How to Choose The Right Diamond
Choosing the right diamond for you comes down to many different factors. It is important to keep in mind what you value as a consumer when choosing your stone. As with all purchases, budget plays an important role as well. Here is our guide to choosing the right kind of diamond.
What Are The Options?
There are many different types of diamonds that you should consider before making any purchases. There are different types to look at, different colors, and different origins of diamonds.
Different Types
The first type of diamond to consider, and the most expensive, is a natural diamond. Natural diamonds come in all standard shapes, and have a certain brilliance and sparkle about them. Earth naturally forms the diamonds, and then they are mined, cut down and polished, and sold to the consumer.Â
The next type of diamond you should consider is a lab grown diamond. Lab grown diamonds have all of the same physical properties of natural diamonds, and they are not fake. They are just given the condition to manifest within a lab rather than within nature. Lab diamonds are typically cheaper and most environmentally friendly.
The last diamond to consider is a diamond simulant. Diamond stimulants are not real diamonds. They are produced to look like real diamonds, but are made out of different materials. They are usually made with cubic zirconia or moissanite. Diamond stimulants are the cheapest option, but are technically not real diamonds.Â
Different Colors
Diamonds occur in many different colors naturally. Diamonds that are colored contain impurities or structural defects that cause the coloration. Colored diamonds are rare and typically more expensive, but if you have a color preference it may be worth looking into that color of diamond.
Different Origins
When we discuss different origins of diamonds, we are simply looking at which countries they come from. The top ten diamond producers in the world make up 99% of total diamond production. These producers include Russia, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, Canada, Zimbabwe, Angola, South Africa, Namibia, and Sierra Leone.Â
The country of origin has become increasingly important. In 2019, the Gemological Institute of America started offering grading reports for polished diamonds to confirm the stones’ country of origin. Consumer research conducted within the industry showed that 69 percent of United States bridal customers preferred a diamond with an origin story.Â
How Do You Know Which is Right For You?
To know which diamond is right for you, it all comes down to what you value as a consumer. Budget is usually at the forefront of all purchases, so let’s get that out of the way first. Diamond simulants are the cheapest, but they are not real diamonds. If you want a real diamond but are on a budget, lab grown might be the best option as they are somewhat cheaper than natural.Â

If you have a strong preference for what color your diamond is, then you should look into colored diamonds. Just keep in mind that colored diamonds are more rare, and subsequently will cost more more.
If you are an environmentally conscious consumer, then you should also consider lab grown diamonds. Lab grown diamonds have a smaller carbon footprint and have a more socially acceptable production process.
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