Expert advice from seasoned artisans and leaders
in the world of ethical Canadian jewelry.

A jeweler inspects an oval diamond for a Canadian-made engagement ring at Ecksand's Montreal atelier.

How to Tell if a Diamond Is Real: 7 At-Home Tests That Reveal the Truth

A diamond’s value goes beyond its sparkle. Whether inherited, gifted, or self-purchased, knowing if your stone is authentic is about certainty, not spectacle. While a certified jeweller like Ecksand remains the final word, several simple at-home tests can help you determine whether your stone might be the real deal.

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Tags: Diamonds Guide
A jeweler inspecting a loose oval diamond for a custom, Canadian-made diamond engagement ring.

Diamonds vs. Cubic Zirconia: What’s the Real Difference?

When shopping for fine jewelry, it's natural to compare diamonds and their lookalikes, such as moissanites and cubic zirconia (CZ). All of these stones may sparkle, but their origins, structure, and long-term value tell very different stories. Whether you're buying your first diamond ring or researching ethical engagement ring options, understanding the key differences between CZ and diamond is essential.

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Tags: Diamonds Guide
Woman's hand wearing a Canadian-made oval diamond engagement ring and a matching diamond wedding ring in 18K yellow gold.

How Big Is a 1 Carat Diamond?

When shopping for a diamond ring, one of the most common questions people ask is: How big is a 1 carat diamond? While "1 carat" refers to a diamond's weight, not its size, many buyers understandably want to know how that translates visually. Here's what you need to know about 1 carat diamond size, how it looks on a finger, and what affects its appearance.

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Canadian-made bridal stack with an emerald-cut diamond engagement ring and wedding band in 18K white gold.

Unlock the Future of Diamond Shopping: Ecksand's Diamond Ring Builder

In an era where luxury meets innovation, the quest for the perfect diamond ring has been reimagined. Introducing Ecksand’s Diamond Ring Builder, a groundbreaking tool that transforms your diamond selection journey into a seamless blend of elegance and precision. 

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Model wearing Canadian-made jewelry: a yellow gold diamond engagement ring set, rose gold rings, and dangle earrings.

Exploring Elongated Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Discover the unique allure of elongated cushion cut engagement rings. Explore their characteristics, benefits, and find the perfect ring to symbolize your love story. Read More.
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A selection of loose diamonds in various cuts, including round and pear, for a custom Canadian-made engagement ring.

Understanding Diamond Carat: Why It Matters in Your Jewelry Choices

When choosing a diamond, understanding carat weight is crucial. Contrary to popular belief, the term "carat" refers to the diamond's weight, not its size. Read more about diamond carat in this blog post.

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Ecksand's Canadian-made engagement rings: a yellow diamond halo ring and an oval diamond ring, both in 18K white gold.

What does diamond colour mean?

The importance of diamond colour for engagement rings.

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Tags: Diamonds Guide
A selection of loose diamonds for a custom Canadian-made engagement ring by Ecksand.

Moissanite vs. Diamond: Which one should I buy?

These stones are less alike than they appear.
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Loose round, oval, and radiant cut diamonds with a loupe and tweezers for Ecksand's Canadian-made fine jewelry.

Why you Should Buy Conflict-Free, Ethical Diamonds

Interested in learning more about conflict free diamonds? Learn why ethical diamonds are not only beautiful but also ethical and sustainable!
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A collection of various loose diamond shapes for a custom Canadian-made Ecksand engagement ring.

Diamond Cut: The 4C's of Diamonds

Cut is one of the key characteristics to consider when choosing your diamond. Why? Read on to find out.
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Close-up of a jeweler setting baguette diamonds into a Canadian-made 18K white gold eternity ring.

What Are Recycled Diamonds?

At Ecksand, we care about the environment which is why we offer recycled diamonds of the highest quality as an eco-conscious option. Learn more about recycled diamonds and why they're important here.
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A jeweller polishing a Canadian-made oval diamond solitaire engagement ring in 18K white gold.

Diamond Clarity: The 4C's of Diamonds

Is your diamond “eye-clean”? Diamond clarity has a huge impact on the rarity, beauty, and value of your diamond. With or without a magnifying glass, read here to be equipped in finding the clarity that suits you best!
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