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What is CTTW? Difference Betweeen CTTW and CT

Posted on March 22, 2022January 13, 2026 by Martin Mora

We shall explain what CTTW is, its significance in the diamond market, and so on through this article. We believe that explaining the same is truly important given CTTW stands for “carat total weight,” and it is an integral part of diamond weighing and price determination.

What is CTTW?

CTTW is carat total weight, and CTTW is the abbreviation used for it. It is the unit used to measure diamonds in a particular piece of jewelry you purchased.

There are multiple ways the CTTW acronym is inscribed in a piece of jewelry so that it can be either written as CT TW or CTTW here, CT means carat, which is the unit used to measure the diamond’s weight.

On the other hand, “TW’ is the total weight that is used to measure the weight of all the diamonds used in the piece of jewelry and not just the solitaire or the centerpiece.

Please note that both carat weight and total weight are different terms; yes, it seems to be the same thing through the description, but it isn’t. Carat weight is usually used for one piece of diamond, whereas total weight is for the entire jewelry. This confusion can be avoided by visiting a trusted jeweler.

Let’s take a Example

For instance, if the jeweler points out these are 1.44cttw diamonds for your wedding ring, which means the diamonds in the ring are for 1.44 carats combined. Here is a video, it may you help understand properly.

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Carat is the universally accepted unit for measuring diamonds and a pretty sensitive unit as minor increases can cause significant price differences.

CTTW vs CT (Carat): The Difference?

The difference between total weight and carat weight is consequential, and we shall let you know how.

Let’s follow the carat weight of a diamond, when pointed out, it points out the amount that the diamond weighs and doesn’t measure its size. When measured with the carat unit, a diamond weighs around 200 mg, a diameter from 5.60mm to 6.50mm the range in which the diamond’s diameter falls depends upon the cut of the diamond.

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When you view loose diamonds online or go to a jeweler in general, the carat weight is depicted through “CT” which is the acronym used for the same. Online you’ll see the “CT” being listed along with the color and cut and clarity of the same being listed.

Now, let’s explain what the “TW” diamond means. It is the total weight of diamonds in the piece of jewelry you’re buying. It isn’t like the carat, which measures the weight of only the jewelry’s center stone, but it is the weight of the entire stone.

The acronym of “CTTW” or “CTW” carat total weight is primarily used across the world and almost interchangeably, and both of them have the same meaning.

Now, there can be questions what if there is only one diamond in the ring or earring we purchase? What would be the difference between “CT” and “CTTW” then? The answer is that then both of them are the same. For example, if you’re buying a center stone cut diamond ring, then the “CT” and “CTTW” will be the same.

Other rings have a center stone and then smaller stones around them. Here the total carat weight rounds up to the weight of smaller stones added with the weight of the center stone.

Now, either can significantly weigh the center stone or the stones surrounding them and accordingly, the price is decided.

Where to Buy CTTW Diamonds From?

Selecting the perfect lab-grown diamond has never been more accessible, and we at Loose Grown Diamonds take pride in providing the best prices without compromising on quality. For a limited time, enjoy an exclusive discount by using our promo code during checkout. At LGD, we prioritize customer satisfaction, offering a unique blend of affordability, ethical sourcing, and top-notch craftsmanship in every lab-grown diamond.

Elevate your jewelry collection with a CTTW diamond that not only radiates brilliance but also aligns with your values. Choose Loose Grown Diamonds for an unparalleled combination of beauty, transparency, and unbeatable prices.

FAQs

What Does Cttw Mean?
CTTW stands for “Carat Total Weight,” and it specifically refers to the combined weight of all the diamonds in a piece of jewelry.

Is Cttw only For Diamonds?
Yes, CTTW is exclusively for diamonds. If you’re considering a ring with both sapphires and diamonds, CTTW only takes into account the weight of the diamonds, not the sapphires.

Does Cttw Indicate the Price of The Jewelry?
No, CTTW doesn’t provide much information about the price. Two rings with the same CTTW can have significantly different prices. This is because the distribution of the total carat weight matters – whether it comes from the center stone or the smaller accent stones. It’s crucial to understand that the pricing of diamonds isn’t linear; larger stones are much rarer and, therefore, cost more exponentially.

Does a Diamond’s Shape Impact Cttw?
The distribution of CTTW in a piece can be affected by the shape of the diamonds, which can change its overall design.

Can Cttw Be Customized in Jewelry?
Yes, lgd provides customization options in order to meet customer preferences and attain the intended cttw. Our team includes experienced gemologists who ensure that every diamond meets the highest standards.

Can Cttw Be Applied to Earrings?
Yes, CTTW is also applicable to earrings. If you’re purchasing a pair of earrings, you need to divide the CTTW by two. This calculation helps you determine the size of the stones on each individual earring.

Why Is the Distribution of Carat Weight Important in Pricing?
The distribution of carat weight matters because the price of diamonds increases exponentially with size. For instance, a ring with six small stones and a 1-carat center stone might cost less than a ring with a 1-carat diamond in the center and two larger accent stones, even though they have the same total carat weight. This is because larger stones are rarer and, therefore, more valuable.

How Much Should You Spend on An Engagement Ring?

Posted on March 16, 2022March 20, 2024 by Martin Mora

The myth that you need to spend three months’ salary on your engagement ring has persisted for about a hundred years now. It started with the Debeers campaign that “two months’ salary equals a diamond forever”; however, now that has increased to a three-month salary.

The marketing campaign that got this spending a month’s or two months’ salary so famous was established by Debeers during the great depression only to increase their sales and then take them to a height in the diamond market.

However, if we look at today’s diamond market and today’s trend of spending three months’ salary, it is not entirely true. According to a study done in 2021, the national average spending on engagement rings in the US stands at $5,900, and on the other hand, the average salary drawn by men between 25-45 in the US is $46,436.

So if they adhere to the 3-month salary rule, they should be spending somewhere around $11,000, which isn’t the case, they are spending half of it. That is because we have changed how we view investments and absolutely nothing to do with how much we value an engagement ring.

Shopping Together for an Engagement Ring

The importance isn’t just how much money to spend on an engagement ring but the activities you do around buying them like buying it together, respecting each other’s choices, and making decisions that help each other out. Altogether the process of choosing your engagement ring with your partner is a very fulfilling experience.

Shortlisting the wedding ring together is a great bonding exercise, more intimate because you understand so much more about your partner. As you step into this beautiful journey, this helps you come to better conclusions together; it is so much you learn about your partner’s decision-making skills.

How to Cut Engagement Ring Costs?

Now, further, in this process of deciding how much to spend on an engagement ring for women, there are a few tips that you can follow, and we are listing a few important ones for you. If you make sure to adhere to them, there is a great chance you’ll have a great buy.

1. Shopping for your diamond ring online: Yes, this process of buying your diamond engagement ring online can be daunting. There is the fear that you can end up with a low-quality stone, or there can be some displacement, or the ring can be crooked, or numerous other factors. These are genuine problems, and hence we suggest first looking for a trusted store online. And then make your purchase.

We suggest an online buy because the overhead price of diamonds in-store can be pretty high, which tilts your entire budget plan. Hence, an online buy is great for your pocket. We at Loose Grown Diamond offer the best quality lab grown diamonds certified by GIA , GCAL, and IGI. We offer multiple ways to customize and deliver your stone on time.

2. Taking an expert’s advice on choosing your diamond: Taking an expert’s advice for your lab grown engagement ring purchase can take you a long way because they know the market well and hence help answer the question “How much to spend on engagement rings?”.Now, this expert can be an expert blogger who possesses immense knowledge regarding diamonds on the internet. Or you can even go for another option wherein you will be required to contact a gemologist available on online platforms to guide you through your diamond-buying journey.

We at Loose Grown Diamonds offer this option to our customers. Anyone interested in buying diamonds or gaining knowledge regarding the same can contact our GIA-certified gemologist and clear their doubts. All we suggest is that you have someone who helps you narrow it down. From cut to color to size, there are multiple things that you can need help for, and that can be acquired from these individuals/places.

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3. Fraction of the carat size: Try and choose diamonds that are slightly lower in carat size than the ideal dimensions, like a 1-carat or 2-carat diamond. As they tend to cost way more than 0.92 carats or 1.98 carats, respectively. However, when you look at both sizes, they occur very similarly to the naked eye.

Hence using this hack will get you the best diamond for your money you can check out Loose Grown Diamond’s specialized “Diamond Size Chart” guide for measuring diamond sizes.

4. Lab or Natural diamond: If you don’t know this, we would like to tell you that you can’t spot any difference between a lab-grown and naturally occurring diamond with the naked eye. They both look elegant, however, the price range differs a lot.

The lab-grown diamond is cheaper than the naturally occurring one (30-40% cheaper). Hence, if you choose a lab-grown diamond, it wouldn’t make that much of a difference to the look and feel of your engagement ring.

Conclusion

We at Loose Grown Diamond hope we have helped you resolve your query about how much to spend on an engagement ring. If not, you can choose this article as a head start in your research. As we mentioned, throw away the “spend three months’ salary” ideology because it is redundant in today’s day and age.

Next, and most importantly, make sure to follow the tips and tricks we suggested to set the budget for your wedding ring. They for sure will help you make a budget-friendly decision.

Make the process of buying the ring smooth, and try to do it with your partner. You’d be surprised how much you’d get to know about the person, from choices to financial decision-making bandwidth. All of this will only help you further in life.
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FAQs

We have tried to help you with several tips, and we hope they help you measure how much to spend on engagement rings.

However, as a buyer, you also might have quite a few questions, so we shall answer them too. So here we answer some Frequently Asked Questions for you:

How much should an engagement ring cost?
Deciding how much to spend on an engagement ring depends entirely on your wedding budget. Please throw away the hundred-year followed tradition into a jiffy and make decisions that fit your pocket, style, and choice. Give preference to quality and cut and let that decide the engagement ring budget.

Who usually pays for the engagement ring?
If we look at what has been followed traditionally, the partner proposes. But, in today’s day and age, where almost everything is split between partners, the receiving partner not only lets you know of their choices but also contributes to the budget. This again may vary from couple-couple and person-person.

How much of your salary should be spent on the engagement ring?
Honestly, that is something ultimately you should decide. The deciding factor here is your monthly or daily expense and how much you can save from that and finally make that purchase. Other deciding factors here are also made by making smart moves, like the ones we suggested in terms of lab diamonds and carats.

How much does it cost to insure an engagement ring?
It is usually one or two percent of the value of the expensive ring. However, there are factors to consider while you think about insuring your wedding ring. Firstly, insurance needs to be included in the entire wedding ring budget. This is necessary because of how insurance policies tend to work.

As it would involve one or maybe even two percent of the ring’s value, this means that much money needs to be paid to the insurance company. So if you’re planning to spend a hefty sum on your engagement ring, be sure to incorporate the insurance plan value in your budget.

