Diamond Guide

From understanding the 4Cs to exploring different cuts and settings, our comprehensive diamond guide will help you select the perfect diamond with confidence.

Understanding the 4Cs

The 4Cs—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—are the globally accepted standards for assessing diamond quality and value. Created by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), these criteria provide a universal language for describing diamonds.

Cut

A diamond's cut is the most important factor in determining its brilliance and fire. It refers to both the shape and the quality of the craftsmanship. A well-cut diamond will reflect light internally from facet to facet and disperse it through the top of the stone.

Cut Grades:

Excellent: Maximum brilliance and fire
Very Good: Nearly as brilliant as Excellent cut
Good: Reflects most light that enters
Fair: Still provides some sparkle
Poor: Significantly reduced brilliance

GlimmerWave recommendation: We suggest Excellent to Very Good cut grades for maximum beauty.

Color

The color grade refers to the absence of color in a diamond. The more colorless the diamond, the higher its value. The GIA grades diamonds from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).

Color Grades:

D-F: Colorless (highest value)
G-J: Near colorless
K-M: Faint yellow
N-R: Very light yellow
S-Z: Light yellow

GlimmerWave recommendation: G-J offers excellent value while appearing colorless in most settings.

Clarity

Clarity measures the absence of inclusions and blemishes. Most diamonds contain some internal characteristics, but many are invisible to the naked eye. The fewer the inclusions, the more valuable the diamond.

Clarity Grades:

FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes under 10x magnification
IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions, only minor surface blemishes
VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Extremely difficult to see inclusions
VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions difficult to see
SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included): Noticeable inclusions under magnification
I1-I3 (Included): Inclusions visible to naked eye

GlimmerWave recommendation: VS1-VS2 or SI1 for excellent value with no visible inclusions.

Carat

Carat refers to a diamond's weight, not its size. One carat equals 200 milligrams. While carat weight affects price significantly, two diamonds of equal carat can appear different in size depending on cut proportions.

Key Carat Information:

Prices increase exponentially with carat size
"Magic sizes" (0.5ct, 0.75ct, 1.0ct, etc.) command premium prices
Slightly below these weights (e.g., 0.9ct vs 1.0ct) offer better value
Cut quality can make a diamond appear larger than its carat weight

GlimmerWave recommendation: Consider "just-under" carat weights for the best value.

Diamond Shapes

While "cut" refers to a diamond's proportions, facets, and ability to reflect light, "shape" describes the geometric appearance. Each shape has unique characteristics, affecting both appearance and price.

Round Brilliant

The most popular and classic diamond shape, known for maximum brilliance and fire.

Pros:: Most brilliant of all shapes; excellent sparkle; timeless appeal; widely available.
Cons:: Generally more expensive per carat than fancy shapes; can appear smaller than fancy shapes of same carat weight.

Princess

Square shape with pointed corners, combining the brilliance of round cuts with a contemporary look.

Pros:: Excellent brilliance; contemporary appearance; efficient use of rough diamond (less waste).
Cons:: Pointed corners susceptible to chipping; requires protective settings.

Cushion

Square or rectangular with rounded corners, combining modern brilliance with vintage charm.

Pros:: Excellent fire and scintillation; vintage appeal; less likely to chip than princess cut.
Cons:: Less brilliance than round cuts; can appear smaller than other shapes of same carat.

Oval

Elongated round brilliant cut that can make fingers appear longer and slimmer.

Pros:: Appears larger than round of same carat; elongates fingers; excellent brilliance.
Cons:: May display "bow-tie" effect (dark area across center); less common than round.

Emerald

Rectangular shape with stepped facets and a large, open table that showcases clarity.

Pros:: Elegant, sophisticated look; showcases clarity; creates "hall of mirrors" effect.
Cons:: Less sparkle than brilliant cuts; requires higher clarity grade; shows inclusions more readily.

Pear

Teardrop shape combining round and marquise cuts, elegant and distinctive.

Pros:: Elongates fingers; unique, distinctive look; good brilliance.
Cons:: Finding symmetrical stones can be challenging; pointed tip requires protection.

Popular Diamond Settings

The setting not only secures your diamond but also enhances its beauty and reflects your personal style. Each setting type offers different advantages in terms of appearance, security, and maintenance.

