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The Royal 201: A Masterpiece of Diamond Cutting
The Birth of the Royal 201 In 2007, our own Donny Griffioen and Bobby Low created the Royal 201, a worldwide patented diamond cut. Praised for its sparkling brilliance, the Royal 201 is a great example of the evolution of the diamond shape, with more facets and more sparkle. Our Chief Purchasing Officer explains, "You might think that the more facets a brilliant has, the more light reflects and the more the diamond sparkles. But it doesn't work that way. Many people tried to make diamond cuts with hundreds of facets, but when you put these next to the 201, you see there is more than the number of facets. The Art of Crafting the Royal 201 Only highly experienced master diamond polishers can polish a rough diamond into a Royal 201. Because when a diamond polisher places a single facet slightly wrong, the light leaks through the pavilions and is lost forever. Crafting the Royal 201 takes twice as long as polishing a regular brilliant and happens in 3 stages. Our team of professionals, including 18 specially trained diamond polishers, work together to create this masterpiece. The Royal 201: An exclusive Cut The Royal 201 is a proprietary cut, patented worldwide by Royal Coster Diamonds. Our inspiration for the Royal 201 came from the emotional connection people have with diamonds. Since 1840, we have witnessed the impact diamonds have on people, sparking happiness and joy. We applied our 500 years of tradition and skills, along with 21st-century technology, to create a cut that honors this exceptional emotional connection. The result is a true harmony of science and art, a diamond with maximum sparkle and a "wow factor" that touches the heart and soul of the wearer. The Royal 201 is a demonstration of our technique and a testament to our passion for capturing the essence of what makes diamonds so special. The Royal 201 Signature C Collection Born out of love for the craft, the Royal 201 Signature C Collection features a unique open setting designed exclusively for the Royal 201 diamond cut. We have integrated the C into our design in such a way that we create a compass setting chaton where each axis connects the opposite ends of the C. The open setting allows light to pass and maximize the brilliance of our signature cut.How to Properly Maintain and Clean Your Diamond Jewelry
As the hardest material in the world, diamonds are incredibly durable. However, to ensure that they continue to shine and sparkle, it is essential to properly maintain and clean your diamond jewelry. The experts at Royal Coster Diamonds are here to provide you with valuable tips on how to keep your diamonds and jewelry in the best condition possible. Diamond Cleaning at Home Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining the brilliance of your diamond. Even the slightest contact with your fingers can dull the sparkle. To clean your diamond, you can follow these four simple steps: 1. First, check your diamond jewelry with your Precision Loupe.2. Soak each diamond in an ammonia-based household cleaner, such as window cleaner, overnight once a week.3. The next morning, use a soft, clean toothbrush that is specifically reserved for diamond cleaning. 4. Gently brush away any remaining dirt, paying close attention to the back of the diamond where oil and dirt tend to accumulate. Other Precious Metals Soak your silver jewelry in a bowl lined with aluminum foil filled with hot water mixed with a tablespoon of powdered bleach-free laundry detergent for one minute. Diamond Cleaning Tips Another few tips for keeping your diamond jewelry clean: It is also advisable to periodically have your diamond professionally cleaned by a trained jeweler to ensure its long-term protection. A jeweler can offer more thorough cleaning options, such as a steam cleaner or an ultrasonic cleaner, to provide a deeper cleanse and maintain the brilliance of your diamond jewelry. Regularly check that the prongs are holding the gems securely by tapping them with a fingernail. If a gem is lost, take it to a jeweler for inspection and tightening. White gold and platinum rings can be dipped in a rhodium bath by your jeweler to restore their shine. Please avoid using a metal object to pick away dirt, as it may scratch the metal of the ring. Keep a record of your ring's specifications and consider taking out a personal jewelry insurance policy to protect against loss or damage. Please avoid using paper or towels with exposed fibers to clean your rings, as they can get caught in the prongs or lightly scratch the metal. Use a microfiber cloth instead. Also try to avoid using chlorine bleach or abrasive cleaners, such as household cleaners or toothpaste, as they can damage the metal settings. You can find available slots for a Resparkle Service with us here. Wearing, Storing, and Handling It is crucial to be aware of when it is appropriate to remove your diamond ring in order to keep its original sparkle intact. Here are some suggestions: Always handle your rings from the band and avoid holding them by the prongs. To avoid scratching, store your diamond rings individually in soft pouches or lined containers. While jewelry is designed to be worn, it should be treated with caution. Our specialists advise removing your jewelry when engaging in physically demanding tasks, taking showers or baths, visiting the spa, participating in sports and fitness activities, gardening, and similar endeavors. Routine Check-Up Having your jewelry regularly serviced by a jeweler is essential. Our experts recommend having your jewelry checked by a professional annually. During this check-up, the jeweler will clean, examine, and re-polish your jewelry, ensuring the preservation of its brilliance and shine. At Royal Coster Diamonds, we offer this cleaning service as the Resparkle Service. By following these tips and properly caring for your diamond ring, you can ensure that it continues to shine and sparkle for many years to come!Sales Advisor Multilingual (Part Time 24-32 hours per week)
