Comprehensive Guide to the Perfect Diamond Jewelry

The moment you bought your first diamond is etched in your memory. Whether it’s a pair of diamond earrings or an earring Engagement ring , these Jewelry pieces Are constructed to endure and frequently mark a noteworthy event.  

The cost of diamond jewelry is typically higher and it is regarded as a luxurious item. Given the high cost of diamonds, it’s crucial to carefully navigate the shopping process. Before buying a diamond, it is important to consider several factors, including the cut and setting style. For those of you who are unsure where to begin when it comes to evaluating the quality of your diamonds, we have all the information you need.  

We spoke with Olivia Landau , a fourth-generation GIA-certified gemologist and founder of The Clear Cut , to get her tips for shopping for diamonds. Scroll down to obtain a detailed guide on how to choose diamonds that suit your preferences and budget

Know the 4Cs

Prior to commencing the process of doing so Buying a diamond , it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of the 4Cs. Landau states that the 4Cs, which include cut, color, clarity, and carat, are essential for evaluating diamonds’s overall quality and value

Cut

The shape of a diamond is known as its cut, and this is one of the most significant aspects to take into account. Landau states that a diamond’s cut is crucial in determining its brilliance, firepower, and sparkle, as it affects the reflection of light. Regardless of the size, a well-cut diamond will appear more radiant and sparkling. According to her, round brilliant diamonds are the only type that has a cut grade, while other shapes with polish and symmetry are called fancy shapes. These shapes will be rated as excellent, very good, good fair, or poor in terms of cut, polish, and symmetry

Color

Diamonds that are not white in color Lack According to Landau, color is more valuable because it can absorb more light, which enhances the stone’s brightness. Diamonds are rated on a scale of D to Z, with colors ranging from yellow or brown. AD -grade diamond is typically the most sought-after, while a middle-range stone can be more economical. The diamonds in grades G to J, which can appear white without a clear hue, are believed by experts like Landau to be more valuable

Clarity

The clarity of a diamond is determined by whether there are any imperfections on the stone, which has an impact on its worth. These flaws can be classified as internal or external and are rated on a Flawless (FL) to Included (I) scale. Diamonds are not always considered flawless jewels, so avoid assuming they have tiny inclusions when purchasing them. Even with small inclusions, a diamond with minor imperfections (VS1 or VS2) can still appear flawless to the eye due to their microscopic nature, as per Landau

Carat

Landau states that the carat is a diamond’s weight, not its size. The value of a diamond is not determined by its carat weight, even though larger stones are more expensive and rarer. If your goal is to determine the perfect weight, consider exploring a range of styles and sizes to find the ideal one. The best-looking diamond, in terms of appearance, may not be a large carat weight. A smaller, well-cut diamond with excellent color and clarity may be more aesthetically pleasing than a larger, lower-quality diamond, as per Landau

Setting a Realistic Budget

After comprehending the 4Cs, it’s important to establish a budget for your diamond jewelry. Landau suggests that when it comes to engagement rings, you should also establish a budget for them to ensure your expectations are met. Determine the attributes of diamonds that are most important to you, such as their carat weight or cut. Landau suggests that you should research your 4C balance to determine what is within your budget. It should be noted that minor variations in color or clarity can have a significant impact on pricing without affecting overall aesthetic differences. ”

Popular Diamond Shapes

After narrowing down your diamond criteria and budget, it’s time to make a few style decisions. Diamonds come in a variety of shapes, from oval to marquise, and each offers its own unique set of characteristics. Deciding on a shape is mostly up to your preferences, so here are some of the popular diamond shapes you should know

Round Brilliant

A round brilliant diamond is one of the most classic shapes. According to Landau, the round-shaped diamond features “58 facets designed to maximize sparkle and brilliance. ” It’s a timeless and versatile shape that she says makes it suitable for any setting or style.  

Oval

A variation of a traditional round diamond, oval-cut diamonds have an elongated round shape. Landau says this shape can create “the illusion of longer fingers while offering a similar brilliance to the Round. ” It’s a modern and sophisticated choice that can also make a diamond appear larger.  