Pear Shaped Diamond: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on February 26, 2022April 25, 2025 by Chris Galey

A cut of a diamond is the way a diamond has been shaped and formed to suit a particular variety of styles. When a diamond is cut, it is decided upon a form, which is the outline of the diamond. The cut of a diamond is the 3D form and the primary aspect that affects and determines the brilliance of the stone.

The pear cut is a gorgeous cut diamond that is a replication of a teardrop/pear shape, thus calling it either a ‘pear cut diamond’ or ‘teardrop diamond’. The cut is a combination of a smooth round diamond with an extension of a pointed formation of the stone. This makes it a subtle flux of delicateness and strength, something which is represented by the respective combination.

The pear cut is a rather uncommon cut of the diamond, which is an elegant form. The elongated design of the pear gives a rather classy look when worn on the fingers. It is a vintage yet romantic style that gives a timeless look to the wearer of a pear cut diamond ring.

History of Pear Shaped Diamond

Despite having a modern look and touch in the pear cut diamond shape it is not that new in age. It ranges back to the fourteen hundreds. It was created by Lodewyk van Bercken nearly around the 1460s. The creator of these diamonds is a very famous name in the diamond industry even today as he was the one who introduced the concept of symmetry in diamonds and that the diamonds should be cut in a certain way in shape and size so as they yield us the best possible optimum results.

He also created the Scaife which is a type of wheel used to polish diamonds which is made with olive oil and the dust of the diamonds. It was a rebelling discovery that changed the entire diamond industry. Such was the greatness of this discovery that even to date the same Scaife is used for polishing the diamonds and making them even more beautiful and appealing.

It was this invention that allowed Lodewyk to create and implement new cuts and designs and during one such experiment, he created the famous pear shaped diamond design which to date is loved and appreciated by many out there.

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How To Buy a Pear Shaped Diamond?

The need to have a clear guide as to how to purchase a pear shaped diamond is quite vital to get the best stone worth your money. A few things that you need to keep in mind before buying the same are mentioned below.

Cut

If you’re signing up for a pear shaped diamond, in the most flawless instance it should have perfect symmetry. The point and the rounded end’s tip should be well aligned. On all sides of the diamond, the bottom and the top cut should have uniform cuts.

The top of the pear shaped diamond should be like a semi-circle and not be narrower than that. Many times the cutters add more weight to the diamond, and adding more unfinished stone to the final cut might make it look like a square rather than pear shaped, which should be avoided at all costs.

A prong should always be placed at the tip of the pear cut diamond because there is a high chance of chipping from this area. Natural flaws or extra facets also known as man-made flaws, or other inclusions may be found here since this point was formerly closest to the rough stones outside the border.

However, these imperfections will be hidden once the diamond is set because the tip is covered by a prong. The only remaining question is if the faults are large enough to compromise the diamond’s stability, which happens very rarely.

Clarity

Clarity evaluation in pear diamonds is subjective, just like color evaluation. If you want to check clarity grades, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) reports on the same are very efficient. It’s crucial to remember that everyone who is investing in a pear shaped diamond would have their ideal idea for clarity and hence its choice is subjective.

GIA clarity scale:

Flawless (FL)
Internally Flawless (IF)
Very Very Small Inclusions (VVS1)
Very Very Small Inclusions (VVS2)
Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)
Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)
Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)
Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)
Inclusions 1 (I1)
Inclusions 2 (I2)
Inclusions 3 (I3)

For some mixing in the diamond can be okay, as long as it can’t be seen at all. Whereas, others might demand a technically flawless and clear appearing diamond. Sticking to Slightly Included (SI) chart, which is the chart for clarity for slightly included diamonds by the GIA, SI1 and SI2 clarity are for the best monetary value.

Pear shaped diamonds are brilliant at concealing inclusions because of their inherent round character. At the circular end of the stone, the incorporations are shadowed because of the circular shape. On the other hand in the pointed tip, it is even better to hide inclusions due to its narrow appeal which makes it impossible to see any imperfections.

Even yet, a concentrated black SI2 in the stone’s center will be apparent to the naked eye, so you shouldn’t be believing a site/seller that states that there’s nothing visible to the naked eye.

Color

Color assessment of pear shaped diamonds is again subjective like the clarity assessment. It may be so, that many customers could prefer the somewhat warmer tones on their diamond rather than a completely colorless diamond.

Actually, in the supply and demand drivers, the premium price is attached and paid by buyers to a warm-toned diamond rather than colorless ones. Looking for the authentic color difference is something that is practiced in the diamond market with the only color grading system that is available.

The color may appear significantly darker at the tip of larger pear shaped diamonds. Thus when in comparison to other diamonds people may choose to increase the color gradient in pear shaped diamonds.

Do not misunderstand this color of diamonds as ‘fancy colored diamonds. These are two different things, the latter is an extensive range of diamond colors like blue, yellow, pink, green, brown, black, etc. The former is the tint and colorless scale of a diamond.

Carat

The carat range that a pear shaped diamond can vary from is 0.50 Carat – 3 Carat, each one of which has its own beauty. But, yes larger the diamond gets more protection it would need, because of how it can nip or be damaged.

Choosing the carat size depends on a lot of things from budget to subjective choice as to what your loved one would like to wear. You can check the carat size with our Diamond Size Chart. Rightly so, these notions should be kept in mind before making a decision.

Length to Width Ratio of Pear Shaped Diamonds

The length-to-width ratio of the pear cut diamond has a lot of influence on the elegance and the shape of the pear shaped diamond ring. And, a lot of times it depends on how one likes their diamond to look.

Some people like thicker pear shaped lab diamonds than thinner ones and vice versa are also applicable. To have the length and width of the pear shaped diamond between 1.50-1.75 is what most people find suitable and is also a good call to make. A pear diamond with an excessively high length-width ratio will resemble a malformed round diamond.

The length and the width of the diamond at the end depend upon individual decision-making. There are no incorrect or right answers when it comes to your preference regarding a thinner or stubbier stone. The pear’s outline must speak to you and your loved one, in the end.

Pros and Cons of Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pros

Everything in this world has its own benefits and dis-benefits such as the case with pear shaped diamonds.

Price: As compared to the other diamond shapes the pear shaped diamonds are very less expensive and are pocket-friendly to a level. At the same price we pay for the other diamond cuts, we will get a bigger and cooler size as in the case of the pear shaped diamonds.
Size: Along with the benefit of the less cost the size of the pear shaped diamond also looks quite large and elongated as compared to the other diamond shapes. It is approximately 8 percent larger in size than the traditional round shaped diamonds.
Sophistication: It is quite versatile in nature and can be worn as a neckpiece, ring, earrings, etc., and still look the best among its counterparts. This type of diamond cut can also be used as a side stone in various types of jewelry pieces despite being the main stone majorly.
Adaptability: The unique and antique visual effects of the pear shaped diamond are loved and appreciated by many. If worn around the neck it compliments the collar bone, and if as a ring it makes the fingers look thin and long. And also gives a completely sophisticated and classy look in the case of earrings. This is the most elegant diamond cut out of all the others.
Antiqueness: It is in the market for around many years now and is one of the evergreen and timeless classic cuts of diamonds. For women who prefer vintage and aesthetic shapes, it is the best choice.

Cons

If a certain thing has its positive sides there are negative aspects also same is applicable to pear shaped diamonds.

Expertise: As mentioned above symmetry and polish is a must for pear shaped diamonds and so it should only be done by experts in the fields. The naive ones cannot efficiently carry out the process thus giving it a not-so-complementing look. They also have a bow-tie effect that is they at times tend to show a dark pattern similar to the bow and tie. But in the case of well cut diamonds, this effect is not that much.
Fragileness: If we talk about the tip of the pear shaped diamonds it is very narrow and thus is prone to breakage and damage. Thus it becomes very important to carefully examine the tip of these diamonds before making a purchase.
Availability of fewer options: The pear shaped diamond cuts are very much popular and in-demand but they are not that enriched if we look at the case of options and varieties

Pear Shaped Diamonds Ring Settings

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To find the ideal pear shaped diamond and that being paired with the most appropriate setting is a task we shall guide you with as it is not as simple as it may seem. The setting of a ring is important because it portrays the true beauty of a diamond while preventing it from damage; particularly on the sharp tip.

This tip is prone to chipping and catching on to items such as clothes. Hence, selecting the best setting for your style and how regularly you will wear it is important.

Prong Settings

To put the pear shaped engagement rings in prong settings of either 5 or 6 prongs is a common phenomenon. The prong setting incorporates metal projections or blades, called prongs, to secure the diamond piece.

How do they protect the stone? The prong’s job is to secure the stone without taking away from the diamond’s shine and show, and one prong on the point of the lab created diamond safeguards that too. You can choose the 5-prong setting for more protection, whereas the 6 prong setting protects the diamond a little less, but gives more space to let the diamond shine in its glory.

Bezel Setting

The bezel set pear diamond ring makes sure that it provides maximum protection to the main diamond completely by enclosing the outer ring. What does the Bezel setting look like? It is a setting where the diamond is made to fit in the design completely. In this type of setting, the engagement ring metal runs along the entire edge of the gemstone to hold it in place.

The bezel setting is sleek, classic, simple, and most importantly functional when you have to work wearing the ring every day.

Halo Setting

The halo-setting pear shaped engagement ring is made of smaller stones, which cover the diamond and enclose the center of the stone. This setting can be of the same shape as the pear shaped diamond or can be different too depending on how the buyer likes it.

It creates a breathtaking all-around glitter by highlighting the diamond’s distinctive shape as it constructs a ring around it with several smaller diamonds. The lesser diamonds make the center diamond appear larger, resulting in a stunning halo engagement ring.

Tension Settings

You can also use a tension setting which is another gemstone setting where the central diamond is held in the center via contact. In this setting, the central diamond seems to be hovering between the two pieces of the casting or metal, or can in the ring band itself.

It creates a lovely, elegant, and stand-out design. As a part of the setting is used to curve around the sharp side of the diamond to protect it from any kind of damage. This setting is very ideal for pear cut lab diamonds.

This setting brings the diamond front and center, allowing you to fully appreciate its brilliance and radiance. Tension settings are normally more expensive, but they are an option if you want to go all out on a magnificent ring. These settings can be modified along with the pear cut diamonds.

Three Stone Settings

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A three-stone pear diamond ring features a central pear shaped diamond flanked by two smaller diamonds. The women’s pear-shaped diamond ring combines timeless elegance with a modern touch, making it a popular choice for those seeking a unique and stylish symbol of love and commitment.

Where Should I Buy Pear Cut Diamonds From?

We at Loose Grown Diamonds offer world-class modifications which you can attain by sending a request. Our pear lab-grown diamonds start at are available from just $450, offering diverse options for various preferences and your budgets, providing GIA/ GCAL and IGI certification for authenticity.