Sales Advisor Multilingual (Part Time 24-32 hours per week) Royal Coster Diamonds is the oldest diamond-polishing factory in the world and is located in the heart of Amsterdam, on the Museumplein. The craft of diamond polishing is still central to us. This makes Royal Coster the leading player in the field of loose diamonds and diamond jewelry in the luxury segment. We only sell the best of the best. Customers from all over the world come to Amsterdam especially to buy the most beautiful diamonds and jewelry of the best quality from us. Job Description As a Sales Advisor, you are primarily responsible for the sale of diamonds, jewelry and watches. An interest in hospitality, customer experience and customer service are essential for this position. Job Requirements Fluent knowledge of the English language is necessary and a fluent/good knowledge of one or more of the following languages are required: Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Serbo-Croatian, Swedish, Indonesian, Vietnamese and the Chinese languages (Mandarin and Cantonese). Knowledge of the Dutch language is a plus. Affinity for diamonds, jewelry and watches or similar luxury goods Customer-oriented, enthusiastic Good communication skills Commercially and results-driven Ability to work in a fast-paced environment Are prepared to work 3-4 days a week (24-32 hours per week) Working hours: 8:45 to 17:45; You will be scheduled to work 2 weekends per month. Resident in Amsterdam or in the immediate vicinity A valid working permit for non-Eu candidates is required. We Offer: A seasonal contract from March until end of November 2023 with possibility of extension. A multicultural work environment. An in-company product training about diamonds. A fantastic work location on the Museumplein of Amsterdam. Apply: You can send your application letter within 2 weeks, including a CV and photo to: pz@royalcoster.com Royal Coster Diamonds B.V. Attn. Human Resources Paulus Potterstraat 2 1071 CZ Amsterdam Tel: +31 (0)20 305 5572
More Facets, more sparkle, more fire: the Royal 201
The basics The base of the brilliant cut diamond consists of the (Old) Single Cut diamond, or simple cut. The diamond is cut with seventeen facets. There are four cross corners, four bezels, four cross-angles, four pavilions, and the table. Development The Single Cut wasn’t actually the first diamond shape. In the diagram below, you see how the ideal diamond shape changed over the years. Diamond cuts from left to right: Octahedron, Table Cut, Old Single Cut, Mazarin Cut, Peruzzi Cut, Old European Cut, and Tolkowsky. - An Octahedron is the ideal form for a rough diamond. You can hardly call this a diamond cut. This is how a diamond was worn before cutting and polishing techniques. - The Table Cut was the first rough diamond shape. The stone has still a square shape and has no rounded edges. - The Old Single Cut is the first cutting process to obtain a rounded diamond. This was created to optimize the sparkle and to avoid “dead angles”. - One of the very first steps towards the modern brilliant cut was the Mazarin Cut. This cut contains various facets to optimize the sparkle. - Peruzzi Cut is the prelude to the modern brilliant cut. The distribution between the facets on the bottom and the top is much better than in the Mazarin Cut. - The next step for the optimal refinement is the Old European Cut. The facets are almost exactly the same as for the modern day brilliant. Therefore, the Old European Cut is also seen as the final step towards the perfect Brilliant Cut. Tolkowsky’s: the first step to optimize and standardize the brilliant was in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. At that time, many brilliant-like shapes were around. Everyone pretended to have the most beautiful, the most elegant and the most 'brilliant' one of all. But Mr. Tolkowsky tried to address it in a scientific way. As part of his studies, he invented a mathematical way to polish the brilliant and place the facets. The Ideal cut Tolkowsky’s scientific approach paid off. His mathematical polishing way resulted in a 57-faceted diamond with a sparkle that the world never saw before.Ever since Tolkowsky introduced the world his sparkling brilliant, people have been trying to top this. To create an even more sparkling diamond cut. However, all of them were unsuccessful. To this day, this shape is still the basis of the modern brilliant. It is also the foundation for many other cuts, like the marquise, pear shape, oval and heart-shape. For almost 100 years, people considered Tolkowsky’s cut the Ideal Brilliant Cut. That was until Donny and Bobby put their heads together… The Road to Perfection Donny Griffioen, Chief Purchasing Officer at Royal Coster Diamonds, has been fascinated by diamonds from an early age. How could he not? With a diamond dealer grandfather and uncles that are diamond polishers. Donny grew up in this profession. Soon he learned the optimal diamond shape and knew he could do better. For years, Donny studied light reflection and