Discover nature's beauty from the earth and seas, a myriad of gemstones in all their hues of colour. Find out the origins and fascinating facts about each gemstone.

Garnet

The best-known type of garnet is the dark red semi-precious stone, although many colours exist including pink, brown, yellow, violet, green and even black. Cabochon garnets, which were shaped and polished rather than faceted, were one of several red stones to be known as ‘carbuncles’, and were particularly fashionable in Victorian jewellery. Their use in jewellery goes back even further: garnets were one of the most commonly used gemstones in the late Roman world, especially inlaid in gold in the cloisonné technique, and it is even thought that a cabochon garnet was embroidered onto the high priest’s breastplate, described in Exodus.

Did you know?

• Garnet is the birthstone for January.
• Some types of garnet crystals found on the surface of rocks indicate the presence of diamonds below.
• Garnets were often exchanged as friendship tokens as a symbol of hope for the next meeting.
• Garnet jewellery is traditionally offered to celebrate a 2nd wedding anniversary.

Amethyst

Amethyst is a purple variety in the quartz family, whose other members include citrine, yellow quartz and smoky brown quartz. The colour can range from a delicate pink, through lilac, to a deep purple, often with bands of white. Amethysts can be faceted but also shaped and polished into cabochons. The amethyst is thought to derive its colour from the presence of tiny quantities of manganese and iron in the quartz.

Did you know?

• Amethyst is the birthstone for February.
• The name is derived from the Greek word a-methustos meaning sobriety, as the Greeks believed that the stone would stop the wearer from succumbing to drunkenness. Wine goblets were often carved from amethyst for this reason.
• In the Middle Ages, European soldiers wore amethyst amulets to protect them in battle.
• Certain types of amethyst, usually those found in Brazil, can be heated to a yellow colour and eventually called topaz.

Aquamarine

Aquamarine (meaning water of the sea in Latin) is the blue or blue-green form of beryl. Other stones in the same family include emerald, golden beryl, pink morganite and yellow heliodor. Its colour can range from almost clear to deep blue, depending on the amount of iron traces it contains. Its colour is particularly set off by metals such as white gold, silver or platinum. 

Did you know?

• Aquamarine is the birthstone for March.
• It is traditionally considered to bring good luck, and sailors often wore aquamarine rings while at sea.
• Aquamarine jewellery is often given as an anniversary gift, and is particularly associated with the 16th and 19th wedding anniversaries, symbolising faithfulness and friendship.

Diamond

 All diamonds are precious and those possessing the highest quality of cut, colour, clarity and carat weight (the four Cs) are the rarest and most valuable. At Biagio the Jewellers, we believe there is a fifth C - confidence. Confidence in the source and craftsmanship of the diamond. This is, to Biagio, as important as the essence of the stone itself. At Biagio the Jewellers, we believe that we can find you your perfect stone at a price that suits your pocket, and can design an exclusive piece of jewellery with your chosen diamond. As the supreme gemstone, the diamond owes its name to the Greek adamas, meaning invincible. Invincible for the power believed to be granted to the wearer; invincible for being the hardest mineral known to man; and invincible for its brilliance. Diamonds were created almost 80 million years ago, when pipe-shaped accumulations were pushed upwards at huge speed from inside the earth by a series of violent explosions, creating conditions favourable to the crystallisation of diamonds from whatever carbon was available. Diamonds have been used in jewellery from very early days, but it wasn’t until diamond cutting was developed in the late 17th century that their beauty was revealed. The brilliant cut, today’s standard cut, has 58 facets, their size and shape and the angles between them intricately calculated to create both internal and external reflecting and refractive surfaces, with the aim of providing the maximum brilliance. 

Did you know?

• Diamond is the birthstone for April.
• Diamonds were thought by the Greeks to protect the wearer from evil particularly if they were worn on the left-hand side.
• It is thought that early inhabitants of South Africa used diamonds to etch their famous rock engravings.
• Although diamonds are mostly colourless, they can be found in any number of delicate shades.
• Only about 20% of diamonds mined are suitable for gemstones, and during the cutting process, these lose more than half their weight.
• Diamonds are traditionally given on a 60th wedding anniversary.

The four Cs

Cut

Cut is the only one of the four Cs influenced by man. There are many different types of cuts to choose from. A good, round brilliant cut releases the life and sparkle of a diamond through the arrangement and proportion of its 57 or 58 facets. Light reflects from facet to facet and disperses through the top of the stone, creating a display of brilliance. 

Colour

While most diamonds appear white, many display hints of colour barely discernible to the naked eye. The closer a diamond approaches colourlessness, the rarer and more valuable the stone. Diamonds with a strong pure colour are extremely rare and are called ‘fancies’. Amongst them can be found pink, blue, green, orange, yellow and even black. The rarest are blue and pink. The scale defined by the European Gemmological Laboratory (EGL) is divided into steps between D and Z, D being the clearest and most valuable: D-E: exceptional white; F-G: rare white; H: white; I-J: slightly tinted white; K-L: tinted white; M-Z: tinted colour. 

Clarity

A diamond’s clarity is determined by the degree to which it is free from naturally occurring inclusions, often called ‘nature’s fingertips’. The number, type, colour, size and position of the internal birthmarks can affect a diamond’s value. However, many are invisible to the naked eye and require magnification under a standard 10x magnification loupe. The fewer inclusions, the rarer the stone. The EGL Scale of Clarity refers to the amount of inclusion in a stone when viewed through a 10x magnification loupe:

Carat

Carat refers to weight and therefore the size of the diamond. One carat is divided into 100 points. A diamond weighing 50 points equals half a carat. Two diamonds of equal size can have very different values, depending on their cut, clarity and colour.

Emerald

Emeralds are the green transparent variety of beryl, and their rarity and vivid colour make them very valuable. They are usually faceted when used in jewellery, often with an oblong flat top to show off their colour. It is very rare to find an emerald in a clear state; small fragments of the surrounding rock create flaws in the stone, known as jardin, the French word for garden. These are often prized as evidence of the stone’s authenticity.

Did you know?

• Emerald is the birthstone for May.
• Emerald jewellery is often given to celebrate a 55th wedding anniversary.
• It is the traces of chrome in the beryl that give emeralds their bright green colour.
• Emeralds were extracted as early as 2000 BC in Egypt, and later prized by Cleopatra.
• They are thought to drive away evil spirits and are, in some cultures, a symbol of fertility, beauty and hope.

Pearl

Pearls produced by molluscs whose shells are lined with mother-of-pearl (saltwater oysters and freshwater clams) have enchanted people with their beauty over many centuries. It is no surprise that the word has become a metaphor for something very rare and valuable. Colours can vary from white to black, with delicate shades of cream, rose, grey, blue, green and mauve also found, but it is the translucence and lustre of the pearl that is its most prized aspect.

Did you know?

• It is the environment in which the mollusc lives which determines the pearl’s colour and it can take up to 7 years for a pearl to develop.
• Pearl is the birthstone for June.
• Pearls were important symbols of wealth, and in Medieval Europe there were even laws determining who could and could not wear pearls.
• Some historians believe that such was the pearl craze in the Roman era, one of Caesar’s motivations for invading Britain was to acquire freshwater pearls.
• Pearls are traditionally offered on a 30th wedding anniversary.

Ruby

The ruby is one of the four precious stones, together with sapphire, emerald and diamond. It is not widespread, hence its value, but has been used since earliest times as a precious stone. Along with the sapphire, the ruby is the best-known variety of the mineral corundum, a colourless stone. It is the presence of chromium that gives the ruby its red colour. While its colour can vary from pink to blood-red, it is the ‘pigeon-blood red’ that is the most prized. All natural rubies contain imperfections, known as silk, and these are often exploited during the cutting process to reflect the light. 

Did you know?

• Ruby is the birthstone for July.
• Records reveal the trading of rubies on the North Silk Road of China in 200BC.
• In Asia, rubies were laid beneath the foundations of buildings to protect them with good fortune.
• Ruby jewellery is traditionally given to celebrate a 40th wedding anniversary.
• Rubies are thought to transfer energy, passion and vitality to the wearer.

