Focus on what you can actually see. Cut quality comes first, as it determines a diamond's sparkle and brilliance, followed by carat weight (size). Color and clarity are secondary considerations, and differences between grades are often difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye.

For example, a 2-carat E VS1 natural diamond might cost $4,000 more than a G VS2 diamond of comparable quality, yet the two could look virtually identical when worn. Why pay thousands more for differences you may never notice?

Our recommended starting points:

Natural Round Brilliant: H VS2 
Natural Fancy Brilliant (Oval, Cushion, Pear, etc): G VS2 
Natural Step Cut (Emerald, Asscher): G VS1
Lab-Grown Round & Fancy Brilliant: E VS1
Lab-Grown Step-Cut: E VVS2

Step-cut diamonds have larger, more open facets that make inclusions easier to see, so we recommend higher clarity grades. For lab-grown diamonds, upgrading color and clarity is generally much more affordable, making premium grades a worthwhile choice.

These are guidelines, not rigid rules. Ultimately, the best diamond is the one that looks beautiful to you, regardless of what its grading report says.

We recommend choosing your engagement ring design first. By starting with a clear vision of the finished ring, we can help you select a center stone that complements the design beautifully. Choosing a diamond first can sometimes limit your setting options, as certain designs work best with specific stone shapes, sizes, and proportions. Starting with the design gives you greater flexibility to create a ring that's exactly what you envision.

Most diamonds are listed on a global marketplace, meaning buyers and jewelers around the world may be viewing the same stone. Because each diamond is unique and may be traveling between jewelers, availability can change at any time. Occasionally, a diamond may be sold or placed on hold before its listing is updated. If a stone you loved is no longer available, our gemologists can easily source comparable stones with matching criteria.

Absolutely. Our design and gemology team offers personalized virtual and in-person consultations to compare high-resolution 360° videos, proportions, certificates, and pricing across your top options.