How To Choose A Diamond

How to Choose a Diamond

Choosing a diamond involves understanding the 4 Cs—Carat, Cut, Colour, and Clarity—along with deciding between natural or lab-grown diamonds, considering your budget, certification, and personal preferences. Here's a detailed guide to help you make an informed decision.

For tailored advice, don’t hesitate to ask us for help finding the perfect diamond for your needs!

1. Decide: Natural vs Lab-Grown Diamonds

Natural Diamonds

  • Origin: Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth.
  • Value: Often more valuable due to rarity and tradition.
  • Cost: Typically more expensive than lab-grown diamonds.

Lab-Grown Diamonds

  • Origin: Created in a laboratory under controlled conditions.
  • Value: Chemically and physically identical to natural diamonds but significantly more affordable.
  • Cost: Cheaper than natural diamonds of similar quality.

2. Understand the 4 Cs

Carat (Size and Weight)

  • Carat measures the diamond's weight. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
  • Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive, but quality often matters more than size.
  • Choose based on your budget and style preferences.

Cut (Proportion and Brilliance)

  • Cut determines how brilliantly the diamond sparkles.
  • Grades range from Excellent to Poor.
  • A high-quality cut enhances a diamond’s beauty, so prioritise this factor.

Colour (Lack of Hue)

  • Graded from D (colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tints).
  • Colourless (D–F) diamonds are the most valuable.
  • G–I grades offer good value, appearing nearly colourless.

Clarity (Flaws and Inclusions)

  • Refers to imperfections such as inclusions (internal) or blemishes (external).
  • Graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1–I3).
  • Look for VS1–VS2 (Very Slightly Included) for good value—imperfections are invisible to the naked eye.

3. Certification Matters

  • Always choose diamonds certified by reputable labs:
    • Natural Diamonds: Look for GIA (Gemological Institute of America) or AGS (American Gem Society).
    • Lab-Grown Diamonds: Look for IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA certification.
  • Certification ensures authenticity, quality, and transparency.

4. Budget Smartly

  • Decide on a budget and focus on what matters most:
    • For sparkle, prioritise Cut.
    • Opt for slightly smaller carats or lower clarity/colour grades to save money.
    • Lab-grown diamonds can stretch your budget further, offering larger or higher-quality stones for the same cost.

5. Consider Shape and Setting

  • Popular shapes include:
    • Round: Classic and sparkly.
    • Princess: Modern and angular.
    • Oval/Cushion: Soft and romantic.
    • Emerald/Asscher: Sophisticated, with step cuts.
  • The setting (halo, prong, bezel) and metal (gold, platinum) also impact the diamond’s appearance.

6. Examine the Diamond in Person

  • We allow you to view the diamond in different lighting conditions.
  • Seek eye-clean diamonds—imperfections invisible to the naked eye.

7. Ask for Expert Guidance

  • If you're unsure or have specific requirements, ask us for advice!
    • We’ll help you navigate the 4 Cs and the choice between natural and lab-grown diamonds.
    • Get personalised recommendations based on your style, budget, and values.

Diamonds are a timeless symbol of love and celebration. Whether natural or lab-grown, the right diamond is the one that resonates with you and fits your story.

Let us help you find it!