Pearl vs. Diamond: Which One Suits You?

Natural diamonds are formed when carbon atoms deep in the earth’s mantle are exposed to intense pressure and heat, making them crystalize. The first diamonds were mined in India over 2,000 years ago. Now, equally stunning diamonds can be found all over the world. The unique rarity of a diamond is largely based on the qualities of its clarity, colour, carat and cut.

Pearls have an exceptionally long history as revered gems, and have been worn by kings and queens for over 4,000 years. Julius Caesar of Rome once even ruled that only royalty would be allowed to wear pearls.

Pearls come from the sea, forming inside the shell of an oyster, and natural pearls are very rare and highly treasured. In 1893, a process of creating cultured pearls was discovered, making fine pearls more accessible and equally beautiful.

Diamonds are the king of sparkle, claiming a high rating on the refractive index. They’re famous for their brilliance, which splits white light into a mesmerizing array of hues.

Pearls feature a lustre instead of sparkle. Lustre is one of the key qualities to consider when choosing a pearl. A pearl with high lustre glows softly, allowing you to see your reflection in its sheen. High lustre comes from the quality of its nacre, which is what the pearl is made of inside the oyster shell. The best quality pearls feature thick nacre and rich lustre.

The colour of a gemstone is the most important feature for most people. The classic image of a diamond is of a clear stone that radiates with a shimmering, multi-hued fire. However, diamonds come in an array of colours, allowing you to choose the hue that most suits you, while still enjoying the mesmerizing twinkle the stone is famous for.

Pearls are known for a creamy white hue, but there are many different colours of pearls. Akoya pearls boast the classic milky white colour, while large and lustrous South Sea pearls have silver or gold tones as well as white. Tahitian pearls, in particular, are known for their entrancing black colour, though they also can come in shades of grey or brown, with overtones of pink, purple, blue or green.

Pearl colour is made up of three elements. The bodytone is the main colour of the pearl. The overtone is a translucent colour that some pearls have that appears over the bodytone. The orient is an irridescent shimmer some pearls have that appears on the surface or just below it.

A gemstone’s clarity may be one of the most important factors in choosing any gem, including a diamond. The Gemmological Institute of America uses a clarity scale from Flawless to Included to grade diamond clarity. The majority of diamonds rank as Slightly Included or Very Slightly Included stones, with most of their inclusions, such as bubbles, fractures or other minerals, only visible when using 10x magnification.

Pearls are not clear gemstones, so the quality of their surface is considered instead of clarity. Pearls with minimal inclusions, marks or wrinkles on their surface are highly desirable.

Gemstone enhancement improves various visual aspects of a gemstone. Diamonds can be treated using heat treatments, irradiation, high-pressure, high temperature-treatments (HPHT) and coatings to change or enhance the appearance of their colour or clarity. Laser drilling may be used to remove imperfections. White fractures in a diamond can be treated using fracture filling to minimise their appearance.

All pearls are cleaned and polished after being harvested. A variety of treatments can be used to affect the colour of a pearl. Bleaching can lighten the pearl, while dye treatments or irradiation can darken the colour. Heat treatments can be used to enhance a pearl’s lustre.

Diamonds are a classic symbol of love and are associated with lasting faithfulness. As the world’s hardest substance, they also are a sign of power and have a timeless quality. Clear diamonds in particular have been seen as a symbol of purity.

Softly irridescent pearls are reputed to bring a sense of serenity, and they feature a meaning of purity and wisdom. They embody trust and loyalty, making them a beautiful symbol in an engagement ring.

Diamonds look exquisite in a wide array of cuts and settings, leaving this choice ultimately up to the personality and preferences of the wearer. A round cut is one of the most popular cuts for a diamond, as it emphasizes sparkle. Other cuts, including princess, square and emerald, are also enduring favourites. Settings range from stunning solitaire options to mesmerizing pavé details, allowing you plenty of freedom to get inspired as you select the ideal ring.

Pearl rings can feature a prongless mount, where a small pin is inserted into a hole drilled in the pearl to secure it in place. This setting can be a beautiful way to showcase a statement-making solitaire pearl, or to nestle an accent pearl next to another gemstone.

Pearls can also be set with prongs, which may artfully curve around the pearl or be accented with other gemstones. Claw settings can offer extra protection for your pearl and help keep it securely set.

As you go through the process of finding the ideal engagement ring, we’re here to help. From fire-filled diamonds to luxuriously radiant pearls, or other beautiful gemstone choices, we offer expert services and information to ensure that you make a choice you’ll love for a lifetime.

Our complimentary services include ring sizing to make sure that the fit feels perfect, free returns to ensure that you are thrilled with your ring, and cost-free cleaning services to keep your ring looking its most stunning for years to come.