Diamond Education

Read about the 4C's, the different diamond shapes and types as well as various certifications and how to care for loose diamonds.

Buying Guide

Understand the key factors behind a diamond’s value and shop with confidence.

4Cs vs. Price

Diamond price is often influenced by the 4Cs: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Larger diamonds command higher prices due to their rarity and desirability, while color grades can significantly impact cost, with higher grades carrying a premium. Clarity, assessed under 10X magnification, varies in complexity but doesn't have distinct pricing leaps. Well-cut diamonds shine brightest and are priced accordingly. Additionally, certain shapes and cuts can be more expensive due to the amount of raw diamond lost during the cutting process.

Shape vs. Price

Diamond shape significantly influences the diamond price due to visual appeal and rough diamond preservation. Popular shapes command higher prices, while less common ones are more affordable. Round brilliant cut diamonds are the most expensive due to their low yield and high wastage, costing about 10% - 20% more than fancy shapes like Princess, Oval, and Cushion in the same carat weight and quality. Personal preference is one of the major factors when choosing the diamond cut or shape.

Lab vs. Natural

Lab grown diamonds are indeed real diamonds, with the primary distinction in their growth process compared to natural diamonds. While mined diamonds form over eons deep underground, lab diamonds can be created in weeks. Although both types share a carbon-based composition, natural diamonds may contain trace amounts of nitrogen, unlike lab grown ones. Distinguishing between them visually is nearly impossible, as both exhibit brilliance and sparkle. Both variants share equal durability and undergo rigorous grading.

Conflict Free

Conflict free diamonds are sourced and traded without supporting violence, ensuring they have no ties to civil wars or human rights issues. These cruelty-free diamonds maintain the same quality and authenticity standards as any others, with their ethical origin setting them apart. Additionally, lab grown diamonds are inherently conflict free as they're created in a controlled environment, identical in physical, chemical, and optical properties to earth-mined diamonds. Not only are they free of conflict, but they are also less expensive than their natural counterparts.

Sustainability

Sustainable diamonds encompass ethical and eco-conscious options, including ethically sourced, lab grown, or recycled diamonds. Typically more cost-effective than mined diamonds, sustainable lab grown varieties reduce environmental impact. However, true sustainability involves a holistic approach, considering the entire supply chain. Options like recycled diamonds repurpose existing stones, while lab grown diamonds emulate natural processes but are created in controlled environments. Carbon-negative diamonds go further by removing pollution from the atmosphere during production, aligning with eco-friendly values in an era focused on sustainability.