A princess cut diamond is meant to be perfectly square. That means the measurement of one side should equal the measurement of the next side over. If a princess diamond is not perfectly square, and becomes more rectangular, then it is known as a radiant cut diamond.

princess cut diamond

So then you might have the question: What about a radiant cut diamond that is actually square? (If we remember our logical laws of geometry, all squares are rectangles, and some rectangles are square, but not all rectangles are square. ) So then, if a radiant cut diamond is cut like a square, does it become a princess cut diamond? Well, no, and yes, and almost.

The only noticeable distinction between them is that the princess cut has sharp pointed corners, while the radiant cut has tapered corners. These cuts are two of the three main square cuts on the market, with the other one being the traditional “emerald cut.”

So, remember, if you’re looking for a radiant cut diamond, be sure to check it out and make sure it’s of a size and dimension that you like. All radiants are unique in their look. If you like the more square radiant diamonds, then consider a princess cut diamond.

You know what they say about wedding rings: Make a better wedding ring, and the world will beat down a path to your doorway!

I asked Kelly to guest-write a blog post for us. She did so gladly:

My winning slogan was: “Love is ‘I do,’ but Diamonds are, ‘I really do.’” As a result I won a free diamond necklace from Mervis Diamonds which I received last week.

There is only one thing I like more than writing, and that is diamond jewelry!

Simple, classic and elegant, the piece that was selected for me, a diamond solitaire hanging off a white-gold chain, is perfect for day-to-day wear and so versatile, it also transitions perfectly into nighttime. The diamond necklace is a subtle, yet overwhelming, accompaniment to my wardrobe that I can wear anywhere, anytime.
Diamonds are so inherently eye-catching that I feel that I’ll be noticed immediately wherever I go. So much better than a mere flash of a smile or twinkle in the eye, from now on, I’m letting this necklace do my greeting for me.

Thank you, Mervis Diamonds!

*Disclosure: This diamond necklace was generously gifted to me as a reward for my slogan-writing contest win.

The other day I was chatting with a personal shopper, Cathy Phillips, about diamond studs and we were discussing how they’re just the most versatile piece of diamond jewelry available. We agreed that they look dazzling both with evening wear as well as with jeans and a t-shirt. So my question to Cathy was simple: When are diamond studs not appropriate to wear? And her answer? She was speechless for a few moments and then politely corrected my line of questioning. They’re ALWAYS appropriate. Bam bam, thank you ma’am. She should be writing our advertising for us.

So, before I get carried away here, let me write up a few pointers about diamond studs. In honor of our old friend David Letterman, we’ll do a Top Ten Things to Know about Diamond Studs:

10) When listed by carat weight, it’s important to remember that a pair of 1 carat studs means that each one is half a carat. Typically, it’s the total weight that’s listed.

9) We typically sell our studs in a white gold four prong setting. That’s the classic and timeless way to do it. If you’re totally set on platinum or have allergic reactions to white gold, we can also use platinum for a slight charge. Also, we can do a three prong setting if you’re so inclined. That’s also known as a ‘martini setting.’

8 )  Of the 4 C’s (Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat Weight), you should concern yourself most with Cut and Carat Weight when buying diamond studs. Remember, go for what you can see. With studs in particular, you won’t be able to see the inclusions when they’re set in the ear. So forget about clarity. What you’ll be able to see is the flashes of white light and brilliance.  That’s a function of a good “Cut” — meaning precision of angles. There’s 57 angles on a diamond and each one has to be just perfect in order for the light to bounce around and refract out to hit the eye. With a poorly cut diamond, the light is leaked out the side or bottom.

7)  Diamond studs can vary in cost, totally dependent on size and quality. With Mervis, our entry-level of studs begins around $500 and goes to roughly $25,000. Anything larger is possible too, but it’s not pre-set. We’ll custom set them for you.

