A diamond makes a statement and creates a lasting memory. However, finding the perfect diamond can be overwhelming if you don’t know much about this gem. Use this step-by-step guide to find a diamond to cherish for years.

Shape

Before tackling the four Cs of diamonds—carat, cut, color, and clarity—determine what shape the wearer wants. It could be a princess cut ring or a pair of inside out diamond earrings for Christmas. If the recipient doesn‘t prefer a round diamond is a safe choice because it tends to be more brilliant than other shapes.

Carat

Carat (ct.) refers to the stone’s weight or size. After shape, carat is the most critical factor because the diamond’s size will feature most prominently. Try to find out if the receiver has a carat preference.

If you’re on a budget, shop for a diamond that falls under any whole carat weight. A .90 ct. diamond looks like a full carat if it has the same diameter, and it‘ll cost a little less.

Cut

A diamond‘s cut denotes its beauty, as reflected in the stone’s symmetry and proportions. The GIA, a gemstone authority, assigns excellent, very good, or poor grades. However, not all jewelers apply these grade levels consistently. They might use non-GIA grades like “signature“ or “super ideal.“

The higher the grade, the more brilliant and sparkly the stone will look. Round diamonds look better with a Very Good or Excellent grade, but other shapes can be Good and still look dazzling.

Color

The more colorless the diamond is the higher its value. Diamonds in the G-J range are the highest in quality. It‘s easier to detect color in a larger stone; therefore, select a G-H diamond for anything over a carat. Shoot for the I-J range for anything under a carat. If you want a larger stone, choose a diamond in the K-L color range and a yellow gold setting.

Clarity

Clarity is the absence of defects or inclusions. Clarity is not vital for diamonds under one carat. If you‘re a perfectionist, consider a diamond with a grade of VVS2 or higher. Diamonds in the VS1-VS2 range cost less than a flawless diamond, and their defects are practically undetectable.

If you want a diamond over a carat, clarity is more critical because imperfections are more visible. Diamonds between 1.0 and 2.0 ct. look better at a grade of SI1 or better; diamonds more massive than 2.0 ct. should have a VS2 or higher grade.

Choosing a Diamond on a Budget

If you have to be frugal, you can follow some steps to narrow down your choices. If these measures don‘t get you under budget, you might have to reduce your desired carat.

• 1. Reduce clarity first. You can go as low as SI1 for a smaller stone before compromising on any other Cs.

• 2. Go down in color as low as J or K if the diamond is in a yellow gold setting.

• 3. Cut is last. For a round diamond, go for Good, or settle for Fair for more elaborate shapes.

Getting Engaged

Whether you’re looking to get engaged or just curious, because diamonds are amazing (duh), engagement ring shopping can be confusing.

Diamonds

There’s so many options and plenty to consider. Here’s a few tips to help you out along the way, and possibly make things easier on your (or your man):

Understanding The Ring

First, there’s a lot of physical parts to a ring, so knowing the different terms is helpful. Think of a typical ring, or look one up online.

Head Of The Ring

The “head” of the ring is the part where you will find the center stone and prongs holding it in place. By the head, most likely on either side of the center stone, you might find side stones and accent stones. They’re not the main stones, so they’re the side and/or accent stones (side stones tend to be larger than accent stones, but it depends upon the ring).

The Setting

The “setting” is defined as the engagement ring, including the side and accent stones, but usually not referring to the center stone. Think of it as the thing that the center stone is being set into (hence, setting).

The Band

The band, or “shank,” is the round section of the ring that fits around the finger. It’s he physical “ring” part of the ring.

Choosing Your Style

There are so many different styles to choose from, and I encourage you to look up images and guides online or to go into a jeweler together.

The head can be vary based on how the stone is set. Some of the variations include how many prongs, type of prongs, where the prongs are set, etc. This can also cvary based on the shape of your diamond.

The shank has just as many variations as the head, if not more. It can be tapered, different thicknesses in the back (as opposed the front where the head is, even split or crisscrossed for a more intricate look.

The accent stones can vary as well if you want them on your ring, not only in number but also in style and layout. From a simple line to multiple little rows, to how much space is between the stones, these stones can vary and add to the style of your ring.

Embellishments

Embellishments can also be added to your ring, specifically the shank of your ring, if you prefer them. This can range from a simple engraving to more intricate filigree and even a hidden small diamond on each side. Research when designs you like for this.

The Shape Of The Diamond

So, that’s the ring, which is great! But what about the star of the show – the diamond? Well, there’s a lot of terms and options that play into the diamond as well.

To start out simple, there’s the shape. What shape do you want your center stone to be? Do you like round, princess, oval, emerald, or a cute heart? There are many options for shape, and it is definitely worth researching even for just a bit to get a feel for your preferences.

The color is a little bit less straight forward than the shape. Essentially, how clear does it have to be? Does it need to be like ice, or is a little bit of color okay? Do you even prefer to have some color to it?

Clarity refers to the amount of specks in the diamond. Does a few small specks in it bother you, or are you okay with one here or there?

“Inclusions” are the small imperfections inside natural diamonds. There are many types of inclusions, from dark carbons to lighter feathers and bubbles.

Carats

When choosing the carat of your stone, consider how big do you want it to be? Though carat is commonly used to refer to size, as size tends to correspond to weight relatively well, it actually refers just to weight. Two diamonds may weigh the same, and therefore have the same carat value, but may look like they are different sizes because they have been cut differently.

There are a lot of factors that go into choosing an engagement ring, so it can be helpful to find what you like and what fits your personality early on. This way, it’s not a stressful process, and you can happily and easily say “yes” without worrying about whether you’ll actually like the ring.

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How to Choose a Diamond without Breaking the Bank