colour which is based on a D to Z scale. This grading system is used internationally to assess the value of diamonds based on their colouring.

The most valuable diamonds are those that have a ‘colourless’ grading, which are D, E and F. These are some of the rarest diamonds on the market.

GIA’s colour-grading scale for diamonds is the industry standard. The scale begins with the letter D, representing colourless, and continues with increasing presence of colour to the letter Z. Each letter grade has a clearly defined range of colour appearance. Diamonds are colour-graded by comparing them to stones of known colour under controlled lighting and precise viewing conditions.

Many of these colour distinctions are so subtle and most of the time are invisible to the untrained eye. But these slight differences make a very big difference in diamond quality and price.

Clarity 

Many diamonds appear to be perfectly sparkly to the naked eye but under 10x magnification, plenty of impurities can be revealed, including clouds/feathers and tiny crystals. The internal characteristics of a diamond are one of the main indicators of value, making the rarest diamonds very difficult to find.

Diamonds classified as Flawless (FL) or Internally Flawless (IF) are the rarest levels of clarity and must be graded by a certified gemologist to ensure validity. Even if you cannot tell the difference yourself, these tiny differences can have a significant impact on rarity and consequently on value too. The chart below shows the international grading system.

Flawless (FL)

No inclusions or blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification

Internally Flawless (IF)

No inclusions and only blemishes are visible to a skilled grader using 10x magnification

Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2)

Inclusions are difficult for a skilled grader to see under 10x magnification

Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2)

Inclusions are clearly visible under 10x magnification but can be characterised as minor

Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2)

Inclusions are noticeable to a skilled grader using 10x magnification

Included (I1, I2, and I3)

Inclusions are obvious under 10x magnification and may affect transparency and brilliance

At Morgan & Co, we take pride in finding rare and valuable diamonds that have no inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Cut

The sparkle of a diamond is determined by its cut. A well-cut diamond will be well proportioned, symmetrical and beautifully polished. Master cutters are capable of revealing a diamond’s immense beauty and brilliance through meticulous techniques and methods. As light enters the stone, it is reflected off the different facets like a mirror, creating astonishing shine and sparkle.

It is important that the diamond cut must not be too deep or shallow as this will limit the sparkle of the stone. This beauty can only be achieved by cutting away a lot of the rough diamond, which means a loss of carat weight. However, size alone does not ensure brilliance.

Shape

Diamond shape refers to the geometric appearance of a diamond. Diamond shapes are categorised into two groups: round diamonds and fancy shape diamonds. Round diamonds, also known as round brilliant cuts, are the most traditional diamond shape. Fancy shaped diamonds refer to any diamond that is not a round brilliant. Morgan & Co’s fancy shape diamonds include oval, marquise, pear, heart, emerald, princess, radiant, cushion, baguette and asscher. 

Emerald Cut Diamond

An emerald cut diamond is cut with rectangular facets to create a unique optical appearance which makes this shape distinct. Due to its large open table and step-cut pavilion, this shape highlights the clarity of a diamond. An emerald cut is eye-catching and art deco inspired. 

Princess Cut Diamond 

This contemporary style is a classic choice of diamond cut. It is a square shape with pointed corners and is a timeless and popular choice for an engagement ring. 

Cushion Cut Diamond

Traditionally known as the “pillow-cut” diamond, this diamond is square with rounded corners which softens the diamond, resulting in a unique spin on a classic round brilliant cut.

Oval Shaped Diamond

A combination of the round brilliant cut and marquise diamond. This shape lengthens the fingers by making light bounce off the shimmering facets. The oval cut is bold, beautiful and an excellent choice for an engagement ring. 

Pear Shaped Diamond

Like the oval shape, the pear elongates the fingers. It is a teardrop shape with a single point and rounded end. The pear shape is a popular choice for an engagement ring and is currently our second best selling diamond. 

Heart Shaped Diamond

The heart shape is the symbol of love. This shape tends to show slight colour in its point, so you may want to budget for a higher colour grade than you'd need when buying a round diamond. 

Marquise Shaped Diamond 

Marquise shaped diamonds, also known as eye shaped diamonds, are a great option for the more non-traditional bride. These diamonds were often not seen as an engagement ring, but in recent years their popularity has grown. 