Peridot

Peridot is a rare gem-quality crystal form of the more common olivine, found in the earth’s mantle and even on the moon. The intensity of the olive green colour can vary, and a step cut is often used to show off the peridot’s brilliance and lustre. Many peridots in ancient times and today have come from Jazirat Zabarjad (St. John’s Island), in the Red Sea.

Did you know?

• Peridot is the birthstone for August.
• It is the only gemstone to have been found in meteorites.
• Peridot jewellery is often given as a gift on a 16th wedding anniversary.

Sapphire

Did you know?

• Sapphire is the birthstone for September.
• Sapphire jewellery is traditionally given to celebrate a 45th wedding anniversary.
• Princess Diana’s engagement ring, now worn by Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, contains an 18 carat sapphire surrounded by diamonds.
• The sapphire was believed to represent divine favour and was therefore often worn by kings and high priests.
• The sapphire is thought to encompass the qualities of truth, sincerity and faithfulness, and also bring good fortune to travellers.

Opal

The opal’s famed irridescence is due to the play of light on minute cracks within the mineral. It is in fact a solidified jelly found in igneous rocks or around geysers and hot springs, mainly in Australia. The myriad of colours it displays is highly esteemed and can range from white, grey, brown, rose and green, with red against black being the rarest. Jewellers can enhance the play of colours by placing thin layers of opal on a darker underlying stone. The opal was valued second only to the emerald by the Romans, who imported it from India through traders in the Bosphorus. The name is thought to be derived from upala, the Sanskrit word for stone.

The opal is believed to be one of the luckiest birthstones, containing the virtues of all other gemstones.

Did you know?

• Opal is the birthstone for October.
• NASA announced in 2008 that it had discovered opal deposits on Mars.
• In the Middle Ages, people believed the opal to contain all the virtues of each gemstone whose colour was represented in the stone.
• One of the most famous opals is the Andamooka Opal, set with diamonds into an 18ct palladium necklace and presented to Queen Elizabeth II on the occasion of her first visit to Australia in 1954.
• Opal is absorbent, and water taken in through cracks enhances the irridescence, while grease dulls it.
• Opal jewellery is often given to celebrate a 34th wedding anniversary.

Tourmaline

Perhaps the most colourful of gemstones, tourmalines were brought from the 18th century onwards by the Dutch East India Company from Sri Lanka to Europe, where previously only the black variety, known as schorl, had been known. The glassy lustrous stones of pink, red, blue, green, yellow or brown can display dichroic properties, meaning that their colour will change when viewed from different angles. Some crystals even show two distinct colours at their different ends, and the watermelon tourmaline, its green edge outlining a pink centre, is highly prized. 

Pink tourmaline is considered to be the stone of love and commitment and is, along with the opal, a birthstone for October.

Did you know?

• Pink tourmalines with a black tip, prevalent on the Island of Elba, are famously known as ‘Moors’ Heads’.
• Tourmaline jewellery is often given to celebrate an 8th wedding anniversary.
• The step cut, with a large flat table and 45 facets, is considered the best way to exhibit the tourmaline’s colouring.

Citrine

Citrine, whose name derives from the Latin for citrus - citrinus, is a yellow quartz, much rarer than its cousins amethyst and smoky quartz. Its colour can range from pale yellow to amber, depending on the amount of iron present in the crystal. Sometimes mistaken for yellow topaz, although not as hard, it can also be produced by heating amethysts or smoky quartz to a high temperature.  Most citrines today come from Brazil; indeed citrine was once called Brazilian topaz. It has been admired throughout several eras, especially by the Romans, in the 19th century and in the Art Deco period. 

Did you know?

• Citrine is the birthstone for November.
• Some crystals are found which contain both citrine and amethyst together; these are known as ametrine.
• Citrine jewellery is often given to celebrate a 13th or 17th wedding anniversary.
• In ancient times, citrines were used as amulets to protect the wearer from snake venom.

Topaz

Topaz is one of the few stones which, given the right conditions, can grow into enormous crystals. Transparent with a glassy lustre, it is found most commonly in shades of yellow, although colourless, pale green, blue or pink crystals are also found. The finest blue British topaz comes from the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland, but much topaz is nowadays heat-treated to produce a more intense blue. Its hardness allows jewellers to facet it with a brilliant cut into a hard-wearing gem. Its name might derive from the Sanskrit tapas, meaning fire, or from the ancient Greek name of St John’s Island, Topazios, in the Red Sea, from which the stone was mined. 

Did you know?

• Blue topaz is the birthstone for December.
• The most famous topaz is possibly the colourless 1680 carat Braganza Diamond, so called because it was thought to be a diamond. Its whereabouts are a mystery, although some believe it to be with the Portuguese crown jewels.
• Greeks believed topaz had the power to increase the strength of the wearer and even to make him invisible. Romans believed that it could improve eyesight.
• Topaz jewellery is often given to celebrate a 4th or 19th wedding anniversary.

Black Diamonds

Distinctive, unique, rare and highly glamorous, a black diamond ring will make a memorable impression and showcase your individual personality. If you’re looking for something that’s a bit different then black diamond jewellery definitely fits the bill. Black diamonds with white gold and contrasted with white diamonds creates a stunning look and it’s a diamond that both women and men can enjoy wearing. Black diamonds placed in masculine bold rings are often worn by men but they look just as alluring when placed in a more feminine engagement ring setting. 

What Are Black Diamonds?

Many people don’t know that black diamonds exist and that’s what creates the intrigue around them. They can be sourced in a variety of ways, with some being natural, some cultured and some enhanced. However, they are still genuine diamonds and are prized in the same way. The cultured and enhanced varieties are the more affordable varieties with the rare and natural Carbonado black diamond being the most exclusive and therefore expensive variety. Natural black diamonds consist of a polycrystalline structure, black diamonds are composed of a large number of tiny crystals unlike white diamonds which come from one large crystal. Finding a Carbonado black diamond that is of the quality to make jewellery from is actually quite rare so when a piece of sufficient quality is found, the jewellery that is made from it will be expensive and highly sought after. 

How to choose a Black Diamond Ring

If you are looking for a black diamond ring then you should always check the appearance of the diamond to ensure that it is smooth and glossy on the surface, appears flawless, and has a colour that is deep and rich in texture. You should also ask about the grade of the black diamond with AAA being the highest rating for clarity, with other grades being AA+, AA, A etc. 

Black diamond jewellery for all occasions

Black diamonds look stunning with white gold. Silver or platinum also showcases the black diamond to its best effect. The contrast of black and white jewellery is a very popular look and in the right setting, it can also create a vintage feel which is very attractive. Wearing black diamond jewellery looks equally good with smart casual wear as it does with formal attire so it can be worn for all occasions. At Biagio our black diamond jewellery includes rings, necklaces, earrings and pendants so if you’re looking to make an impact with your jewellery then we can help.

Buying an Engagement Ring

Biagio shares his knowledge on what to consider.

The Origins

The wearing a ring on the fourth finger is a romantic tradition dating back 7000 years ago, when the Ancient Egyptians believed the ‘vena amoris’ ran from the fourth finger of the left hand straight to the heart, the vein of love. The eternal circle with no beginning or end represented by a ring became worn on the wedding finger. Anthropologists found the tradition of the engagement proposal dated from the Romans. A man would present an engagement ring, in early times this would have be made of iron to show a permanent commitment before evolving in later times to gold, to his loved one after she said ‘Yes’ as a show of acceptance to her husband. Diamonds were thought to possess magical, protective powers, and in the Middle Ages often birthstones were commissioned for engagement rings. Possible inspired by the ancient belief that Cupid’s arrows were tipped with diamonds, the diamond became a universal symbol of love. In 1477 Archduke Maximillian of Austria was the first man to commission an engagement ring, a gold band set with an M of baguette diamonds symbolising her first initial, for his betrothed Mary of Burgundy. This started the trend for diamond engagement rings across Europe and has since been seen as a token of love and dedication.

How do you choose an engagement ring?

