💎 Cut – The Sparkle Factor

• The most important factor influencing a diamond’s brilliance.
• Grades: Excellent → Very Good → Good → Fair → Poor.
• Best Choice: Excellent or Very Good cut for maximum sparkle.

🎨 Color – The Whiteness of a Diamond

• Rated from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow/brown).
• Best Value: G-H color (near colorless) offers a balance between quality and price.

🔍 Clarity – Flaws & Inclusions

• Graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I1, I2, I3).
• Best Choice: VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included) – Looks clean to the naked eye but is more affordable than FL or VVS grades.

⚖ Carat – Diamond Weight

• A 1-carat diamond weighs 200 milligrams.
• Pro Tip: A 0.90-carat diamond can look similar to a 1-carat but costs significantly less.

Round Brilliant – Most popular, maximum sparkle.

Princess Cut – Modern, elegant, sharp edges.

Oval Cut – Makes fingers look longer.

Cushion Cut – Soft, romantic, vintage feel.

Emerald Cut – Sleek, sophisticated, large facets.

Always buy diamonds certified by a reputable gem lab like:
✅ GIA (Gemological Institute of America) – The gold standard.
✅ AGS (American Gem Society) – Strict grading standards.

• Look for conflict-free diamonds with Kimberley Process certification.
• Consider lab-grown diamonds – Eco-friendly & cost-effective without sacrificing quality.

• Platinum: Durable, hypoallergenic, luxurious.
• 18K Gold: Classic, rich yellow hue.
• White Gold: Modern, blends with diamonds.
• Rose Gold: Romantic & trendy.

✔ Prioritize Cut over Carat for maximum sparkle.
✔ Buy just under a full carat (e.g., 0.95 instead of 1.00) to save money.
✔ Choose a lower color grade (G-H) with excellent cut – It will still look colorless.
✔ Consider lab-grown diamonds for 30-50% savings.