Choosing the right diamond – whether online or at a brick and mortar store – is quite intimidating.
Trust me, I’ve been there! The reality is, most people have no idea what to look for in a good diamond, and unfortunately, there are a lot of misconceptions.
A sparkly rock sold by a cunning salesperson isn’t enough. What most first-time shoppers don’t know is that a little diamond information goes a long way! You won’t be ripped off, you’ll get your budget’s worth, and you can save a lot of money.
My name is Sebastian Naturski, and ever since I bought the engagement ring for my fiancé, diamonds have become a huge passion of mine. It has led me to widen my knowledge on gemology and hone my expertise by fully immersing myself in the diamond trade.
Consequently, it has become my mission to give you the advice you need in finding the best possible diamond for the smallest amount of money.
What’s in it for me? Well, I was blown away at how there’s so much more to diamonds than meets the eye. And what better way to make use of all this information than by sharing it to clueless shoppers like you – like I once was?
Get Educated on the Diamond 4Cs
I, too, was shocked at how complex diamonds can be. But with the right information, it doesn’t have to be. For example, you might be faced with two diamonds that have the same size and look exactly the same, yet one diamond is worth $5,500, and the other is only $2,000!
I am not kidding you, this happens all the time! And if you haven’t read about the diamond 4Cs, there’s a good chance you’ll pick the more expensive diamond.
But honestly, you wouldn’t be able to appreciate these hidden benefits without a diamond loupe, anyways. And you can own an equally beautiful diamond at a lower grade and a much more affordable price.
Diamond Cut is the most essential quality in a diamond as it will determine how well the light will reflect back to you. This will determine the brilliance, fire and scintillation of a diamond. Our Diamond Cut Guide will get into the nitty-gritty details of picking a diamond with a great cut.
The color grade of a diamond is crucial in getting a good amount of light return. But you definitely don’t need to overspend on the highest color grades. Our Diamond Color Guide will let you know which diamond color grade we recommend for which diamond shape in combination with which ring metal.
Diamond clarity measures the presence of internal or external flaws, which can affect a diamond’s brilliance. However, at the end of the day the only thing that matters is that your diamond looks eye-clean. Check out our Diamond Clarity Guide to get the best bang for your buck! Our preferred range is from VS1 up to SI1 clarity grade to make sure you’re getting your money’s worth.
Carat refers to the weight and therefore the size of a diamond. There is a huge difference between a 2 carat and a 5 carat diamond in terms of visuals and price. The size ultimately decides how impressive your diamond will appear. If you want a huge diamond but can’t afford it, you might also consider going for a lab-grown diamond. Our Diamond Carat Guide will let you know the best hacks to save money.
These factors determine the diamond’s price and appearance. A change in one of these can tremendously affect the beauty and value of the diamond. You want to be the one who knows how to get a diamond that looks like a higher grade but is considerably cheaper!
Another great hack nowadays is to simply buy a lab-grown diamond. A lab-grown diamond is still a real diamond with all the physical properties of a natural diamond. It was just made in a pressure chamber instead of hundreds of miles below earth over billions of years.
Recommended Online Diamond Shops
Although traditional brick and mortar stores have professionals to cater to you, I recommend buying your diamond online.
The reason is quite simple: Online stores don’t have to pay for fancy inventory and salespeople that’s why they can provide more affordable diamonds with the same quality. You may also take your time viewing and have an in-depth look at diamonds. Don’t worry, it’s totally easy and secure!
Full Review | Overview |
Our James Allen Review | James Allen has revolutionized the online diamond industry as the first company that has introduced magnified HD 360° videos of ALL their diamonds! Plus, they have the largest selection of diamonds available. |
Our Blue Nile Review | Blue Nile stands out for its vast selection of high-quality diamonds, competitive pricing, and a seamless online shopping experience backed by excellent customer service and hassle-free returns. |
Our Whiteflash Review | Whiteflash is renowned for its exceptional cut quality, particularly in its super-ideal diamonds, offering unmatched brilliance, craftsmanship, and a strong reputation for precision and transparency. |
Free Diamond Consultation
I know that it can be daunting to choose a diamond and design the perfect engagement ring. This makes diamond education more crucial than ever!
Luckily, Your Diamond Teacher can be your go-to site for professional advice and shopping tips on the 4Cs, engagement ring settings, diamond reviews, and more. Treat me as your Best Man – that knows a whole lot about diamonds!
If you find yourself stuck in the process, feel free to write to me. I usually respond within 24 hours. Good luck on your search! 🙂