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As engagement season approaches, we examine why the grey diamond has become an increasingly popular choice for modern-day proposals Words by Kim Brett4 mins read
Now, more than ever, those seeking to propose (and those expecting a proposal) are searching for more distinctive and unique symbols of everlasting love. In the fine jewellery sphere, where so often the focus is often on the cleanest, crispest, most uniform white diamonds, a grey diamond offers a little of the unexpected. While they have always existed alongside their white or ‘classic’ diamond counterparts, these perfectly imperfect gems have become an increasingly popular choice for fiancés-to-be.
Grey diamonds (also known as ‘salt and pepper diamonds’) are still diamonds. They are just as beautiful, just as durable, and possess just as much sparkle as a regular diamond. They simply feature more visual inclusions. These inclusions are developed over millions of years when the gemstone is forming in the earth, giving each grey diamond its own unique internal patina and colour.
The beauty of a grey diamond is in its uniqueness. Like a fingerprint, no two are alike, featuring a galaxy of carbon inclusions and ranging in shades of opalescent white, silky grey, and dark and stormy tones. For the bride who is looking for an engagement ring that is more distinctive, or for the bride who is fascinated by the celestial, these visual inclusions can be reminiscent of constellations of stars.
“I fell in love with grey diamonds when my husband proposed to me with one,” says our CEO and designer Chupi Sweetman. “The proposal was perfection. Think midnight, Montpellier, and a starry sky. But I also fell in love with the beautiful ring he had chosen.”
“My engagement ring began my love affair with grey diamonds. Since then, they’ve become a core part of what I do. Each diamond is completely unique, the pattern of inclusions is different in every stone. It’s why I adore them so much.”
Previously discarded as ‘imperfect’, it’s only in the last decade that the jewellery industry has begun to embrace the unique beauty of grey diamonds. Gemological laboratories certify traditional diamonds on how few inclusions are visible. Because greys are treasured for their unique internal patterns, traditional certification cannot be applied to these stones, making them a less expensive choice for an engagement ring. The fact that grey diamonds take less resources to mine from the earth also increases their affordability, and makes them a perfect choice for the eco-conscious couple.
Only the most beautiful gemstones go on to become a part of your Chupi engagement ring. Our grey diamonds are no exception. Our team of experts take great care to select only the most remarkable stones, examining each for the cut that can deliver the most striking balance of clarity characteristics and colour, fire and light.
Due to our conscious sourcing practices and the increasing scarcity of grey diamonds that meet the Chupi criteria for brilliance and beauty, we can only release our grey diamonds in limited quantities as and when we source them. Each time we release a new selection, these will be available to view by appointment through a high-definition virtual consultation or in our flagship store in Dublin, Ireland. With these stones, you have the option to create semi-bespoke grey diamond engagement rings.
We offer the option to select your own grey diamond for placement in one of four iconic Chupi settings: You, Me & Magic, Love Is All, Sparkle in the Wild and Darling in the Wild. To choose your own stone, setting, and create an engagement ring that’s truly your own, book an appointment with one of our jewellery consultants. Alternatively, simply order your grey diamond engagement ring, and our jewellery team will carefully select a stone for you.
“I’m so thrilled that you can now select your very own diamond with us,” says Chupi. “No matter whether you walk into our store or dial in online, I love that you are able to pick your favourite. From light and sparkling to dark and moody, each diamond is completely unique; when you choose your own diamond, it will be uniquely,truly yours.”
As with our classic diamonds, all of our grey diamonds adhere to the Kimberley Process Certification standards to ensure that they are consciously selected. Like our beautiful greys, we’re not perfect, and don’t claim to be, but we are committed to adapting and improving our sourcing methods as new information and sustainable practices come to light.
If you’re looking for your forever ring, (grey diamond or otherwise) but are unsure where to start, book a virtual or in-store engagement appointment with one of our experts. Our talented team is on hand to answer any questions you may have, and make sure the process of finding your ring is as comfortable and joyful as possible.
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