Learning About Diamonds: The Ultimate Resource

Diamonds are not just gemstones; they’re timeless symbols of love, commitment, and luxury. Whether you're selecting an engagement ring or simply exploring this fascinating world, understanding diamonds begins with knowing what makes them special. Here’s your comprehensive guide to diamonds, their qualities, and how to choose the perfect one.

Diamonds are valued based on their rarity and beauty, which are determined by four key characteristics known as the 4Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. A diamond's value increases as the grades for each of the 4Cs improve. Our comprehensive guides provide detailed information on the 4Cs, including how they impact the cost of diamonds and how they can assist you in finding the perfect diamond within your budget.

What is a Diamond?

A diamond is a crystallized form of pure carbon formed under immense heat and pressure deep within the Earth’s mantle. These dazzling gems are revered for their beauty, brilliance, and durability—a combination that has made them a treasured possession for centuries. Lab-grown diamonds, on the other hand, are created in controlled environments but share the same physical and chemical properties as natural diamonds

Why Are Diamonds Valuable?

Diamonds are valued for their rarity, beauty, and emotional significance. The value of a diamond is determined by its quality, often assessed using the 4Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Beyond these characteristics, diamonds also hold sentimental and symbolic value, making them an integral part of life’s special moments.

The 4Cs of diamonds—cut, color, clarity, and carat weight— provide a universal standard for assessing quality and value. Developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), this system makes it possible to compare diamonds with confidence. Each “C” influences a diamond’s beauty and price in different ways, and understanding how they work together will help you select the stone that best reflects your style, priorities, and budget. Here’s what each C means:

4c's

Diamond Color

Definition: Diamond color grades measure the absence of color. The less color, the more valuable the diamond.
Scale: D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown).
What to Know: Diamonds in the D-F range are prized for their icy appearance, while G-J diamonds offer excellent value.

More About Diamond Color

The Lyric Toi et Moi yellow gold with diamonds | Lisa Robin

4C's

Diamond Cut

Definition: The cut determines how well a diamond reflects light. A well-cut diamond sparkles brilliantly, while a poorly cut one appears dull.
Grades: Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor.
What to Know: The cut is often considered the most critical of the 4Cs for enhancing a diamond’s brilliance.

More About Diamond Cut?

4cs

Diamond Clarity

Definition: Clarity measures the presence of internal (inclusions) and external (blemishes) imperfections.
Scale: Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3).
What to Know: Aim for a diamond that has minimal inclusions and certainly none visible to the naked eye (VS1-VS2 or SI1-SI2).

More About Diamond Clarity?

Diamond Clarity Scale graphic | Lisa Robin

Diamonds with loupe and tweezers | Lisa Robin

4cs

Diamond Carat Weight

Definition: Carat refers to the weight of the diamond. One carat equals 0.2 grams.
What to Know: Carat affects size but not quality. But carat is not a measure of size. Make sure to reference the dimensions of your diamond in milimeters.

More About Diamond Carat

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamond Quality

Both lab-grown and natural diamonds have their own unique appeal. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

With Natural Diamonds:
Cut: Always invest in the best cut you can; brilliance matters most.
Color: Many couples select near-colorless grades (G–H) to balance value and appearance.
Clarity: Eye-clean clarity (VS2–SI1) can look flawless to the naked eye.
Carat: Larger sizes often require trade-offs in clarity or color.

With Lab-Grown Diamonds (Lisa Robin Standard):
Every lab-grown diamond we offer is an Excellent cut—no compromises on sparkle. From there:
Color: We start at F or better, ensuring luminous, crisp beauty.
Clarity: We recommend VS1 or higher, appearing flawless to the eye.
Carat: Thanks to accessible pricing, you can often select your dream size and maintain premium quality.

The Lisa Robin Difference

Lab-grown diamonds make it possible to enjoy size, brilliance, and exceptional grades all at once. Natural diamonds often require a balance between quality and carat, but lab-grown gives you both.