Today, thanks to the availability of exceptional jewels, every girl can feel like royalty. Hasn’t every girl with dreams of marriage imagined the engagement ring and expression of eternal devotion she would love to receive? And yet, since every diamond is rare and individual from nature, a diamond symbolises the love of a couple with its enduring and durable facets. Varying in size, shape, colour and clarity – there is a sense of mystery surrounding the stones which can make the choice of an engagement ring daunting. There is no one trend in engagement rings it is a deeply personal choice and statement, a magnificent central diamond continues to be the most desired style. At Biagio we aim to make your choice a pleasure, whether you are musing over our extensive engagement ring collection, designing your own, or perhaps opting for the more novel idea of owning a single, loose diamond. So how will you know what she will like? the best way is to look at her existing jewellery styles she wears, particularly in rings thinking about sizes and shape she chooses. Does she like a simple and minimal look? or look for details and embellishments in clothes and jewellery? This would give us a good start when we chat in-store and look at styles with you. You may be able to covertly ask her family or friends whom she may of enthusiastically chatted to about rings and even what she may imagine her perfect engagement ring would look like. We do have a failsafe option of a ‘buffer ring’ where we give you a ring presented in a Biagio engagement ring box for you to propose with, ultimately in the style you think she would like. If she loves it, chances are she will, then we will make it for you and you could both choose the actual diamond or stones together continuing the romance of the proposal.

Biagio's Engagement Rings

To Biagio, as important as the essence of the stone itself is the confidence you can have in its origin and craftsmanship. Education and learning has become an integral part of the business. All team members attend courses and many have achieved the Professional Jewellers’ Diploma after three years of study. In a further development, Biagio decided to create a core team of diamond specialists, not only to assist customers but also to enhance the range of loose diamonds. Both the diamonds and the specialist training come directly from Antwerp, the diamond centre of the world. Biagio finds that people often commission their own pieces. “They are looking for something special, personal and individual, and want to create their own design. We pride ourselves on being completely flexible,” he says Platinum diamond ring designed by Biagio Patalano

“We believe we can create their perfect piece and have a fine collection of loose stones for clients to see. Our sources in the diamond industry are excellent and will only provide us with the finest ethically sourced diamonds.”

Loose Diamonds

You should not have to compromise your taste when choosing a piece of jewellery. If you would like a more unusual cut or shape, while ensuring both the best craftsmanship and the most competitive prices guaranteed by Biagio’s personally selected diamond sources, then buying a loose cut diamond may be the answer. There are many factors to consider when choosing a diamond including cut, colour, clarity and carat weight. We can help you with your selection and, with the aid of computer-generated design, allow you to visualise the unique piece of jewellery that you have dreamed of giving your loved one. That way, you can nurture your jewellery on its full journey from loose stone to finished piece. A loose diamond presented as a gift will delight and inspire the free-spirited creative mind with as many possibilities as its facets.

Loose diamonds or stones allow you to design your own setting. More of us are choosing to design our own rings and jewellery with a trusted jeweller who has a workshop and goldsmiths. Looking online or in jewellery stores people bring ideas to us to find or create their perfect ring. At biagiothejewellers.com you can interactively select your own diamond ring by cut, colour, clarity, colour (4Cs) and cost, the most precious diamonds are those possessing the highest quality. View your chosen diamond ring in spectacular 3D video, refining your choices until you find the perfect bespoke diamond ring. We have invested in the advancements of technology in-store to give customers their design as a 3D image which can be emailed to them to consider and to perfect before being made.

Bespoke engagement rings from Biagio

We love helping our customers create something that is unique to them, to celebrate this incredibly special time in their life. We can help develop ideas to produce a bespoke ring whilst looking at a dedicated space instore of exquisite engagement rings. Simply come and have a chat with us and see what designs emerge. Antique engagement rings are a trend we are seeing grow, inspired by the different cuts in the diamond and settings of the ring. Couples are looking for something unexpected, they like to make it entirely unique and personal to them as their story is.

“We design jewellery for you with great vision and creativity and I have always believed in making these designs affordable. Jewellery designed with the diamond or gemstones you have dreamed of that doesn’t have to cost a King’s ransom is waiting for you to create at Biagio.”

Different Types of Diamond Cuts

A diamond's cut is one of its most important aspects. A good cut will give a diamond its brilliance - the way it reflects light and "sparkles" - but a poor cut can make the stone look lifeless. The word "cut" can also refer to a diamond's shape. 

The Round Brilliant Cut

The most popular diamond shape is the round cut. Also called round brilliant cut, this cut has 58 facets and is usually considered the best cut for bringing out the brilliance in a diamond. A round cut diamond is usually used as a solitaire in a wedding or an engagement ring. 

The Princess Cut

The princess cut is another highly popular option. The princess cut is a typical example of a square cut diamond. It is a relatively modern cut, but has become very popular. 

The Oval Cut

The oval cut diamond has an elegant and classic look, and can look very flattering in a ring. It is a timeless choice that will never go out of style. An oval cut diamond is often used as a centrepiece and combined with smaller stones on each side. 

The Marquise Cut

The marquise cut is another elegant option. One of its main benefits is that it looks larger than its carat size. It is a great choice if you want a diamond that appears bigger than it really is. 

The Emerald Cut

The emerald cut diamond has a square shape and tapered corners. Compared to the round cut, the emerald cut diamond has fewer facets, and so it has fewer surfaces that reflect light. Those who prefer the emerald cut are usually looking for a sophisticated diamond that does not necessarily sparkle brilliantly, but looks very unique. 

Other Alternative Cuts for a Unique Look

The radiant cut diamond has 70 facets and its shape is either rectangular or square. It can show a high level of brilliance, and it is a beautiful alternative to the more popular cuts. The cushion cut diamond looks bigger than its actual carat weight. If you are looking for an affordable diamond that looks beautiful in an engagement ring, the cushion cut diamond is an excellent option. The Asscher cut has a square shape but a lot of depth. The cut does not have set proportions, and it is up to the individual cutter to create a beautiful diamond. This unique cut can be a rare find on the marketplace. The pear shape diamond is typically used in high quality jewellery. It combines the oval and the marquise cut, and it is mainly used in designer rings. The heart shaped diamond is similar to the pear-shaped diamond, but has a visible cleft on the top. Modern alternatives to the traditional diamonds include fancy diamonds, such as pearl diamonds and canary diamonds. Personal preferences are always important when choosing a diamond and the right cut and shape is always an individual choice. The round cut continues to be the most popular, but there are many excellent and sophisticated alternatives to the most popular cuts.

Emerald or Asscher Cut diamond

Diamonds are definitely a girl's best friend. Something about that glittery stone can just make any girl's heart melt into pieces. Is it any wonder that men use diamond engagement rings to win the favour of their ladies? But diamonds are unique and jewellers use unique cuts to bring out the colour and clarity of a stone. As a result, choosing one particular cut may be confusing. We recommend emerald cut diamond engagement rings or Asscher cut diamond engagement rings as they are the most popular due to their classic shape and mounting pattern. In case you are setting out diamond shopping, here are a few things you should know about emerald cut diamond engagement rings and Asscher cut diamond engagement rings to ensure that you are getting the best value for money. 

Technical Specifications

• H colour diamonds provide the best look to emerald cutting patterns. To cut prices, jewellers may try to pass out I colour diamonds but they retain colour much more than round brilliant or princess cut diamonds.
• Choose diamonds that are tagged with VS2 to ensure the best value for money. You can find SI1 and SI1 clarity diamonds as they will cheaper but the light reflection will be much lower.
• Cut parameters estimate a depth of 60% to 68%, a table of 60% to 68%, a length to width ratio of 1.00 to 1.05 in Asscher cut diamonds and 1.25 to 1.55 in emerald cut diamonds.
• Cut Specifications

An emerald cut or an Asscher cut diamond is either square or rectangular in shape. The diamond is usually rectilinear in shape and the facets are arranged parallel to the girdle in a step or trap-cut appearance. In some stones, a classic emerald-like appearance is created by lopping off the ends of the stone to create an octagonal appearance. 

General Tips

Emerald cut or Asscher cut diamonds look larger as they have a 5% larger surface area than conventionally cut brilliant diamonds. This also means that you get a bigger-looking diamonds for a lower price. In fact, most jewelers lose less stone on this cut and emerald-cut and Asscher cut diamonds cost 15-25% less than other diamonds.

• The square or rectangular cut makes your fingers look longer and slender. To accentuate the slender look, choose a diamond that has a length to width ratio of 1.2 to 1.8. A ratio of 1.30 will be wider than a 1.60 stone.
• You should also know that most emerald cut or Asscher cut diamonds are relatively shallow and they are not as bright or glittery as conventional brilliant-cut diamonds. This should not put you off though as the square or rectangular shaped diamonds are very attractive to women.