polishing shapes. When he started working at Royal Coster Diamonds, he met the Antwerp diamond merchant Bobby Low. Bobby appreciated young Donny’s enthusiasm - who was in his early 20’s back then. Together they went on a quest for the perfect cut. Finally, from 2002 until 2007, Donny and Bobby combined years of experience and craftsmanship with the latest technological developments in microscopic observation and tool making. The result was phenomenal: they found the perfect diamond cut. Facets and sparkles In theory, you can quite easily polish a few extra facets on a brilliant. Companies do it very often. However, in their quest for the most brilliant cut ever, Bobby and Donny knew it would require more than just a few extra facets. To obtain the perfect sparkle, you have to take the cutting angles and proportions into account. Bobby and Donny found out that the secret for the ultimate sparkle lied in the re-arrangement the crown facets and their angle. They combined this with amazing micro-faceting of the girdle. In total, the new cut consisted of 201 facets. This is the ideal number of facets. The image of a new diamond cut was born. Donny: “You might think that the more facets a brilliant has, the more light reflects and the more the diamond sparkles. But it doesn’t work that way. Many people tried to make diamond cuts with hundreds of facets but when you put these next to the 201, you see there is more than the number of facets. You see that 201 is the perfect number. And it has been since 2007.” Not everyone can create a Royal 201 Bobby and Donny spent many late nights on their project: talking, sketching, cutting and polishing. In 2007, they revealed the new diamond cut. The Brilliant 2.0, so to say. They named their work “The Royal 201”, after its amount of facets. 201 facets means 144 facets more than on a 'regular' brilliant. Only highly experienced diamond polishers polish a rough diamond into a Royal 201. Because when a diamond polisher places a single facet slightly wrong, the light leaks through the pavilions and is lost forever. When you consider a Royal 201 polish loses 60% of the rough diamond it once was, you do not get second chances when polishing a Royal 201. But when it's done right, the Royal 201 takes “shine bright like a diamond” to a completely new level. Exclusivity The exclusivity of this cut is what we value most. Even more than the commercial value, because our shape is truly Royal. Royal Coster Diamonds is the only place where you can buy this exact diamond cut. We have a complete collection of beautiful diamond jewelry that is centered around the sparkle of the Royal 201 The Royal 201: The ultimate sparkle Here at Royal Coster, we all have a special place in our hearts for the Royal 201. From management to goldsmith, from sales representative to diamond polisher. The most brilliant collection We have a brilliant collection starring the '201' in a dedicated showroom for this specific diamond cut. In this showroom, our most experienced staff is ready to help you to find your perfect Royal 201. Sparkling tips for buying a Royal 201 But first, a few tips about the 'Royal 201’ that will help you to get the maximum out of your purchase. To enjoy the sparkle of a Royal 201 most, we recommend a diamond of at least 25 points (0.25 carat). Diamonds of 25 points and above show the sparkle of the diamond better than smaller diamonds. A 'Royal 201' needs to breathe for the best sparkle. That is why we recommend you use it in an open setting; like a solitaire. Diamond colors River, Top Wesselton and Wesselton shine the most. But other colors are also suitable. Especially for diamonds in a rose gold or yellow gold setting. Due to the many facets and possibilities for reflection in the stone, it is best to choose for a Pure, VVS or VS for Clarity. A '201' is beautiful in a solitaire setting but is also a beauty when surrounded by smaller brilliants of the same color. Quality Assurance If the Royals trust us, so can you. Quality control is the most important aspect of our craft. Every diamond has to meet special requirements. We cannot give you all our guidelines, but a normal finished diamond is usually only checked with a 10x magnifying loupe. But every freshly polished 'Royal 201' is first examined under a microscope to make sure everything is perfect. Every angle, every facet, the height of the crown and the depth of the pavilions and even the thickness of the girdle. All the aspects of the Royal 201 need to meet Royal Coster’s Quality Assurance.. If a 201 does not meet these requirements, it will return to the polisher. He or she will re-polish the stone until it meets our Royal standards. because when you purchase a Royal 201, you should know it is the result of the finest craftsmanship.
Private diamond consult
Book an exclusive diamond showing With the current travel limitations it might be difficult to visit Royal Coster Diamonds in person, but don't let that stop you from diamond shopping. Our diamond consultants will assist you wherever you are. Schedule an appointment You can see your next possible masterpiece in several ways: • Schedule a video appointment through Zoom or Google Hangouts• Schedule a private call• Schedule a private viewing in Amsterdam at our private showroom. We look forward to welcoming you soon; virtually or in person. Contact us now Get in touch and we will get back to you with the medium of your choice. Send an e-mail Call us Send a Facebook Message Send WhatsApp Fill in form Or book an appointment online.
What is a diamond certificate?
