Layla Diamonds

UK Jewelry Insights 2026 Radiant Cut Diamond: The Trending Blend of Brilliance in 2026 A radiant cut diamond is a sophisticated hybrid gemstone that combines the elegant, elongated silhouette of an emerald cut with the high-intensity sparkle of a round brilliant. In 2026, it has become a leading choice for those seeking a durable, "crushed ice" visual effect that hides inclusions effectively while offering a contemporary aesthetic. What Is a Radiant Cut Diamond? Hybrid gemstone combining silhouette and sparkle. A radiant cut diamond is a fancy shape diamond with a distinctive cut, a rectangular or square shape outline. It is also distinguished by having a unique cut pattern with an average of 70 facets, with the intention of returning as much light as possible for an intense, bright effect. First introduced in the 1970s, it was the first rectangular shape diamond to have all of the crown and pavilion facets cut in a brilliant way. This innovation allowed the rad...

Luxury Cut Trends 2026 Top 7 Marquise Engagement Ring Trends Taking Over the UK in 2026 What sets the marquise engagement ring apart from traditional cuts is the unique “navette” or boat shape construction. Other cuts almost always feature flat edges, while the marquise has two pointed edges with a clean, elongated centre. In 2026, this shape will have dramatically transformed from a vintage piece to a modern marvel. Trends for this shape will include horizontal East-West settings, protective minimalist bezels, and a growing emphasis on lab-grown diamonds in the UK‘s luxurious market. What are the leading marquise engagement ring trends in the UK for 2026? The modern 'Navette' shape taking over the UK market. Marquise engagement ring trends in 2026 will be focused on “East-West” horizontal orientation designs, the Toi et Moi multi-stone rings, and mixed metal ring bands. There is an increasing trend among British couples in using elongated diamonds, lab-created sto...

Jewellery Buying Guide 2026 Lab Grown Diamond Necklace: Complete Buying Guide for 2026 Buying jewelry today isn’t what it used to be. People don’t just walk into a store and pick the first shiny piece they see. They compare, research, and try to understand what they’re actually paying for. That shift is exactly why the lab grown diamond necklace has become so popular. At a glance, it looks no different from a natural diamond necklace. Same sparkle, same durability, same visual appeal. The only real difference lies in how the diamond is created. But here’s where many people make a mistake — they assume that because it’s lab-grown, the decision becomes easier. It doesn’t. You still need to pay attention to quality, design and practicality. Otherwise, you might end up with something that looks good in the box but rarely gets worn. Lab Grown Diamond Necklace: What You Need to Know Before Buying The perfect balance of sparkle and ethical sourcing. If you’re planning to buy a...

Timeless Jewelry Guide 2026 Oval Engagement Rings: What To Know About The Timeless Cut An oval engagement ring contains an elongated symmetrical cut diamond or gemstone, which is rounded and does not have pointed edges. This particular cut is appreciated for its ability to merge the fire of a round brilliant diamond and the effect of a thinner, longer finger. What Are Modern Oval Engagement Rings? Elliptical shape with brilliant facets for maximum light capture. Oval engagement rings are elliptical in shape and utilise a unique cutting style with brilliant facets to maximise how light is captured and reflected. This cut has 57 to 58 facets, making it almost as brilliant as a round cut diamond, and offers a unique elongated look that has a greater surface area compared to its carat weight. The oval-cut engagement ring has seen an uptick in demand in the UK jewellery market. This is in part because of the size illusion a stone creates, which offers an elongated look, which ...

Jewellery Comparison Guide 2026 The Eternal Spark:  Choosing Between Radiant Cut Engagement Rings and Oval Elegance There’s always that one moment. Not the proposal. Not even the “yes”. The moment before that, when you’re choosing the ring and trying to picture it on their hand, wondering if it will feel right, not just look right. When our client Julian first visited the Layla Diamonds website, he wasn’t simply in search of a gemstone; he was seeking a tangible expression of his promise to Maya. He recalled how she appeared in the glow of the city lights “alive, multi-textured, brimming” with an energy that reflected off every surface. While navigating the digital shopping space, he had been drawn into an age-old battle of the jewellery world: the architectural blaze of radiant-cut engagement rings vs the gentle, elongated elegance of oval rings. It’s often the first time couples sit down to talk about how they want their wedding to look. For Julian, the decision was about m...