Even the small-sized diamonds of this shape have a tendency to make a big impact due to their shape and size which looks enlarged which makes them look nearly 8 percent bigger on the top surface as compared to the other popular diamond shapes and sizes.

Take advantage of our exclusive discount promo code during checkout to enjoy additional savings. Adorning these magnificent vintage cuts is beautiful in every way. Shining brightest among all, they are the classy and trendy choice for women these days.

Conclusion

2018 has undoubtedly been the year of pear shaped diamonds. From Paris Hilton to Ariana Grande, Cardi B, Kaley Cuoco, Zoe Saldana, Victoria Beckham, Margot Robbie, and Katherine Heigl all these celebs were seen flaunting this shape diamond out there in the public eye. Due to the large dimensions of these diamonds and a distinctive asymmetrical look more and more people are opting out of them these days.

The women who do not want to fit into ordinary designs and styles should definitely opt for them. They also have a personal touch in them with their shape being similar to teardrop and raindrops thus depicting tears of joy and sorrow and the various seasons of life accordingly along with its unique and elegant style which adds a statement to the look of the women wearing it. It makes all the heads turn towards her thus making her the most elegant and classy one out of all others.

FAQs

What is a pear shaped diamond?
A pear shaped diamond features a distinctive teardrop shape, combining the elegance of a round cut with the uniqueness of a marquise cut, creating a stunning and timeless silhouette.

How do I choose the right setting for a pear shaped diamond?
Select settings that enhance the diamond’s elongated shape, like a solitaire or halo setting. These accentuate the beauty of the pear shape while providing stability and security. For more clarity about this diamond shape’s ring, refer to our other informative piece to the rescue here.

Are pear shaped diamonds prone to the “bowtie effect”?
Like other fancy shapes, pear diamonds can exhibit a bowtie effect, a dark area across the center. Expertly crafted cuts and proper proportions minimize this effect, ensuring optimal brilliance.

Do pear diamonds sparkle?
Yes, pear shaped lab diamonds can sparkle beautifully if well-cut. The symmetry of the diamond is crucial in enhancing its sparkle.

Are pear shaped diamonds suitable for engagement rings?
Absolutely! The unique and romantic pear shape is a popular choice for engagement rings, symbolizing enduring love and sophistication. Customize your perfect ring with a pear shaped diamond at Loose Grown Diamonds.

Cushion Cut Diamond: A Complete Guide

Posted on February 25, 2022April 26, 2025 by Martin Mora

Everyone loves a good cushion-cut diamond. They are one of the favourite cuts in the market and are known for their beauty, brilliance, cut, and clarity.

Cushion-cut diamonds are pieces of art and expertise. They combine the exquisiteness of a great design with the most beautiful natural element. Such diamonds are all in all a great option, but selecting the perfect cushion cut diamond can be a handful task with so many suppliers and manufacturers in the market.

Just buying the right lab-created cushion cut diamond requires you to roll up your sleeves and understand the details and features of the diamond. Read about it ahead!

History of the Cushion Cut

Cushion-cut diamonds are called the perfect amalgamation of modern and classic. Even though they seem to be gaining popularity now, the cushion cut can be traced back to the 19th century.

Many diamond experts and historians believe that it was either known as mine cut back then or the cushion cut is an evolution of mine cut. You can certainly see the resemblance between the two. The place of origin is often recognized as Brazil or more specifically Brazilian mines, hence the old name, mine cut was coined.

The biggest difference between the mine cut and cushion cut diamond is that the mine cut has 58 facets whereas the modern cushion cut has a total of 64 facets. Throughout the evolution from mine cut to cushion cut, the diamond first gained popularity amongst manufacturers and then the entire world.

The world Famous Hope diamond is a cushion cut diamond weighing approximately 45 carats and the enchanting Regent diamond which is also one of the most popular diamonds around the world, is also in a cushion cut weighing around 140 carats.

Many crown jewels of the Englishmen and royalty are cushion cut and once the diamond was popular amongst the royals it became a rage amongst the masses. To date, the cushion cut is known to be an antique cut because of its history.

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

A cushion cut diamond is a popular and classic diamond shape known for its rounded corners and larger facets, which give it a soft, pillow-like appearance. It is a square shape with curved edges, resembling a pillow. This cut combines a square or rectangular shape with rounded corners, creating a timeless and elegant look.

The World of Cushion Cut Diamonds

Cushion cut diamonds are gaining popularity around the world and rightly so. Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most popular diamonds because they maximize brilliance. How? Because they combine a round cut and a square cut. Their facts increase their brilliance and even add fire. Fire is the appearance of colored light inside the diamond.

Cushion cut diamonds come in many designs, metals and when paired with other diamonds or precious stones, they have a classic and vintage feel to them. If you are looking for a diamond with durability they are the most suitable option because they have rounded edges and many facets.

The best thing about lab grown cushion cut diamonds is that they are less expensive when compared on a per-carat basis than an average round-cut diamond.

The Perfect Guide for Cushion Cut Diamonds

What you see at your diamond trader showroom is a beautiful end product, but cushion cut diamonds have much more to them that goes into making. The most essential things you need handy to buy the perfect cushion cut diamonds are knowing about the cut, clarity, color, length-width, and size of the diamond.

There are a lot of things to know about cushion cut diamonds when you buy them, but we don’t want you to have to go through the hassle of researching and looks multiple places, we have made it easy for you.

We give you the perfect guide on how to buy cushion diamonds. It covers everything from what to look for in a cushion cut diamond, all the grading, types of rings, a comparison of the two most popular types of cushion cuts, and answers to the most frequently about cushion cut diamonds.

Without making you wait further, let’s dive right ahead into the world of cushion lab diamonds.

How to Select Cushion Cut Diamonds?

Here are a few pro tips you should surely exercise before buying a cushion cut diamond. All of them, when exercised and performed in the right manner, make the process of selection so much easier and you can absolutely buy diamonds like an expert! So here we go:

Do Your Research

Cushion cut diamonds are one of the most eye-pleasing diamonds but require a good amount of research. Before walking into any store, do thorough research on what the prices are, which stores are the best, what kind of diamond you prefer? Natural or lab-grown.

All of this is important to know when buying a diamond, especially a cushion cut. Know the specifications of cushion cut diamonds. The length-width ratios, the carat types, clarity, color, cut, and the design you would want. Cushion cut diamonds come in a plethora of designs.

Check different exporters and suppliers and see if any which one stands out to you. An expensive buy deserves extensive research.

Consider a Gemologist

If you are buying a cushion cut diamond for a super special occasion then consider hiring a gemologist or at least consulting one once.

A gemologist will explain things in a better manner and give you a clearer picture of what your options are and give you recommendations on your specified choices.

Hiring a gemologist is great because the cushion cut diamond market is huge, and narrowing down the options and selecting the best one, is done right by an expert.

Think and Think

Going diamond shopping without knowing what you need and what you need it for is a rookie mistake. Go in knowing exactly what you need it for, formal wear, daily wear, occasion wear, or big event wear.

Knowing what you need the diamond for help when you look at so many options because all you have to ask yourself is “is this right for the purpose I am buying it for?”. Selecting a purpose-specified diamond will surely lead to the right buy.

If you are a couple who is buying a diamond, always remember to have a long detailed discussion before buying a diamond. Discuss what you and your partner like, what kind of cut will suit both of you, what is an absolute no, and then come to a list of things that are mutually acceptable. Doing this helps in buying a diamond which you both will cherish.

If you are someone looking for a ring to propose to your partner, remember to know the ring measurements and try and know their choices by asking them a few indirect questions or maybe taking the help of their friends.

Budgeting

Never set an exact price. Set a budget range. Setting a budget range has a higher chance of you remaining in the budget. Setting a budget range also helps in narrowing down the option and making sure that you set your eye on a piece that you can surely take home.

Certifications

It is absolutely imperative to be thorough about certification because you never want to be fooled by the supplier. Certified diamonds are the best diamonds and the only diamonds you should buy. Always check the certifications of diamonds and always check where the diamonds are graded from. Given below are the most renowned diamond certification bodies in the world.

1. GIA: Gemological Institute of America
2. AGS American Gem Society
3. IGI: International Gemological Institute.
4. EGL: European Gemological Laboratory
5. GCAL: Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

Each of these certifications is regarded on an international level and aims to check the quality of diamonds. Always remember to buy certified diamonds, with certifications from well-known labs.

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Understanding the Cushion Cut Grading Level

Cushion cut diamonds also involve a lot of different gradings and statistics. But do not worry, we have all that you will need in one place. Grading levels are important to understand before buying lab grown diamonds, so here are the grading levels of cushion diamonds.

Length – Width

Cushion cut diamonds come in three varied lengths to breadth ratios.

1. 1.00- Equal length and width.
2. 1.10- Has one side is slightly longer than the other.
3. 1.20- A cushion cut in an obvious rectangular shape.

Depth

Depth % for Cushion Diamonds: The side view of the diamond can be seen to look at the depth of the diamond. Above 70% depth is not considered good. You can keep these categories in mind when looking for the perfect cushion cut diamond depth.

1. Excellent: 61%-67% & 67- 70
2. Good: 56%-61% & 71- 73
3. Poor: 56> & 73<

Table

Cushion cut diamonds by virtue of their cut have a table-like top. Above 72% percent is not considered the best. These percentages need to be kept in mind while assessing the table of cushion cut diamonds.

- Excellent: 61% – 67%
- Good: 68-61% or 56%-58%
- Poor: >73 or < 54

Cushion cut diamonds also come in a few variations, with varying pavilion cuts and facet designs. There are four main types:

- Chunky or old mine- The oldest known cushion diamond with symmetrical facts. The facets are clearly defined and this is also known as an antique cushion cut diamond.
- Crushed ice – A more modern type of cushion-cut diamond. The diamond gets its name because if you look at it, it looks like pieces of crushed ice have been placed inside the diamond. The diamond often resembles the look of a radiant cut.
- Brilliant- Brilliant cushion cut diamonds are cut in a specific way to maximize the reflection of light in order to give the best brilliance.
- Hybrid- The newest and most cutting edge cushion cut diamond. Hybrid combines the brilliance of the brilliant-cut and the beauty of the crushed ice diamond.

Clarity

Clarity is very important in many diamonds and determines their value. Flawless – Very Very Slightly Included (VVSI) is ideal for under 0.50 carat to 2 carat cushion cut diamond. However, a range of Very very slightly included to slightly included (SI) also looks good for 0.50 to 2 carat diamonds.

Color

Cushion cut diamonds have a reputation for retaining color, it becomes even more important to carefully check the color grade of the diamonds you are buying.

For any diamond below .50 ct., a D-G grade is the best, however, H-I grades also look good. Anything below a K grade is not recommended.
0.50-1.0ct. Diamond D-G grade is recommended, H-I grades also have good color but anything below a J grade is not recommended.
For 1.0 – 2.0ct. diamond D–F is recommended and anything below a J is not recommended.
For diamonds above 2.0ct, a D-F grade is recommended and anything below an H is not recommended.