The Bottom Line

Choosing this kind of diamond is entirely up to you and your fiancée. However, you should know that square or rectangular cut diamond engagement rings are extremely trendy at present. In fact, George Clooney presented his fiancée Amal Alamuddin with an emerald cut diamond engagement ring while Angelina Jolie's engagement ring is a stunning elongated tablet shape with a galaxy of smaller stones. Stars like Kate Hudson sport a 9-carat stone, while Beyonce sports a 18-carat flawless diamond, and Mariah Carey flashes a 10-carat pink emerald cut diamond.Suffice to say, this design is classic, gorgeous and stunning and it will say just that to your loved one.

• Agate
• Amethyst
• Aquamarine
• Citrine
• Diamond
• Emerald
• Garnet
• Iolite
• Moonstone
• Morganite
• Onyx
• Opal
• Pearl
• Peridot
• Ruby
• Sapphire
• Smoky quartz
• Tanzanite
• Topaz
• Tourmaline
• Turquoise

Agate

The characteristic banding of agate, giving every stone a unique appearance, distinguishes it from quartz to which it is related. A variety of chalcedony, agates were formed in igneous rocks, where pockets of gas were trapped in the molten lava. Water containing chalcedony seeped into these cavities, and when the chalcedony solidified, it left traces of concentric layers behind. Numerous colours can be found, often in river beds, from white, pink, red, yellow, blue, green and dark brown to black. The name was given by the Greeks, from the River Achates (in modern-day Sicily), where agates were first discovered.

Did you know?

• Agate was well-known even in biblical times, and it has been recovered in a number of ancient sites.
• Agate is often given to celebrate a 12th wedding anniversary, while moss agate is associated with the 14th year of marriage.
• Wearing agate is believed by some to cure insomnia and to guarantee pleasant dreams.

Iolite

This transparent violet-blue variety of cordierite owes its name to the Greek ion, meaning violet, and lithos, meaning stone. It has an unusual optical property known as pleochroism, meaning that it takes on different colours when viewed from different angles. Thus the same stone can display shades of sapphire blue, blue-violet, yellowish grey, clear and light blue as it is tilted.

Did you know?

• Iolite has sometimes been referred to as 'water sapphire', and also 'Vikings' compass', as Viking sailors used thin pieces of the stone as as a polarising filter to determine the position of the sun, even on overcast days, allowing them to navigate safely.
• Iolite is mined in India, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Mozambique and Zimbabwe. The Vikings probably mined iolite from deposits in Norway and Greenland.
• Iolite jewellery is sometimes given to celebrate a 21st wedding anniversary.

Moonstone

Moonstone’s silvery or blueish pearly lustre has been popular in jewellery for centuries. The play of colour and light, producing a phenomenon called adularescence, is due to the intermingling in the stone of two minerals, orthoclase and albite, which formed alternate layers when it hardened. The effect of light reflecting internally within these layers causes a sheen, and sometimes even a cat’s eye effect, on the surface of the stone. Polished as cabochons, moonstones were used extensively in jewellery in the Art Nouveau period at the turn of the 20th century.

Did you know?

• Both the Romans and Greeks associated moonstone with their lunar gods and goddesses, and the Romans believed that moonstones were solidified rays of the moon.
• Moonstone should be handled with care as it is relatively soft and sensitive to pressure and to knocks.
• A famous tiara given by the last Grand Duke of Hesse to his wife contained turquoise, diamond and moonstone symbolising true love, eternity and innocence respectively. The tiara survived a plane crash in 1937 and is now in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
• Along with pearl, the moonstone is sometimes considered to be the birthstone for June.
• Moonstone amulets were carried by sailors and travellers to keep them safe, and also hung in fruit trees in the belief that they would ensure a good crop.

Onyx

From the same chalcedony family as agate, onyx often also displays bands of alternate light and dark material. Stones are usually black or black and white, although jewellers tend to clarify these as ‘black onyx’ as other varieties do exist. Sardonyx, for example, is the name used for brown and white banded onyx. The colour contrast is widely exploited in carved ornaments or cameos, as the layers can be used to differentiate between the design and the background. In jewellery the dense black stones are particularly set off by sterling silver or other white metals. 

Did you know?

• Onyx is one of the 12 stones mentioned in the Bible as having adorned the high priest’s breastplate.
• Onyx jewellery is often given to celebrate a 7th or 10th wedding anniversary.
• The name comes from the Greek onux meaning nail or claw, possibly relating to the legend that Eros cut Aphrodite’s nails while she was sleeping, scattering the clippings which turned into onyx stones.
• Brazil and Uruguay are rich sources of onyx, with mines also found in India.

Smoky quartz

The best examples of this quartz are found in veins in igneous rocks. Ranging in colour from sherry yellow to dark brown, the stone’s smoky colour is possibly due to the quartz coming into contact with natural or artificial radioactive minerals at some stage in its creation, although the stone is not radioactive in itself. The national gemstone of Scotland, it has been used in tools, ritual objects, decoration and jewellery since the times of the Druids, and Cairngorm is the name given to smoky quartz found in Scotland.

Did you know?

• Smoky quartz is sometimes known as ‘the dream stone’ as some believe it helps to improve dreams.

Tanzanite

The tanzanite is rare and exclusive, discovered in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Blue in colour with intense depth from rich royal blues to delicate shades of violet. 1000 times rarer than diamonds, the world's single source of tanzanite is estimated to be depleted in a decade. Biagio only sources certificated tanzanite from The Tanzanite Foundation with authenticity and inscription.At Biagio the Jeweller, we can design an exclusive piece of jewellery with your chosen gemstone. "A couple sought a cushion-shaped tanzanite to celebrate the birth of their first child. We were able to source the exact certified stone, from The Tanzanite Foundation, which can be named for posterity. Together with the couple, we created an enchanting tanzanite ring with brilliant-cut diamonds on each shoulder."  Biagio Patalano

Did you know?

• Tanzanite was named by Tiffany and Co.
• Tanzanite jewellery is often given to celebrate a 24th wedding anniversary.

Turquoise

One of the most valuable non-transparent stones used in jewellery, turquoise was one of the first rocks to be mined, even before the 4th millennium BC. Although various shades of blue, blue-green and greenish grey can be found, it is the strong sky blue which is the most valuable and which contrasts most strikingly with precious metals. Often the delicate veining of the host rock is apparent in the stone, and ‘Persian Turquoise’ is the name given to stones which do not display this veining, originally considered the finest. However, this feature is now often sought after as evidence of the stone’s authenticity, and so turquoise mined in the south-western United States, worked for centuries by American Indians, has become popular. The porcelain-like lustre is often shown off in a cabochon cut, with a low, gently rounded, polished surface.

Did you know?

• The name is from the French pierre turquoise, meaning Turkish stone; it was brought to Europe in the Middle Ages from the Eastern Mediterranean and Persia by Levantine traders.
• Turquoise is sometimes considered to be the birthstone for December.
• Turquoise jewellery is sometimes offered to celebrate an 11th wedding anniversary.
• The stone is considered sacred by North American Indians.

Morganite

Morganite, often referred to as the "stone of divine love," is a breathtaking gemstone renowned for its delicate beauty and soothing energy. This gem belongs to the beryl family, making it a close cousin of emeralds and aquamarines. Named after the American banker and gem enthusiast J.P. Morgan, morganite has gained popularity in recent years for its captivating pastel shades and remarkable metaphysical properties.

Did You Know?

• Morganite, a Heart-Opener: Morganite is thought to open and cleanse the heart chakra, promoting love, compassion, and emotional healing.
• From the Beryl Family: It shares its family tree with emeralds and aquamarines, making it a gemstone with prestigious relatives.
• Pastel Elegance: Morganite's enchanting shades of pink and peach captivate jewellery enthusiasts seeking a romantic touch in their gemstone collection.

Help with Choosing the Right Type of Gold

When referring to "gold," one is usually speaking of yellow gold, the type symbolically representative of this precious metal. That is the sort one instantly imagines. As a consumer digs deeper, he finds there are two properties of gold which will affect its price, quality, and appearance. One of these is the alloy used to create a gold ring, earrings, etc. The other is its purity or "carat." 

