Though certainly not the choice made by the majority of diamond engagement ring buyers, rings containing rough-cut stones are growing in their popularity. There are several existent conditions contributing to the rise of such rings, many of which center around environmentally conscientious consumers, those buyers looking to make a unique statement with their piece and cost comparisons with the more traditional, finely cut and polished stones.
For all the blushing brides-to-be who beam with excitement each time they display their well polished engagement rings to friends, family and complete strangers, there are also a few brides who would blush with something other than pride if sporting the latest in cut stone fashions. For such green economy consumers the idea of wearing a diamond that may have been mined from a contested area, or feel that the diamond’s production might have been cause for further pollution to the environment, a rough-cut diamond is quickly becoming the leading choice in many kinds of diamond jewelry; not just engagement rings. The demand for such eco- friendly stones and designer jewelery has grown bit by bit over the past few years, and though most chain retailers do not carry such pieces, custom boutiques and several specialized online shopping portals either carry, or can custom craft, such a unique diamond engagement ring or other type jewelery design.
Now, do not let the word “rough” fool you. A rough-cut stone contains two things: beauty in its own right and the kernel of a polished diamond! For most consumers who purchase a rough-cut stone, be it for the “main event” of an engagement ring, as accent stones on a wedding band or other designer jewelery piece, the primary motive is show a new and unique trend. Rough-cut diamonds possess a unique beauty in their own right. Unlike their refined and polished cousins, no two rough-cut diamonds will ever even appear quite the same… much less identical! Also, for those individuals who may want a truly one of a kind ring, implementing uncut or otherwise rough diamonds is a fine option to consider. Perhaps you may to go for an ‘ancient’ and not just ‘antique’ look for your next piece! However, another factor may come into mind when purchasing rough-cut gems (diamonds especially), and that is the fact that contained with each is a potential mega stone. Depending upon the surface clarity of each stone, rough-cut diamonds can easily be determined for 4-C quality and potential final cut size. Since rough-cut diamonds are less costly on a carat per carat basis, the savvy consumer can not only get more diamond for their two months salary, but may also take investment potential into account as well. This is particularly true for jewelry pieces that may hold less sentimental value than engagement or wedding rings, such as earrings and pendants.
Really, the title does say it all, people! Pictured left is Hip-Hop diva Beyonce’s wedding ring presented by her husband and sometimes muse, rapper Jay-Z, on the couple’s wedding day. And what a wedding ring it so uber-obviously is indeed! The groom wanted to be sure and make the exchanging of rings at the ceremony would be more than memorable and so went against trends and tradition, deciding on this 18 carat behemoth over the more standard styles of wedding bands. Like so many things in the music industry, the wedding ring is larger than life and, at an estimated cost of nearly three million dollars. Still, what is a low mere seven figures for a woman like Beyonce’ Knowles when, in the same year as the wedding alone, you’re making an estimated forty plus million dollars?
