Frequently Asked Questions

For all the romance involved in buying a diamond, shopping for that dream ring can be more work than fun. I've spoken with countless couples in search of the perfect ring. Many express concerns relating to the confusion involved in the decision-making process and their desire to get the very best possible diamond for their money.

The following comprise the most frequently asked questions.

Q: Does a bigger diamond give off more sparkle?
A:  This is one of the most popular misconceptions. Carat weight, or the size of a diamond, doesn't have anything to do with the diamond's brilliance, or sparkle. A diamond's sparkle is directly proportional to its cut. If a diamond is cut to perfect proportions, it will reflect the maximum amount of light, and sparkle more brightly than an imperfectly cut gem. The Gabrielle Diamond® is a great example, because every Gabrielle Diamond® casts a glow so powerful that it easily eclipses the sparkle of a regular diamond. In short, the cut is as important as the size of the diamond, if not more so.

Q: What?s the difference between an ideal cut and a Gabrielle Diamond® cut?
A:  Today, the ideal cut is just a name and not a synonym for the best possible cut. With the advances in diamond cutting, new cuts such as the Gabrielle Diamond's® triple-brilliant cut have surpassed the boundaries that Marcel Tolkowsky had set with the ideal cut back in 1919. The Gabrielle Diamond® has 105 facets, that's nearly double the facets of an ideal cut. Each facet attracts, refracts and reflects light, causing for increased brilliance and sparkle. Furthermore, ordinary diamonds have only two angles, reflecting the light directly back at the source, while the Gabrielle Diamond® has two angles at the crown and two at the pavilion. This unique design creates an effect that can only be termed a halo, dispensing light in every direction and sparkling brighter than any other diamond.

Q: I decided to buy my fiancé a special, brand name diamond. Doing my research, I noticed that all diamond brands are not available in all shapes. Why is that? Should I just settle on the round shape?
A: First of all, never settle for anything less than your ideal diamond. Many diamond brands don't come in all shapes because they haven't perfected the ability to disperse and refract the maximum amount of light in all the different shapes. The only brand that does offer the optimum cut and the maximum brilliance in all seven of the most popular shapes is the Gabrielle Diamond®.

Q: How can I tell if my jeweler is trustworthy?
A: A reputable jeweler is one of the most important elements to a good purchase. Look for a well-established professional jeweler who has an excellent reputation for integrity and service.There is one sure clue that will tip you off to an unscrupulous retailer: Pressure tactics. No reputable jeweler will try to force you to make a decision on the spot. The Gabrielle Diamond® has simplified the jewelry buying process a great deal, since they are distributed only through the best jewelers.

Q: I?m looking for a ring that will become a family heirloom. What styles are going to stay in fashion in the years to come?
A: I discourage shoppers from making a decision on the basis of fleeting trends. Your engagement ring will be with you for the rest of your life, so it's important to find something that fits your unique personality. There are unlimited options, in terms of diamond shape, setting and style, all of which can look as current a hundred years from now as they do today. So, you'll really have to take the cue from your fiancée (or her family and friends if you're trying to surprise her) to learn which style she likes best. Shaye Strager is a jewelry expert, trends forecaster and stylist to the stars. She regularly appears on the FOX News Channel, MSNBC, E!, CBS, New York Live and Eye Witness News to discuss styles and trends in fine jewelry.