Cheap Gold

Why is some gold so inexpensive to purchase? The usual answer is that only a small percentage of real gold has been used. Cheaper metals have been alloyed with it to create an affordable product. Certain consumers state they can only wear gold of 18 carats or more because their skin is sensitive to the alloys present or because they are present to an unacceptable level, yellow gold is the least likely to cause an allergic reaction. Yellow gold is also the most flexible, allowing jewellers to create ornate designs. 

Rose and White Gold

Consumers might think rose and white gold are actually other metals entirely, but these two types contain real gold, just different alloys. Rose gold is particularly trendy right now, but white gold is also a popular alternative to yellow. As with yellow gold, one must check purity to determine how much of an alloy is present. Their colours are created by these alloys: copper in rose gold, possibly silver in white. Rose gold is considered more durable than regular gold and many consumers love its unusual shade. White gold is neutral compared with yellow gold, making it more complementary when paired with certain gem stones. 

Choosing Gold for Rings and other Jewellery

Jewellers select types of gold to combine with particular types of stones. For example, white gold forms a particularly stunning backdrop for just about any colour of stone, particularly diamonds, lapis lazuli, and sapphire. Garnet, amethyst, and diamond are also shown to beautiful effect against rose gold. Some consumers and designers would say that yellow gold is not as attractive a base for diamond, blue, and other stones which might appear to clash with its hue. Instead of setting a gem stone or multiple gem stones into gold, one can create a dramatic effect by combining two tones of metal, one or both of them a type of gold. 

Uses for Gold

Just about all types of jewellery have been crafted from these three types of gold. Yellow is the usual sort chosen for wedding and engagement rings. The other two are more likely to be chosen for celebrating mother's day, a birthday, or an anniversary, at least where rings are concerned. Numerous jewellers utilize rose gold in the making of chains, bracelets, pendants, and earrings. White gold is a popular form for men's jewellery including chains, watches, and cufflinks. How often you see any of them in display cabinets and how much they will cost is tied to the rarity and price of the metals used.

The wedding ring is the single most enduring symbol of your marriage. After the ceremony and celebrations, you will look at your ring every day. It is, therefore, a lifetime investment, and perhaps the most important and symbolic purchase a couple will make when planning their wedding, so take time to research your rings and plan them into your budget.

How We Create Your Wedding Ring

Biagio has been designing wedding rings for over 25 years. “It is my passion to create the ‘dream ring’ for couples,” he says. Come into one of our stores and we will spend time with you while you try on our simple classics and contemporary styles and talk you through the different shapes, sizes and metals available. Your ring will be made especially for you, whether you choose one of our existing styles, or would like to design something truly unique. We also specialise in designing wedding rings to fit perfectly alongside engagement rings. A state-of-the-art 3D scanner will capture the exact dimensions of the engagement ring to enable us to create a perfect fit, while our specialist knowledge and experience will help guide you through all the available options.

1. We will help you explore all the possibilities to create something timeless but reflective of your style
2. We can work with all shapes of engagement rings
3. A 3D scanner will allow us to create the perfect shape to match the engagement ring
4. Your wedding ring will usually be ready within four weeks
5. Your engagement ring is complemented perfectly

“We wish to thank you and your staff for making the process of sorting out our wedding rings seemingly effortless. We are delighted with the results. "Peter and Emma, December 2012

Jewellery

Jewellery has always been linked to beauty and personal adornment, but, at the same time, it is so much more. The most precious pieces have often been tied to a deeper meaning. Wedding bands symbolise love and commitment; class rings mark the wearer as part of a fraternity that cannot be broken. Beauty is part of it, but jewellery also ties people to groups, families and social organisations. This is a huge part of what makes it precious, showing why people have valued it for hundreds of thousands of years. 

Historical roots

In fact, though jewellery no doubt existed prior to this time, some of the oldest pieces that have been recovered are estimated to be about 100,000 years old. These beads are crafted from Nassarius shells. Their existence shows that the historical roots stretch back long before written history, so jewellery has always connected with people in the exact same way that it does today. One interesting aspect of the history of jewellery is that it has evolved differently in different parts of the world. There are similarities, of course, with necklaces and other pieces showing up in all continents. However, different cultures have embraced different styles over time. While European cultures have often utilised rings, for example, other cultures have been more drawn to anklets; some cultures consider facial piercings to be beautiful, while other cultures often shy away from anything so bold. 

Engagement rings and eternity rings

In many cases, jewellery is given by couples, often as a sign of love. This is something that connects with almost all cultures in one way or another, with two of the most common types of jewellery being eternity rings and engagement rings. In modern culture, as in years past, engagement rings symbolise the vow that two people are making that they will marry one another, even if the ceremony is a long way off. Eternity rings, which often feature perfect symmetry and a full band of identical stones, are then used on future anniversaries to mark the occasion on which the two were wed. This is both a celebration of the time that has gone by and a symbol of the everlasting nature of the couple's love. 

Shifting trends

In the world of jewellery, as in all fashion, trends are continually changing and shifting. Some, such as engagement rings, do hold fast through the test of time, though eternity rings are a bit newer. When looking at earrings, which have typically been identical, there is a new trend sweeping modern audiences in which different pieces will be worn in each ear, giving a more unbalanced appearance. Another common trend is to use older jewellery and re-purpose it; a grandmother's engagement ring may be used as a bride's wedding band, for instance, being fixed to her own engagement ring after the ceremony. One thing is for certain, however: No matter how much the trends change, beautiful jewellery will always be a lasting and significant part of a person's cultural experience.

Palladium

Palladium is part of the platinum family of precious metals. It looks and feels like platinum, but is lighter in weight and harder. Perhaps more importantly, palladium is priced competitively, and has become a popular alternative to platinum. Naturally white, it will never change colour or tarnish.

Did you know?

• Palladium is also used as an alloy in the manufacture of white gold.
• It was first separated from platinum in 1803 and was named in honour of the newly discovered asteroid Pallas, which had been discovered the previous year.

Pear Cut Diamonds

At Biagio we have a wonderful choice of diamond engagement rings for you to choose from including cushion cut, marquise, round and the ever popular pear cut designs. If you are searching for the perfect pear cut engagement ring then look no further our selection has all the design options you will need and we can even provide customised jewellery to match including necklaces and earrings. 

What is the Pear cut

The idea of the pear cut diamond design is to combine the cuts of the marquise and round diamond styles resulting in the image of a pear drop or tear shaped design and is known as a hybrid diamond, a result of mixing two different diamond types. In terms of history the pear cut diamond is historically referred to as the royal’s choice of stone featuring prominently in the design of the crown jewels and is reflective of royalty and nobility. It is a classical cut and popular choice for those wishing to buy an engagement ring that reflects extravagance and wealth. The pear cut diamond should always be worn with the tip of the pear pointing towards the wearers hand to best show its qualities and design. In terms of technical aspects the pear cut will always look best when it is symmetrical in its cut and design. The best length to width guide is a 1.5 to 1.7 ratio but again this is personal preference. The diamond grades D-F are the choice for cooler colours but if you wish to have a design with more warmth then the best choices for colour would be G - H as these reflect warmer tones. 

Who has been wearing a Pear Cut Diamond Ring

Pear cut diamonds are definitely making a comeback amongst famous celebrity couples and most recently Robert Pattinson and FKA Twigs have allegedly got engaged with her sporting a vintage style pear shaped diamond ring of 2 carats set in a halo design. Other prominent celebrity couples who have opted for the pear shaped cut include Victoria Beckham who has a 15 carat pear shaped diamond ring amongst her engagement ring collection, and singer Avril Lavigne who sports a 14 carat pear shaped design. 

Choosing your Design

At Biagio we feature a variety of pear cut diamond engagement rings for you to choose from including an option for an elegant understated design with a single pear cut diamond placed on a plain band. For those who wish to have more than just one stone then our Giallo design is a popular option featuring both natural yellow and white pear cut diamonds for that vintage feel. We also have a beautiful pear cut ruby ring which has additional sparkling fine white diamonds surrounding the centre stone and is perfect if you wish to use birthstones or gemstones in your loved one’s ring design. At Biagio we can also provide bespoke wedding rings and additional jewellery gifts in a pear drop design including earrings and necklaces so that all of your gifts are covered and you can be assured of quality jewellery that will be loved for a lifetime. 