Radiant Shaped Diamond 

Popular since the 1980s, this diamond shape lives up to its name; it is both radiant and beautiful. It is the perfect combination of a round brilliant and emerald diamond and sparkles with brilliance and fire. 

Baguette Shaped Diamond

The baguette is a long, rectangular shape and is cut with 14 facets. These diamonds create exceptional clarity with more minimal sparkle and brilliance - a perfect accent look. This shape is rarely used as a centre stone. 

Asscher Shaped Diamond

The Asscher shape is similar to an emerald, except it is square with all four corners cut.  The shine and sparkle that comes from this shape is like an endless hallway of reflective mirrors.

Conclusion 

We hope that our Diamond Education Blog has provided you with a comprehensive understanding of the four C's of diamonds: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These four factors play a crucial role in determining the quality, beauty, and value of a diamond.

We have strived to provide you with valuable insights, practical tips, and knowledge to make informed decisions when purchasing a diamond. We sincerely hope that our Diamond Education guide has been a valuable resource for you, empowering you to confidently navigate the world of diamonds. Remember, each diamond is unique, and finding the one that captures your heart is a special journey.

Thank you for joining us on this diamond education adventure. Stay tuned for more engaging content, inspiring stories, and informative articles as we continue to explore the fascinating world of diamonds.

Please contact the team at Morgan & Co for your free, no obligation consultation to discuss further. We look forward to hearing from you!

With love,
Laura & Morgan x

Diamonds begin their story deep beneath the Earth—around 120–200 kilometres below the surface—where extreme pressure, heat and the perfect chemical environment allow pure carbon to crystallise. Once that crystal structure forms and hardens, it can take thousands of years for the Earth’s mantle to push the stones upwards, eventually bringing them close enough to the surface to be mined.

In most cases, diamonds form when parts of the Earth’s crust melt and sink into the mantle. As the carbon-rich liquid slowly cools, the diamond crystal structure begins to grow. Over time, geological events such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and shifting plates force these diamond-bearing rocks upwards. Only then do we have the chance to discover them.

Once mined, each rough stone must be expertly cut to unlock its brilliance. The sparkle we’re all drawn to is the result of precise faceting that allows light to reflect beautifully through the stone. A diamond’s value is influenced by many factors—cut, carat weight, clarity, colour, rarity and demand. For centuries, diamonds have symbolised love, wealth, achievement and status, which is why their desirability (and value) has remained strong.

For a long time, the only affordable alternative to a natural diamond was a cubic zirconia or moissanite—pretty stones in their own right, but not diamonds, and not made from pure carbon.

The Rise of Lab Grown Diamonds

That all changed when scientists discovered how to replicate the natural formation process inside a controlled laboratory environment. Using advanced technology, lab grown diamonds—also called lab created, man-made, engineered, ethical or cultured diamonds—are grown from carbon atoms arranged in the exact same crystal structure as a natural diamond.

Because they’re made of the same material, lab grown diamonds share the same optical, physical and chemical properties as mined diamonds. Even trained jewellers using a loupe usually cannot tell the difference. Only specialised equipment—worth thousands of dollars—can identify whether a diamond formed underground or in a lab.

Lab grown diamonds should always come with a proper certification that clearly states their origin, just like natural diamonds.

So… Which Is Better?

There’s no universal “right” answer—only what’s right for the individual.

Lab grown diamonds offer exceptional value, allowing you to achieve more size or quality for your budget. They’re also considered the more environmentally conscious option because they don’t require traditional mining.

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, carry their own unique story—one shaped over millions of years beneath the Earth. Some people love the romance and rarity of owning something naturally formed.

Both options are beautiful, durable and timeless. It simply comes down to personal preference.

To Sum Things Up

Lab grown diamonds are affordable, conflict-free, brilliant, luxurious and environmentally conscious—and visually identical to natural diamonds. Side by side, you truly cannot tell them apart. The only real difference is their origin.

At Morgan & Co, I guide my clients through both options every day. Whether you’re drawn to the history of a natural diamond or the innovation and value of a lab grown, I’m here to help you choose the piece that feels right for you and your partner.

If you’d like to explore your options, you’re welcome to book a free, no-obligation consultation—either in my Buderim studio or virtually.