6) Shape: We sell most diamond studs as rounds, but it’s also possible to also make princess cut diamond studs. For those of you who don’t know, princess is a shape that is square-like. We recommend round diamonds for studs because they’re simply always in the right position. What I mean by this is that diamonds turn on the ear, and with square-shapes, you’ll often times be in a position where the diamond is turned on its side and looks wrong. One ear won’t match the other. Maybe this bothers you, and maybe it doesn’t.

5) Upgrade policy: At Mervis, we have a very generous upgrade policy, wherein we’ll exchange your diamond studs at any time in order for you to trade up to a bigger size. We’ve had many couples take advantage of this and come back to us year after year, anniversary after anniversary.

4) Backings: All of our diamond studs have a double friction backing. This is preferable and superior to a screw-on because a screw-on backing can unscrew. There’s simply less chance of losing your diamond earrings.

3) Cleaning: Every now and then, it’s a good idea to clean your diamond earrings with a solution of ammonia and water. You can just use Windex or some other light household cleaning product.

2) When are diamond studs too big? Never?

1) And the number one thing to know about diamond studs is: They make the perfect gift item. You simply can’t go wrong with them because they’re the ultimate classic accessory!

Today I’m sitting with Cristina Curcio, a fabulous wedding planner in Washington, D.C. Let’s ask her a few questions and pick her brain:

Jonathan Mervis:  What made you want to become a wedding planner?

Cristina Curcio: I’ve always enjoyed helping others. Wedding planning came to me through my many years of event-planning experience. People came to me and just begged me, “plan my wedding, plan my wedding!” The greatest joy of being a wedding planner is being able to help others during such a joyous time and make the process as stress-free as possible. The biggest payoff is the day of–letting the bride just soak up the experience and not have to worry about the details.

JM: What is one of the first things a couple should do after they get engaged, to start the planning process?

CC: Firstly, just sit back and relax! Enjoy the engagement and the moment for all it’s worth. But, once you start the actual planning process, it’s best to start with your budget. Before you even start talking to vendors, consider your guest list. More often than not, couples will solicit vendors before even thinking about the wedding size,  the money, who’s invited, etc. That’s a mistake. The budget and the list size go hand in hand. Set that first and it will be a cornerstone of the rest of the planning. It makes everything easier.

JM: How is a couple meant to arrive at a reasonable budget?

CC: You need to determine how much you can allot, and how much will be allotted by third parties, like parents or other family members. Be realistic with a working budget. It’s best to give yourself a 10% cushion. Even with the most thorough planning, there’s always stuff that will come up at the end. There’s so many great resources available out there now, with DIY projects and whatnot, that you can do a wedding at any budget!

JM: Are there any rules of thumb regarding budget, as in ‘2 months of salary’ with a ring, or anything similar?

CC: No, because some people have decent savings and some don’t. The average wedding nationally is $25,000. Around DC, or any metropolitan area, it skews upward. But that should give you a starting point. Also, talk to others! Ask friends, ask wedding planners! Don’t be afraid to ask questions.

JM: Knowing me personally, what kind of wedding do you foresee for me?

CC: I like to do events that are uniquely about the person. I know you’re very invovled with family and so that shoudl be a part of the wedding. And maybe something with South Africa, whether that’s with decor, the invitation, or whatnot. The overall feel would be elegant and casual, but very friendly. People should walk in and say, this is totally Jon. The wedding would definitley be all about fun. The dance floor would be crazy.

JM: What are some of the most unique wedding concepts you’ve done?

CC: I did a destination wedding in Puerto Rico… They wanted to tie-in the destination into the wedding. So they did miniature bottles of Bacardi with a mojito hammer (used to crush the mint) and a recipe card as party favors. It really represented the couple because they like to travel a lot. But also the groom is a graphic designer and he personally designed the recipe card. The guests loved it!

JM: How long it did take before that bottle of Bacardi was empty?

CC: I’m a pack-rat with party favors. Lol. I still have it. They represent each event I work on. I still have it unopened.

JM: Thanks! Cristina’s website is CristinaMariaEvents.com