Carat, color, clarity, and cut. These are the so-called 4 C's. You take them into account you're about to make one of the most important purchases of your life. But before you start dreaming about that sparkling beauty, let's talk about another Big C. The Certificate. Do all diamonds come with a certificate?No. Only high-quality diamonds come with a certificate. The certificate is basically a report. A report that proves that all of the C's are in place. It is a written document that guarantees the diamond quality. There are quite some evaluating agencies. The certificates vary based on the agency that issued the report. How does a diamond get certified?|With various high-powered microscopes in special laboratories. Professional gemologists use them to measure and study the diamond's symmetry, color, size and shape. They also pay great attention to certain flaws and the quality of the cut. Once the gemologists determined all the different properties, they attach a report to the diamond. The report holds an accurate description of the examination. Sometimes, the gemologists use high-level heat or lasers to improve certain properties of the diamond. Trustworthy agencies put these enhancements on the report as well to inform the buyer about the “upgrade”. Which diamond certificates can I trust?But how do you know which diamond certificate is legit? If you are not familiar with diamond institutes (because: why would you?), you can be fooled with a fake certificate. That's why you need a certificate from a trustworthy organization. Here’s a list of some of the most famous grading agencies across the United States and Europe: - International Gemological Institute (IGI) - Gemological Institute of America (GIA) - American Gemological Society (AGS) - European Gemological Laboratory (EGL) - Diamond High Council (HRD, which is an abbreviation of the Dutch “Hoge Raad voor Diamant”) - International Confederation of Jewelry, Silverware, Diamonds, Pearls, and Stones (CIBJO) If you have a diamond certificate from one of these organizations, you know you did good. Certificate vs. warrantyAnother advice for diamond shoppers is to get a warranty. Besides a written proof of the diamond’s value, a warranty serves as a safety net in case something happens to the piece of jewelry. Diamond is the strongest material known to man, but it is not indestructible. It can crack or get scratched. If this happens, you can use the warranty to salvage the situation. At Royal Coster, all our diamonds come with a lifelong warranty. It's all about trustOverall, we highly advise you to take a certificate with your diamond-related purchases. Not only to have a written document that proves the value of your investment, but also for your own conscience. It is surprising how quickly certain ill-intended jewelers choose to take advantage of the situation and lure inexperienced shoppers into buying faux diamonds. Avoid such scenarios, and do adequate research about the seller before buying the diamond. After all, it is a serious investment. So, taking a bit of extra time and effort definitely pays off in the long run.
Jewelry trends for winter
1. Pearls Pearls are back with a vengeance! Anyone who says pearls are old-fashioned is wrong this time. It is an emerging trend and we are a fan. What fits best with pearls, are diamonds of course. At Royal Coster Diamonds we have some beautiful pieces with pearls. As you can see above, a pearl ring surrounded by diamonds and elegant earrings with pearls and diamonds. 2. Statement Earrings When we think of Christmas, we think of statement earrings. These can certainly not be left out of the trends for the winter of 2020/2021. Statement earrings give that extra touch to your festive outfit. Diamonds of course make it complete if you ask us. The above earrings are what they call chandelier earrings, are set with a huge number of diamonds. With these eye-catchers you will steal the night away. 3. Different Jewels on one hand We already saw this trend in the spring and fortunately it will continue in the winter. Multiple rings on one hand, provides even more sparkle and of course we love to see that. Ring stacking is therefore super trendy. By ring stacking we mean combining rings, such as stacking multiple rings on the same finger, but also by placing multiple rings on different fingers of the same hand. The combinations are therefore endless with the assistance at www.nulookhomedesign.com. With multiple rings on one hand you will definitely get positively noticed! "Less is more", as they say. Subtle jewelry matches a subtle outfit. Although, subtle jewelry can be combined with everything, a great advantage. The set you see in the photo above is available in different variants of gold, white, yellow, and rose gold. Something for everyone and it will look great on all of us. A must-have to wear every day. 4. Small and Subtle ''Less is more", as they say. Subtle jewelry matches a subtle outfit. Although, subtle jewelry can be combined with any outfit, a great advantage. The set you see in the photo above is available in different variants of gold, white, yellow, and rose gold. Something for everyone and it will look great on all of us. A must-have to wear every day. 5. Chains We see chains a lot and in lots of different variants, chain necklaces, chainrings, and even chain earrings. With a typical chain necklace, you may not think of the product above but rather a necklace with bigger chains. If you find the bigger chains a bit exaggerated or too striking, this solitary chain necklace is the perfect alternative. Discover more If you want to go along with the jewelry trends for winter 2020/2021 and if you couldn't get enough of the above jewelry, then we have good news. Royal Coster Diamonds offers a large collection of jewelry, as well as the largest collection of loose diamonds, should you wish to get one. In addition, you are always welcome to contact our diamond consultants to find the perfect piece of jewelry for your preference and budget.
