Part Two: How to Choose the Right Diamond (No BS Advice, Part 2)

How to Choose the Right Diamond for Your Engagement Ring

Buying a diamond can feel complicated—but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need a gemology degree to make a great choice. Here’s how to keep it simple and make a smart, meaningful decision.

1. Cut Is King

Of all the 4 Cs—cut, color, clarity, and carat—cut is the most important. A well-cut diamond sparkles like nothing else. From across the room, you won’t be able to tell the difference between a 1-carat and 2-carat diamond, but a beautifully cut stone will demand attention.

✨ If you’re going to prioritize one thing, make it cut.

2. Lab-Grown or Mined? Don’t Overthink It

This is where a lot of people get stuck—and honestly, it doesn’t need to be that deep. Lab-grown and mined diamonds are chemically the same. One came out of the ground, the other came out of a lab. That’s it.

If the idea of mining gives you the ick, go lab-grown. If you’ve always imagined giving or getting something “natural,” go mined. Either way, your ring will still sparkle, still mean something, and still get shown off in every group chat and Instagram story.

What matters more is how it fits into your actual life. If going lab-grown means you can get a bigger stone or keep some money in the budget for the wedding or honeymoon—amazing. If you’ve saved up for a mined diamond and it makes you feel warm and fuzzy—also amazing.

Just make the choice that works for you. Not the internet. Not your friend who just got engaged. Not your jeweler. You.

3. Trust Your Eyes (and Your Gut)

Grading reports are helpful, but they’re not everything. When comparing stones, don’t just read the paperwork—look at them. Which one draws you in? Which one makes your heart skip a beat?

Think about how you chose your partner. Maybe their dating profile looked great, but it was how they made you feel in person that sealed the deal. That’s what matters with a diamond too.

Pick the one that feels like the one—even if its stats aren't technically "perfect." Because love isn’t perfect. It’s personal. And so is the ring.