Pink, rose, red gold

The colour of gold varies according to its purity. Absolutely pure gold is measured as 24 carat, but because at this purity it is too soft for jewellery intended to be durable, it is mixed with other metals. To achieve the colour of rose gold (sometimes also called red or pink gold), 25% copper is included. This alloy became fashionable around the turn of the 19th century, especially in Russia.

Did you know?

• The popularity of rose gold in Russia led to the fashion for the Russian wedding ring - three interlocking rings of rose, white and yellow gold.
• Some high-quality flutes are made from rose gold, as the alloy is believed to create a warm sound.
• A 50th wedding anniversary is known as the golden anniversary.
• The legend of the golden fleece may be a reference to the use in antiquity of fleeces to collect gold dust from alluvial deposits.
• In the Middle Ages, the nobility sometimes used gold flake as a food decoration to demonstrate their wealth or because they believed that such a valuable material must also have health benefits. Gold leaf is still used in foods and some cocktails contain flakes of gold.

Platinum

Described as platina, or ‘little silver’ when it was first discovered in Columbia in 1731, platinum remained unworkable for many years due to its high melting point. It is a perfect metal for jewellery making and mounts of precious stones as it does not oxidise, is strong and, because of its dense structure, offers a high resistance to wear. Its rarity as a metal has led to its association with exclusivity and wealth, and the consequent labelling of platinum credit cards, awards and music albums.

Did you know?

• The Queen Mother’s crown was the first British crown to be made of platinum.
• Although platinum deposits are rare on earth, they are more common on the moon and in meteorites.

Radiant Cut

The radiant cut diamond is a square or rectangular shaped diamond characterised by trimmed corners. Combining the style and elegance of the emerald cut diamond with the brilliance of the round cut diamond; a radiant diamond has 70 facets which highlights its colour and brilliance. 

History of the Radiant Cut Diamond

Radiant cut diamonds are a superb choice for engagement rings and wedding rings and are a popular choice with discerning buyers. The radiant cut diamond was designed by Henry Grossbard of the Radiant Cut Diamond Company (RCDC) in 1977. Grossbard invented a hybrid cutting style that changed the face of diamond cutting especially towards square or rectangular stones.  He managed to create a diamond cut that possessed all the brilliance of triangular-faceted diamonds such as the oval and pear, but contain it in a square shape. This was groundbreaking and has been influential in other diamond cutting developments over the years. 

The popularity of radiant cut diamonds

The radiant cut diamond can disperse more light through the many facets of the stone making it one of the most brilliant square and rectangular-shaped diamond cuts that exist. It also hides flaws better than other shapes.A radiant cut diamond looks fantastic as a solitaire but it also looks great when paired with side stones of different cuts such as princess or trillion. Radiant cut diamonds have become popular because: 

• They have great clarity and conceal flaws well
• They are more durable than some cuts such as princess cut.
• More of the stone is visible

A radiant cut diamond can add a unique twist to a classic diamond solitaire engagement ring or it can be accented with other radiant cut diamonds or round stones for a bespoke design. Whether you’re looking for a white gold engagement ring or traditional yellow gold, a radiant cut diamond will enhance its appearance. At Biagio we have a wide range of engagement rings with round, oval, marquise, cushion, princess, trillion, heart, emerald and of course, radiant diamond cuts so if you are unsure about what you want then please get in touch and we will help you with your decision.

Ring Sizing Guide

 Below is Biagio's Ring Sizing Guide. Each letter corresponds to a particular finger diameter. 'Half-sizes' lie in-between letters.

Square Cut Diamond

Buying an engagement ring for your loved one is fraught with stress. You need a diamond that will impress her eyes and suit her personality. She should fall in love with the right at first sight and the ring should be something that she will treasure forever. These requirements are hard to fulfil and no doubt you've already started looking at samples. But before you make a choice, we recommend you take a look at square cut diamond engagement rings. Of all the cuts available in diamonds, the square cut is the most attractive, and frankly, the most affordable as well. The square shape is attractive an all hands and fingers and it is a classic shape that will appeal to every woman. However, don't take our word for it. Here is a little info about square cut diamond engagement rings and why they are perfect for any woman. 

A Little History about the Square Cut

The square cut is probably the most common and popular cut in diamonds. The cut was created in the early-1980s and it is similar to the princess cut and is also know as the square modified brilliant. The first person to create this cut were Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz. These legendary gem cutters created the cut to display a raw diamond as clearly as possible but to display the lowest number of defects. The diamond is square on its face up but it is an inverted pyramid on the underside. This cut is attractive as it combines a high degree of brilliance with a classic shape. These diamonds are also cheaper as it retains more than 50% of the rough as compared to other diamonds that use up almost 80% of the rough. Furthermore, the diamond forms a part of an octahedron rough stone. Due to this octahedron shape, two square cut diamonds can be acquired from the same stone and this greater yield translates to a lower cost for the square diamond. 

Technical Specifications

1. Due to modifications in the basic cut, the number of facets on a square cut diamond will vary from 49-144. Appearance can also be modified by chevron cuts. This is because by increasing the chevron cuts on the diamond, the square cut diamond can be given a 'crushed ice' look. Reducing the number of chevron cuts will lend a chunky, broad look to the stone.
2. Length to width ratios will also vary from 1.00 to 1.09. These variations will also change the shape of the square cut diamond. For example, a square cut diamond with a L/W ratio of 1.05 will appear perfectly square while a diamond with a L/W ratio of 1.12 will appear slightly rectangular.
3. Table percentage will vary from 53 to about 70 depending on quality and stone size. You should know though that carat for carat, the surface area of a square cut diamond is 10% less than a similar carat round diamond. This means that the diamond may be smaller but due to the square cut, it gives the illusion of being larger in size than the round diamond.
4. The good news is that you will get a huge range of colour and clarity varieties in square cut diamonds. Some clients may prefer darker colours that range from G-H but others may like cooler colours that range from D-F. This will influence the price of the diamond.

Choosing a Good Square Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

 Now that you know a few technical details, here are a few tips to follow while searching for square cut diamond engagement rings.

1. You are actually ready to start looking for engagement rings and wedding rings. Yes, you read this right. It's always a good idea to buy both engagement rings and weddings rings at the same time. Not only do you manage to save money, but you also get a matched pair that looks very attractive on your loved one's hand.
2. Pick an unusual design like engagement rings and wedding rings with gemstones, bezel settings, tension settings, etc. Antique or vintage designs are quite popular at present. You can definitely find unique eternity rings, Claddagh rings, and Celtic designs. By using these unique engagement rings, you are more likely to create an impact.

These may just be a few tips but they are enough to get you started. Don't forget to browse our store to get an accurate idea of how square cut diamond engagement rings actually look like. In case you want help, please do call, email or write to us and we will guide you through the complexity of a diamond purchase.

The Cushion Cut Diamond

At Biagio we have beautiful bespoke diamond engagement rings so that you and your loved one can choose a classic piece of jewellery that will last forever. If you are searching for the perfect cushion cut engagement ring then our fantastic selection of engagement rings will give you an amazing choice in terms of design and value. 

What does the Cushion cut look like

The cushion cut diamond design is centred around the design of a cushion or pillow with a square shape and rounded edges. The cushion cut diamond is an extremely popular choice amongst couples and the uniquely shaped diamond is high on the list of engagement ring choices closely following the more traditional round and princess cut. In terms of technical aspects the classic cushion cut tends to have one of three pavilion facet patterns which give the illusion of crushed ice. The best length to width guide is a ratio of 1.00 - 1.03 for square cuts and 1.15 - 1.20 for rectangular designs. The diamond grades D-G are the best choices for colour however colours G - H have warmer tones so may be a better choice for your design. At Biagio we can assist you in creating a cushion cut engagement ring that is perfect for you and your loved one. The idea of the cushion cut is to create the illusion of fire which in non-technical terms refers to the light reflection and sparkle of the diamond creating both flashes of white light and also rainbows on the colour spectrum. 

