Composite Diamonds: The Complete Guide

Looking for a large diamond ring without the hefty price tag? A composite diamond ring could be the answer. These showstopping engagement rings offer the same sparkle and glamour as a large diamond, usually at a lower cost.

Jeweler Rahul Sacheti explains that composite diamonds are often set within a ring in just the right way “to convey a larger appearance.” These jewels may also be glued together to form doublets or triplets that are then set the same as a single, larger gemstone would be.

Keep reading to learn more about composite diamonds and what to look for when shopping for one.

Pros and Cons of Composite Diamonds

Aside from their attractive cost, the design possibilities with composite diamonds are nearly unlimited. They are perfect for creating intricate details. “The clustered designs are always unique and allow for more artistic expression,” Sacheti says.

Still, there are negative aspects. First, the potentially high repair costs for a broken composite diamond can negate the savings on the piece, and the future value of a composite diamond ring is not as reliable as a standard-size diamond.

What to Look for in a Composite Diamond

If you are considering a composite diamond, here are a few questions and answers to think about while shopping for an engagement ring.

• Are composite diamonds more affordable than traditional diamonds? Yes, they are usually much more affordable than a full, large diamond, as it costs less to create designs out of multiple small diamonds. However, keep in mind composite diamond rings typically require maintenance and repairs over time.
• Do composite diamonds hold their value? “Given the unregulated and emotional nature of the jewelry industry, it is tough to forecast the value of traditional diamonds, let alone composite diamonds," Sacheti says. "Their value retention as compared to traditional diamonds is nowhere close. However, the components and material values still may allow particular pieces to retain more of their value due to demand."
• What details should be considered with a composite diamond? Ask your jewelry if there is glass filling in any of the stones—something that's apparent when the ring is examined with a jeweler’s loupe. The same holds true for bluff stones (larger diamonds with some imperfections). "Here you are looking for inclusion characteristics rather than metalwork joining the stones," says Sacheti. "One can see the areas where the stones are glued together.”

How to Care for a Composite Diamond Ring

Cleaning a composite diamond ring is a cinch. Like a normal diamond, be sure to clean it with dishwashing soap and warm water for best results. Storing it in a cloth-lined jewelry box is ideal when you're not wearing it. When shopping for a composite diamond ring, consider the future repair costs. "Finding the appropriate diamonds to replace a missing stone in a composite ring can be costly and difficult," says Sacheti. If your ring involves an invisible setting, you can only repair the piece with notched diamonds. These are "not kept in big supply by diamond wholesalers," says Sacheti.

Additionally, if your original ring uses bluff or glued diamonds (which are cheaper than larger diamonds), the repair will be pricier than a composite diamond ring with another setting technique.

Ahead, scroll through 14 stunning composite diamond rings.