Every Maison ÉLAN jewel begins with a stone. This guide explains how diamonds and precious gemstones are cut, graded and cared for — so you can choose with confidence.
Diamond & Gemstone Cuts
The cut — or shape — defines how a stone captures and returns light. Brilliant cuts maximise sparkle; step cuts reveal clarity and depth.
Round Brilliant
58 facets of maximum brilliance — the most classic and luminous cut.
Oval
Elongated and elegant; makes fingers appear longer and the stone larger.
Pear
A teardrop that unites the round and the marquise — romantic and distinctive.
Marquise
A slender, boat-shaped cut with the largest apparent size per carat.
Princess
Square with sharp corners and brilliant faceting — modern and architectural.
Emerald
Step-cut with long, open facets — a hall of mirrors that rewards clarity.
Cushion
Soft, pillow-like corners and a vintage, romantic glow.
Radiant
The outline of an emerald cut with the fire of a brilliant.
Asscher
A square step-cut with an Art Deco, windmill-like depth.
Heart
The ultimate symbol of love — best appreciated above 0.5 ct.
Baguette
A slim rectangular step-cut, often used as elegant side stones.
The 4Cs of Diamonds
The quality of proportions, symmetry and polish. It is the single greatest factor in a diamond’s brilliance.
Graded from D (colourless) to Z. Our white diamonds are selected in the colourless and near-colourless range — typically DEF.
The presence of tiny natural characteristics, from FL (flawless) to I. VS–VVS stones look perfectly clean to the eye.
A measure of weight, not size: 1 carat = 0.2 grams. Cut and shape influence how large a stone appears.
Natural & Lab-Grown
Natural
Formed deep within the earth over millions of years. Each natural diamond and gemstone is a geological rarity with its own unique story.
Lab-Grown
Created in advanced laboratories with the same chemical, physical and optical properties as natural stones. Identical brilliance, a more accessible price and a conscious origin.
Every Maison ÉLAN product clearly states whether its stones are natural or lab-grown.
Precious Gemstones
Hardness is measured on the Mohs scale (1–10). The higher the number, the more resistant the stone is to scratches.
Diamond
Mohs hardness · 10
The hardest natural material. Brilliant, timeless and suited to everyday wear.
Care: Warm water, mild soap and a soft brush.
Emerald
Mohs hardness · 7.5–8
The green of legends. Natural inclusions — the “jardin” — are part of its character.
Care: Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, heat and harsh chemicals.
Sapphire
Mohs hardness · 9
Second only to diamond in hardness; royal blue, pink, yellow and rainbow hues.
Care: Warm soapy water; very durable for daily wear.
Ruby
Mohs hardness · 9
The red variety of corundum — passion and protection, as durable as sapphire.
Care: Warm soapy water and a soft brush.
Aquamarine
Mohs hardness · 7.5–8
Serene oceanic blue with exceptional transparency.
Care: Mild soap; avoid sudden temperature changes.
Paraíba
Mohs hardness · 7–7.5
A neon turquoise tourmaline — one of the rarest colours in the gem world.
Care: Gentle cleaning; avoid heat and ultrasonic cleaners.
Tanzanite
Mohs hardness · 6–7
Violet-blue found in a single place on earth, at the foot of Kilimanjaro.
Care: Wear with care; avoid knocks, heat and ultrasonics.
Pink Sapphire
Mohs hardness · 9
Romantic pink with the hardness of corundum.
Care: Warm soapy water; daily-wear friendly.
Citrine
Mohs hardness · 7
Golden warmth associated with light and abundance.
Care: Mild soap; keep away from prolonged sunlight.
Morganite
Mohs hardness · 7.5–8
Soft peach-pink beryl, delicate and luminous.
Care: Mild soap and a soft cloth.
Our Metals
| Metal | Purity | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 10K Gold | 41.7% pure gold | The most durable gold alloy — ideal for everyday pieces. |
| 14K Gold | 58.5% pure gold | The perfect balance of richness and resistance. Available in yellow, white and rose. |
| 18K Gold | 75% pure gold | Deeper colour and the classic choice of high jewellery. |
| Platinum 950 | 95% platinum | Naturally white, dense and hypoallergenic — the noblest setting for diamonds. |
Looking for a specific stone?
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