Buying Guide

1. Cut: The Sparkle Factor

What It Means
The cut refers to the craftsmanship involved in shaping and polishing the diamond, affecting how it captures and reflects light. A well-cut diamond maximizes brightness and sparkle, giving it that unmistakable dazzle. Cut grades range from Excellent to Poor.

Popular Cuts
Here are some of the most popular diamond cuts:

    • Round Brilliant: The most popular cut, known for its exceptional sparkle and fire.
    • Princess: A contemporary square shape that offers brilliance with clean lines.
    • Emerald: Features a rectangular shape with step cuts, providing a sophisticated, vintage look.
    • Radiant: Combines the elegance of the emerald cut with the brilliance of a round cut, ideal for those seeking a unique shape.
    • Pear: A teardrop shape that can elongate the finger, offering a romantic appeal.
    • Oval: Similar to the round cut but elongated, providing a larger appearance for its carat weight.

2. Color: Pure and Clear or Unique and Warm

What It Means
Diamond color actually refers to the absence of color. Most diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light color), with colorless diamonds being the rarest and most valuable.

Color Grading Chart

Grade

Description

Visual Appearance

D

Colorless

No hue present

E

Colorless

Extremely subtle hue

F

Colorless

Very slight color, still considered colorless

G

Near Colorless

Slightly detectable hue, not visible to the untrained eye

H

Near Colorless

Slight hue visible in some lights

I

Slightly Tinted

Noticeable color in certain lighting

J

Slightly Tinted

More noticeable color but still appealing

K-Z

Light Yellow to Brown

Increasingly visible color

 

How to Choose
If you’re seeking a classic, colorless look, aim for a grade between D and F. G to J grades offer a nearly colorless appearance but are often more budget-friendly. For those who like a bit of character, slightly colored diamonds can pair beautifully with warm-toned settings.

3. Clarity: Flawless or Character-Enhanced

What It Means
Clarity evaluates the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface blemishes. These natural features make each diamond unique. The clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I), with fewer inclusions considered more desirable.

 

Clarity Grading Chart

Grade

Description

Visual Appearance

FL

Flawless

No inclusions visible

IF

Internally Flawless

No inclusions visible under 10x magnification

VVS1

Very Very Slightly Included

Minor inclusions, difficult to see

VVS2

Very Very Slightly Included

Minor inclusions, more visible than VVS1

VS1

Very Slightly Included

Inclusions visible only under 10x magnification

VS2

Very Slightly Included

Inclusions visible to a trained eye

SI1

Slightly Included

Inclusions visible to the naked eye

SI2

Slightly Included

Inclusions obvious to the naked eye

I1

Included

Obvious inclusions affecting appearance

I2

Included

Major inclusions affecting durability

I3

Included

Major inclusions affecting durability

 

How to Choose

Choose a clarity grade that fits your preference and budget. VS1 (Very Slightly Included) and SI1 (Slightly Included) are popular for their balance between quality and value. In many cases, inclusions in these grades are not visible to the naked eye, offering a beautiful stone without a high premium.

Carat: The Size of Your Statement

What It Means

Carat refers to the diamond’s weight, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. Carat is often associated with size, but a diamond’s visual appearance also depends on its cut, shape, and setting. Larger diamonds are typically rarer and thus, more valuable.

How to Choose

The ideal carat size depends on personal style and budget. For a larger look without sacrificing quality, you might consider a well-cut diamond slightly under a full carat, such as 0.90 carats, for a similar appearance at a lower price.