Everything You Need to Know About Accent Diamonds
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Estimated read time:
14 minutesThey say the ‘devil is in the detail’.
And when it comes to choosing the right jewelry, this couldn’t be more accurate.
You’re not just picking out individual pieces; you’re curating memories, making statements, and carving out your personal style.
In the dazzling world of gemstones, accent diamonds play a crucial role.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be well-versed in the world of accent diamonds, understanding the various types available and how they add extra sparkle to your cherished jewelry.
Let’s dive in and discover the magic behind these glittering gems!
In this article...
What Are Accent Diamonds?
Accent diamonds are smaller diamonds surrounding, or next to, a larger diamond on a jewelry piece.
With their subtle glimmer and an understated touch of glamor, accent diamonds are the unsung heroes of jewelry design.
These small yet mighty diamonds are used to complement and enhance the central stone, adding extra diamond value.
They add brilliance, depth, and dimension, transforming a beautiful piece of jewelry into a breathtaking masterpiece.
In short: accent diamonds transform a simple design into something truly spectacular.
Common Uses
You’ll find accent diamonds in a variety of jewelry and diamond shapes.
From engagement and wedding rings to necklaces and earrings, these precious gems are highly versatile.
Accent diamonds are often found in rings in halo settings, where a central diamond is surrounded by several smaller gems.
Pavé ring settings are also popular, where a cluster of sparkling stones encases the whole band.
Accent diamonds can also be found in intricate designs, such as filigree, where they add a subtle touch of elegance (and sparkle!) and detail.
They can be used to create intricate patterns and enhance the overall beauty of jewelry.
Types of Accent Diamonds
Princess Cut Diamonds
Princess-cut diamonds are the modern muse of the diamond world.
Square in shape with sharp corners, they boast a brilliant sparkle thanks to their many facets.
Princess cut diamonds are edgy yet timeless, perfect for those who love contemporary, chic design.
The princess cut is known for its exceptional brilliance from all angles, making it a popular choice for those who want a diamond that truly stands out.
Accent diamonds on either side of the central diamond create a truly dazzling finish.
Princess-cut diamonds shine in various settings, particularly in three-stone and solitaire designs.
In three-stone settings, accent diamonds add an extra sparkle around the center stone, enhancing its brilliance and creating a dazzling effect.
Princess-cut diamonds look equally brilliant in a channel setting, with set stones in a channel on either side of the main stone.
Baguette Diamonds
Baguette diamonds are like the sleek, chic supermodels of the diamond world.
They’re rectangular with straight edges and typically have 14 facets.
Their name, derived from the French word for a long loaf of bread, hints at their elongated, elegant shape.
These diamonds are known for their clean lines and minimalistic appeal, making them a popular choice for modern, sophisticated designs.
Their simple yet striking appearance can add a touch of understated elegance to any piece of jewelry.
Featured Baguette Diamond Rings
You’ll see baguette diamonds in side stone settings, often flanking a larger central diamond.
There are two types of baguette: straight and tapered.
Straight baguette diamonds are found in wedding bands, whereas tapered baguette diamonds are typically used alongside the main diamond of a three stone engagement ring.
Baguette diamonds, whether set north, south, east or west, are popular choices.
They’re also popular in three-stone settings, adding a touch of geometric flair and vintage charm.
In three-stone settings, side baguette diamonds can create a beautiful contrast to round or oval center stones.
Baguette diamonds often take pride of place in eternity bands, where their straight edges create a seamless and continuous line of north-west set baguette sparkle.
Small Round Diamonds
Small round diamonds are versatile gems and are the go-to for accent diamonds as they match perfectly to all diamond center stones and add subtle brilliance to any piece.
They’re small but mighty, usually under 0.2 carats, and cut to perfection.
There are three categories of small round diamonds with the following names:
- “Stars” = 0.02 Carat or less
- “Full Cuts” = 0.02-0.07 Carat
- “Melee” = 0.08-0.18 Carat
Small round diamonds, known for their sparkling brilliance, add a touch of glamor to any design.
You will often find small round diamonds in pavé settings: a consecutive loop of diamonds that creates a continuous shimmer from every angle.
Small diamonds are also popular in channel settings, nestled between bands of metal for a sleek, modern look.
In channel settings, small diamonds add a touch of understated elegance and sophistication.
Real vs. Simulated Accent Diamonds
Let’s clear up a common misconception: accent diamonds are real diamonds that can be both natural or lab-grown.
In some jewelry, however, simulated diamonds and moissanite are used as the accent stones.