Cushion Diamond Size Chart

Cushion diamonds come in various carat sizes, and the carat weight is generally associated with the dimensions of the stone. It’s advisable to consider personal preferences when choosing a cushion diamond size. For a comprehensive guide covering various carat sizes, kindly visit our diamond carat size chart.

The Best Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion cut diamond rings are one of the top contenders in the engagement ring market. The soft finish gives the perfect romantic undertone to the ring.

If you are looking to buy a ring that hits the sweet spot of balance between romantic and designer, buying the cushion cut diamond engagement ring is probably your best bet. Selecting a great design that impresses your significant other, can be a handful of tasks.

Cushion Shape Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

The most classical and evergreen design that you get with cushion diamonds is the solitaire diamond engagement ring. It is a simple and clean look that does not let the attention get away from the central beautiful cushion cut diamond ring.

There are multiple styles you can still choose to opt for with the cushion cut, especially the kind of setting you would want, the metal you want for the ring band, and lastly also choosing the style of the band.

You can have a pave set band with diamond accents or you can keep the ring simple with a plain band and a four-prong setting.

Cushion Shape Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

If you are someone who wants to give a shine to the sobriety of the cushion cut with some extra diamonds. The three-stone diamond ring is a design that has a little bit more grandeur than the simple solitaire and if you are someone who likes a clean but jazzy look, this design is perfect for you.

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The three-stone diamond ring as the name suggests has one central cushion diamond, accompanied by 2 more diamonds adjacent to you. You can choose to customize the ring to your liking and select which stone would accompany the central diamond, the best.

There are certainly a lot of options you can look at like going ahead with half-moon cut diamonds or pear-cut side diamonds. You can also choose cushion cut diamonds to be the only cut that the ring features. We would personally suggest going ahead with either a platinum band or a white gold band.

Cushion Shape Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring

A cushion cut cluster diamond ring entails a bunch of cushion cut diamonds organized neatly in a design. The number of diamonds and diamond accents differs on the basis of what ring design you go ahead with but definitely, the center stone is a cushion-cut diamond.

A cluster cushion cut engagement ring is complemented by grain designs known as filigree designs which are intricate and make for an absolutely regal ring.

Bezel Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

The setting of the diamond refers to how it is secured onto the ring. A bezel setting involves encircling the diamond with a metal rim, or bezel, that holds the stone in place. This metal rim surrounds the entire perimeter of the diamond, offering both security and a distinctive look.

Cushion Shape Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

One of the best-selling designs when it comes to cushion cut diamond rings, the halo diamond shape is a forever favourite in the market. It offers a great design that only enhances the shine of the central cushion cut diamond.

There are multiple cushion cut halo ring designs you can go for like a hidden halo cushion cut engagement ring which has the halo beneath the central diamond, adding a layer of depth to the ring. You can also go for a double halo design which adds an extra layer of glamor to the look.

Conclusion

Cushion cut diamonds make a great buy diamond and everyone’s best friend especially for soon-to-be-married couples.

If you are looking for the best cushion cut diamond Diamond and want to select you to need to do your homework and here Lab Grown Diamond curated this guide to help you out in making an informed and great choice.

Cushion diamonds are popular and will never disappoint you. Equip yourself with this amazing guide, and you are now ready to shop cushion cut diamonds like an expert.

LGD specializes in lab-grown diamonds and provides a range of certified cushion diamond and cushion cut diamond engagement rings options with distinct characteristics.

FAQs

How does the cushion cut differ from other diamond cuts?
The cushion cut combines elements of the round brilliant and princess cuts. It has larger facets, which can give it a distinctive sparkle.

What is a cushion-modified diamond?
A modified cushion cut diamond is a variation of the traditional cushion cut, featuring adjustments to facets or ratios to enhance its brilliance or visual appeal.

Why choose a cushion cut diamond ring?
cushion cut is versatile and complements various ring styles, from classic solitaires to intricate vintage designs. It pairs well with different settings and metal types a fire that adds a touch of romance to the jewelry.

Can a cushion cut diamond ring be customized?
LGD offer customization options for cushion diamond rings, allowing you to choose the metal, setting style, engraving and additional features to create a personalized and unique piece.

Are cushion cut diamond rings suitable for everyday wear?
Yes, cushion cut diamond rings are suitable for everyday wear. However, it’s essential to consider the setting and choose durable materials to ensure longevity and minimize the risk of damage.

Old Mine Cut Diamonds: Everything You Need to Know

Posted on February 25, 2022July 4, 2024 by Martin Mora

Diamonds with an old mine cut are recognized as antique diamonds. The old mine cut diamond has distinct proportions and a unique fire about them due to which they are having somewhat of a renaissance. This cut was prominent in the 18th and 19th centuries among nobles and voracious diamond collectors throughout the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras.

Their distinctness can also be attributed to the fact that, unlike modern cut diamonds, these were cut only by hand, giving the diamond the warm appearance that people love about antique engagement rings.

Sometimes today the old mine cut is also referred to as the ‘miners cut’. Even though they are cut by hand and modern cut diamonds utilize modern technology and brilliant machinery, the aesthetics of these diamonds are quite similar with certain key differences that make each one unique.

What is an Old Mine Cut Diamond?

The ‘Cut’ of a diamond means the design in which it has been shaped. The cut is not the same shape as a pear, princess, cushion, round, oval etcetera; like the name suggests. This way of naming diamonds dates back centuries and is still very much popular. It belongs to the mid-18th century and remains a timeless piece. It is one of the oldest cut types that the diamond industry knows of.

For any antique or vintage lover, this type of cut is a jackpot. It has the hints of 18th-century Europe, making its appearance a historic piece attached with value. ‘Old mine cut’ was first used to refer to diamonds from India and Brazil and they used to be square in shape with sparkle. However, later on, diamonds were sourced from Africa because of their better quality in terms of color, hence were recognized as ‘old mine cut diamonds. These are all hand-cut diamonds.

As compared to other diamonds, the old mine cut diamond has a higher crown with a table smaller in size and a larger cutlet. The cutlet is placed below the pavilion and this does allow light to escape. This in return makes deep circles that reflect. Modern cut diamonds do not usually have a cutlet. If they do, the size is quite small. The appearance of this diamond is cushion-like and square-ish.

The similarity between old mine cut diamonds and modern cut diamonds is the number of facets on each. Although they remain popular, they do not beam like a modern cut diamond. Old mine cut diamond also have facets that are rough and unruly in shape. The old mine cut diamond were made with a grandeur so they would shine in candlelight, which was a major source of light at the time, hence the large proportions. These diamonds are ethical as they are available in plenty and can be reused.

Trends come and go, but when making an investment, especially in jewelry your interests have to be in timeless and classic pieces. They are here to stay and will be embraced by the younger generations in new and different ways. There will surely be variations to this old mine cut diamond. Most people prefer timeless stones for their collection because wearing them is never a risk but a statement!

History of Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Their origin can be dated back to the 18th century. In this period the dimensions of diamonds were measured and cut by hand, as technology and machinery were not as advanced as it is today. The skill of a diamond cutter was unmatched, while the lack of science in the field gave great importance to the aesthetic perceptions of a diamond cutter.

This cut was quite popular amongst the people up until the end of the 19th century, where we saw a shift from the old mine cut to the modern brilliant-cut and the European cut diamond which was a hybrid of the previous two cuts. These became the popular choice then, however, regardless, it is commendable that the old mine cut managed to stay in trend for more than a century.

An old mine cut diamond is sure to pop up when you’re looking for an original vintage engagement ring. They have a squarish form with soft, curving edges, like contemporary cushion-cut diamonds. During the 18th and 19th centuries, old mine cuttings were fashionable.

India was the world’s initial, largest supplier of diamonds. Most of these diamonds were mined from mining-centered cities such as Golconda. Whereas that changed when diamonds were first discovered in the city of Belo Horizonte in Brazil, in the year 1724. Hence throughout the entire period of the 18th century, India and Brazil enjoyed the glory of being the only countries to supply high-quality rare diamonds.

However, in the 1860s with the discovery of diamonds in South Africa, a massive shift of attention in the trade of diamonds took place.

Hence initially even if the term “old mine” was used for diamonds mined from India and Brazil, over time it was used for any diamond that had this style of cut. Once we reached the 20th century, all kinds of antique diamonds cut were left for more modern diamond shapes such as the round brilliant and other such unique cuts. The advancement in diamond technology surely aided the process.

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How Many Old Mines Cuts Still Exist?

As mentioned earlier, the old mine cut diamonds are hand-cut. Surely, the process would have been tedious, energy, and time-consuming. This gives the customer the assurance that their piece is special, irrespective of any of the factors. Surely, an issue arises that diamonds that are this old still exist? And if yes, then are they scarce? Since these are old pieces, they have been obvious victims of loss, theft, wars, and change in the political and social structure of the world.

Many diamonds have been lost at the advent of various revolutions and the era of modernization and later globalization. Most diamonds that are in the market for the last two decades are mostly cut by machine. As they are produced with the help of a machine, their number goes up and so does the circulation.

The Visual Characteristics of Old Mine Cut Diamond:

Old mine cut diamonds are very similar to today’s Modern cushion cut diamond with a square shape and soft slightly rounded corners. However, they still tend to differ majorly from modern cut diamonds in terms of their cut and symmetry.

Relatively small table. Old mine diamonds have a relatively small table common to all antique diamonds. It is visibly apparent when the diamond is viewed from above. It is visibly even more distinguished when it is kept beside any diamond of modern cut for comparison purposes.

A large Culet. The mine-cut diamonds tend to have a unique appearance thanks to their large, very obvious culet. The culet is large enough to be visible through the table.

Short lower half facets. The old mine cut has a good number of 58 short lower half facets.

A high crown and deep pavilion. Despite its deep pavilion, it is largely due to its large culet. They have a high crown (the upper part of the diamond, above the girdle) and a deeper pavilion (the lower part of the diamond).

Imperfect symmetry. The old mine diamond has asymmetrical symmetry and imperfect facets, much similar to other antique styles of cuts by hand. When compared to a modern cut diamond, the old mines can seem large and bulky at the first glance.

However, it was once considered a deliberate part of the design because unlike the sleek cut of the modern diamonds, old mine cut diamonds were cut to be seen under candlelight, a definite stark contrast to today’s bright LED.

Are Old Mine Cut Diamonds More Valuable?

The value remains in terms of the legacy the old mine cut diamonds carry. They belong to a golden era of history. Patrons and lovers of art and jewelry as well as others who feel passionate about these items, do believe in collecting and cumulating their personal collection. You will find many such items belonging to the same era being auctioned amongst the people who can and want to afford them. Going into the technicalities, the value of an old mine cut diamond is measured in terms of the four C’s: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight, like any other diamond.

