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Natural Diamonds
I carefully evaluate each diamond against strict quality criteria to ensure you get the best value for your budget.
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Use my recommended diamond search feature to find IGI and GIA-graded, loose natural and lab-grown diamonds of the highest quality.
Use the filters to narrow down the selection by carat, color, clarity, cut, shape, brand, price and more. Still not sure which diamond to buy? Contact me here, and I’ll help you choose the best match.
Filters
Origin
Select between natural and lab-grown diamonds to align your search with your unique preferences, sentimental values, ethical views, and financial constraints.
Shape
Selection Importance: The shape of a diamond significantly impacts its overall appearance and is one of the first characteristics to consider. Different shapes can accentuate various aspects of the diamond and the wearer’s style.
Guidance: Reflect on the personal style and preference of the recipient. Consider how each shape complements the intended setting and wearer’s hand. Round shapes are timeless and maximize brilliance, while fancy shapes like oval or marquise offer a unique look.
Cut
Premium (but underpriced!):
Matches Premium quality but priced as standard ideal cuts, without the typical 20% premium. Ideal for buyers wanting luxury diamonds at more attainable prices.
Premium / Hearts & Arrows:
Top 1% in quality, these diamonds are set at premium prices to match their unparalleled standards, perfect for those seeking utmost diamond excellence and exclusivity.
Carat
Selection Importance: Carat weight measures a diamond’s apparent size and contributes to its overall value.
Guidance: Determine the preferred balance between size and quality within your budget. Higher carat weight typically increases price, but combining it with lower grades in other areas can maximize value. Remember, cut quality can make a diamond appear larger.
Price
Prioritization: Determine which diamond characteristics are most important to you—size, clarity, color, or cut—and allocate your budget accordingly. Not all features hold equal importance to every buyer.
Financial Planning: Set a clear and firm budget before starting your search. Understand that the goal is to find the best diamond that aligns with both your financial limits and aesthetic preferences.
•Balancing Act: Compromise on certain characteristics if needed to ensure you stay within your budget. For instance, if size is a priority, you might consider diamonds with a lower clarity or color that still look beautiful to the naked eye.
Value Optimization: Aim to maximize the value within your budget by balancing the four Cs in a way that meets your specific desires and expectations.
Color
Selection Importance: Diamond color refers to the absence of color, with grades ranging from colorless to yellowish. Color can affect the diamond’s appearance and price.
Guidance: Choose a color grade that appears white in relation to its setting. Consider higher color grades (D-F) for larger diamonds or settings in white gold or platinum. Lower color grades (G-I) can offer better value and still appear colorless to the untrained eye.
Clarity
Selection Importance: Clarity assesses a diamond’s internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes.
Guidance: Choose a clarity grade that appears “eye-clean” (typically VS2 or higher for most diamond sizes). Consider how inclusions affect the appearance and decide what is acceptable for your needs and budget. Higher clarity diamonds are more pristine but often come at a higher cost.
Grading Lab
Choose diamonds certified by industry-leading labs for accurate and reliable grading.
GIA – The gold standard in grading, known for strict and consistent evaluations.
IGI – Widely used for lab-grown diamonds, offering detailed reports at a competitive price.
AGS – Specializes in precise cut grading, ideal for those prioritizing brilliance.
Selecting a reputable certification ensures transparency and confidence in your diamond’s quality.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence affects how a diamond reacts to UV light, sometimes giving it a subtle blue glow.
None/Faint – No visible effect in most lighting conditions.
Medium/Strong – Can make lower-color diamonds appear whiter but may cause a hazy look in rare cases.
Fluorescence can be an advantage or a drawback depending on the diamond and lighting. If unsure, select “None” for a more traditional choice.
Brand
Select from trusted diamond retailers known for quality, service, and value.
James Allen – High-resolution 360° diamond imaging and a vast selection.
Blue Nile – Competitive pricing with a strong reputation for quality.
Whiteflash – Specializes in super-ideal cut diamonds for maximum brilliance.
Origin
Select between natural and lab-grown diamonds to align your search with your unique preferences, sentimental values, ethical views, and financial constraints.
Shape
Selection Importance: The shape of a diamond significantly impacts its overall appearance and is one of the first characteristics to consider. Different shapes can accentuate various aspects of the diamond and the wearer’s style.
Guidance: Reflect on the personal style and preference of the recipient. Consider how each shape complements the intended setting and wearer’s hand. Round shapes are timeless and maximize brilliance, while fancy shapes like oval or marquise offer a unique look.
