Diamond Jewellery Buying Guide: Everything You Need to Know
In all honesty, making a diamond jewellery purchase is often far from easy. There’s no need to worry if you can’t quite grasp all the sparkling and technological terms. Look at this diamond jewellery buying guide by Serli & Siroan as your knowledgeable friend who can tell you everything you need to know about diamonds. It will be easier for you to enter any jewellery shop or visit any website knowing you will find a diamond you love, without spending a lot of money.
Understand the 4Cs of Diamonds
Cut
If diamonds were actors, the cut would be the captivating lead role that commands the stage and wins the standing ovation. It’s that important. When a diamond has been cut well, it looks like it’s carrying a spotlight inside, but a badly cut stone remains lifeless, no matter how much you spend. Cut in jewellery lingo means the way a diamond’s facets bring out flashes of light as you move it. A skilled cutter can change a simple diamond into a world of tiny mirrors that bounce light from one edge to the next, making the stone sparkle.
Colour
Here’s a weird truth about diamonds: the most expensive ones basically look like nothing at all. The diamond colour scale starts at D (completely colourless) and runs down to Z (noticeably yellow or brown). And yes, they skipped A-B-C for reasons that make sense only to gemologists. The closer to “nothing” your diamond looks, the higher the price climbs.
But here’s where you can save some serious cash—most people can’t tell the difference between a truly colourless D diamond and, say, a G or H that costs way less. Once set in white gold or platinum, those G-H diamonds look colourless to 99% of people. H colour diamonds in engagement rings tend to look more valuable than they actually are, leading some to think they are higher grades. With yellow or rose gold settings, you can go with a very white diamond since the small hints of warmth will blend in nicely.
Clarity
No diamond is perfect—despite what anyone might claim. Each one contains tiny internal “birthmarks” called inclusions and possibly some surface blemishes. Clarity grades measure these imperfections, starting from Flawless down to Included (where you can spot flaws with your naked eye).
The practical advice most diamond experts give: VS2-SI1 is the sweet spot for most people. At these clarity grades, the tiny imperfections are invisible without a jeweller’s loupe, but you’re not paying the premium for the higher grades that look exactly the same to the human eye. Think of these tiny inclusions as your diamond’s fingerprint—proof that it’s a unique creation of nature, not something churned out in a factory. Some couples even choose a diamond specifically because they love the tiny inclusion that makes it uniquely “theirs.”
Carat
Let’s talk about the C everyone obsesses over—carat. First, a clarification: carat measures a diamond’s weight, not its size. A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams (about the weight of a paperclip). Two diamonds of the same carat weight can actually look noticeably different in size depending on how they’re cut.
Diamond prices jump dramatically at whole carat marks (1.0, 2.0, etc.), so here’s an insider tip: look for diamonds just below these marks. A 0.9-carat diamond might be 20% cheaper than a 1.0-carat stone, but no one will walk around measuring it. They’ll never know it’s not a full carat, but your wallet certainly will.
The “bigger is better” trap catches many shoppers. Too often, people blow their budget on a large, dull diamond when they could have had a smaller one that sparkles like crazy. There are countless stories of perfectly cut smaller diamonds that outshine their larger counterparts because the quality of cut creates that eye-catching sparkle that turns heads.
Types of Diamond Jewellery to Know
Engagement Rings
There is no better way to promise forever to someone than with a diamond engagement ring. The style you go for, be it a band or a stone, will always reflect your personality and the love you both share. In general, three stones are added to wedding rings to stand for the past, present, and future stages of life. Jewellery that has meaning is always valuable, even though it may feel a little bit like a cliché.
Earrings
Every outfit seems perfect with diamond earrings. Studs are a bit like the simple white t-shirt of jewellery: essential, timeless, and always appropriate. Consider pave hoops or large earrings when you’re after something that stands out from the rest.
Necklaces and Pendants
A diamond necklace draws the eye exactly where you want it. Solitaire pendants are among the most versatile jewellery purchases because they can be worn almost daily for decades without looking dated. For something with more presence, consider graduated diamonds, initial pendants (yes, they’re back in style), or symbolic shapes. Just make sure the chain is proportionate—nothing looks sadder than a beautiful diamond hanging on a chain that’s too flimsy or the wrong length for your neckline.
Bracelets
At the US Open, Chris Evert dropped her diamond bracelet during a match and requested that the play be paused until she located it, which is how the bracelet was nicknamed “the tennis bracelet.” Since then, these lines of continuous diamonds have become iconic. They’re not cheap—you’re essentially buying multiple diamonds—but they’re incredibly versatile. Women wear theirs everywhere, from business meetings to beach vacations.
