STONE Diamond Advice

Shoppers have many options for sourcing diamonds, from conflict-free mined diamonds and recycled vintage stones to lab-grown synthetics. There are even lookalikes available, such as moissanites and white sapphires. Learn the pros and cons of these alternatives.

For a purchase as significant as a diamond, make sure you’re getting exactly what you’re paying for. Learn about the laboratories that issue diamond grading reports or certificates and their different grading systems, so you can buy with confidence.

The most popular diamonds have no color. The more colorless or white they appear, the higher their grade and cost. However, “fancy colored” diamonds, such as pink, green, and blue diamonds, are much rarer and can cost far more than colorless diamonds. Learn how gemologists grade diamond colors and how to pair a stone with a metal color for a setting.

A diamond’s cut grade tells how well it’s cut, from a rough crystal to a finished gem. The cut grade covers how much light the stone reflects as well as its fire, symmetry, and polish. It’s the most important contributing factor to a diamond’s beauty. Learn how the experts evaluate the cut.

Some inclusions — tiny crystals and other features within gems — will have no impact on a diamond’s clarity grade and value. Others can negatively affect not only a diamond’s beauty but also its structural integrity. Sometimes, diamonds with low clarity grades can still be “eye clean” and might make great buys. Confused? Learn how to judge a diamond’s clarity for yourself.

As diamond carat weight increases, prices go up. However, prices increase exponentially rather than incrementally. Certain carat values, called “magic numbers,” mark the points where diamond prices jump. Learn how to choose the carat size that’s right for your style and budget.

Although rounds are the most popular diamond shape, there are many others to choose from, like cushions, ovals, and hearts. See how they compare, both in terms of performance and cost, and learn how to get the best deal for each shape.

There are many ring metal and setting options for diamond rings, not to mention different overall styles. Learn the pros and cons of different combinations of metals, settings, and styles.

Diamond prices often seem mysterious. What makes them so expensive? Who decides what they cost? Learn about the factors that influence diamond pricing, so you can make the best possible decisions when buying your engagement ring.

If you’re shopping for diamond rings online, you might be overwhelmed by the options you’ll face. Learn how to simplify your search parameters and stay within your budget.