The Royal 201
The basics The base of the brilliant cut diamond consists of the (Old) Single Cut diamond, or simple cut. The diamond is cut with seventeen facets. There are four cross corners, four bezels, four cross-angles, four pavilions, and the table. Development The Single Cut wasn’t actually the first diamond shape. In the diagram below, you see how the ideal diamond shape changed over the years. Diamond cuts from left to right: Octahedron, Table Cut, Old Single Cut, Mazarin Cut, Peruzzi Cut, Old European Cut, and Tolkowsky. - An Octahedron is the ideal form for a rough diamond. You can hardly call this a diamond cut. This is how a diamond was worn before cutting and polishing techniques. - The Table Cut was the first rough diamond shape. The stone has still a square shape and has no rounded edges. - The Old Single Cut is the first cutting process to obtain a rounded diamond. This was created to optimize the sparkle and to avoid “dead angles”. - One of the very first steps towards the modern brilliant cut was the Mazarin Cut. This cut contains various facets to optimize the sparkle. - Peruzzi Cut is the prelude to the modern brilliant cut. The distribution between the facets on the bottom and the top is much better than in the Mazarin Cut. - The next step for the optimal refinement is the Old European Cut. The facets are almost exactly the same as for the modern day brilliant. Therefore, the Old European Cut is also seen as the final step towards the perfect Brilliant Cut. Tolkowsky’s: the first step to optimize and standardize the brilliant was in 1919 by Marcel Tolkowsky. At that time, many brilliant-like shapes were around. Everyone pretended to have the most beautiful, the most elegant and the most 'brilliant' one of all. But Mr. Tolkowsky tried to address it in a scientific way. As part of his studies, he invented a mathematical way to polish the brilliant and place the facets. The Ideal cut Tolkowsky’s scientific approach paid off. His mathematical polishing way resulted in a 57-faceted diamond with a sparkle that the world never saw before. Ever since Tolkowsky introduced the world his sparkling brilliant, people have been trying to top this. To create an even more sparkling diamond cut. However, all of them were unsuccessful. To this day, this shape is still the basis of the modern brilliant. It is also the foundation for many other cuts, like the marquise, pear shape, oval and heart-shape. For almost 100 years, people considered Tolkowsky’s cut the Ideal Brilliant Cut. That was until Donny and Bobby put their heads together… The Road to Perfection Donny Griffioen, Chief Purchasing Officer at Royal Coster Diamonds, has been fascinated by diamonds from an early age. How could he not? With a diamond dealer grandfather and uncles that are diamond polishers. Donny grew up in this profession. Soon he learned the optimal diamond shape and knew he could do better. For years, Donny studied light reflection and polishing shapes. When he started working at Royal Coster Diamonds, he met the Antwerp diamond merchant Bobby Low. Bobby appreciated young Donny’s enthusiasm - who was in his early 20’s back then. Together they went on a quest for the perfect cut. Finally, from 2002 until 2007, Donny and Bobby combined years of experience and craftsmanship with the latest technological developments in microscopic observation and tool making. The result was phenomenal: they found the perfect diamond cut. Facets and sparkles In theory, you can quite easily polish a few extra facets on a brilliant. Companies do it very often. However, in their quest for the most brilliant cut ever, Bobby and Donny knew it would require more than just a few extra facets. To obtain the perfect sparkle, you have to take the cutting angles and proportions into account. Bobby and Donny found out that the secret for the ultimate sparkle lied in the re-arrangement the crown facets and their angle. They combined this with amazing micro-faceting of the girdle. In total, the new cut consisted of 201 facets. This is the ideal number of facets. The image of a new diamond cut was born. Donny: “You might think that the more facets a brilliant has, the more light reflects and the more the diamond sparkles. But it doesn’t work that way. Many people tried to make diamond cuts with hundreds of facets but when you put these next to the 201, you see there is more than the number of facets. You see that 201 is the perfect number. And it has been since 2007.” Not everyone can create a Royal 201 Bobby and Donny spent many late nights on their project: talking, sketching, cutting and polishing. In 2007, they revealed the new diamond cut. The Brilliant 2.0, so to say. They named their work “The Royal 201”, after its amount of facets. 201 facets means 144 facets more than on a 'regular' brilliant. Only highly experienced diamond polishers polish a rough diamond into a Royal 201. Because when a diamond polisher places a single facet slightly wrong, the light leaks through the pavilions and is lost forever. When you consider a Royal 201 polish loses 60% of the rough diamond it once was, you do not get second chances when polishing a Royal 201. But when it's done right, the Royal 201 takes “shine bright like a diamond” to a completely new level. Exclusivity The exclusivity of this cut is what we value most. Even more than the commercial value, because our shape is truly Royal. Royal Coster Diamonds is the only place where you can buy this exact diamond cut. We have a complete collection of beautiful diamond jewelry that is centered around the sparkle of the Royal 201 The Royal 201: The ultimate sparkle Here at Royal Coster, we all have a special place in our hearts for the Royal 201. From management to goldsmith, from sales representative to diamond polisher. The most brilliant collection We have a brilliant collection starring the '201' in a dedicated showroom for this specific diamond cut. In this showroom, our most experienced staff is ready to help you to find your perfect Royal 201. Sparkling tips for buying a Royal 201 But first, a few tips about the 'Royal 201’ that will help you to get the maximum out of your purchase. To enjoy the sparkle of a Royal 201 most, we recommend a diamond of at least 25 points (0.25 carat). Diamonds of 25 points and above show the sparkle of the diamond better than smaller diamonds. A 'Royal 201' needs to breathe for the best sparkle. That is why we recommend you use it in an open setting; like a solitaire. Diamond colors River, Top Wesselton and Wesselton shine the most. But other colors are also suitable. Especially for diamonds in a rose gold or yellow gold setting. Due to the many facets and possibilities for reflection in the stone, it is best to choose for a Pure, VVS or VS for Clarity. A '201' is beautiful in a solitaire setting but is also a beauty when surrounded by smaller brilliants of the same color. Quality Assurance If the Royals trust us, so can you. Quality control is the most important aspect of our craft. Every diamond has to meet special requirements. We cannot give you all our guidelines, but a normal finished diamond is usually only checked with a 10x magnifying loupe. But every freshly polished 'Royal 201' is first examined under a microscope to make sure everything is perfect. Every angle, every facet, the height of the crown and the depth of the pavilions and even the thickness of the girdle. All the aspects of the Royal 201 need to meet Royal Coster’s Quality Assurance.. If a 201 does not meet these requirements, it will return to the polisher. He or she will re-polish the stone until it meets our Royal standards. because when you purchase a Royal 201, you should know it is the result of the finest craftsmanship. Discover our Royal 201 Collection.