Wedding and Anniversary Bands
They are visually appealing, yet they also mean important things. Should you go for an eternity ring or a half-eternity style, this is a way to show your love as the years pass. It is truly touching to add another anniversary band to a ring that has been with you all these years. Ensure that when you add a wedding band, the two rings fit together well so they’re not uncomfortable for your partner.
Diamond Certifications Guide: Why They Matter
Would you buy a house without an inspection? Or a car without seeing the vehicle history report? Probably not. Think of diamond certification the same way—it’s your protection, so that you don’t make an expensive mistake.
An assessment of a lab-grown diamond or a mined diamond by the GIA, AGS, or IGI is based on their rigorous standards and the sophisticated tools they have. They help confirm to both buyer and seller that you are getting the goods described. All the stones are given a card describing their 4Cs and additional qualities.
This is worth repeating: do not buy a significant diamond without proper certification from a recognized lab. Heartbreak often follows when people discover their “amazing deal” on an uncertified diamond was actually several grades lower in quality than claimed. One particularly devastating scenario involved a “VS1 clarity” diamond that turned out to be an I1 upon professional examination—a difference representing thousands of dollars in value.
Just as important: not all certificates are created equal. Some unrecognized labs have a reputation for giving higher grades to diamonds than they deserve. Check that all the diamonds come with a certificate from the same lab, and preferably the GIA.
Diamond Setting Styles: Picking the Right Look
The setting isn’t just the metal part that holds your diamond—it’s a major factor in both the look and longevity of your jewellery. Here’s a breakdown of the most popular settings:
Prong Settings
Prong settings use tiny metal claws to hold your diamond up like a spotlight. The fewer prongs, the more diamond you see (which means more sparkle). But there’s a trade-off—fewer prongs also mean less security. Active people should consider six-prong designs over four-prong settings, as they offer better protection. And if you’ve got a prong setting, get it checked every year! Too many diamonds are lost from worn-down prongs that could have been easily repaired.
Bezel Settings
Bezel settings surround the edge of your diamond with a piece of metal. They are stylish, won’t snag, and offer good security for those who always have their hands busy or have children constantly around. The downside? There is less light on the sides of your diamond, resulting in fewer flashes of brilliance than you would get with prongs.
Halo Settings
Halo settings surround your center stone with a circle of smaller diamonds. It’s a brilliant way to make a modest diamond look substantially larger—the whole setting appears as one dazzling unit. Many people choose halo engagement rings when they want maximum visual impact without breaking the bank on a massive center stone.
Pavé Settings
Pavé settings have diamonds placed so closely that there is only a little metal space between them. The surface is continuously sparkling, making it look like there’s a path of diamonds running over it. They’re gorgeous, but be warned: those tiny stones can occasionally come loose, especially in rings worn daily.
Channel Settings
Channel settings secure diamonds side-by-side between two metal channels without any prongs. They look modern, are thin, and do a great job of looking after your diamonds. They are frequently chosen for wedding bands for men and as accent gems in engagement rings by those who want to shine without any risks.
Budgeting Tips for Buying Diamond Jewellery
First things first: ignore that old “two months’ salary” rule. It was literally invented by De Beers’ marketing team in the 1930s to sell more diamonds! Your engagement ring budget should be based on your financial reality, not some arbitrary guideline that puts you in debt.
Once you’ve figured out what you can comfortably afford, here’s how to stretch your dollars:
Forget about hitting exact carat weights like 1.0 or 1.5. Diamond prices jump at these “magic numbers,” so buying just shy of them—like 0.9 instead of 1.0—can save you serious cash. Nobody can eyeball the difference between a 0.9 and a 1.0 carat diamond, but your bank account will surely notice.
If you’re looking at white diamonds, don’t obsess over D-F colour grades unless you’re a gemologist or have superhuman vision. Most people can’t distinguish between a D and an H once the diamond is set in jewellery. The money you save by going with a slightly lower colour grade could let you buy a better cut or larger stone.
Want to know the absolute best way to maximize your budget? Prioritize the cut above everything else. Time and again, smaller, well-cut diamonds placed next to larger, poorly-cut ones completely outshine them. Cut is what creates that fire and sparkle that makes people go “wow!”
