First things first, the shape of your diamond plays a significant role in its overall sparkle and contrast. Round brilliant diamonds are cut with kite-shaped facets that promote vivid sparkle and contrast. Round diamonds also transmit light more efficiently than any other shape, which makes well-cut near-colourless diamonds look even less colourful than their laboratory colour grade.

Now, let's get to the recommendations for each type of diamond cut! For round brilliants, which are known for their best sparkle and contrast, a white metal setting is perfect for F colour and above, making your diamond look extremely bright. A white metal setting also complements J colour and above, and it may work for K colour due to its cut-quality. Yellow metal settings are recommended for G colour and below, complementing J colour and below, and are highly recommended for M colour and below. Rose gold settings work with any colour but are especially recommended for those with brown undertones.

For mixed cuts like Cushion, Princess, Pear, Oval, Radiant and Marquise, which also sparkle beautifully, white metal settings are highly recommended for F colour and above and very complementary to H colour and above. White metal settings may work for I and J colours due to their cut-quality. Yellow metal settings complement G colour and below and are very complementary to J colour and below. They are also highly recommended for M colour and below. Rose-gold settings work for any colour but are especially recommended for those with brown undertones.

For Step Cuts like Emerald, Square Emerald, and Asscher cuts, the shape aesthetic is more prominent than the sparkle. White metal settings are highly recommended for F colour and above and very complementary to G colour and above. They may work for H and I colours due to their cut-quality. Yellow metal settings complement G colour and below and are very complementary to J colour and below. They are also highly recommended for M colour and below. Rose-gold settings work for any colour but are especially recommended for those with brown undertones.

One thing to keep in mind when choosing a rose gold setting is that it can make your diamond look slightly pinker. This happens because the warm, coppery tones in the gold can reflect within the diamond, creating a rosy glow. This effect is subtle but can be quite beautiful, especially with diamonds that have a hint of brown in them.

Lastly, it's important to consider your skin tone when choosing the metal for your setting. The recommendations above are general guidelines, but personal preference plays a huge role in choosing the perfect setting that complements your diamond's colour and brings out its best qualities.

Now that you know how to choose the perfect setting for your diamond based on its colour, go out there and flaunt that sparkly beauty!