Carat
Selection Importance: Carat weight measures a diamond’s apparent size and contributes to its overall value.
Guidance: Determine the preferred balance between size and quality within your budget. Higher carat weight typically increases price, but combining it with lower grades in other areas can maximize value. Remember, cut quality can make a diamond appear larger.
Price
Prioritization: Determine which diamond characteristics are most important to you—size, clarity, color, or cut—and allocate your budget accordingly. Not all features hold equal importance to every buyer.
Financial Planning: Set a clear and firm budget before starting your search. Understand that the goal is to find the best diamond that aligns with both your financial limits and aesthetic preferences.
•Balancing Act: Compromise on certain characteristics if needed to ensure you stay within your budget. For instance, if size is a priority, you might consider diamonds with a lower clarity or color that still look beautiful to the naked eye.
Value Optimization: Aim to maximize the value within your budget by balancing the four Cs in a way that meets your specific desires and expectations.
Cut
Premium (but underpriced!):
Matches Premium quality but priced as standard ideal cuts, without the typical 20% premium. Ideal for buyers wanting luxury diamonds at more attainable prices.
Premium / Hearts & Arrows:
Top 1% in quality, these diamonds are set at premium prices to match their unparalleled standards, perfect for those seeking utmost diamond excellence and exclusivity.
Color
Selection Importance: Diamond color refers to the absence of color, with grades ranging from colorless to yellowish. Color can affect the diamond’s appearance and price.
Guidance: Choose a color grade that appears white in relation to its setting. Consider higher color grades (D-F) for larger diamonds or settings in white gold or platinum. Lower color grades (G-I) can offer better value and still appear colorless to the untrained eye.
Clarity
Selection Importance: Clarity assesses a diamond’s internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes.
Guidance: Choose a clarity grade that appears “eye-clean” (typically VS2 or higher for most diamond sizes). Consider how inclusions affect the appearance and decide what is acceptable for your needs and budget. Higher clarity diamonds are more pristine but often come at a higher cost.
Grading Lab
Choose diamonds certified by industry-leading labs for accurate and reliable grading.
GIA – The gold standard in grading, known for strict and consistent evaluations.
IGI – Widely used for lab-grown diamonds, offering detailed reports at a competitive price.
AGS – Specializes in precise cut grading, ideal for those prioritizing brilliance.
Selecting a reputable certification ensures transparency and confidence in your diamond’s quality.
Fluorescence
Fluorescence affects how a diamond reacts to UV light, sometimes giving it a subtle blue glow.
None/Faint – No visible effect in most lighting conditions.
Medium/Strong – Can make lower-color diamonds appear whiter but may cause a hazy look in rare cases.
Fluorescence can be an advantage or a drawback depending on the diamond and lighting. If unsure, select “None” for a more traditional choice.
Brand
Select from trusted diamond retailers known for quality, service, and value.
James Allen – High-resolution 360° diamond imaging and a vast selection.
Blue Nile – Competitive pricing with a strong reputation for quality.
Whiteflash – Specializes in super-ideal cut diamonds for maximum brilliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural diamond a real diamond?
Yes, natural diamonds are real diamonds. They are formed under high pressure and temperature conditions deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years. Natural diamonds consist entirely of carbon atoms arranged in a crystal lattice structure, which gives them their characteristic hardness and brilliance.
Is natural diamond expensive?
Yes, natural diamonds are generally expensive. Their cost is influenced by factors such as carat weight, cut, color, and clarity, collectively known as the 4 Cs. Additionally, their rarity and the extensive mining processes required to extract them contribute to their high prices.
What is a 100% natural diamond?
A 100% natural diamond is a gemstone that has been formed entirely through natural geological processes without any human intervention. It is composed solely of carbon atoms in a crystalline structure and has not undergone any artificial enhancements or treatments.
How do you tell a natural diamond?
To identify a natural diamond, gemologists use specialized equipment and techniques:
- Microscopic Examination: Observing natural inclusions and growth patterns that are unique to natural diamonds.
- UV Light Test: Natural diamonds often fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
- Certification: Reliable grading reports from organizations like the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) confirm the diamond’s natural origin.
- Advanced Instruments: Tools like spectrometers and diamond testers that measure properties such as thermal and electrical conductivity.
Do natural diamonds lose value?
Natural diamonds can lose value over time. While they maintain intrinsic value due to their rarity and desirability, the resale market is less predictable. Factors such as changes in market demand, the condition of the diamond, and economic conditions can influence their resale value. However, some rare and high-quality natural diamonds, particularly those with unique colors or significant carat weight, may retain or even appreciate in value.