Learn more about how diamond quality impacts cost in our Engagement Ring Budgeting Guide

Natural Diamonds

Creation: Formed naturally over billions of years.
Uniqueness: Each natural diamond has a story of Earth’s history.
Price: More expensive due to their rarity.
Key Point: Preferred by those who value tradition and natural origin.

More About Natural Diamonds

Lab Grown Diamonds

Creation: Made in high-tech labs mimicking Earth’s natural processes.
Appearance: Identical to natural diamonds.
Price: significantly less expensive than natural diamonds.
Sustainability: More eco-friendly, as they avoid mining.
Key Point: Ideal for those seeking budget-friendly, ethical options.

Understanding Lab Grown Diamonds

A Note on Colored Diamonds

Beyond traditional white diamonds, colored diamonds—such as yellow, pink, blue, or champagne—follow the same 4Cs but with a twist. Their value is influenced by the intensity and rarity of their hue rather than absence of color. Natural fancy-colored diamonds are among the rarest gems on earth, while lab-grown colored diamonds make these extraordinary shades far more accessible.

Close-up of a hand wearing multiple diamond rings with a blurred background | Lisa Robin

What's the Difference?

Lab Grown Diamonds vs Moissanite VS Cubic Zirconia

Learn the differences between them, which is an imitation, and why you might consider moissanite for your engagement ring.

What' The Difference: Lab Diamonds vs. Moissanite vs.CZ?

Diamond Pricing and Budgeting

Diamond prices vary based on the 4Cs, with carat weight often being the most significant factor.

Consider Lab-Grown Diamonds: They offer exceptional value without comprimizing on quality.

To maximize your natural diamond budget:

Prioritize Cut: A well-cut diamond appears larger and more brilliant.
Opt for Near-Colorless for Natural Diamonds: G-H diamonds look colorless but cost less than D-F grades.
Choose Eye-Clean Clarity: Focus on diamonds with inclusions invisible to the naked eye.

About Diamond Cost

Zakari vintage style engagement ring | Lisa Robin

About Diamond Shape

Diamond shape influences the overall style and brilliance of your ring. The shape is different from the cut.

Shape: The overall outline of the diamond (e.g., round, oval, marquise)

Cut: The arrangement and craftsmanship of the facets, which influences sparkle and light performance. There are two general categories of cuts, brilliant and step cut.

Shop engagement rings by these popular shapes:

Round Engagement Rings: Classic and brilliant.
Princess Engagement Rings: Contemporary with sharp angles.
Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: Romantic with soft, rounded edges.
Emerald Cut Engagement Rings: Elegant with a hall-of-mirrors effect.
Oval Engagement Rings: Elongated for a flattering look.

How to Choose a Diamond Shape

Ethical and Conflict-Free Diamonds

Ethical sourcing is a priority for many buyers. Look for:

Conflict-Free Certification: Assures the diamond’s origins are free from human rights abuses.
Kimberley Process: An international certification system for ethically sourced diamonds.
Lab-Grown Alternatives: A guaranteed conflict-free option.

More About Ethical and Sustainable Engagement Rings

Understanding Diamond Hardness: The Mohs Scale

When we say diamonds are the hardest natural material on Earth, we’re not exaggerating—it’s backed by science. Diamonds score a 10 out of 10 on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness, meaning they can only be scratched by another diamond. This unmatched durability is one of the reasons diamonds are cherished not just for their brilliance, but for their longevity. Whether you're selecting a natural or lab-grown diamond, that perfect 10 means your diamond is built to withstand everyday wear while remaining as stunning as the moment you said “yes.”

Caring for Your Diamond

While diamonds are durable, proper care ensures their longevity. Clean your diamonds regularly and store them safely to maintain their brilliance.

Conclusion

Understanding diamonds equips you to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re captivated by the natural beauty of Earth-formed diamonds or the modern appeal of lab-grown options, the perfect diamond is a reflection of your unique story. Ready to find yours? Book an appointment with us today to begin your journey.

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