Setting Type	Description	Ideal For	Maintenance
Prong	Metal claws that grip the diamond, holding it securely in place while allowing maximum light exposure.	Maximum brilliance and light exposure; showcasing the diamond	Periodic checking for loose prongs; prongs may catch on clothing
Bezel	Metal rim that encircles the diamond, creating a smooth edge and secure setting.	Active lifestyles; protecting diamond edges; modern, clean aesthetic	Easy to clean; highly secure; may reduce visible diamond size slightly
Pavé	Small diamonds set closely together with minimal metal showing, creating a surface of continuous sparkle.	Adding sparkle to band; enhancing center stone; vintage-inspired designs	Check regularly for loose stones; avoid harsh cleaning
Channel	Diamonds set in a row between two parallel metal channels, creating a smooth surface.	Active lifestyles; clean, contemporary look; wedding bands	Easy to clean; secure for daily wear; check periodically for loose stones
Halo	Small diamonds surrounding a center stone, enhancing its size appearance and adding sparkle.	Maximizing apparent size of center stone; vintage-inspired designs	Check for loose stones; clean carefully to maintain sparkle
Tension	Diamond held in place by pressure from the metal band, creating a floating appearance.	Modern, architectural aesthetic; showcasing diamond	Requires professional cleaning and sizing; check tension regularly

Diamond Buying Tips

Knowing what to prioritize can help you find the perfect diamond within your budget. Here are our expert recommendations to guide your purchase.

Prioritize Cut

Of all the 4Cs, cut has the greatest impact on a diamond's beauty. A well-cut diamond with lower color and clarity will appear more brilliant than a poorly cut diamond with better color and clarity. Always prioritize Excellent to Very Good cut grades.

Consider Fluorescence

Fluorescence is a diamond's tendency to emit a soft glow (usually blue) under UV light. Medium to strong fluorescence can sometimes make diamonds with lower color grades (I-M) appear whiter, potentially offering better value. However, in colorless diamonds (D-F), fluorescence may sometimes create a hazy appearance.

Size vs. Quality Balance

Decide whether size or quality is more important to you. For a larger diamond, you might compromise slightly on color or clarity. For the highest quality, you might choose a slightly smaller carat weight. Finding the right balance is key to maximizing value within your budget.

Certification Matters

Always purchase diamonds with certificates from reputable laboratories like GIA or AGS. These provide unbiased assessments of diamond quality. Be cautious of certificates from less rigorous labs, which may overstate diamond quality. At GlimmerWave, all our diamonds come with GIA or AGS certificates.

Consider Alternative Cuts

Fancy-shaped diamonds (anything other than round) are typically 15-40% less expensive than round diamonds of comparable carat weight and quality. Consider oval, cushion, or princess cuts for a unique look that offers better value. These shapes also often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight.

View in Different Lights

Diamonds perform differently under various lighting conditions. When possible, view diamonds under different light sources—fluorescent, LED, and natural daylight—to see how they perform. At GlimmerWave, we provide multiple lighting environments in our showrooms to help you evaluate diamond sparkle before purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's more important, color or clarity?

It depends on the diamond shape and setting. For brilliant cuts like round and princess, clarity can be more forgiving because facets hide inclusions. For step cuts like emerald and asscher, color is more visible. Yellow gold settings mask lower color grades, while platinum and white gold highlight them. For most people, a balance of VS2-SI1 clarity and G-I color offers the best value.

Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?

Yes, lab-grown diamonds are chemically, physically, and optically identical to mined diamonds, with the same hardness and sparkle. The only difference is their origin—one is formed deep in the earth and the other in a laboratory environment. Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 30-50% less than mined diamonds of similar quality. They offer an ethical and environmentally friendly alternative with the same beauty.

How do I know if a diamond is a good value?

To assess value, compare diamonds of similar specifications from different retailers, ensuring they have identical certification from reputable labs (GIA/AGS). Consider price-per-carat along with cut quality—sometimes paying more for an Excellent cut is worth it for superior brilliance. At GlimmerWave, we offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and price match to ensure you get the best value.

What's the difference between a diamond and a moissanite?

While both are brilliant gemstones, moissanite (silicon carbide) has different optical properties than diamonds. Moissanite has higher refractive index, creating more colorful fire (prismatic light) than diamonds. It's also slightly less hard (9.25 vs. 10 on Mohs scale) but still very durable for everyday wear. The primary advantage is price—moissanite costs 80-90% less than diamonds of comparable size, making it an attractive alternative for budget-conscious shoppers who want maximum sparkle.

How should I care for my diamond jewelry?

Clean diamond jewelry regularly using mild dish soap in warm water with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth. Have professional cleanings and inspections 1-2 times per year to ensure settings remain secure. Store diamonds separately from other jewelry to prevent scratching. Remove diamond jewelry before swimming, cleaning, gardening or other activities involving chemicals or rough contact. With proper care, diamond jewelry can be enjoyed for generations.

Ready to find your perfect diamond?

Whether you're searching for an engagement ring, a special gift, or a personal treasure, our diamond experts can help you select the perfect stone for your style and budget.

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