They are also graded by the GIA. Many of the old mine cut diamonds do have rough cuts and less clarity making them less valuable. Old mine cut diamonds have also been sold for a lesser price because there was modification leading to the original diamond being lost in the process. Another point that affects their value is that old mine cut diamonds are larger than most diamonds and when fitted for an engagement ring then it fulfills the purpose. People who are interested in the extra-bling, opt for such a piece.

How Different is an Old Mine Cut from a Round Brilliant cut?

Table size: Old Mine cut diamonds account for 38 – 45% of the diamond’s total diameter which is a relatively smaller table size than a round cut more than average 52 – 60%. However, the ideal table size of a diamond according to most gemologists should rest from somewhere between 54-59%.
The Culet size: The old mine diamonds have a large easily visible culet attributed to their deep pavilion. Their culet size is only so much larger than the modern cut diamonds because it was merely impossible to cut smaller cutlets without cutting technology. Round cut diamonds do have a culet, that can only be observed under a microscope.
When it comes to the girdle finishing, antique cut diamonds have a frosted girdle in contrast to the round cuts faceted girdle.
Since the lab grown old mine diamonds were cut by hand, it was almost impossible to attain impeccable precision and symmetry. Their asymmetrical facets and unequal symmetry appeal to the taste of many who seek to purchase antique diamonds. Since modern cut diamonds do not hold such imperfections in high regard.
As far as brilliance and color are concerned the brilliant round cut diamond as the name indicates is quite renowned for its brilliance. The facets and dimensions of a round-cut diamond are designed to take in all light giving it a sparkly appearance. In contrast to the old cut diamond, which was designed to produce a warm glow under candlelight, a far more subtle appearance that many prefer.

Choosing the Perfect Old Mine Cut Diamond

The struggle with buying old mine diamonds begins with the simple fact that this style of cut is antique and vintage, and hence no longer manufactured, it has a limited supply with only a couple of diamond vendors selling them. Certain things you can keep in mind while buying a diamond of this cut are:

The diamond’s GIA certificate no matter how important should not deviate you from keeping your preference a priority. When it comes to modern diamonds, it is certainly recommended that you at the very least go through it with an AGS or GIA certification as those are pretty dependent on the 4c’s – cut, color, clarity, and carat. The color and clarity are still considered paramount features when purchasing a diamond of an old mine cut, however, it is cut quality grade can be neglected.
Old mine cut diamonds are a spectacle of what we in today’s terms call imperfections, however, unlike modern cut diamonds these imperfections only add allure to the antique stone. How much ever recommended a diamond certification maybe, the best advice with these cuts is to always go for what appeals to your eye.
Unlike modern diamonds, the color may not pose such a problem, as the old mine cuts are meant to have a warm color suitable for the era, they were popular. Most of the stones with this cut have a visible color grade of K or below. This is mainly because most of the higher color grade diamonds have been recut and redesigned over the years into brilliant modern diamonds.
Hence it should be obvious to you by now that a diamond of an antique cut cannot be judged according to modern parameters, as they were never initially designed for this decade.
It is always advised that because of the warm glow of antique cut diamonds, a yellow or rose gold setting is bound to beautify an old mine cut diamond ring. However, there is no such compulsion, and you can always go for whichever metal appeals to your tastes and looks attractive to the eye.
The last and most important detail is that you buy it from the right vendor, modern-day retailers, and companies that fashion in antique cut diamonds; hence it is best if you buy an antique cut diamond from an antique jeweler.

Where to Buy Old Mine Cut Diamond?

Explore online platforms that specialize in antique and vintage jewelry such as loosegrowndiamond.com carries a selection of old mine cut diamonds in various carats. They may be able to source or create a custom setting for an old mine cut diamond.

Ensure that the diamond comes with a proper certificate. Our experts will help you find the perfect certified diamond for your budget. Choose from hundreds of styles on loosegrowndiamonds.com.

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Conclusion Thoughts

Old Mine cut diamonds belong to the 18th and 19th centuries, these diamonds tend to have a warm glow to them which makes them perfect for a candlelight setting. These lab diamonds are dated for an era where they are crafted by hands, they cannot be graded by the same scales used for modern cut diamonds.

Their rugged appearance has all the more beauty compared to laser-cut modern diamonds. You can always keep them side by side and compare them. Old mine cut diamonds have large facets which produce great fire in the diamond and that is hence why it is still preferred by some people in the 21st century.

However, dating its origin back to a couple of centuries it is always recommended that you buy an old mine cut diamond from an antique diamond jeweler to get the most out of your buck.

FAQs

What are the characteristics of an old mine cut diamond?
Old mine cut diamonds typically have a cushion shape, a small table, a high crown, and a deep pavilion. They may also exhibit a small open culet, and the facets are often larger and more rounded than those in modern cuts.

What settings complement old mine cut diamonds?
Antique-style settings, such as halo designs or vintage-inspired settings, often complement old mine cut diamonds well. These settings can enhance the overall vintage aesthetic of the diamond.

How is it different from other diamond cuts?
The old mine cut is distinct from modern cuts like the round brilliant cut. It has a different faceting pattern, with larger facets that give it a unique appearance. It is known for its romantic and vintage charm.

Diamond Inspection: How To Do It the Correct Way

Posted on February 1, 2022April 28, 2025 by Chris Galey

Diamonds, while originally curated from nature, can be also produced in the lab. People often consider lab-grown diamonds to be “fake” or “counterfeit” because it is considerably cheap but this isn’t true as they have the same properties and characteristics as natural mined diamonds. This is due to the fact that they are made using the same technique.

The characteristics and properties of a diamond decide the value of a diamond. There are a few ways to check the quality of a diamond.

What is a Diamond Inspection?

Buying a diamond is an elaborate process and if you do not do your homework the right way, chances are you are going to end up with not the best diamonds according to your requirement. Diamonds are handcrafted and manufactured through an elaborate process and there are a lot of things to keep in mind when buying lab-grown diamonds.

Diamond inspection is essentially a process of making sure that all the properties, statistics, and aspects of the diamond are up to the mark and meet your requirement. We have curated the perfect guide for you to refer to before venturing out to buy a diamond. The guide includes everything you will want to get checked and keep in mind when buying the diamond. After all, we aim to be as helpful as we can to bring you closer to your dream diamond.

How to Tell if A Diamond Is Natural or Lab-Grown?

Diamond Companies that grow diamonds in the lab are mostly honest about the origin of the diamond. Few companies even engrave the data about the stone on the diamond’s girdle itself. While most companies come out clean about their diamonds and their origin, there are diamonds that are disguised as naturally occurring diamonds in the market. So let us look at a few ways to distinguish between a diamond that is natural and a diamond that is grown in a facility.

The Type IIa Test

This is one of the finest markers in the market regardless of the origin of the stone. IIa indicates the clarity of the graphite in the stone and is an accredited variety. As a result, if a diamond is Type IIa, one may be certain it was made in a lab.

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and UV Radiation

If one wants to get their diamond inspected, they can send it to a lab to get it tested. Companies like GIA(trusted and well-known) have built devices that help determine the origin. In a nutshell, the system works by hitting a diamond with different forms of radiation and analyzing the results. During the spectrum examination, several markers of the various techniques employed to generate lab-grown diamonds appear as spikes and fall at specific wavelengths.

Factors Should Keep in Mind for the Diamond Inspection

The 4c’s of The Diamond

The value of a diamond depends on mainly four aspects. You absolutely need to know about all four “C’S” of them to judge a diamond accurately so that you do not end up buying something not worth your emotion or money. They are Clarity, Color, Carat Weight, and Cut.

Clarity of the Diamond
The diamond clarity scale has six categories on the scale given by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and five levels on the scale given by the American Gem Society (AGS). The clarity scale is made to inform you about how many flaws or inclusions the diamond has and what is the severity of these inclusions. We have mentioned the grading followed by GIA because it’s one of the highest regarded, respected, and followed authorities in the diamond world/market. For your reference. Here are the levels of the clarity scale by GIA.

Flawless or FL grease means that the diamond is free of blemishes and inclusions and they are not even visible under magnification.
Internally Flawless or an IF grade means that there is no inclusion but slight blemishes may be visible under magnification.
Very, Very Slightly Included or a VVS1, VVS2 grade means the diamond has inclusions but they are not easily visible, not even to an expert.
Very Slightly Included or a VS1, VS2 grade means that there are certain minor inclusions only visible to the naked eye.
Slightly Included Or SI1, SI2 grade means that there are inclusions that are visible to the naked eye but only when carefully inspecting the diamond.
Included or I1, I2, I3 grade means that the diamond has visible inclusions.

Color of the Diamond

Colorless or D, E, F grade means that the diamond is absolutely colorless.
Near Colorless or G, H, I, J grade means that there is some color but not visible to the eyes.
Faint Color or K, L, M grade means that the color may be visible to the naked eyes.
Very Light Color or N, O, P, Q, R grade means that the color is easily seen.
Light Color or S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, Z grade means that the diamond has a significant amount of color which is clearly visible.

Cut of the Diamond

Excellent: Means maximum shine and reflection
Very Good: Has good reflection and gives back most of the light
Good: Brilliance is good but not the same as higher cuts.
Fair: They do have brilliance, but only reflect a limited amount of light.
Poor: Diamonds may appear dull

Carat Weight of the Diamond

Carat weight is exactly what it sounds like, how much the diamond weighs has a direct impact on the value of the diamond. The more the weight, the chances are, the higher will be the value, however carat weight is not the only determinant of the value of the diamond, clarity, cut and color along with carat weight determine the value of the diamond.

A diamond certification is essential because it helps certify diamonds through a third-party institution (an external party that is not involved in the diamond market in any shape or form). Due to many fraudulent practices happening in the diamond market it is essential to check for certificates that are free from any sort of hamper. Few such trustworthy certification agencies are mentioned in the article below.
diamond certificate

GIA: Gemological Institute of America

The GIA is by far the most widely popular and respected gem certifying organization. The GIA accreditation is extremely useful because sellers and buyers believe the organization provides rigor-free and correct data on the diamonds in their provided certificates. Every GIA-certified stone is subjected to a variety of tests and is evaluated by at least 4 gemologists. Furthermore, among all the organizations listed, it is one of the most dependable and stringent gem grading systems.

Also Read: Igi vs Gia: Comparison on The Basis of Color Grading, Pricing, and Diamond Reports 2022

AGS: American Gem Society

AGS is another well-known stone rating organization that validates precious gems and has established a reputation besides GIA. AGS is most known for its scientific method of gem classification, which employs numerical ratings instead of alphanumeric characters to authenticate gems. The numerical range rates gemstones from 0 to 10, with 0 being the finest and 10 being one of the worst.

AGS is second only to GIA in terms of market share in the United States. AGS uses a sophisticated ray-tracing method to assess a diamond’s image quality, which is greater than that of other organizations.

IGI: International Gemological Institute.

