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Category: Jewelry 101

Trend Report: Round Cut Centers Set in Cushion Halos

Trend Report: Round Cut Centers Set in Cushion Halos

cushion halo
Clockwise from top left: NK25537ENG-W, FM27022-18W, NK28365-18W and NK25878-W

Natalie K’s trend report is here to make sure that you find the ring of your dreams, down to the last detail. We’ve discussed rose gold’s stunning glow and the meaning of eternity bands, today take a moment to appreciate the versatility and beauty of a round cut diamond set in a cushion halo.

The dazzling addition of a diamond halo has been a stylish addition to the diamond engagement ring since the 1920s and has lately been more popular than ever. Usually created to closely hug the edges of the center stone or to mimic the shape and enhance the overall look. But recently we’ve been seeing a surge in one particular variety, the cushion halo. The most notable feature is that it is paired with a round cut diamond, a classic cut in a stylish frame for the most dynamic and dramatic impact.

Take a moment to browse our Eternelle Collection and you’ll see the instant attraction of a round cut diamond center in a cushion halo. The appeal of a brilliant round cut diamond is no mystery, being the favorite diamond cut among brides to be the world over, prized for its unmatched radiance. Matched with the rounded corners of a cushion shape halo a bright round cut’s shape is enhanced in contrast and the sparkle is doubled.

This combination can be treated modernly when paired with a simple diamond lined band like FM27022-18W or it can be given a glamorous oomph with the addition of matching round side stones such as the tension set side stones of NK25537ENG-W or the halo wrapped side stones of NK28365-18W. Get the look in the style that best suits you.

Add a Touch of Glamor to the Every Day with the Diamond Ring Collection

Add a Touch of Glamor to the Every Day with the Diamond Ring Collection

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NK29633-18R

Luxury and glamor don’t have to be reserved for special occasions, make every day an event. Treat yourself to the gleam of warm rose gold and the sparkle of brilliant white diamonds with Natalie K’s Diamond Ring Collection.

NK29633-18R is the absolute perfect diamond band to complement a woman who loves style and lives for fashion. This stunning ring has over 200 brilliant white diamonds, of various sizes, prong-set along woven strands of 18k rose gold. The most dazzling design detail is the heart shaped pattern that is revealed in key angles. Larger, glittering round cut diamonds dazzle in three prong are nestled within those frames to enhance the overall sparkle and shine.

Explore our Fashion Collections and enhance your style with a touch of glamor from Natalie K.

Natalie K for Forevermark

Natalie K for Forevermark

FM27002_100913We are ecstatic to announce the launch of a new part of our website that highlights our collaboration with superb diamond supplier Forevermark™

Our upmost desire is to design and create exquisite diamond jewelry for your life’s most significant moments. Natalie K is consistently striving toward, not only beauty but, excellence and it is for this quality we were sought out by Forevermark™ to form a collaboration. Combined with Forevermark™’s commitment to responsibly sourced diamonds and their promise of beauty and rarity Natalie K has created a line of bridal jewelry designed to bring out the sparkle of every precisely chiseled facet.

We would love to introduce our new lines with NK26771-18W. The stunning shank and band is crafted out of the finest 18k white gold and lined with brilliant white diamond accent stones. Take a moment to appreciate the sparkle and fire of the 2.00 carat Forevermark™ diamond center stone, ideally cut to ensure the brightest shine and laser-inscribed with a unique diamond identification number.

Explore our Forevermark™ Collections here: http://www.nataliek.com/forevermark.html

Craftsmanship with a Conscience: Conflict-Free Diamonds

Craftsmanship with a Conscience: Conflict-Free Diamonds

diamonds

We believe very strongly in providing quality pieces with a conscience.

Natalie K takes pride in being able to partake in some of your most cherished and memorable moments. Being such an inextricable part of these moments and having our tokens of affection become a part of your lives we take great care and concern with insuring our diamonds are “conflict-free.” We believe very strongly in providing quality pieces with a conscience and take the issue of conflict diamonds very seriously which is why we fully support the Kimberley Process and applaud all that is has done to help eradicate this issue.

What are Conflict Diamonds?

Conflict diamonds are diamonds which have been mined within certain African combat zones by illegitimate insurgency groups aimed at creating warfare or conflict against internationally recognized nations. Conflict diamonds fuel and fund gross abuses against human rights and civilian populations within war torn countries. Fortunately, with the assistance and enforcement of the Kimberley Process, such diamonds are estimated to make up less than 1% of the world’s current diamond production.

What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?

Following the May 2000 meeting of the Southern African diamond-producing states, The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) was put into effect by a United Nations General Assembly Resolution in 2003. This international plan was put in place to rid the world’s diamond industry of conflict diamonds. Created by the cooperative forces of governments, non-governmental organizations and the diamond industry each participant of the KPCS became independently responsible. This being a self-regulated international agreement called for independent national responsibilities and legislation.

kimberley
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme

In its simplest terms any country or vendor participating in the KPCS must ensure that:

1. Any diamond originating from the country does not finance a group seeking to overthrow a government recognized by the United Nations.

2. Every diamond export must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process certificate and sealed in a tamper free container before being exported or imported.

3. No diamond is imported from, or exported to, a non-participating country.

And as proposed by the World Diamond Council system of warranties, an extension to the KCPS to encourage and strengthen its ability to be put into practice, every participant must include the following statement on every invoice involving the transport of uncut or polished diamonds.

“The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds.”

The United States, a loyal participant and responsible party requires that every U.S. dealer maintain Kimberley compliance or be subject to penalties from Homeland Security, the U.S. Justice Department, and the U.S. Treasury.

Rest assured knowing that your Natalie K engagement ring or wedding band is not only made with the utmost care and craftsmanship but also with a conscience and in full compliance with the national guidelines set in place to protect the regions that source our beautiful diamonds.

For more information on the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme visit kimberleyprocess.com

Trend Report: Princess Cut Diamonds

Trend Report: Princess Cut Diamonds

Union Diamond Princess
Photo Courtesy of Union Diamond

Natalie K knows that there are endless options and variations of engagement rings, but what we care about is that you find the right one for you. That is the reason behind our weekly trend report, presenting options you may not have considered and information that will help guide you in the ever important ring selection process! We’ve already gone over the warm glow of rose gold and explored the meaning of eternity wedding bands, this week we’ll be talking about the brilliantly beautiful princess cut diamond center.

The princess cut is no ordinary gem cut, it is one of the industry’s most important developments in the last 100 years. This revolutionary cut made its first appearance in the early 1960’s and changed the face of square cut diamonds. Other square cuts, while equally charming, had never had the same amount of brilliance and sparkle, with a square face, uncut corners and 76 facets the princess cut diamond presents even more fire and brilliance than the more popular brilliant round cut!  

An added benefit of the princess cut too is that it can usually be found for a slightly lower cost than a round cut of the same carat weight. That’s is due to the fact that during the cutting process only about 20% of the rough diamond is lost as opposed to 50% for round cuts.

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NK19455-18W

The sparkle and truly distinctive look of a princess cut can really be appreciated in this customized Princesse Collection engagement ring, NK19455-18W. The clean lines and sharp corners of a princess cut are absolutely showcased by this stunning thirty-six round diamond frame. With two trapezoid diamond side stones, weighing 2/5cts. on their own, the linear appeal and modern flair of a princess cut shine through effortlessly.

Experience the truly unique dazzle of a princess cut and decide if it’s the right one for your love. Click here to find the Natalie K retailer nearest you and see it yourself. For more photos follow us on Pinterest!