Emerald

Another elegant option is an emerald-cut diamond. Landau says the rectangular-shaped diamond features “step-cut facets that emphasize clarity over brilliance, ” which gives it a clean and understated appearance. She also notes that emerald diamonds highlight clarity, as the linear facets help more light shine through the stone

Cushion 

Cushion-cut diamonds feature a combination of shapes. According to Landau, a cushion-cut diamond resembles a pillow with its square or rectangular shape and rounded corners. This shape offers a more vintage and romantic appearance.  

Pear

If you’re in the market for a statement shape, consider a pear-shaped diamond. A pear diamond is “shaped like a teardrop with a pointed end” making for a bold and unique piece of jewelry, says Landau. The eye-catching design can be worn two ways, with the pointed end facing upwards or downwards.  

Marquise

Marquise diamonds are considered a symbol of vintage glamour. Landau explains that a marquise diamond is “shaped like a football with pointed ends” which offers a “dramatic and eye-catching effect. ” She also notes that the unique style can create the illusion of a larger diamond

Different Diamond Settings

After you’ve chosen a diamond shape, you’ll want to decide how you’d like the stone to be set. “When it comes to setting styles, different diamond shapes pair best with specific designs, each offering distinct benefits, ” says Landau. Here are a few of the diamond setting styles to note.  

Solitaire

A solitaire setting features a diamond that is set in a piece on its own with no accent diamonds. Landau says this style “highlights the diamond as the focal point” and emphasizes a diamond’s overall size and quality. A solitaire setting complements round brilliant, oval, emerald, cushion-shaped diamonds

Bezel

In a bezel setting, there is a metal frame that surrounds the whole diamond. According to Landau, “It offers a modern, sleek look and excellent protection, making it perfect for active lifestyles. ” Consider a round brilliant, oval, emerald, or antique-cut diamond with this setting style

East-West

An East-west setting Places a diamond horizontally rather than vertically. Landau notes that this setting offers “a unique and modern twist that highlights the diamond’s length. ” This would pair well with oval, marquise, emerald, or pear-shaped diamonds

Halo

In a halo setting, smaller diamonds are placed around a center diamond which creates a halo. This style will enhance the brilliance of the diamonds and make the center stone appear larger, says Landau. For an especially glamorous appearance, pair a halo setting with a round brilliant, cushion, oval, or pear-shaped diamond

How to Find a Reputable Jeweler

With so many places to shop for diamonds, both online and in-store, it can be difficult to know where to buy. Landau recommends doing some research on your jeweler, determining whether they are a graduate gemologist, if they work with natural or lab-grown diamonds, and, in the case of natural diamonds, whether the diamonds are GIA-certified. Even affordable diamond jewelry can cost upwards of $1,000, so you want to work with a jeweler who has great reviews or comes heavily recommended. “Choose a jeweler who listens to your preferences and doesn’t pressure you into a purchase, ” advises Landau. “A jeweler who will guide you through the shopping process and understand that buying diamonds is a big purchase will help make you more confident in your decisions.”

How can one utilize Grading Reports?

When buying a diamond, make sure to check if it has been graded properly, such as from the American Diamond Association Gemological Institute of America Focusing on the primary features of the 4Cs will be highlighted in the report, according to Landau. Look for any comments on fluorescence or inclusions that may have an effect on how they look. Verify that the diamond’s dimensions and proportions match the overall cut standard. Landau suggests comparing grading reports for multiple diamonds to achieve the optimal balance between quality and value. ”

Making a Final Purchase

It’s important to be confident in your choice of diamonds before purchasing, so don’t feel as if you need to rush into it. “Compare multiple options to see how different diamonds look in person, verify the diamond’s grading report and authenticity, consider the setting style and ensure it complements the diamond shape, and work with a jeweler you trust, ” says Landau. Once all the technical decisions have been made, you should ultimately trust your instincts and go for the diamonds that feel the most right to you.