Diamonds 101
Center stage on an engagement ring or accenting a pendant necklace, diamonds are everyone’s best friend. With so many options, what shape and size are a personal choice. Here we explain everything that goes into this dazzling stone’s defining features.
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Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds
From environmental disruption to their use as leverage in war zones, natural diamonds are often difficult and problematic to mine. Chemically and physically identical, lab-grown diamonds are a safer, more affordable alternative. These synthetic stones are no less genuine—but if you have your heart set on a natural diamond, opt for those certified as “conflict-free” or “ethically sourced.”
Optional sub-header 30 chars
Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds
From environmental disruption to their use as leverage in war zones, natural diamonds are often difficult and problematic to mine. Chemically and physically identical, lab-grown diamonds are a safer, more affordable alternative. These synthetic stones are no less genuine—but if you have your heart set on a natural diamond, opt for those certified as “conflict-free” or “ethically sourced.”
Optional sub-header 30 chars
Lab-grown vs. natural diamonds
From environmental disruption to their use as leverage in war zones, natural diamonds are often difficult and problematic to mine. Chemically and physically identical, lab-grown diamonds are a safer, more affordable alternative. These synthetic stones are no less genuine—but if you have your heart set on a natural diamond, opt for those certified as “conflict-free” or “ethically sourced.”
Shapes & cuts
Determining diamond value
A diamond’s worth is determined by the four Cs: carat, color, clarity and cut. A stone’s price per carat (its weight) increases with size, meaning a 1-carat diamond is more expensive than two 0.5-carat diamonds.
Color is graded from D (colorless, rare and valuable) to Z (light yellow, lower quality), while clarity—the measure of imperfections—ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). In jewelry, any diamond with a G-H color or VVS1-VS1 clarity appears perfect to the naked eye.
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