What's new, fashionable and fabulous in diamonds and diamond jewelry?

See the latest trends in diamonds and diamond jewelry, from engagement rings, to coloured diamonds, to three-stone pendants.

coloured diamonds are the ultimate prize

If you're very rich, and very famous, and already own a jewelry box filled with dazzling white diamonds, then you're probably hoping for your multimillionaire future husband to ask for your hand in marriage with a giant, coloured diamond.

coloured diamonds – known to elite jewelers as “fancy coloured diamonds” -- are extremely rare and exponentially more expensive than their white counterparts. Fashionistas are drooling over the engagement rings of the stars. Celebrity brides-to-be have recently seen a 6.1-carat, pink diamond set in platinum, and a 10-carat marquise-shaped, canary yellow diamond.

coloured diamonds come in every shade of the rainbow and are extremely rare. Some, like the yellow ones, are coloured by the naturally occurring addition of elements such as nitrogen, whereas pink diamonds simply reflect light differently than white diamonds.

Bigger is better

The common denominator however is size. And big is the word! The traditional one-carat solitaire has now grown to three, four or even five carats. Diamond engagement rings with round diamonds are still the most popular, followed by marquise. But the fastest-growing shape in recent years is square, as in emerald and princess shapes. Learn more about which shapes are the most popular.

Is one stone enough?

Solitaire diamond engagement rings continue to be far and away the most desired, but three-stone diamond engagement rings with a larger center stone flanked by two smaller diamonds are gaining visibility of late. This style has become popular among some of music's greatest pop divas. Madonna wears one with round diamonds totaling five carats; while Toni Braxton's has an oval-shaped center stone with heart-shaped side stones totaling 4.5 carats.

What's new in settings?

The choice of precious metal is an important factor, and a preference for platinum and white gold is on the rise, but 70 percent of diamond engagement rings are still yellow gold. See what other setting choices women are making.

Diamond jewelry is another fashion story

Today's hottest jewelry trends make it more exciting than ever to express yourself in diamonds. Long, diamond drop earrings have joined traditional diamond studs as the earring of choice, adding lady-like sophistication to a formal gown or an elegant trouser-suit. What's more, there are surprisingly affordable versions to make any woman feel like a fashion icon.

Delicate diamond pendants, like the graduated, three-stone “snowman,” are gracing the necklines of the glitterati everywhere, along with heart-shaped diamond solitaires and zodiac signs to communicate the real you.

The most sought-after piece of diamond jewelry of the moment is the diamond right-hand ring – a unique piece that expresses a woman's independence and style. The diamond right-hand ring is a perfect showcase for a new generation of women who want a unique, very personal piece of jewelry they can enjoy every day. Who's sporting them? Some of today's biggest stars, including the trend-setting quartet from Sex and the City (Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Catrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon) heading the list.

Branded diamonds - The creme de la creme

Like any other fashion item, name brands come with a certain cachet and status all their own. And there's good reason for that! When you buy a recognized brand, you know you're getting high quality. No ifs, ands or buts.

The fabulous Leo Diamond ® – one of the most superior branded diamonds to arrive on the jewelry market of late -- is handcrafted for superior brilliance by the master artisans at Leo Schachter and is truly one of the most beautiful diamonds in the world. You can select your Leo Diamond as a loose stone, then have it set in the high-fashion setting of your choice. Or , you can buy Leo Diamond jewelry from three-stone rings to pendants and ear studs ready to wear and sold exclusively from Leo Diamond Jewelers.

To find your nearest authorized Leo Diamond jeweler just click here. And P.S., if you don't see the size, setting, or even colour of the diamond you want, please don't be afraid to ask for it as a special order. Chances are good that a reputable jeweler would love to sell you a bigger diamond than the ones they stock or order a certain diamond shape or setting you know you can't live without!

How to let him know what you want

How do you let the man of your dreams know the diamond of your dreams? Here are some suggestions for giving him hints so he can make the perfect choice.