The cushion cut diamond
History The development of this cut dates way back. This shape is almost 200 years old. The name, however, is quite modern. In the past, they called this shape the ‘mine cut’, a square diamond with rounded corners. The mine cut thanked its name to the Brazilian diamond mines. The older cushions have 57 or 58 facets - 33 crown facets and 25 pavilions. The shape we know today has an extra row of facets and often counts 61 facets. However, the number of facets for this cut is not set in stone. Therefore, a polisher can change the shape a bit and hide inclusions more efficiently. This makes the cushion cut one of the most brilliant cuts of all square and rectangular shaped stones. Differences with other diamond cuts The cushion is a beloved but not one of the most well-known diamond cuts. Therefore, people often mistake it for other diamond cuts. In particular with the Asscher cut and the Radiant cut. The cushion compared to the Asscher cut Because of its square shape with rounded corners, people easily confuse a cushion cut with an Asscher cut diamond. However, the cushion belongs to the group ‘brilliant cuts’ and the Asscher to the group ‘step cuts’. Diamond shapes that belong to the brilliant group have a number of variations. They can differ in the number, shape, and arrangements of the facets. Step cuts, however, have linear shaped facets that are parallel to the girdle (the stone’s widest part). Another example of a step cut diamond, besides the Asscher cut, is the Emerald cut. The cushion cut (right) is often mistaken with the Asscher cut (left) The cushion compared to the radiant cut Another shape the bespoke cut often gets mixed up with is the radiant cut. Although the radiant also belongs to the brilliant cut group, it differs a bit from the cushion cut. The radiant cut has a rectangular outline and rectangular (straight) corners, whereas the corners of a cushion shape are rounded. Modern day use A cushion cut diamond ring is often bought as an engagement ring or a fashion piece. Because of its classic and timeless style, it's usually placed in a vintage setting that suits this cut. The last couple of years, cushion cuts are up and up. One of the reasons for this increasing popularity is Meghan Markle’s engagement ring that contains a gorgeous large cushion cut. If you are looking for a stunning cushion cut diamond ring, you can see a brief selection of our collection online or contact a diamond consultant.
Royal cleaning service
Get your jewellery examined, cleaned and brought back to its original glory Do you have old jewelry lying around that you love but looks dull and lost its original sparkle and maybe lost a diamond or has other issues? Or do you have family jewelry that was passed along for generations but you don't really know what it's worth? Then let the most trusted diamond polishers examine your jewellery and tell you what you need to know. But that's not all. Once we've told you what you have, we will also clean your jewellery to bring it back to the same beautiful sparkle you remember it for. That's the Royal Coster service. Schedule an appointment • Clean your jewelry • Get advice on what you have and what it is worth • Let our experts examine or analyze any flaws your jewelry might have and see how we can fix it. We look forward to welcoming you soon! Get in touch and we will get back to you however you feel most comfortable.
