How to Choose the Right Diamond

Choosing the right diamond should be simple. However, finding the right information to make the right decision often becomes a daunting experience. Often times, the jewelry store experience feels rushed or worse, it feels like we’re being judged by how we dress or what we know.

At Karat, our goal is to make you the hero - to make finding the perfect diamond easy and safe, removing worry from the process. No matter what you choose, you always choose safely, because before you see any diamond, we have already eliminated the dangerous ones. Our quality assurance process only brings you conflict-free diamonds that meet exacting standards of clarity (FL – SI2), color (D-J), and cut (Ideal to Fair), verified by certification from the world’s finest independent diamond labs. That is why your story starts here.

Shape

Shape is a matter of personal taste. From traditional round shape to “fancy-shaped” diamonds, Karat maintains its exceptional quality standard with all our diamonds. Refine your search to the shape you like with our Search Tool or call one of our Diamond Consultants to help you choose.

Round

By far the most popular shape, round diamonds capture light in a way that no other diamond can, creating fire and brilliance that mesmerizes the eye. To optimize that brilliance, choose one of the two best cuts: Ideal and Very Good; along with polish grades of Ideal, Excellent or Very Good.

Princess

As our most popular fancy-shape, princess has brilliance and uniqueness that has always been desirable for engagement rings. When choosing color on princess shapes, remember that while J color may offer you a desirable price, some color may be visible in the corners.

Princess shapes range from square to slightly rectangular, which we measure by the ratio of length to width. If you desire a square look, choose a ratio from 1.0 to 1.05. If you prefer a more rectangular shape, choose a ratio greater than 1.10.

Emerald

Emerald looks like a series of rectangular steps or facets have been cut from the pavilion or bottom portion of this diamond giving it its desirable look. Because of its wide open table on top this shape clearly displays the inside of the diamond. For this reason, pay close attention to clarity and when choosing lower grades, such as SI, be sure to review your diamond certificates plot of inclusions (imperfections).

Like princess shape, emerald shapes are measured with the length-to-width ratio, which you can find on each diamond’s fact page. For the classic emerald shape, concentrate on a ratio of 1.30 to 1.40. If you prefer a longer rectangle look for a higher ratio, if you prefer a more square shape look for a lower ratio. If a square outline is what you desire, investigate the Asscher-cut.

Asscher

Think of Asscher as a square emerald shape, with the same faceted pavilion, like an upside-down set of descending steps cut out from the bottom creating a desirable appearance from the top. Like emerald, pay close attention to clarity because this shape has a wide table on top that lets you clearly see into the diamond. So if looking at lower clarity measures, like SI, remember to examine the certificate plot to become familiar with any inclusions or imperfections. Also, while the price of J-color is desirable, remember that the corners of this shape may show some visible color.

To assure your asscher is within the proper square range, we limit the length-to-width ratio to between 1.00 and 1.05.

Marquise

Think of marquise like an oval shape with pointed ends. This shape maximizes carat weight, making the diamond appear much larger. Its shape makes fingers appear long and slender. Its brilliant-cut features 58 facets creating a feast for the eyes. Look for a length-to-width ratio between 1.75 to 2.25 for the classic marquise appearance. Marquise diamonds look superb when accented by round or pear shaped side stones.

Oval

Oval diamonds are popular for their brilliance like round diamonds. They make your finger appear long and slender. A common way to measure an oval is with the length-to-width ratio, which you will find listed on each ovals diamond fact sheet in our database. Look for a ratio ranging from 1.33 to 1.66.

Radiant

Radiant diamonds are recognized for the distinct trimmed corners, which give them sought-after beauty and character. Round or baguette accents stones create stunning effect when placed beside radiant shaped diamonds. Measured by the length-to-width ratio, which you will find on each radiant diamonds fact page, you can determine how square or rectangular the shape of the particular stone. If you prefer square shape, look for a ratio from 1.0 to 1.05. If you prefer a more rectangular shape, look for a ratio above 1.10.

Pear

Also called a teardrop, the pear shape is popular for its distinctive appearance and brilliant cut, which features 58 exacting facets. You can create a slimming effect by choosing an elongated pear shape. Pears are measured by the length-to-width ratio which appears next to each pear on each pear diamond fact page. Traditionally, the ideal ratio for a pear is 1.45 to 1.75.

Heart

The heart carries special meaning for the beholder which makes it consistently popular. Heart shapes are measured by their length-to-width ratio which appears on each heart shaped diamond fact page. Traditionally, the ideal ratio for a heart is .9 to 1.10.

Remember when choosing the color range for heart shaped diamonds that while the price of the J-color is desirable, the corners may show visible color on the heart shape cut.

Cushion

Also known as pillow-cut diamonds, cushion-cuts feature rounded corners and larger facets to create more brilliance. Because the facets are larger, you can see into the diamond more easily, therefore clarity becomes more important. If you are looking at a diamond with a clarity grade of SI, be sure to examine the diamonds certificate’s plot for the location of inclusions or imperfections.

Ranging in shape from square to rectangular, cushion-cuts use the length-to-width ratio to measure their shape. If you prefer a square shaped cushion, look for a measure of 1.0 to 1.05. If you prefer a more rectangular shape, look for a range above 1.15. This ratio appears on each of our cushion-cut fact pages.