It is a non-profit stone assessment company with a strong reputation in Europe. IGI has a presence in US territories as well, however it ranks last among all American organizations. IGI is the second most trustworthy and well-known brand in gemstone certification behind GIA. IGI is known for accrediting lab-created precious stones in addition to evaluating real diamonds. Furthermore, there is a small potential that the gem will be rated incorrectly by two or three grades, but this is uncommon. In India, one can trust IGI gems because they’re well-known among both retailers and customers.

Also Read: Egl vs Gia Diamond Certification Comparisons: A Comprehensive Valuable Guide 2022

EGL: European Gemological Laboratory.

EGL is among Europe’s finest known and oldest gemstone certifying agencies. Evaluating and certifying diamond crystals is a rigorous and extensive procedure at EGL. It is well-known for authenticating gems weighing less than a carat. However, there are several EGL qualifications around the globe in various titles, including EGL Israel and EGL International, which may or may not be applicable in Europe.

EGL USA, which was once a part of a bigger European network of organizations, has now evolved into a stand-alone organization that focuses solely on the North American continent. This North American organization first opened for business in 1977 in New York, and it became self-owned in 1986. The EGL USA is very famous in the United States.

Check the Insurance of the Diamond

Yes, diamonds are the hardest substance on the planet, but that does not mean they are immune to wear and tear. Diamonds like any other substance can be damaged and it is vital to have them insured or even better buy them from a seller which has pre-insured diamonds. Insurance makes sure that if you buy a flawed diamond you can be compensated accordingly or if your diamond starts chipping off you can claim insurance.

Research your Seller and Manufacturer Before Buying

This is one of the most important steps in inspecting the diamond. Remember to search who made your lab-grown diamond and who is your seller. Go through their website, reviews, and the feedback of customers. Check what method they use and who certified them. Check for any discrepancies if they have any.

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Conclusion Thoughts

Diamond inspection is very important because it ensures you are buying the right diamond which is worthy and deserving of all your investment. The guide given above is handcrafted so that when you go diamond shopping, this checklist comes in handy. We hope all our research and references help in buying the right diamond and make the process more efficient and easier for you.

What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds, Should You Buy Them?

Posted on February 1, 2022April 29, 2025 by Martin Mora

When selecting a diamond, it is imperative to understand its four C’s. They play a major role in deciding which diamond gets a place in your collection. Clarity, Cut, Color, and Carat make for the four C’s.

Let’s understand what Clarity is about. Often diamonds have dents, blemishes, or some kind of imperfection. The clarity of a diamond is about the elimination or absence of the varied kind of imperfections.

What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Clarity enhanced diamonds are those which undergo treatments and repairs to improvise the blemishes and dents that the lab diamonds have. There are two methods of clarity enhancement. The methods are ‘laser drilling’ and ‘fracture filling’. One thing that should be noted is that the diamonds that are enhanced just have the fixtures ‘filled’ and not replaced or changed.

It is mandatory for the salesperson or jeweler to inform if the diamond belongs to the category of ‘clarity enhanced diamonds’ upon purchase.

The laser drilling technique is used when the diamond has dark spots or blemishes. These natural dark spots reduce the clarity of a diamond. A laser beam is drilled. With the passage of the tunnel, the spots are eliminated. It should be noted that though effective this technique can make a diamond and its structure extremely fragile. If there are quite a few drills, then it may lead the diamond to break.

The fracture filling technique literally involves a substance that is used to hide the flaws in a diamond. The substance is actually crystal clear and glass-like resin. It is injected into the diamond and it fills up the spaces and cracks where required. Once settled, the faults and cracks are invisible to the eye. This method is not a permanent solution. It is possible for the filling to melt or the cracks to fall apart. It is possible to redo the fracture filling however, it may not reduce the spots as clearly as the first setting.

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Factors that Affect Clarity Enhanced Diamonds:

Exposure to heat or fire
Exposure to boiling acid.
The jeweler’s torch.
Exposure to chemicals.
Re-cutting ruins a clarity enhanced diamond.

Pros & Cons of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds:

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Pros	Cons
Price is a major advantage. Clarity enhanced diamonds cost less than regular diamonds. If someone is on a strict budget, then they can opt for this category.	A major problem is fragility. In any case, people are extra careful with their stones. However, if your piece is a clarity enhanced diamond, then the risk of fragility increases considering the downsides of the techniques.
The quality obviously is better and more vibrant. The techniques can eliminate any visible imperfections making the diamond look crystal clear.	The fracture filling method is not a permanent solution to the problem. It may crack under high temperatures. A second filling is not as workable as the initial one.
If you are wondering, these diamonds are real and do look the same as any normal diamond without the enhancement would.	The color of the diamond may remain underwhelmed. The filling method requires a glass-like substance to be injected. The substance has reflective signs which may impact the color.
The carat weight of such a diamond is great for the price you pay.	In case, you wish to sell off your diamonds, you may face obstacles selling clarity enhanced diamonds.

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Clarity Enhanced Diamond Price Guide

Clarity enhanced diamonds are generally priced lower than untreated diamonds of similar visual quality. Prices vary based on factors like carat weight, cut, color, and the extent of enhancements. On average, they can be 20-40% more affordable.

However, specific pricing depends on individual diamonds and market conditions. It’s advisable to compare prices and consult with jewelers or experts for accurate assessments.

You can buy certified diamonds at the best price online via loosegrowndiamond.com. Moreover, if you find yourself confused about determining the cost of your chosen diamond, you can make use of our diamond price calculator.

Should You Buy Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Items like diamonds are not a regular purchase but an investment. Surely, some people are on a budget but this has to be looked at from a long-term investment point of view, Diamonds that are authentic should be bought.

It is also not desirable as the GIA does not even pass a grade for such diamonds. This is also a major reason to not consider such diamonds.

These diamonds are attractively priced but do not give the feel of an actual diamond. Imagine going to a party and being constantly worried about your diamond getting damaged. Where is the fun in that? Instead, you should have bragging rights upon purchasing a diamond and not worry lines. Something which can be achieved with the purchase of lab grown diamonds.

If you need a solution to the problem of budget, then you can opt for lab grown diamonds which are much better and much better in clarity as they do not require any treatments to enhance the features.

FAQs

Are enhanced diamonds graded in the same way as mined or lab grown diamonds?
Diamonds are graded based on their quality and value by institutions like the Gemological Institute of America. Diamonds that undergo clarity enhancement do not get graded by the GIA as these methods of enhancement are not the final solution. They are not permanent, making the grade unnecessary and meaningless.

The color and clarity cannot be assessed properly and hence, the grade is difficult to be granted. The GIA however, specifies clearly the reason why a diamond has not been graded to maintain transparency.

What is clarity enhanced diamond rings?
A clarity enhanced diamond engagement ring features a diamond that has undergone a treatment process to improve its visual appearance by reducing the visibility of internal flaws, known as inclusions, or surface imperfections, known as blemishes. The purpose of clarity enhancement is to make these flaws less noticeable to the naked eye, thereby enhancing the overall clarity of the diamond.

How can you tell if a diamond is clarity enhanced?
Determining if a diamond is clarity enhanced may require professional inspection. Look for laser drill holes or glass-like substances near fractures, indicating treatments like laser drilling or fracture filling.

Diamond Carat Comparison: A Visual Guide To Different Carats

Posted on February 1, 2022April 28, 2025 by Martin Mora

Choosing the perfect engagement ring from a wide variety of options can be hard at first. Each aspect of a diamond holds a crucial role in the selection process of your perfect diamond. Each aspect of the diamond can be chosen once your purpose for the diamond is decided, and hence you can safely make your investment.

Such factors include budget, preferences regarding style, and the most important factor of all: the 4Cs of grading diamonds which are cut, clarity, color, and carat weight.

The carat weight is an important factor in making this decision. The other C’s also hold equal importance, but the carat weight is something that makes up an obvious statement when chosen.

Definition of a Carat

The standard unit of weighing a diamond is termed carat which was introduced in 1907. A carat is not the outer appearance of a diamond, but the weight of it. The weight of a diamond is determined by various factors like the cut, density, formulation, composition, etc.

Technically when seen, a carat of a diamond is known as 0.2 grams. This standard for the definition of a carat is exclusively used for gems, semi-precious stones and diamonds as a unit of weight measurement.

It’s also linked to dimension, but carat mass isn’t the same thing: 2 stones of the same form and diamond weight might seem drastically deviating significantly on the cut.

The Importance of Carats in Diamonds

The carat determines and influences the price of the diamond.While the carat of the diamond is very subjective, some people might prioritize it over other factors such as color, clarity, brilliance, etc.

Carat also doesn’t justify the weight or the appearance the diamond might have. Many people assume that a heavily weighted carat diamond might appear bigger and better. It isn’t true in most cases. The appearance depends on many factors of the diamond for saying the cut and arrangement.

Typically a diamond is weighed using a simple technique called the carat point system and most likely not heard by the general public. The weight of the diamond is referred to as having y-numbers of point or y point. For example, if a diamond is 90 pointer, it is just another way to refer to a .90 carat diamond.

What is the Carat Weight of a Diamond?

The carat weight of a diamond is not the visual appearance size of a diamond. It is a technical scale that determines the physical weight of the diamond.

A carat weight of a diamond is equal to 200 milligrams. When one states the weight of a diamond as 1 carat, the weight that should be considered is 0.2 grams. To extract one carat of diamond, the amount of rock that needs to be mined is way more than 1000 times of the diamond weight,

Some diamond cuts may make one diamond appear larger than another, even though both the diamond carats are the same. Hence, choosing the right cut for your carat size is also something you would like to consider.

How each carat weight appears on the outside will vary on multiple factors such as the shape and type of precious stone as can be observed through the example of a 1.00 ct round diamond which will measure up to 6.5mm whereas a round sapphire of the same carat weight will measure around 6.5mm.

This difference in size even though the carat weight is the same is due to the varying density of the gemstones.

Another extension of the carat weight is the total carat weight (t.c.w) which is a unit used to represent the total weight of all the precious gemstones that are embedded in a piece of jewelry in cases wherein more than one gemstone has been used. Earring of the diamond solitaire kind generally uses this form of measurement which indicates the total weight of all the diamonds in both earrings.

Hence, although carat weight is an important aspect of every diamond’s identity, it must never be confused with the diamond’s visual size because a diamond of heavier carat weight does not translate to it having a bigger size. The other physical dimensions of a diamond such as the size are actually dependent on how the stone has been proportioned.

How Does the Carat Weight Impact Budget?

Customers with a fixed budget who cannot afford many variations generally have to sacrifice an aspect of the diamond if they wish to improve on another.

Amongst the 4Cs of the diamond, many people feel that carat weight matters more than the cut of a diamond. And they keep concentrating on getting their hands on the biggest-looking diamond that falls within their budget. However, most jewelers hold the opinion that the cut of a diamond should never be sacrificed for its size or carat weight.

