A diamond masterclass, with Laings
In partnership with Laings
When it comes to choosing a diamond, there’s more to consider than carats. Hood’s editor, Maxine Eggenberger, spent an afternoon with Laings esteemed jewellery experts to learn about the true worth of the diamond…
Diamonds have always played a poignant role in my life. Every day, I wear a diamond ring I inherited from my late father and, whenever I glance down at it, it gives me indescribable comfort. Such is the power of a diamond. These glittering stones mark our most monumental moments, making them so much more than a piece of jewellery—they're the touchstones of our past, present, and future. And no-one understands this quite as acutely than Laings.
Laings is a family-run jeweller with Scottish roots which, this year, is celebrating 180 years in the business of sparkle. Born in the heart of Glasgow's vibrant Merchant City in 1840, the brand has since gone from strength to strength. With attention to detail, industry-leading craftsmanship, and five-star customer service at its core, today, you'll find six stunning Laings stores spread across the country, each of which has become a luxury destination where families gather to spotlight special occasions, marking them with a piece of jewellery crafted to be passed down from generation to generation.
An emotional and financial investment, diamonds are at the centre of this storytelling, and Laings is here to help unearth the perfect jewel.
Laings is passionate about sharing a diamond's entire journey – from its initial procurement to the attentive design process, right through to the moment it's placed on a velvet-lined pillar in a pristine glass cabinet. I can't think of a better way to spend an afternoon than surrounded by diamonds, so, when Laings invited me to join them for an exclusive diamond masterclass, I was there faster than you can say 'carat'.
Laings has assembled an extremely knowledgeable team, all of whom can confidently answer any question Laings' illustrious clientele may have about the coveted gemstone. One such specialist is Craig, a team member at Laings, whose career in the jewellery trade spans over 18 years.
Craig helped me to better understand how the diamond industry operates and described at length the stringent process Laings has put in place to ensure they only invest in diamonds of the best quality. "Diamonds are entirely unique, and it's my job to help our customers to understand the intricacies of each individual stone," enlightens Craig. "Choosing a diamond goes way beyond carats; the cut and clarity are equally important factors that contribute to the aesthetic of a diamond. Over the years, I've had the privilege of working closely with families to help them find their perfect diamond. Gemstones are as individual as we are, and seeing customers connect with a piece is exceptional. I feel honoured to bear witness to that.”
Needless to say, after spending time with Craig and the Laings team, my diamond ring feels all the more sentimental.
For more information, please visit Laings Glasgow: Argyll Arcade, 0141 221 7199, Laings Edinburgh: 72 George Street, 0131 225 4513, or go to Laingsuk.com.