History Behind the Cut

In terms of history the cushion cut diamond is historically referred to as the old mine cut and is reminiscent in shape to a pillow. It is a classical cut that derived from 1800's design and is an ever popular choice for those wishing to buy an engagement ring with an antiquated feel. 

Celebrities who wear a Cushion Cut Diamond Ring

Cushion diamonds have become incredibly popular in recent years with famous celebrity couples including Kanye West who gave Kim Kardashian a 15-carat cushion cut masterpiece. Ben Affleck also proposed to his wife with a 4.5 carat cushion cut diamond. Kayley Cuoco from Big Bang Theory also chose the same design and now wears a matching wedding ring to compliment her cushion cut engagement ring. 

We, at Biagio

At Biagio we feature a range of cushion cut diamond engagement rings that will keep you on trend. Options include both the classical cushion cut diamond engagement ring with a single stone and plain band or if you are after something more extravagant we can also provide you with design options including a cushion cut with additional surrounding stones on the centrepiece and band. We also have cushion cut designs in a variety of other gemstones including Topaz and Tanzanite for those who may want to add a touch of colour to their engagement ring design. Perhaps you are proposing to your loved one on their birthday and you would like to add their birthstone to their engagement ring as a happy reminder of your special moment. Whatever your needs at Biagio we can provide a design that is right for you.

The Marquise Cut

At Biagio we pride ourselves on creating the perfect bespoke pieces for you and your loved one as well as providing a range of designer brands to choose from. If you are searching for the perfect engagement ring then our selection of marquise cut diamond engagement rings will give you the best choice in the market place. 

History Behind the Cut

The word Marquise derives from the French language meaning noblewoman and also refers to the wife of a Marquess. The marquise diamond is a uniquely shaped diamond also known as a Navette shape and refers to the French dialogue meaning 'little boat', this shape being reflected in the style of the diamond. Marquise diamonds are native to the French and specifically the French monarchy in the era of King Louis XV when he had a marquise diamond cut as a gift for his mistress Madame (Marquis) de Pompadour in the mid 1700's. It is said historically that the marquis diamond was fashioned by King Louis XV as the shape reminded him of Madame de Pompadours smile. 

The Perfect Shape

In terms of technical aspects the classic marquise cut tends to have a length to width ratio of 1.75 - 2.15 with colour grades D-G having the highest popularity however this is entirely personal choice and at Biagio we can assist you in the creation of the perfect marquise engagement ring for you. The idea of the marquise cut is to create the illusion of a larger diamond by creating a narrow diamond that is long in length with perfect symmetry. 

Who wears them?

Marquise diamonds have continued to be popular throughout the ages with famous celebrity couples including the ever fashionable Beckham's. David Beckham proposed to Victoria Beckham back in 1998 with a 3 carat marquise cut diamond set on a yellow gold band. Catherine Zeta-Jones also sports a 10 carat sideways marquise engagement ring whilst Portia de Rossi wears a beautiful 3 carat marquise diamond engagement ring which has a setting of small pink diamonds surrounding the centrally placed marquise cut diamond and also features a twisted band. 

Design Options

The design options for marquise cut rings are limitless and at Biagio we feature a range of marquise cut diamond engagement rings with many options in metal type, stone size, stone colour, stone clarity and ring size to choose from. We also guarantee UK hallmarked (nickel free) jewellery with a 1 year warranty. The marquise type of engagement ring is so special because the design options enable you to create a truly unique piece for your loved one. The marquise cut diamond can be set as a single stone or you can choose to surround the marquise cut diamond with smaller stones both around the edge of the centrepiece or on the surrounding band which will help to reflect the light and brilliance of this truly beautiful cut. We also provide other marquise diamond jewellery for you including beautiful marquise cut earrings and pendants which could be given as a perfect gift on your wedding day or anniversary to match the beautiful marquise engagement ring and remind your loved one of how special they are.

The Princess Cut Diamond

Diamonds can be found in over 30 countries including Africa, Russia, Australia and Brazil but it wasn’t until the 1930s that they really grew in popularity for engagement rings. This can largely be put down to a big advertising campaign that De Beers, a huge mining company, ran using Hollywood stars to promote diamonds and once the phrase ‘A Diamond is Forever’ was coined, diamonds have been used in engagement rings ever since. The Princess Cut Diamond is the second most popular cut shape for diamonds, next to a round brilliant. The princess cut is a relatively new diamond cut and was created in the 1960s and has grown in popularity ever since. Essentially, the princess diamond is a square brilliant cut diamond with sharp uncut corners. Referred to as a fancy shape, it is actually more square in shape than rectangular and it is cut to accentuate the fire of the diamond more than its lustre. 

The brilliance and fire of princess cut diamonds

Combining the brilliance of a round cut with a square appearance, the unique shape of the princess cut diamond benefits from having approximately 76 facets which showcases the brilliance and fire of the diamond to dramatic effect. A princess cut is set with prongs that protect the four corners of the stone because this is where it is most likely to chip. It also helps to hide any flaws that may be in the diamond. The princess cut has been specifically designed for getting the ultimate in fire and brilliance from a square cut. Princess cut diamonds are also generally cheaper per carat compared with round cut diamonds. This is because when a raw diamond is shaped into a princess cut, less material is wasted. 

How to choose a princess cut diamond

When choosing a princess cut diamond you should check that there are no serious inclusions on the corners where the prongs are set. This is the weakest spot and it’s where flaws are most likely to be. When evaluating the colour of a princess cut diamond, a visible yellow tint will indicate that it is of a lower grade. In the vast majority of princess cut diamonds you won’t see a noticeable difference in colour with the naked eye so it’s not something that you should be unduly worried about. 

Making the right choice

Princess cut diamonds are well know for being flattering on the finger and they are a very popular choice for engagement rings. As well as princess cut diamond engagement rings you can also get round, oval, marquise, cushion and radiant cuts to name just a few. Whether you’re looking for a white gold princess cut diamond engagement ring or traditional yellow gold, at Biagio we can help you make the right choice.

The Round Cut

Round cut diamonds or Brilliant cut diamonds as they are often referred to are renowned for their classic shape and wonderful sparkle. Round cut diamonds account for more than 75% of diamonds sold around the world, making it the most popular diamond shape available. If you are looking for an engagement ring, the round brilliant cut possesses all the beauty and brilliance that you would want and for solitaire engagement rings, it is unsurpassed in popularity. Cut with 58 facets (or 57, if there is no culet) the round shape was designed to produce as much sparkle as possible and it achieves this in abundance. A great sparkle is what many people are looking for when buying an engagement ring and a round cut diamond certainly delivers. 

The iconic diamond shape

The round cut diamond shape became popular as far back as 1919 following technical advances in diamond cutting techniques that enabled a greater sparkle than ever before. The round brilliant cut is now seen as the iconic diamond shape adorning many solitaire rings around the world. The many facets in a round cut diamond causes light to bounce from the bottom of the diamond back through the top, giving it an incredible sparkle. In addition to their brilliance, round cut diamonds are classic and timeless, looking clean and modern in simple settings and just as impressive in more elaborate ring styles. 

Helping you make your choice

Whatever the cut, colour, clarity or carat weight of ring you are looking for, at Biagio we can help you find the right diamond engagement ring to suit your tastes. If you are looking for something a bit different then a black and white diamond engagement ring may be what you’re looking for. If your tastes are more traditional then we have a wide range of different diamond cuts such as oval, cushion, princess, trillion, heart, emerald or radiant that may take your fancy. Not sure whether to go with white gold, yellow gold or platinum then don’t worry, we can help. We can guide you through the range of styles and designs available and make sure that you get the most out of your budget. Contact us now to find out more.

White Gold

The most malleable pure metal known to man, gold has been prized since the earliest times for its pliability, resistance to tarnish and above all for its beauty. It is mined in two ways, the gold dust or nuggets panned from streams or from ancient river beds, or extracted as flecks or grains from rocks such as quartz. The first king to use gold as currency was the celebrated Croesus of Lydia in about 560 BC, but it has also been used as an ornament and in jewellery for thousands of years, and been a symbol of power and wealth. Gold rushes occurred in the late 19th century as large deposits were discovered in the USA, New Zealand, Australia and Canada, but perhaps most famously in the Witwatersrand in South Africa, which has been the source of about half of all gold ever produced. However, gold is so valuable that the world’s stock remains largely stable, with little consumption of new gold and most gold recycled and reused. The colour of gold varies according to its purity. Absolutely pure gold is measured as 24 carat, but because at this purity it is too soft for jewellery intended to be durable, it is mixed with other metals. In this way, white gold is produced by adding palladium, nickel or silver to the gold. White gold became popular in the 1920s as an alternative to platinum, and can often be seen in art deco jewellery. It has shown a renaissance of interest, and is now perhaps the most popular gold for engagement and wedding rings. Often white gold is electro-plated with rhodium to increase its brightness and shine. 