It is observed that prices generally jump at every tenth decimal mark such as 0.40, 0.50, 0.60, etc, and a lot more significantly at the quarter marks such as 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, etc. Hence these are the sets of carat weights that customers with a tight budget should wander around to get the best buy at the lowest cost.

To help readers with this concept, customers can consider the case wherein a 0.90 ct diamond will have measurements of 6.20 mm x 6.20mm while a well-cut 1.00 ct stone will measure up at 6.50mm x 6.50mm. The customer can save up to 30% in price if they decide to select the former option because both the stones of the above-mentioned carat sizes are hardly distinguishable unless compared nearby.

However, customers who have their mindset on larger carat weight diamonds can always compromise a little on the clarity and color since grades of clarity that fall in the range of SI1–SI2 and grades of color in the range of G to I will not make much of a difference since these respective grades closely resemble a clear and colorless diamond.

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Comparing Different Diamond Carat Sizes:

There is no fixed explanation or answer to the question of which diamond carat size is the best since this is a heavily varying factor for different people depending on their personal preferences. Carat weights that are considered too big or small by one may be the ideal size for another. A diamond carat comparison chart will help you understand the sizes smoothly, with dimensions in proportion to the fingers when seen from afar.

However, as an observer, it can be safely said that there is a particular carat size that is suitable for fingers of different sizes.

Since most finger sizes usually lie between US 4 and US 7, it is advised by jewelers to select a diamond falling in the range of 0.5 ct – 1.5 ct as they would complement these finger sizes the best.

Generally, diamonds of carat weight below 0.30 ct look small when compared to finger sizes, however, a halo setting is enough to amplify the size and add some additional brilliance to the engagement ring.

Customers who are attracted to larger carat weighted diamonds such as a diamond of 1.5 ct can make use of the solitaire setting for the ring since this setting will prevent an overbearing appearance that could be expressed by the large diamond of the ring on a finger.

If one prefers an overall brilliance, choosing smaller carat diamonds in a metal band and a single carat as the main diamond, can definitely do the trick.

A gradual sizing can be chosen, if one prefers a subtle design, wherein the center diamond is of a higher size and the diamonds on either side are slightly smaller or even half the carat of the main ring. Both these options are equally beautiful and trending.

These are only guides that will help you gain a fair idea of the market and its terms, so you can take your decisions mindfully. As a customer, one should be aware that knowledge is something best used at one’s disposal. Hence, it is recommended you take your personal preferences into consideration as that will determine the path of your purchase.

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Comparing Diamond Carat Sizes in Popular Diamond Shapes

To get the best idea about a diamond’s carat weight and size, customers must compare the point of difference and similarities regarding these aspects in different shapes of diamonds.

Cushion Cut Diamond

Showing similarities with the round brilliant cut, cushion diamonds are a beautiful choice for customers who wish to add a wide sparkle to their fingers. The lightly squared edges, however, tend to increase the carat weight of the diamond resulting in the nexus diamond appearing bigger.

One advantage of this shape is that it can make a smaller center stone look more substantial and beautiful than a round brilliant cut stone of the same size. Bands of either width of thin or thick will complement this shape well.

Emerald Cut Diamond

An emerald cut is one of the shapes that appears true to its carat weight. It has been noticed to complement bands of wider measurements along with the split shand bands or baguette diamond accents.

A vintage-style cut, the emerald-shaped diamonds are appealing to many women across the world, including the celebrities of Hollywood like Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Lawrence, Beyonce, Amal Clooney, etc. who have been seen sporting this design on their fingers.

The rectangular shape of the emerald cut makes the fingers appear elongated. An emerald cut with its unique beauty makes it a favorite choice for vintage engagement designs. Any wearer can comfortably and gracefully adorn such a unique piece of diamond cut in an engagement ring.

The emerald cut sets itself apart from its fancy cut counterparts like the radiant diamonds, by presenting observers with a distinguished kind of beauty and impeccable clarity while providing engagement rings with a peculiar look.

An emerald cut diamond comparison chart will assist you optimally in choosing a size that might be the perfect size for your fingers and ring pattern.

Round Cut Diamond

One of the most classic and famous shapes, the round-shaped diamond is made to be placed on excellent and stunning engagement rings because of the sparkle and fire they exude. Solitaire engagement rings often use round shaped diamonds as the centerpiece because of the glittering brilliance that these diamonds offer.

However, these diamonds come under the category of expensive diamonds since a large amount of rough stone needs to be cut away to make this shape. Although customers who want this particular shaped diamond can save some money by opting for a smaller diamond that is combined with a halo of accent diamonds or a pave diamond band since these combinations will give the illusion of the round diamond being bigger.

A round diamond carat comparison carat shown above is your ideal friend to help you get the size that is a perfect fit for you. With each size diamond serving a different purpose, you can also carefully choose and compose diamonds to craft a unique pattern.

Oval Cut Diamond

Engagement rings of the oval shape are a highly popular choice for people since it appears to be inspired by the best qualities of a round brilliant cut diamond which are its sparkle and the elongated effect that other fancy-shaped diamonds provide. While selecting suitable oval diamond customers must focus on the stone’s length to width ratio along with the carat size.

Shopping Advice and Money Saving Tips before you buy a Diamond:

1. Select a Halo Configuration: Did you know that halo wedding rings give the appearance of a bigger center rock? A halo ring setting is a beautiful setting that will help you get a more brilliant shine at an affordable cost. Using the main diamond in the center and the smaller diamonds in the halo will only enhance the shine of the ring. Even with a small carat diamond at the center, the halo will make it appear larger than it is.

2. Select a Gemstone Created in a Laboratory: Lab-created diamonds are 40% cheaper than mined ones. While earth-mined gems have long been the preferred gemstone for wedding rings, lab-made diamonds have gained considerable attention and desire.

3. Remove the colorless parts: Would you like to acquire a colorless stone but don’t have a lot of money? Try a relatively close stone in the H to J range instead, which will save you a lot of money! When viewing a gem with your unaided eye, you won’t notice much of a change in color until you compare two separate colored diamonds beside each other.

4. Reduce your size: One can save hundreds or even thousands of bucks by choosing a stone that is somewhat less than your intended weighting factor. Furthermore, there is no discernible visual change. If you want a 2.0ct stone, for instance, a 1.91ct gemstone with identical specifications will probably cost cheaper.

If you wish to get an overall idea of your ideal diamond, head over to the diamond price calculator for a fair budget outline.

If you choose to buy lab diamonds, LGD provides the best set of diamonds in your chosen criteria and budget. We will help you carefully through this process of buying lab created diamonds so you can pick out your dream stone with ease. We will help to stick to your budget, but if you want to avail of a discount on the same you can use our promocode.

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Conclusion

With all the distinct parameters that give a diamond its appearance, one must carefully choose the parameters that cater to their individual goal. Carat weight definitely turns out to be one of the most important and crucial factors that not only determines the beauty but also the cost of the diamond.

Despite all this, one can always craft their diamond in a way that makes it enhance the strengths of the diamond and also makes it appear more brilliant. A perfect stone is achieved when the setting is also thought through, and hence the journey of diamond jewelry and especially diamond engagement rings is considered precious. The effort is always worth it, as in the end the love stands strong and so does the diamond.

FAQs

1. What is a diamond carat?
A diamond carat is a technical scale that determines the weight of a diamond. 1 carat equals to 0.2 grams in weight.

2. What diamond carat is the best?
The best diamond carat is the carat that fits into your budget as you choose the diamond parameters that suit you best. But the most sought after diamonds are 1 carat diamonds.

3. What’s the difference between “carat weight” and “total carat weight”?
Carat weight refers to the individual carat weight of a diamond, whereas total carat weight refers to the carat weight of all the diamonds in the ring combined.

4. How does diamond size affect price?
The price of a diamond increases as the diamond size increases. The price is directly proportional to the diamond carat price.

5. Is it better to get a slightly smaller diamond with higher quality or a bigger diamond with lower quality?
Yes, most certainly. When one chooses a smaller diamond in higher quality, the brilliance of it will definitely outshine the latter diamond size.

6. How is diamond size measured?
The size of a diamond is measured in terms of carat weight. A diamond carat is the unit to determine a diamond’s size.

7. What is the size difference between 1 carat and 2 carat diamond?
As the size suggests, the size of the 2-carat diamond is larger than a one-carat diamond, but might not be directly visible as twice the size, since the whole volume is considered.

8. How much is a 0.5 carat diamond worth?
A 0.5 diamond carat can cost anywhere around $550 to $2000, depending on the 4Cs

9. Is 1 carat diamond too small?
1 carat diamond is a good size and not small at all. It is the most preferred choice of diamond carat.

Princess Cut Diamonds: What Every Buyer Must Know

Posted on February 1, 2022February 12, 2024 by Chris Galey

The relationship an individual has with a diamond is something out of the ordinary. The sparkle it brings in one’s life is accompanied by the promise of togetherness and an auspicious bond. People always debate as to which diamond shape is the greatest and most appropriate option.

Yes, round-shaped diamonds might be popular and more favorable but a princess cut diamond on the other hand has all the properties and features of multiple diamond shapes combined. The princess-cut diamond symbolizes one’s undying devotion and commitment with its spectacular brilliance and exquisite shape for wedding bands.

What is a Princess Cut Diamond?

The princess cut diamond is one of the most prominent diamond cuts, has a brightness and luster that other square-shaped gems lack. Thus putting it above all. A Princess cut diamond is often described as Square Modified Brilliants as they are frequently linked to round gems; this is in terms of sparkle and brilliance.

Princess-cut stones are also called Rectangular Modified Brilliants or Square Modified Brilliants based on the length-to-width proportion.

This pattern disperses more light than any other square-shaped diamond, giving the princess cut a stunning and generally preferred brightness. Princess-shaped diamonds are also frequently cut from exceptionally well-formed raw diamonds. This implies that princess-cut diamonds are much more probable than other forms to be fashioned from a finer raw stone.

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History of the Princess Cut Diamond

Inspired by a “French Cut”, a princess diamond shape provides brilliance greater than most of the shapes having a similar cut. Nonetheless, the modern princess-cut diamond is a pretty recently-developed cut. Numerous global designers contributed to and improved it throughout the second section of the twenty-first century.

An early form of this design, first conceived in the 1960s, was used in conjunction with some other cut: the profile cut.
In 1961, a London gem designer named Arpad Nagy was known for inventing the profile cut.
Ambar Diamonds in Los Angeles started cutting and marketing the quadrillion diamond of 1970; a stunning square cut with 49 facets, just about ten years later.
The Barion cut of 1971 was then developed by skilled South African cutter Basil Watermeyer. This gem cut had rounded sides and a square shape.
Ultimately, Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar, and Israel Itzkowitz, Israeli stone cutters, popularized the French cut. They invented the modern princess-cut we recognize today in 1979.

