Engagement / Diamond 101

All About Diamonds

Shape

Shape refers to the outline of your diamond, which is one of the first things people will notice about your ring. When choosing a diamond shape, it all comes down to personal taste and style, so have fun with this one!

Carat

Carat is the unit used to measure the weight of a diamond. Generally, the higher the carat weight, the more expensive the diamond. However, it’s important to consider all 4 C’s (carat, cut, clarity, color) when choosing any diamond, because different factors may end up changing that value. What most diamond shoppers don’t know is that choosing a .90 carat versus 1 carat diamond is actually the better option because the size difference is nearly impossible to detect.

Compare Carat Sizes

Clarity

Diamonds each come with their own unique characteristics. The visibility of those characteristics is how we determine the clarity of each diamond. These characteristics are known as inclusions, and the more there are in the diamond, the more light reflection will be lost.

Color

Cut

A diamond’s cut determines its overall shine and brilliance. Flat surfaces that are cut into the actual surface of the stone called facets. The facets affect light reflection and how much glimmer we see in a diamond. For example, a round, brilliant cut diamond (probably the most popular choice) has a large amount of facets which is why they look so sparkly. There are also diamonds with fewer facets called step cut diamonds. The facets in step cut diamonds (emeralds being the most popular), are arranged in a parallel fashion that looks like the steps of a pyramid. The result is a beautifully radiant diamond with a modern aesthetic.

Style

The style of the band lays the foundation for any engagement ring, setting the overall mood and personality of the piece. Whether you gravitate toward the clean elegance of a classic solitaire, the added sparkle of a pavé setting, or the romantic charm of a halo, the band style is often the first design choice that defines the ring’s look. Some styles highlight the center stone and let it take full focus, while others add layers of detail and brilliance for a more decorative appeal. From timeless three-stone rings that symbolize the past, present, and future, to vintage-inspired designs that carry an heirloom feel, to bold, modern settings with edgy character — your band style is the starting point that ensures the ring reflects your unique story and taste.