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.

What Are Composite Diamonds?

Composite diamonds are small diamonds that have been carefully placed together to create a larger-looking diamond. They may be set in a way that makes them appear as one stone or arranged in a design to maximize their beauty or sparkle.

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.

Meet the Expert

Rahul Sacheti is an experienced custom jeweler from M.S. International, Inc. and RS1 Jewelry, Ltd. He is a second-generation diamond wholesaler.

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 20 stunning composite diamond rings.

Morgan Jewelers White Gold Composite Diamond Marquise Ring

There’s a subtly fluid feel to this eye-catching ring with its five milgrain-lined marquise shape-stones that each feature several beautiful diamonds. The white gold ring has a total diamond weight of 0.05 carats.

Price at time of publish: $500

Macy’s Composite Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

Why go for one diamond on an engagement ring when you can enjoy the shimmer of several? The diamond-laden, round centerpiece of the white gold ring is accentuated with diamonds down the sides of the band.

Price at time of publish: $2,200

EFFY Composite Diamond Round Promise Ring

This chic and petite composite diamond ring has a thin band. Its sterling silver circle setting surrounds a pretty cluster of small-cut diamonds.

JTV White Composite Diamond Yellow Gold Ring

A stellar design and multitude of shimmering diamonds elevate this affordable ring to something glamorous and special. The ring has a whopping 96 small diamonds that come together to provide some serious sparkle.

Zales Composite Diamond Double Starburst Frame Engagement Ring

This radiant double starburst engagement ring is a dazzling option for brides seeking major sparkle. The diamond halo design consists of round- and baguette-cut diamonds on a polished 10k gold band.

Price at time of publish: $1,299

Le Vian Creme Brulee Nude Diamond Halo Cluster Ring

Le Vian’s round halo cluster of diamonds is the centerpiece for this stunning composite ring. It evokes the feeling of celebration as diamonds line the top half of the golden band.

JTV White Diamond White Gold Ring

Glitz and glamour abound in the many small diamonds in this ring and the careful round design that maximizes their beauty. The white gold band includes several diamonds set within the sides of the band, and its luster helps show off the beauty of the diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $764

Composite Diamond Multi-Row White Gold Chevron Ring

The bling on this ring cannot be denied. The chevron-shaped, composite diamond ring has a white gold band and features row after row of baguette-cut diamonds set in channels in an alternating pattern.

Price at time of publish: $4,099

James Allen White Gold Oval Halo Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring

The stunning contrast of this composite diamond ring accentuates the shimmer and beauty of combining fancy yellow diamonds and white diamonds. Its focal point is a large yellow gold oval diamond that is surrounded by 24 round yellow diamonds and 28 round white diamonds.

Candlelight Diamonds 10K Yellow Gold Dome Ring

This incredibly unique ring has two rows of dark diamonds. Between them, the yellow gold band branches off and twists around three other layers of these special diamonds.

Price at time of publish: $625

La4ve Diamonds White Gold Composite Diamond Bridal Ring Set

This sparkling matching engagement ring and wedding band set from La4ve Diamonds brings on the pizazz in a big way. Composite diamonds are plentiful on these rhodium-plated white gold rings.

Zales Composite Diamond Teardrop Rose Gold Ring

This attention-grabbing ring displays a channel-set composite of diamonds in a teardrop design. The rose gold is prominently on display along all the channels and band for a stunning finish.

Price at time of publish: $2,999

Gordon’s Jewelers Composite Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring

There’s nothing subtle or small about this sparkling composite diamond engagement ring. With a white gold band that’s set with baguette-cut diamonds, seven diamonds form the flower design at the center of the ring. Additionally, round accent diamonds add more beauty to the ring and border it at the top and bottom.

Price at time of publish: $8,750

David Yurman Petite Albion Ring with Diamonds

Diamonds are forever. This classic David Yurman style consists of a split-shank design, mosaic pavé diamonds, and a cushion-cut shape with a sterling silver setting.

Gordon's Jewelers Composite Diamond Multi-Row Bypass Bridal Set

This panache-packed 10k white gold ring has us swooning. Upon closer examination, you'll notice a flower-shaped silhouette of composite diamonds surrounded by a starburst border and a curvilinear showcase of baguette- and round-cut diamonds.

Kay Jewelers Le Vian Diamond Ring 14K Honey Gold

This 14k honey gold diamond ring featuring a medley of nude and chocolate diamonds is simply magnificent. Worthy of a romantic wedding elopement in Versailles, it's a compelling option for brides looking to make a bold statement.

Blue Nile Round and Baguette Diamond Crossover Fashion Ring

Dare to be different with this stylish diamond crossover ring that's both architectural and elegant. The swirling design is a captivating option for brides seeking a dose of glamour.

Price at time of publish: $2,500

Angara Composite Diamond Halo Engagement Ring

Let your inner sophisticate shine through with this gorgeous engagement ring consisting of nine brilliant round diamonds on a 14k white gold band. Leaf-shaped cutwork on the underside of the ring and a partial diamond band further elevate the design.

Price at time of publish: $2,769

Zales Composite Diamond Frame Ring in 14K White Gold

Instead of a big rock, opt for a round composite of diamonds for triple the sparkle factor. Four large diamonds forming the center are accompanied by a border of glistening diamonds and even more diamonds lining the three-row split shank.

Jared Diamond Engagement Ring Round 14K White Gold

Between the striking halo design and brilliant center, this contemporary engagement ring exudes elegance and sophistication. The 14k white gold band is encompassed by even more diamonds for a standout finish.

Price at time of publish: $5,800

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