They may be smaller in stature, but accent diamonds are genuine and possess the same characteristics as larger diamonds.
In contrast, simulated diamonds are lab-created and often made of different materials like cubic zirconia and moissanite.
While both can add sparkle, real accent diamonds are more valuable and prestigious.
They have a unique brilliance that simulated stones simply cannot replicate.
Real diamonds also have higher durability and longevity, making them a better investment in the long run.
Importance of Accent Diamonds in Jewelry Design
Enhancing Beauty and Brilliance
While smaller than the main stone, accent diamonds are the perfect way to add a touch of finesse to any jewelry design.
When used in ring design, accent diamonds enhance the main stone’s beauty and brilliance to create a harmonious and eye-catching piece.
By adding depth and dimension, accent diamonds can make the main stone appear larger and more brilliant.
They also help to highlight the unique features of the main stone, drawing attention to its cut, color, and clarity.
Impact on Aesthetics and Style
Accent diamonds contribute significantly to the overall aesthetics and style of a piece.
They add complexity, texture, and a touch of glamour, elevating a design from simple to spectacular.
Whether used in a vintage-inspired piece or a modern, minimalist design, accent diamonds, undeniably, add extra ‘wow’ factor to any piece of jewelry.
Matching Accent Diamonds
Matching accent diamonds with the main stone is about achieving a seamless, balanced overall design.
Ensure consistency in color, clarity, and cut in the main and accent diamonds to create a sense of harmony.
Choosing different colors and clarity may not be noticeable to the naked eye in these smaller stones, so you could opt for a slightly lower quality color or cut to keep the price down.
The eye is naturally drawn to the center stone, therefore most people would not notice the difference in the quality of the accent diamonds.
Remember: the accent diamonds should complement the main stone without overshadowing it.
They’re cheering from the sidelines, while the main stone steals the show!
Buying Tips for Accent Diamonds
When buying jewelry that features accent diamonds, focus on the four cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat.
Look for high-quality cuts that maximize sparkle, consistent color that matches your main stone, and exceptional clarity.
It’s also worth considering the size and shape of the accent diamonds and how they fit into the overall design.
Look for diamonds that are well-proportioned to the overall design for a balanced, harmonious finish.
Budget Considerations and Value
Accent diamonds add value to any piece of jewelry, both in terms of price and aesthetics.
The price of accent diamonds is typically dictated by the 4cs: color, clarity, cut and carat weight.
Since the carats are so low, typical accent diamond prices can be very low meaning you can then decide how much additional you want to spend on them on the other quality factors.
Before purchasing, plan your budget, and look for accent diamonds that offer the best value for money.
It also pays to get to know about diamond color and clarity.
The majority of accent diamonds fall into two categories: G/H color with SI clarity and F/G color with VS clarity.
As a benchmark, most designer jewelry is F/G color with VS clarity.
Remember: adding even the smallest diamonds can significantly impact a piece's overall look and feel.
It pays to invest in fewer high-quality stones rather than more with lower quality.
Caring for Jewelry with Accent Diamonds
Keeping your accent diamonds sparkling involves regular care.
But fear not!
A quick cleaning regime using a few simple ingredients allows you to easily maintain the brilliance of your accent diamonds at home.
Clean any jewelry featuring accent diamonds with a gentle mixture of warm water and mild soap, using a soft brush to remove dirt.
Avoid harsh chemicals and store your pieces separately to prevent scratches.
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help keep your jewelry looking as wonderful as the day you bought it and ensure your accent diamonds continue to shine with vigor.
Accent stones typically have prongs to hold smaller stones in place.
The more stones in a design, the more likely they are to become worn down or broken, so it pays to have a regular inspection from your jeweler.
Cleaning and Storage Advice
Store your diamond jewelry in a fabric-lined jewelry box, or in a soft pouch.
Correct jewelry storage and care will help to protect your jewelry and ensure that it lasts for many years to come.
Consider having your jewelry professionally cleaned periodically to maintain that dazzling diamond sparkle.
Every six months is ideal, but every year is crucial to keep your accent diamonds shimmering bright.
Conclusion: Size doesn’t always matter!
What accent diamonds lack in size, they make up for in impact!
They elevate the beauty of the main stone in your jewelry, add depth to any design, and create an extraordinary display of light and sparkle.
Whether you’re designing a custom piece or selecting a pre-made masterpiece, understanding accent diamonds ensures your choice will be nothing short of spectacular.
Ready to add some sparkle to your life?
Explore our exquisite collection of jewelry, both online and in-store, and find the perfect accent diamonds for any occasion.
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