Cut.
Cut is the most important factor in determining a diamond’s brilliance. It refers to how well the diamond has been shaped and faceted to reflect light. A well-cut diamond captures light beautifully, creating that signature sparkle. Common cuts include Round, Princess, Cushion, and Emerald, each offering a distinct look. The best cut grade is ‘Ideal’ or ‘Excellent,’ which maximizes light reflection.
*Key Insight: *A diamond with a better cut may appear larger and more dazzling, even if it has a lower carat weight.
Color.
Color grades a diamond’s absence of color. Diamonds are graded from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Colorless diamonds are rare and therefore more valuable. However, a slight tint may give your diamond a unique warmth and charm.
*Key Insight: *For the best value, consider diamonds in the near-colorless range (G-H-I), which still appear nearly colorless to the naked eye.
Clarity.
Clarity evaluates the presence of natural imperfections or 'inclusions' within the diamond. Clarity is graded from Flawless (no visible inclusions) to Included (visible inclusions). Most diamonds contain small inclusions, but many are so tiny they’re invisible without magnification.
*Key Insight: A diamond with minor inclusions (VS1-VS2) offers an excellent balance of beauty and value, as these inclusions are typically invisible to the naked eye.
Carat.
Carat measures the weight of a diamond, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. While carat impacts a diamond's size, it’s important to remember that two diamonds of the same carat weight can appear different in size depending on the cut. A well-cut diamond may appear larger than a poorly cut one of the same weight.
*Key Insight: Consider cut and shape alongside carat weight for maximum visual impact and to find a diamond that fits your budget beautifully.
Types of Diamonds
Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years, under intense heat and pressure. Composed of nearly pure carbon, they are among the hardest naturally occurring materials and hold timeless beauty and value. Due to their rarity, natural diamonds are highly prized and cherished as heirlooms across generations.
Lab Diamonds
Lab diamonds are optically, chemically, and physically identical to natural diamonds. The difference lies in their origins: while natural diamonds are Earth-formed, lab diamonds are created by specialists using advanced equipment. With their similar properties and often more accessible pricing, lab diamonds provide a modern and sustainable option.
Diamond Certification
Diamond certification is a critical aspect of diamond purchasing. Institutions like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), International Gemological Institute (IGI), HRD Antwerp, and Gem Certification & Assurance Lab (GCAL) provide certification, ensuring the diamond's authenticity and quality. During the certification process, experts evaluate each diamond’s cut, color, clarity, and carat weight and often laser inscribe a unique identification number for easy tracking.
