• Eco Friendly
  • Conflict Free Diamonds
  • Recycled Metals
• Engagement Rings
  • Where to Start
  • Questions to Ask Your Jeweler
  • How to Choose a Diamond
  • How to Choose Metal
• Custom Jewelry
  • Jewelry Care
  • The Advantage of Custom
  • The Custom Design Process
  • Policy
• Diamonds
  • What Makes a Good Diamond
  • Shapes
  • Cut
  • Clarity
  • Color
  • Carat
  • Certificate
  • Diamond Symmetry
  • Diamond Culet
  • Diamond Girdle
  • Diamond Polish
  • Diamond Sparkle
  • Triple Excellent Diamond
  • Diamond Grading Process
• Metals
  • Platinum
  • 18 Karat Gold
  • 14 Karat Gold
  • Silver
  • Palladium
  • Tungsten
  • Titanium
  • Cobalt
  • Yellow Gold
  • White Gold
  • Rose Gold
  • Gold Alloys
  • Mokume Gane
• Gemstones
  • Mohs Hardness Scale
  • Color
  • Clarity
  • Cut
  • Size
  • Birthstones
  • Lab Grown Color Gemstones
  • Precious Gemstones
  • Semi-Precious Gemstones
  • Lab Created
  • Simulant vs. Synthetic
  • Sapphires
  • Moissanite
  • Cubic Zirconia
• Glossary

Unveiling the Mystery: A Guide to Choosing Your Perfect Diamond

Diamonds: Billions of years in the making, these sparkling stones represent love and commitment. But choosing the right one can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies the process, helping you find a diamond that reflects your love story and budget.

Focus on the Cut for Maximum Brilliance:

The cut is the most crucial factor, determining a diamond's brilliance (sparkle). A well-cut diamond, even at a smaller carat weight, will outshine a poorly cut larger stone. Opt for a cut graded VS1 to VS2 for clarity and F to I for color to get the best value. Avoid diamonds with a clarity rating below SI1 or color below J, as these may appear cloudy.

The 4Cs Explained:

Cut: Refers to the way a diamond is shaped, impacting its brilliance. Round brilliants are the most popular for their exceptional sparkle.

Clarity: Measures the presence of flaws (inclusions) within the diamond. VS1 to VS2 clarity offers a great balance of quality and value.

Color: Ideally, a diamond should be colorless (D-F) for maximum sparkle. However, near colorless diamonds (G-H) offer a great value and appear colorless to the naked eye.

Carat: Measures the weight of a diamond. While larger carats are more expensive, prioritize cut, clarity, and color for the best brilliance within your budget.

The Importance of a Certificate:

Always ask for a certificate from a reputable independent grading lab like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). This document verifies the diamond's cut, clarity, color, carat weight, and other characteristics, ensuring you get exactly what you're paying for.

Let Joseph Jewelry Guide You:

Our experienced jewelers can help you find the perfect diamond that fits your style and budget. We offer a vast selection of ethically sourced diamonds and will guide you through the 4Cs to create a truly stunning engagement ring. Visit Joseph Jewelry today and start your happily ever after!