Simulated vs. Lab-Grown vs. Real Diamonds: What's the Difference?
A clear breakdown of the real differences between simulated diamonds, lab-grown diamonds, and natural diamonds—covering composition, durability, sparkle, cost, and how jewelers te…
Conflict-Free Diamonds: A Guide to Ethical Sparkle
A practical guide to what conflict-free actually means for diamonds, how the Kimberley Process works and where it falls short, historical context on conflict diamonds, and concret…
Ideal vs. Excellent Cut Diamonds: What the Grades Actually Mean
A clear guide to what 'Ideal' and 'Excellent' diamond cut grades actually mean, which grading labs use each term, and how to compare cut quality using a real grading report rather…
What Hand Does a Wedding Ring Go On?
A clear, direct guide to which hand and finger a wedding ring traditionally goes on, why the left hand became customary, how it pairs with an engagement ring, and how customs vary…
Which Diamond Cut Sparkles the Most?
The round brilliant cut is generally the top performer for diamond sparkle, but princess, oval, radiant, cushion, pear, and emerald cuts each offer their own light performance and…
Types of Engagement Ring Settings: A Complete Guide
A practical guide to engagement ring settings, solitaire, halo, bezel, three-stone, pave, cathedral, channel, tension, flush, and toi et moi, including how each is constructed and…
Do Lab-Grown Diamonds Hold Their Value?
Lab-grown diamonds generally don't hold significant resale value, and neither do most natural diamonds. This guide explains the general differences in resale value between lab-gro…
Engagement Ring Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy
A practical, first-time buyer's guide to purchasing an engagement ring — covering budget, the 4Cs, lab-grown vs. mined diamonds, shapes, metals, settings, sizing, and insurance.
How to Clean Your Engagement Ring: A Complete At-Home Guide
A practical, step-by-step guide to safely cleaning your engagement ring at home, including cleaning frequency, metal and gemstone considerations, common mistakes to avoid, and whe…
Diamond Earring Size Guide: Carat, MM, and TCW Explained
A clear guide to diamond earring sizing, covering carat weight, millimeter measurements, and total carat weight (TCW), plus guidance on choosing the right size for everyday wear,…
What Are CVD Diamonds?
CVD diamonds are lab-grown diamonds created through Chemical Vapor Deposition. Learn how the process works, how CVD compares to HPHT, and what to check before buying.
Are Loose Diamonds a Good Investment?
A practical, evidence-based look at whether loose diamonds hold or grow in value, covering the 4Cs, certification, liquidity, and how diamonds compare to other assets.
What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? The Complete Guide
A complete guide to lab grown diamonds: what they are, how HPHT and CVD growing methods work, how they compare to natural diamonds, pricing, ethics, certification, and how to tell…
5 Popular Engagement Ring Styles: Three-Stone, Antique, Halo, Solitaire & Side-Stone
Explore five popular engagement ring styles — three-stone, antique/vintage, halo (including hidden halo), solitaire, and side-stone pavé — with guidance on design details, metal p…
VS2 vs. VS1 Diamonds: Which Clarity Grade Is Right for You?
Trying to decide between a VS1 and VS2 diamond? Both clarity grades fall into GIA's Very Slightly Included category, but the differences between them can affect both price and app…