Did you know?

• A 50th wedding anniversary is known as the golden anniversary.
• The legend of the golden fleece may be a reference to the use in antiquity of fleeces to collect gold dust from alluvial deposits.
• In the Middle Ages, the nobility sometimes used gold flake as a food decoration to demonstrate their wealth or because they believed that such a valuable material must also have health benefits. Gold leaf is still used in foods and some cocktails contain flakes of gold.
• Gold is also used for making solar cells on spacecraft and helmets for moon walkers, as it can store the sun’s energy. It is also used in dentistry, medicine and computers.

Yellow Gold

The colour of gold varies according to its purity. Absolutely pure gold is measured as 24 carat, but because at this purity it is too soft for jewellery intended to be durable, it is mixed with other metals. Yellow gold contains 53% gold, 25% silver and 22% copper.

Did you know?

• A 50th wedding anniversary is known as the golden anniversary.
• The legend of the golden fleece may be a reference to the use in antiquity of fleeces to collect gold dust from alluvial deposits.
• In the Middle Ages, the nobility sometimes used gold flake as a food decoration to demonstrate their wealth or because they believed that such a valuable material must also have health benefits. Gold leaf is still used in foods and some cocktails contain flakes of gold.
• Gold is also used for making solar cells on spacecraft and helmets for moon walkers, as it can store the sun’s energy. It is also used in dentistry, medicine and computers.

Jewellery & Watch Insurance

T H March Insurance Solutions

Jewellery insurance doesn't have to be complicated. Get your quote instantly. Apply immediately.

Biagio the Jewellers has arranged for T H March to provide information about the benefits of insuring your jewellery. As the premier Broker to the Jewellery Trade and specialists in jewellery insurance, T H March offers unmatched expertise and service to its customers.

Value your jewellery

Biagio invites an independent valuer from the Guild of Valuers & Jewellers to come in store for Valuation Days. Please contact a store to discuss a price for this service.

Valuation Days 2026

Thame

105 High Street, Thame, Oxon OX9 3DZ | t: 01844 217001

• Monday 26th January
• Wednesday 11th March
• Wednesday 6th May
• Wednesday 15th July
• Wednesday 23rd September
• Wednesday 11th November

Bicester

Pioneer Square, Bicester Oxfordshire OX26 6FA | t: 01869 252323

• Monday 9th February
• Wednesday 22nd April
• Wednesday 10th June
• Wednesday 19th August
• Wednesday 14th October

Please contact a store to book an appointment and discuss prices for this service.

On the day

Your jewellery is left with us and appraised on the day. Your jewellery will be cleaned, if necessary, and prepared for valuation. The valuer will then examine your items and also provide you with some fascinating written snippets about their history and origin. Vital information about your items will be recorded, including types and sizes of gemstones, types of metals, and workmanship.

Care

Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby, Amethyst, Garnet and Citrine

We recommend a proprietary cleaner such as 'Jewellery Care Kit' to restore sparkle or alternatively a light wash in warm soapy water will help.

Emeralds

Emeralds need specialist care as not only are they soft but also naturally included. We recommend that you discuss their maintenance individually with your jewellery specialist.

Pearls

After wearing pearls, wipe them with a soft, lightly moist cloth to remove any residue and return any moisture to them. Keep pearls in a box, soft bag or separately from other jewellery to prevent damage to the soft surface.

Platinum and Palladium

These are naturally occurring white metals, so their colour remains constant as they are extremely hard. A workshop polish and rhodium plate finish can add an extra sparkle.

Silver

Silver attracts a surface oxidization if not regularly worn. We recommend a silver care liquid which immediately restores the clean finish which is then buffed to a shine with a silver cloth which is impregnated with polish.

Yellow gold

A regular polish with a soft jewellery care cloth which is impregnated with polish will maintain a soft glow. For a bright, highly polished finish we can arrange a workshop clean.

Tanzanite

Tanzanite is a gemstone even softer than some other stones and therefore avoid repeated use of a jewellery cleaner and simply use a mild, warm soapy solution.

White gold

White gold can be polished with a soft jewellery care cloth to maintain a soft shine, however, because there is a yellow gold content in white gold, it can occasionally appear as a soft cream colour. The bright, white colour can be restored at the workshop with a polish and an application of a hard plating of a platinum derivative called rhodium.

Repair, Restore or Re-model

We at Biagio The Jewellers have always prided ourselves on the extent of the repair services we have offered, having searched for and sourced many specialist workshops and craftsman. Whilst we still retain their services for some specific, unique and specialist skills, we are pleased to announce the arrival of Stephen Clarke, Master Goldsmith to work on-site, at our Bicester premises. Stephen will endeavour to provide in-house, a large range of these specialist services.

So, whether you want a treasured possession repaired, re-polished, restored or completely re-modelled, call into one of our stores at Bicester or Thame and one of our professional and knowledgeable Consultants, who will be able to discuss with you (and consult with Stephen on your behalf) to find the perfect solution to your individual request.

These are examples of the work we can undertake on your behalf:

• Ring size alterations in Silver, 9ct, 14ct, 18ct Gold (in both yellow, rose and white Gold) Palladium and Platinum.
• Clean and Re-polishing including, re-rhodium plating, on white Gold and Platinum
• Re-tip or replace of claws on settings, in all metals
• Restore or replace settings, in all metals
• Replacement ¾ ring shanks, in all metals
• Remounts both part-manufactured or handmade, in all metals
• Bracelet and Chain repairs in all metals
• Clasp replacements in Bolt ring, Claw or Lobster styles, in all metals
• Bracelet or necklace safety chains, in all metals
• A range of Watch repairs on both Quartz and Mechanical movements from part repairs to a full service
• Batteries supplied and fitted (Reseal not on site)
• Engraving, both machine and by Hand on most items including Glass (not on site)

Personalising

Jewellery and gifts can be engraved to add a special thoughtful touch. Many styles are available to choose from and we can also offer the engraving of a specialist seal or family crest. All our repair and design services carry our own personal guarantee of quality. For more information, please call our jewellery specialists on 01869 252323 / 01844 217001, 9.00am to 5.30pm Monday to Saturday, or email your request to bicester@biagiothejewellers.com.

Gift Wrapping

Biagio the Jeweller is synonymous with fine jewellery presented in beautifully gift-wrapped boxes ready to give to a loved one at any time in the year. No time is more special than at Christmas, however, when the luxury gold box from Biagio appears under the tree or from someone's pocket. Order online and jewellery or watches will arrive luxuriously gift-wrapped with twirling gold silk ribbons - it's all part of the Biagio experience. Choose your gift online and opt to collect it from one of the Biagio the Jeweller stores in Bicester or Thame. View your jewellery and relax while we take care of the presentation. All you need to do is think of something just as beautiful to write in the matching gold card.

Insurance

We have a registered valuer for insurance and probate services. Biagio the Jeweller is registered with the main insurance companies as both Replacement Specialists and Claim Advisors.

New service: As an Associate Member of the Jewellery Guild Company, we are able to offer a complete service, handling your claim from loss to replacement. Handling the necessary insurance company or loss adjuster queries on your behalf often helps to lighten the load at a time which can be stressful.

Click & Collect

Biagio the Jewellers offers a popular Click and Collect service. You can now purchase your jewellery online, and collect from whichever store you choose:

• Bicester
• Thame

Once you have selected your jewellery online, simply 'Click & Collect' at the checkout and pick a store and date to suit you. Arrive at the store, view your purchased jewellery and choose to have it luxury gift-wrapped with our compliments. If you prefer you can use our Free next-day delivery for your jewellery, we use by Royal Mail Next-Day delivery - order before 2.00pm and receive your jewellery the next-day all luxuriously gift-wrapped.