We’d like to take a moment to walk you through the process of purchasing an engagement ring. As a symbol of your love, this choice is deeply personal. We know it can sometimes feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
Lab-Grown Diamonds and Natural Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds, often called man-made diamonds, are compositionally and visually identical to natural ones. As their name suggests, they are produced in a laboratory by using carbon and replicating the same conditions under which natural diamonds form. This process results in a diamond that is structurally and chemically the same as those found in nature.
What makes lab-grown diamonds especially appealing is that they offer the same brilliance and beauty as mined diamonds, but at a more accessible price. Because they can be created in a variety of sizes, colors, and clarities, couples can choose a diamond that perfectly reflects their style—without compromise.
While lab-grown diamonds have quickly become a popular choice for their beauty, value, and modern appeal, natural diamonds remain a timeless and classic option. Treasured for their tradition and enduring elegance, they symbolize a love that is meant to last a lifetime. At Bella Jewelry & Design, we understand that choosing a natural diamond is also about trust. That’s why we proudly source only 100% conflict-free diamonds, giving you the assurance that your stone reflects not just your story, but also values of integrity and care. With a natural diamond, you can embrace the brilliance of a gem that has formed over billions of years, and wear it with confidence knowing it has been ethically sourced.
The 4Cs: Color and Clarity
When browsing for an engagement ring, you may hear grades like F VS2 or D SI1. But what do these actually mean? Beyond carat weight, two key factors that influence a diamond’s beauty are its color and clarity.
Graded by respected labs such as GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute), diamond color ranges from D (colorless) to Z (light color), while clarity ranges from FL (Flawless) down to I3 (Included). These values play a major role in how bright and brilliant a diamond will appear (see chart below for details).
The 4Cs: Cut and Carat
Two more important qualities to consider when choosing a diamond are its cut and carat.
Cut determines how well a diamond interacts with light. A well-cut stone reflects brilliance, fire, and sparkle, making it appear lively and full of character. Even diamonds with lower color or clarity grades can shine beautifully if they’re expertly cut. On the other hand, a poorly cut diamond can look dull—even if it has perfect color and clarity. Cut also helps define a diamond’s style, from the classic round brilliant to modern shapes like oval, emerald, or princess.
Carat, on the other hand, refers to a diamond’s weight, not just its size. While larger diamonds often stand out, carat alone doesn’t determine beauty. A smaller, well-cut diamond can look just as striking as a heavier one, especially since factors like shape, setting style, and finger size affect how big a diamond appears on the hand.
Balancing Beauty and Budget
Color and clarity also impact price, especially with natural diamonds. Generally, the whiter and cleaner a diamond, the more valuable it is. That said, the difference between a D and a G color is often subtle to the naked eye, and inclusions can be nearly invisible if they fall in the right place. This means you can often find a diamond that looks stunning—without paying a premium for the very top grades.
If you're looking to get the shiniest stone, we also generally recommend going for excellent cut diamonds, as they have the most facets to allow for the brightest gleam. Generally the size of the diamond will have the most impact on how much a diamond will cost, though we have a small tip to help save on that as well. Typically retailers will mark a stone at increments of carats of 1.00, 2.00, 3.00, and so on. Trying to find a stone that's marked at 1.90 carat rather than a 2.00 carat can be the difference of a hundred dollars, for a visually indistinquishable difference.