London Fashion Week has come and gone once more, and showcased some of the biggest names in fashion as well as promising up-and-coming designers from all corners of the world.

How to Sparkle at London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week is one of the “big four” of Fashion Month, following recent shows in New York and precedes the Paris and Milan shows. Celebrities flock from all around to see the latest trends being showcased for the first time, and learn about what will be ‘in’ for the next season to come.

House of Holland, J.W. Anderson, Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith were amongst the huge designers whose collections featured on the catwalk, as well as the first reveal of Rihanna’s collaboration with River Island which drew world-wide attention from the media and fashion lovers alike.

There is no location more desirable than the FROW (aka front row) during this week, and the fabulous celebrities that adorn these coveted spots also take the chance to show off their favourite designers, clothes and accessories.

Anyone that is anyone knows that diamonds are a must have accessory, but how can we common mortals attain that perfect FROW style on a limited budget?

Vashi Dominguez, a diamond expert and founder of Diamond Manufacturers, has all the tips and tricks for those that want to glitter alongside the rich and famous without breaking the bank.

1. Many diamonds are bumped up in price for reasons that are undetectable to the untrained eye, or even without the help of a microscope. For example, choosing a totally colourless diamond (D colour) is a far more expensive option than going for one that is nearly colourless (G colour), and the difference cannot be seen between the two by those that are not diamond experts.

2. Minor differences in size make a huge difference, and those that are labelled ‘imperfect’ are only usually so when seen under a microscope.

3. Choosing white gold over platinum is a great way to save money, as they both look extremely similar but are priced dramatically differently.

4. The shape of the stone and the manner in which it is set can really affect the cost. Round diamonds may sparkle more (and cost more), but a pear shaped stone looks a lot bigger. Likewise, a smaller diamond can be made to look more impressive when set with side stones.

5. A bezel setting – meaning the stone is circled by the metal of the ring – boosts the appearance of size, as well as allowing for stones with more obvious defects around the edges to be used.

There you have it; totally easy ways to reduce the cost of your diamond purchases, and still sparkle alongside the best of them at London Fashion Week.