The bloodstone gemstone
Bloodstone is a gemstone that already arouses interest by only hearing its name. This name was given due to the red spots that the stone usually has. Bloodstone dates back to ancient times and has different meanings to ethnic groups and religions. There are some fascinating effects that this stone is said to carry. We are happy to tell you all about it. Bloodstone stands for: Protective Grounding Balance Calming Self-control Exciting Sets boundaries Adaptability will be increased Creativity Origin & History Originally the name for this stone was heliotrope. Heliotrope comes from the Greek words "helios" (sun) and "tropein" (turning). The stone reflects the color of the setting sun in the water, hence the name. Later, the name bloodstone was given by the red spots that are present in the stone. Characteristics of the bloodstone Bloodstone, also called heliotrope, is a green gemstone with red spots. Those red spots are caused by iron oxide. The green color is then in turn caused by trapped chlorite. This stone belongs to the chalcedony family. Heliotrope is a green quartz that can take on different colored spots, but mainly red spots. Yellow, brown, white, or black spots are also possible in some cases. Hardness: 6,5 - 7 Sheen: matte Transparency: opaque Mentally It is a stone of balance and harmony. It helps make important decisions, provides patience, calms and activates you. Patience, in its own way, also provides self-control. In addition, it sets clear boundaries for you so that you always maintain control. Physically The name says it all, it has a detoxifying effect on the blood. It also has a positive effect on various organs, such as the liver, kidneys and intestines. In addition, it has a strengthening effect on the immune system. Due to the high energy load, it is a good stone for rehabilitation and in times of illness, which in turn acts on the immune system. Hay fever could also be remedied by the bloodstone. And finally, it stimulates our blood circulation. Some cultures use crushed bloodstones as painkillers. Left: bloodstone with a lighter green color and brown spots. Right: bloodstone with lighter green color, yellow and red spots. Sorts of bloodstones As mentioned above, the bloodstone can also contain spots other than red, such as yellow, white, brown and black. The intensity of the green color can also vary, as it can fade with exposure to sunlight. Finding Places Bloodstones are not rare and its main finding places are Australia, Brazil, Czech Republic, India, China, Russia, and USA. The gemstone are therefore very distributed all over the world! Bloodstone jewelry Bloodstone is beautiful and the gemstone is often used in jewelry. This represents a very unique piece of jewelry. We have highlighted some examples for you. Masculin yellow gold signet ring with bloodstone. Bloodstone & Zodiac signs Bloodstone is the alternative birthstone of the Aries. In addition to bloodstone, Aries also owns diamond as a birthstone! That sounds promising. The main characteristics of people born between March 21 and April 20 are impulsive, confident, stubborn and positive. Learn more about colored gemstones and diamonds Do you want to learn everything about colored gems and colored diamonds? Book a diamond tour at Royal Coster Diamonds in Amsterdam. You see some of the world’s greatest (colored) diamonds, historical artifacts and much more!
The story of the Miriam Ring
In 1951, diamond cutter Wim Biallosterski bought Coster Diamonds. It was a few years after World War II and the people of Amsterdam slowly started to get back on their feet. Wim gave a new boost to Coster Diamonds. He created a close and warm team that almost felt like a family. Just like how Coster Diamonds initially was in 1840. Who is Miriam? One of the people who became part of the team was his daughter, Miriam Biallosterski. Miriam quickly became one of the top sales reps. She sold all sorts of diamonds and pieces of jewelry. But there was one ring she sold the most. It was a diamond entourage ring. The flower-shaped ring that was part of our basic collection. It came in many different sizes and colors. Miriam adored this ring. In fact, she wore one herself as well. Over the years, people started referring to it as “the Miriam Ring”. Miriam became the embodiment of this specific ring. What does it look like? Even now, 60 years later, we can still see why Miriam loved this ring so much. Even today, this ring is one of our most popular designs. We consider it one of our Coster Classics because of its timeless design. The ring has one diamond as a center stone and six or eight – slightly smaller – diamonds around it. It has a split-shank, which gives the ring an open and elegant shape. The beauty of this ring is that it comes in many different sizes and prices. Whether you have a big budget or a limited one, there is always a Miriam ring in your price range. Fun fact Eleven years after Wim Biallosterski, Ben Meier became CEO of Coster Diamonds. Coincidentally, he also had a daughter named Miriam. And Mirjam Meier also became a sales representative at Coster. So when people spoke about the Miriam ring, many assumed it was because of Ben’s daughter. But the real story is that the Miriam ring is a tribute to the daughter of the man who built Coster back up after the war. Get your Miriam ring Are you interested in the ring with this beautiful background story? Or perhaps curious about the other Coster Classics? Contact our diamond consultants. They can tell you even more about this special ring and provide you with all the available options.
The baguette cut diamond
History of the baguette cut diamond The baguette cut diamond is about 100 years old. Named after the famous French bread, it was developed around the 1920s – 1930s. The baguette diamond was very popular in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco periods. That’s why we often still find baguette cut diamonds in jewelry from that period of time. The reason the baguette became so popular was that people were almost “bored” with the traditional round diamond shapes. They looked for something more daring to express themselves. Hence, the baguette cut was born. Characteristics: craftsmanship over carat Just like other diamond cuts, the value of the baguette diamond depends on the 4 C’s. Baguette cut diamonds were in general lighter than one carat. But carat wasn’t the most important feature of the baguette. What mattered most was the quality of the cut. Most often, baguette cut diamonds only have 14 facets. In some cases, baguette cuts have 24 facets. This is very little, especially compared to other