How Many Facets Does a Princess Cut Diamond Have?

Based on how well the diamond is cut, a Princess Cut diamond contains about 50 to 58 facets. The canopy and crown have the most facets, with some on the girdle. Princess Cuts are also known for having 2 4 chevron designs, which are cross trends seen when looking at the diamond above it.

When a diamond contains two chevron designs, it radiates more bright and colored light more intensely. These patterns come together to cause more refraction of light thus making the diamond shine more.

What are the 4Cs of a Princess Cut Diamond?

Clarity

Just like people, even diamonds aren’t flawless, they all have their own blemishes and inaccuracies. The clarity rating describes the extent to which these flaws are obvious. An SI1 or VS2 stone will provide eye-clean brilliance on a decent budget. SI2 and I1 diamonds can also be eye-clean, making them good choices for individuals on a limit.

Flawless (FL)
Internally Flawless (IF)
Very Very Small Inclusions (VVS1)
Very Very Small Inclusions (VVS2)
Very Small Inclusions 1 (VS1)
Very Small Inclusions 2 (VS2)
Small Inclusions 1 (SI1)
Small Inclusions 2 (SI2)
Inclusions 1 (I1)
Inclusions 2 (I2)
Inclusions 3 (I3)

However, you will discover very few princesses cut diamonds in these clarity gradings. Avoid heavy imperfections in the center of the diamond when you’re shopping according to these clarity grades. As any inclusions or blemishes in the center will be easily visible and will ruin the look of the diamond. In particular, keep an eye out for irregularities in the princess cut’s edges. Inclusions in these regions weaken the edges and increase their likelihood of breaking/chipping/damage.

Color

Princess cut diamonds, as well as other exotic varieties, have a wider range of hues than round gems. Even so, there’s no point in paying a premium for the highest color grades. Even if there is a little hue variation, it is tough to discern unless you compare the gems beside each other.

The color here is referred to in terms of the GIA color grading chart which goes as follows:

Colorless- D,E,F
Near Colorless- G,H,I,J
Faint-K, L, M
Very Light-N, O, P, Q, R
Light-S,T,U,V,W,X,Y,Z

To optimize your spending, we recommend an H or I-color stone for princess cut stones set in white gold or platinum. A J-color stone, on the other hand, will look excellent in rose gold and yellow gold bands.

Because diamond color grades are based on body color rather than face-up color, certain diamonds with lower color grades will appear whiter. Though it will take considerable time and energy, people on a low budget may find that looking for these jewels is worthwhile!

Because the genuine distinctions in color are hard to recognize in an environment without diamond color grading, the price premium for better scores would be dramatically lower.

Carat

The carat system is used to determine the gems’ mass. Gem Studies Laboratory employs sophisticated weights to obtain accurate weight measurements, with masses measured in hundredths of a carat.

One metric carat equals 0.2 grams in the carat standard. That’s why, when it comes to establishing gem grades, skilled examinations and precise equipment are crucial. Princess cut diamonds, when compared to their round-cut competitors, have a greater carat weight for their volume due to their form.

Cut

The degrees, facets, and clarity of a gem are all considered while evaluating its cut. Overall, the purpose of a great stone cut is to create a stone with the correct ratio to allow the most amount of light to pass in.

It will add a lovely gleam to the gem, which the lover will like. While cutting a princess gem, the objective is to produce a completed product that is neither too broad nor too deep, with an equivalent amount of chevrons.

What is the Length to Width Ratio of a Princess Cut Diamond?

Adhere to length-to-width ratios (L/W) of 1.05 or less for a symmetrical princess cut. The gem seems off-shape anything above 1.05. Princess cut stones must be adequately square so that they do not appear to be off-shape. The gem will seem rectangular if the L/W ratio is at least 1.2.

Pros & Cons of Princess Cut Diamonds:

Price

A Princess cut diamond is at least 30% less expensive than round-shaped diamonds because cutting a princess-shaped diamond produces minimal wastage. This can not only be very helpful for people with a limited budget and the value that a princess cut diamond provides is incredible because the shape typically looks bigger compared to the same carat weight of a round-shaped diamond.

Sparkle

Princess cuts are known for their sparkle. In terms of light efficiency, they surpass any sophisticated cut. This diamond has exceptional brilliance when compared to other diamonds. One needs to know that a round-cut diamond still surpasses the sparkle and brilliance when compared to other diamonds.

Size

When comparing the face-up surface area of a princess and a round diamond of the same carat weight, the round will have a slightly bigger face-up contact area. Princess cuts, on the other hand, usually appear broader due to their huge orthogonal dimensions. Nonetheless, it’ll be possible to have a princess cut that is much bigger than a round cut while staying within your diamond ring limit.

Durability

The corners of a princess-cut diamond are vulnerable to snagging and flaking. Hooks must be used to safeguard the crystal’s edges to prevent it from being damaged. Round diamonds can still chip, but they don’t have any weak areas that make them susceptible to scratching. With a diamond shape like a princess-cut-shaped diamond comes the responsibility to look after it.

Best Engagement Ring Settings for Princess Cut Diamonds:

Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring

The princess cut can take center stage in a solitaire setting, allowing the most light to enter. The solitaire arrangement helps the diamond to be the center of attention and gives the sparkle it deserves.

Princess Cut Diamond Channel Set Band

Princess cuts can be protected by using a channel configuration. Because we know that princess-shaped diamond cuts are prone to breakage, this setting is ideal for practically everyone.

Princess Cut Diamond Halo Ring

Smaller gems encircle the center stone in Halo wedding rings, making it look much bigger. Not only is a princess-cut shape big enough but the smaller gems that are arranged around the diamond not only make it look extra big but provide too much sparkle.

Princess Cut Diamond Vintage Band

The ancient arrangement on a princess-shaped diamond is a wonderful choice for anyone looking to spice up their look. This arrangement has become very popular in the last few years and will surely be of the top favorites for the coming years.

Princess Cut Three Stone Engagement Ring

The design that defines the eternal boundaries of your past, present, and future is known as the princess cut three stone engagement ring. It is a three stone setting where the central diamond is in a square or a rectangle shape, and the other two stones are attached on both sides, enhancing the beauty of the ring.

Princess Cut Bezel Setting Engagement Rings

The setting where your princess cut diamond remains the center of attraction which is held high and around by the custom-made metal rim in the center of the band is the princess cut bezel setting engagement ring.

Princess Cut Cluster Setting Engagement Rings

Princess cut cluster setting engagement ring is highly defined by its name itself just where the princess cut diamond is in the center with the many other small stones around it forming a structure of cluster, enabling the shine to sparkle more.

Princess Cut Diamond Band

This style delivers an elegant vintage look with aesthetic charm in it as the whole band is covered with small princess cut diamonds. It strengthens the look of the ring and this design formation is subtle yet heart pouring. A very minimalist setting that offers a lot of it.

Conclusion

The second most popular diamond shape in the market, with all the best features of shapes like round, square, and rectangular. This shape is one of the most distinctive shapes and very exquisite compared to others. Also considered one of the most brilliant cuts out there.

Despite being commonly likened to the round form, the princess-cut has distinct faceting techniques that are not found in round-cut gems. Princess-cut gems can also have diamonds put side-by-side with really no spaces because of their more rectangular shape. As a result, princess-cut diamonds are preferred for commitment and marriage rings, particularly eternity bands, which are among the most famous band designs nowadays.

FAQs

Are princess cut diamonds more affordable than other cuts?
Princess cut diamonds are generally more affordable per carat compared to round diamonds. This is because the cutting process yields less waste when shaping a square or rectangular stone.

How much is a 2 carat princess cut diamond
The price of a 2 carat princess cut diamond can vary widely based on factors such as cut, color, clarity, and overall quality. 2 carat princess cut diamond price a rough estimate could be anywhere from $800 to $50,000 or more.

Do princess cut diamonds come with certifications?
Yes, loosegrowndiamond.com provides certifications from gemological laboratories, detailing the quality and characteristics of the princess cut diamond, including its cut, color, clarity, and carat weight.

What does a princess cut diamond look like?
A princess cut diamond is a square or rectangular-shaped diamond with pointed corners. It has a modern and elegant appearance, characterized by a cross-shaped pattern when viewed from the top, showcasing its brilliant facets.

What is CTTW?

CTTW vs CT (Carat): The Difference?

Where to Buy CTTW Diamonds From?

FAQs

Shopping Together for an Engagement Ring

How to Cut Engagement Ring Costs?

Conclusion

FAQs

History of Pear Shaped Diamond

How To Buy a Pear Shaped Diamond?

Length to Width Ratio of Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pros and Cons of Pear Shaped Diamonds

Pros

Cons

Pear Shaped Diamonds Ring Settings

Prong Settings

Bezel Setting

Halo Setting

Tension Settings

Three Stone Settings

Where Should I Buy Pear Cut Diamonds From?

Conclusion

FAQs

History of the Cushion Cut

What is a Cushion Cut Diamond?

The World of Cushion Cut Diamonds

The Perfect Guide for Cushion Cut Diamonds

How to Select Cushion Cut Diamonds?

Do Your Research

Consider a Gemologist

Think and Think

Budgeting

Certifications

Understanding the Cushion Cut Grading Level

Length – Width

Depth

Table

Cut

Clarity

Color

Cushion Diamond Size Chart

The Best Cushion Cut Engagement Rings

Cushion Shape Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring

Cushion Shape Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Cushion Shape Cluster Diamond Engagement Ring

Bezel Cushion Cut Engagement Ring

Cushion Shape Halo Diamond Engagement Ring

Conclusion

FAQs

What is an Old Mine Cut Diamond?

History of Old Mine Cut Diamonds

How Many Old Mines Cuts Still Exist?

The Visual Characteristics of Old Mine Cut Diamond:

Are Old Mine Cut Diamonds More Valuable?

How Different is an Old Mine Cut from a Round Brilliant cut?

Choosing the Perfect Old Mine Cut Diamond

Where to Buy Old Mine Cut Diamond?

Conclusion Thoughts

FAQs

What is a Diamond Inspection?

How to Tell if A Diamond Is Natural or Lab-Grown?

The Type IIa Test

Photoluminescence Spectros­copy and UV Radiation

Factors Should Keep in Mind for the Diamond Inspection

The 4c’s of The Diamond

Check the Insurance of the Diamond

Research your Seller and Manufacturer Before Buying

Conclusion Thoughts

What are Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

Factors that Affect Clarity Enhanced Diamonds:

Pros & Cons of Clarity Enhanced Diamonds:

Pros

Cons

Clarity Enhanced Diamond Price Guide

Should You Buy Clarity Enhanced Diamonds?

FAQs

Definition of a Carat

The Importance of Carats in Diamonds

What is the Carat Weight of a Diamond?

How Does the Carat Weight Impact Budget?

Photoluminescence Spectroscopy and UV Radiation