Also, consider diamond shapes beyond the traditional round brilliant. Oval, cushion, and princess cuts typically cost 10-30% less than round diamonds of the same carat weight. Plus, fancy shapes often appear larger than rounds of the same weight due to their elongated dimensions.
Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Diamonds
After years in the diamond industry, experts have seen the same mistakes pop up again and again. Here’s how to avoid the common pitfalls:
- With uncertified diamonds, you often get something different from what you thought you were buying. Despite a jeweller’s public image, if the diamonds or gemstones aren’t certified by a respected lab, there’s no foolproof way to know what you are buying. Many people have bought alleged “deals” on diamonds that turned out to be much lower in appraised value than they believed.
- Size obsession is real, and it’s costly. Many people fixate on carat weight and end up with a large, lifeless diamond that looks like a dull piece of glass. Meanwhile, someone with a smaller but perfectly cut diamond steals all the compliments.
- Forgetting about the setting is like buying a Ferrari engine but putting it in a rusty old car body. The most gorgeous diamond in the world will look mediocre in a poorly made setting. And worse, a cheap setting might actually damage your diamond or put it at risk of falling out. Your setting should be carefully chosen and well-crafted, not an afterthought.
- Ignoring lifestyle realities leads to jewellery that sits in your safe instead of being enjoyed. The kindergarten teacher who works with glue and paint all day probably shouldn’t have a high-profile diamond with delicate prongs that catch on everything. The avid rock climber might not be the best candidate for a channel setting where a hard knock could bend the metal. Be honest about your daily life and choose accordingly.
- Shopping while emotional is a recipe for budget disaster. Too many people make impulsive purchases while riding the high of engagement excitement, or the guilt of a forgotten anniversary. Take your time, do your research, and never let a salesperson rush you into a decision you might regret.
Where to Buy Diamond Jewellery: Online vs In-Store
Gone are the days when buying fine jewellery meant your only option was visiting a local jewellery store. Now you’ve got choices, and there are pros and cons to each approach.
Shopping in person allows you to touch, hold, and see the products up close. Shopping in-store allows you to spot the sparkle, test out pieces, and review a range of options at your leisure. With the help of a skilled jeweller, you can find out about jewellery types that interest you and learn essential details that a product description on a website will skip over. Besides, having a relationship with a local jeweller lets you look after your diamonds more easily, as cleanings, repairs, and buying more in the future are all simpler.
That said, brick-and-mortar stores have overhead costs that can sometimes translate to higher prices. And you’re limited to what they have in inventory or can order, which might be more restricted than online options.
Online retailers have revolutionized diamond buying with lower overhead costs (potentially meaning better prices), vast inventories, and the convenience of shopping anytime. The best online diamond sellers provide high-definition 360° videos so you can see exactly how your stone performs, along with magnified images showing every detail.
But there are downsides to clicking “buy” on such a significant purchase. Nothing takes the place of looking at a diamond yourself or putting on a ring to see how it feels. Also, handling returns by yourself can be hard, since there are so many things to consider and remember.
The best approach? Consider a hybrid strategy. Research extensively online to understand pricing and options, then visit stores to see and feel what you like. Or start in-store to narrow down styles and preferences, then look online for competitive pricing. Just make sure any online retailer has a no-questions-asked return policy (minimum 30 days), secure shipping, and proper certification for every diamond.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get a great-looking diamond with good sparkle, pick a gem that has been well faceted. Make sure it comes with a certificate from a top-name lab, and settle on a setting that works for you both.
How a diamond is cut is the most important aspect, since it affects the light that reflects on the stone and brings the most attention to it, regardless of its size.
Yes, if you make your purchase through trustworthy companies with certification, detailed images, flexible returns, and good shipping. Verify the reputation of the company and confirm how they check the identity of users.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is held in high esteem, while AGS (American Gem Society) comes second. They both use the same high and strict standards and are acknowledged everywhere.
Real diamonds will stay cool as you hold them, can scratch glass, and shine a unique pattern of light. However, to be certain, testing with the right instruments must be carried out by professionals.
Diamonds may not always come with certificates, so always look for certification from a good laboratory. You should be careful with uncertified stones that are advertised as exceptionally clear or coloured.
Ask yourself what you need financially, what else is important to you and your partner, and what is most comfortable for the two of you. A good engagement ring makes you feel happy without causing you financial problems.
Absolutely! You can design your own jewellery, choosing the perfect gems that fit your needs and creating a setting that expresses how you feel.
Get in Touch
Loved one of the styles above but want it customized. Email us below with the style, your desired metal and gemstone colour and we will make it happen!