diamond cuts. Other so-called “step cut” diamonds like the emerald cut and the Asscher cut also have respectively 57 and 74 facets. As you can imagine, 14 facets (but also 24 for that matter) really is extraordinary. Not only 100 years ago, but still today. Just like the emerald cut diamond (left) and the Asscher cut diamond (right), the baguette (middle) is a step-cut diamond. Fewer facets; fewer chances of greatness As a diamond polisher, I always try to make the most of every diamond that I touch. Placing the facets correctly is important for every diamond shape. But for a baguette cut it is crucial. Each cut has to be perfect and precise. Mess up one facet and the baguette cut is failed. It won’t “make the cut” for retail jewelry so to say. That’s why we only see high-quality baguette cuts in high-end jewelry. But when a baguette is perfectly cut, it displays an incredible show of fire and light. However, because it is a step-cut diamond shape, a baguette never sparkles as much as a brilliant cut. Shape and size of a baguette cut diamond Just like the emerald cut and the Asscher cut, the baguette cut is a so-called step-cut diamond shape. Step cut diamonds have rectangular or square facets. These facets graduate from the table like a set of steps. You can compare them to tiny stairs. Whereas the Asscher and emerald cut have cropped corners, baguettes have straight edges. Regular baguette cut diamond and tapered baguette Unlike many other cuts, baguettes come in many different ratios. In general, they are around 1.5 to 1. But it is also possible to make baguettes with a 5:1 ratio. It Is up to the diamond polisher. Another rather unique characteristic of the baguette cut is its shape. A baguette can be straight with straight corners. But a very common variety is a baguette cut with tapered edges. Baguette diamonds in jewelry Baguette diamonds are by far most used as shoulder stones or as side stones. The thin shape of the baguette compliments almost every diamond shape. Baguettes also fit well in sidebands because of their thin structure. But because it doesn’t sparkle as much, the baguette does not attract the attention from the main diamond. It is the perfect sidekick in diamond jewelry so to say. However, even for a sidekick, you need to make sure the characteristics are right. What to look for in a baguette cut diamond? When you’re about to purchase baguette cut diamonds, there are a few things to take into account: Match color and clarity Avoid inclusions Purchase in sets 1. Match color and clarity All baguettes in a piece of jewelry should have a similar color and clarity. They should also match the center diamond – the hero of the jewelry piece. Sometimes I encounter a piece with a noticeable difference in color or clarity. This is such a shame because it doesn’t look as good as it could – and should. A difference in color and clarity crates an inharmonious and unappealing appearance. 2. Avoid inclusions The inclusions in baguette cuts are way more visible than inclusions in, for example, brilliant cuts. But they are even more visible than in other step cuts such as emerald cuts. That has everything to do with the small number of facets. That’s why I always recommend a clarity of VS or higher for baguette cut diamonds. 3. Purchase in sets If you purchase loose baguette cuts, chances are they eventually end up as side stones in a piece of jewelry. To guarantee the symmetry, you want to make sure both diamonds look the same. That’s why I always advise to purchase baguette cuts at least in sets of 2. Pros & cons of baguette diamonds Just like any other diamond cut, the baguette cut also knows its strengths and weaknesses. When you’re considering to purchase a baguette diamond, it is useful to take these into account. Pros of the baguette cut diamond As you can imagine, there are certainly a few characteristics of the baguette cut that are beneficial. Cheaper: baguette cut diamonds are less popular than other cuts like the brilliant cut or the emerald cut. Therefore, they have a lower price. This doesn’t mean the cut is of lower quality. It is just a matter of supply and demand. Great sidekicks: baguettes are a great addition to any main diamond or gemstone. They make sure all the attention goes to the stone in the center and don’t steal the thunder. Versatile: because the baguette diamonds are such great sidekicks, they are also very versatile. There are many ways to place baguette cuts in jewelry. This can be horizontal, vertical or even aligned. Cons of the baguette cut diamond Like other diamond cuts, the baguette cut also has a few downsides. Less popular: it depends on how you look at it. But it can be more of a challenge to find baguette cut diamonds because they are less popular. Less suitable for solitaires: solitaire engagement rings are one of the most popular pieces of diamond jewelry. Unfortunately, baguette cuts hardly make pretty solitaires. Inclusions are highly noticeable: any baguette with a clarity below VS2 has noticeable inclusions. Brilliants and cuts derived from it can get away with a lesser clarity without having the inclusions so visible. Less brilliance: just like emerald cuts, baguettes are step cuts. This means they sparkle less than brilliants and most other diamond cuts. As you can see, there are multiple pros and cons of the baguette cut diamond. But the most important thing about purchasing a diamond is your own preference. The most important thing is that you like the diamond you chose. A special bond with baguette cuts At Royal Coster Diamonds, we have a special appreciation for the baguette cut. At the age of 15, our former CEO, Ben Meier (1930-2013) started as a diamond polisher at Coster. It became clear that Ben had a great eye for symmetry. He was a great craftsman. Therefore, it was no wonder he was given the Royal task of polishing the diamonds for Queen Juliana’s diamond watch. The craftsman he was, Ben understood the hidden potential of the baguette cut. He specialized himself in this diamond cut. To this day, we still share Ben’s enthusiasm about the baguette diamond. Mr. Ben Meier as a diamond polisher in 1959 at Royal Coster Diamonds Get your baguette cut diamond Are you looking for a baguette cut diamond? Or perhaps for a ring with baguettes side stones? At Royal Coster Diamonds we have the largest collection of diamonds in all of Europe. Chances are big we have exactly what you are looking for. But it is also possible to get a custom made ring. Contact one of our diamond consultants to find your perfect piece. Or browse our online collection of diamond rings to get an idea of the quality of our products.