How many different types of diamonds are there? And why should you care?

Let’s break it down. The vast majority of diamonds for sale are mined and referred to as natural or mined diamonds.

Then there are synthetic diamonds created in laboratories using technology and heat. But there’s also a little-known third type called “cultured” or “lab-grown” diamond.

What do you look for when selecting a diamond?

Cut, color, and clarity are obviously important. But what else do you consider?

Today, there are over 15 different brands of diamonds on the market. Think about it. How many times have you heard people ask…? What kind of cut is this?

There are different diamond shapes that every man and woman needs to consider when purchasing a diamond. The most popular shape is the round brilliant cut, but being the most popular doesn’t mean a person needs to buy that cut. 

Each shape has unique characteristics that make it suitable for particular applications, as well as make it more or less valuable.

The most important factor in choosing a diamond is its cut. It is not enough to simply have a good quality diamond or an exceptionally rare one; the other critical factors are shape, weight, and size.

What are the most popular cuts?

Cushion cut diamonds are becoming the most popular diamond shape because they pack quite a lot of carat weight into the least volume. That means a cushion cut diamond will have more sparkle than a similar stone with less carat weight and more facets. This combination of size and sparkle makes them perfect for rings, earrings, pendants, and other jewelry items.

This is perfect for engagement rings and diamond wedding bands because of their flattering round shape. What's more, they cost less than fancy cuts of the same carat weight.

Here's why: Cushion cut diamonds have 58 facets, where an emerald cut has 37.

That's 187% more sparkle than a princess-cut diamond (with 58 facets) and 95% more sparkle than a marquise-cut diamond (with 40 facets) 

Another reason is that it is pretty and different. The stones are all the same size but are set in a different pattern from the fan and princess cut diamonds.

A cushion cut diamond has gently curved edges that add brilliance to its overall sparkle. Inner and outer edge facets reflect light back into the center, adding to its sparkle.

This is why the cushion cut diamond was introduced as a flagship for brilliant-cut diamonds, with 63 facets inside and out, making it timelessly elegant and with a natural sparkle that can be enhanced with scintillation treatments, if needed.

How do I choose the right diamond?

Choosing a diamond is hard. Diamonds, no matter what kind they are, always serve the same purpose. You wear them to show off how special you are! They are also valued for their brilliance, rarity, and strength, making them perfect symbols of love and commitment.  So how do you pick the right one for you?

The quality of a diamond is what affects its shine and sparkles the most. Cut and clarity speak for themselves. Nowadays, there are four C's that help consumers in determining which is a better diamond for them: clarity, cut, color, and carat weight. They can help you narrow down your personal preference or pick out the perfect diamond for your budget.

Every diamond is special, created over millions of years by nature, with the same purpose – to be a symbol of everlasting love and romance... so just let them inspire you and find what makes each one remarkable in your eyes.