WORDS BY LIVIA PRIMO LACK
Natural diamonds are the world’s most celebrated gemstone. With a long and rich history, diamonds have been hidden beneath the earth’s surface for billions of years. Before they were body adornments, they were used as spiritual artefacts going back to the 4th century BC, when Indians belonging to the Buddist faith believed that their unique way of refracting light could ward off evil. Later on, admired for their beauty, they became an essential part of royal jewellery, mostly worn by rulers in the form of crowns and tiaras.
It’s no surprise that this precious stone is now sought after and admired by all. While crowns are no longer commonly worn today, rings adorned with this precious gem are. Natural diamond rings are being seen in a new light, becoming a focus for many designers.
Reports released on the societal impact of the diamond industry, show that brands that invest in natural diamonds are having a positive impact on the sustainability of the diamond industry. This is good news for socially-conscious customers. In terms of styling, whether it’s one on every finger or two (or three), a diamond ring has the ability to add glamour to any outfit.
For those who choose to wear more than one, there is a method behind stacking diamond rings. Much like the four Cs (carat, cut, clarity, and colour) there are also four tips to follow in order to create the perfect ring stack.
Point of focus
Styling an entire hand can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, see ring stacking as an art form. Every work of art has a focal point and so should your ring stack. The best place to start is with a statement ring. If you have an engagement ring, this will work well. Otherwise, a cocktail ring like the KWIAT 18kt white gold diamond Star frame ring or the Annoushka Marguerite Diamond Cocktail ring that grabs attention will do the trick.
You can also focus on a particular type of material. Yellow gold has historically been a popular metal to set diamonds in, as it makes this iconic stone perfect for everyday wear. A Cartier Present Day diamond ring paired with a SHAY open halo diamond ring is a great ensemble. For a more contemporary approach, focus on enamel, which is trending at the moment. Keep it understated with a black and white colour scheme — Selim Mouzannar’s Mina ring with Anapsara’s Dragonfly finger ring.
Use All Your Fingers
Once your starting point, widen your focus to your entire hand. Wearing rings on every finger will give you the maximum platform for self-expression. For ring wearers, every finger symbolizes something. A thumb ring shows strength of character and independence. For this, the modern Anapsara dragonfly finger ring is an easy-to-wear band that exudes confidence.
The index finger represents self-esteem. Here, wear something meaningful to you. WWAKE’s positively conscious diamond-embellished ring is an everyday reminder that conscious jewelry is the way forward. The middle finger represents individuality. For a piece that exudes personality, wear a colorful De Beers Talisman diamond band.
The fourth finger — more commonly referred to as the ‘ring finger’, is about commitment and love. This isn’t specific to another person and can represent all kinds of love and admiration, including self-love. Choose Foundrae’s If Not Now Then When diamond baguette band for this finger. Finally, the pinky is the finger of intuition. For this, try the Retrouvaí Alchemy Bravery wings ring.
Mix It Up
Another tip is to mix and match your cuts and materials. Diamonds come in a plethora of incredible cuts, from famous classic shapes like round brilliant and pavé to more eccentric ones like the kite and heart. Don’t be afraid to play around with these shapes. Wear a geometric pavé ring like Eva Fehren’s Rex diamond band, alongside a softer David Morris diamond Rose Cut Full Eternity ring. Opposites attract and can highlight the best in each other. This goes for metals as well. Rose, white and yellow gold can be worn together to create a bold ring stack.
Make it large
Lastly, amplify the natural sparkling effect of diamonds by wearing multiple rings per finger. This little secret creates a ‘trompe l’oeil’. Stacking multiple bands of similar widths together — like a Melissa Kaye band with a Foundrae, can create one massive diamond illusion. Having a variety of sizes in your stacking selection adds texture and depth to your look.
However, they don’t all have to be impressive in carat weight (carat, differing from karat — the unit of weight used for gold). Your 3ct Pragnell Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring pairs perfectly with the smaller pavé diamonds on a Repossi Antifer 18kt white gold diamond ring. You can also opt for a thinner Shaun Leane Single Interlock pavé band. It’s always best to have a size range when stacking diamonds.
These images have been provided by and reproduced with the permission of the Natural Diamond Council.