Did you know that diamond cluster jewelry was originally created to help young couples get the look of a solitaire engagement ring, without the financial burdens of a large costly center stone. It's true, earlier on in the 20th century, solitaire engagement rings were all the rage, however the cost of a large diamond was very expensive. Jewelry designers throughout the industry attempted to combat the expensive price tag by organizing smaller diamonds into a round setting to recreate the look of a solitaire. Since diamond price jumps up disproportionately with the size of the diamond, it is was more affordable to use several small diamonds than one large one. However, there were serious design flaws with the majority of the diamond clusters that were being produced. The diamonds in the clusters were often set too far apart and at a straight angle. These setting flaws took away from the diamonds brilliance by inhibiting the amount of light that could pass through. This sent the Jabel designers to work, to engineer a diamond cluster that would have excellent brilliance and create a design worthy of the brides that would wear them.The designers at Jabel embraced the new direction with the goal of improving it. They did so by producing diamond clusters that placed larger diamond(s) in the center surrounded by smaller stones in various sizes, rather than all uniform size stones. This allowed the stones to be set very close together and eliminate gaps. The designers also used a domed setting style that allowed light to penetrate each diamond more effectively, thus allowing the stone's brilliance to shine with greater luster.Overtime the designs took on a life of it's own, branching out into jewelry categories other than engagement rings; such as rings, pendants, earrings, and bracelets. Jabel also introduced oval diamond clusters, as well as a variety of non-traditional round clusters.Today these designs continue to be produced in Jabel's famous die struck settings. The die struck technique allows for a stronger dense metal setting to be crafted. These settings are often referred to as 'heirloom quality' settings. As with all Jabel styles, the die struck jewelry collection includes pendants, rings, earrings, and bracelets...all available with round and oval diamond clusters!
- Flower Shaped Diamond Clusters - These designs are flatter and the actual findings can have either a single prong on the outer edge of the diamond or prongs between stones for a scalloped look. Style Tip: order in yellow or rose gold to add a splash of color.
- Oval Shaped Diamond Clusters Jabel's oval clusters are domed, allowing the stones to be set closer together. Not only does this allow the stones to be set closer together, eliminating gaps, but it also allows light to pass more efficiently through the diamonds for enhanced brilliance. Fun Fact: The two center stones of the ovals are larger than the surrounding stones and there are two even smaller diamonds tucked between the two centers to eliminate dead spots.
- Gemstone and Diamond Cluster Designs - Thanks to millennial brides, gemstone rings are on the rise. These cocktail rings make for excellent unique engagement rings. From predominantly gemstone and vice versa (pictured below), these are a great idea for brides looking to break away from the traditional in 2017/2018.
Email us to find a local Jabel jeweler at info@jabel.com