Choosing a Diamond
How to Choose the Perfect Diamond for Your Custom Engagement Ring
Whether you're just starting your ring journey or finalizing your design, choosing the right diamond is one of the most exciting—and often confusing—steps. But don’t worry. We’re here to make it simple, stress-free, and fun.
The truth is: every diamond is beautiful. It all comes down to your budget, style, and priorities. Let’s walk you through how to choose the best diamond for you.
What Are the 4 C’s of Diamonds?
The 4 C’s—Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat—are the industry standard for evaluating diamonds. Here’s what they mean (and how they actually affect your ring):
Cut
How well the diamond is shaped and faceted
The most important C! It determines sparkle and brilliance.
Color
How white or colorless the diamond appears
Less noticeable once set—especially in yellow or rose gold.
Clarity
How clear the diamond is from internal flaws (inclusions)
Small inclusions are often invisible to the naked eye.
Carat
The weight/size of the diamond
Bigger isn’t always better—but we know it’s a factor!
pro tip:
 Prioritize cut and brilliance over perfection. A well-cut diamond with minor inclusions will still look stunning—especially once it’s set in your custom ring.
A quick education...
This Chart above is a great example of the color grading for the Diamonds.Most people want a Diamond that is colorless, and devoid of visible inclusions (inclusions are naturally-occurring imperfections within a diamond). This being said, we normally recommend H color & SI2 clarity to get the most out of your budget. Since we personally hand-select every stone, we will make sure that you never get a stone that is dull, has visible color, or imperfect to the naked eye.   Â
In order of importance, things to look at when buying your Diamond:
Brilliance.   Size.   Clarity.   Color.
Below is a chart to help you see the different shapes and carat weights available.Â
What Diamond Should I Choose Based on My Budget?
Let’s break it down into three categories so you can choose what fits best for your style and spend:
1. Luxe Choice – Maximize Beauty, Brilliance & Size
Best for: Bigger budget, classic sparkle lovers, timeless elegance Color: D-E-F (colorless, icy white) Clarity: VVS1-VVS2 (very very slightly included, clean to the eye) Cut: Excellent or Ideal Carat: Choose size based on finger/hand size and setting style Why it’s great: This tier gives you the best of everything—eye-clean clarity, dazzling sparkle, and a timeless stone that looks stunning in solitaire, halo, or three-stone settings.
 2. Balanced Beauty – Most Popular & Smart Value
Best for: Mid-range budget, sparkle + size lovers, custom ring seekers Color: G-H (warm white, still bright and beautiful) Clarity: VS1-VS2 (very slight inclusions, invisible to the eye) Cut: Very Good to Excellent Carat: 2-3ct is a sweet spot Why it’s great: This is the best balance between size, quality, and cost. The G-H color looks white when set, and VS clarity diamonds are very eye-clean, especially when hand-selected like we do. This is what we recommend most often—it’s where beauty and value meet! Protip: look at the millimeter measurement over the carat weight, often we can find you a 2 ct diamond that will face up like a 2.5ct based on the spread of the diamond, more on the top than the bottom.
3. Budget Friendly – Stunning Without Breaking the Bank
Best for: Unique styles, alternative settings, value-conscious couples Color: I–K (slightly warm,like most antique diamonds, blends beautifully in yellow or rose gold) Clarity: SI1–I1 (some inclusions, but still sparkle when well-chosen) Cut: Very Good to Excellent Carat: Focus on sparkle rather than size Why it’s great: This range allows you to prioritize design and meaning while still getting a beautiful diamond. Perfect for vintage settings, rustic raw styles, or boho-inspired rings. All of our diamonds are hand-selected, so even SI2 or I1 stones can be eye-clean and full of life.
What Diamond Shape Should I Choose?
The shape of your diamond influences not just the style—but how it looks on the hand. Here's a quick guide:
Round
Style Vibe: Classic, timeless
Looks Best With: Any setting
Visual Impact: Most sparkle, universally flattering
Oval
Style Vibe: Elegant, modern
Looks Best With: Solitaires, halos
Visual Impact: Elongates fingers, looks larger than round
Cushion
Style Vibe: Romantic, vintage
Looks Best With: Halo, three-stone
Visual Impact: Soft edges, antique charm
Pear
Style Vibe: Bold, unique
Looks Best With: Bezel, solitaire
Visual Impact: Slenderizes fingers, eye-catching
Emerald
Style Vibe: Sleek, art deco
Looks Best With: East-west, bezel
Visual Impact: Step-cut elegance, shows clarity
Marquise
Style Vibe: Regal, dramatic
Looks Best With: Minimalist or bold settings
Visual Impact: Maximizes carat size visually
Princess
Style Vibe: Modern, edgy
Looks Best With: Halo or bezel-set
Visual Impact: Sharp sparkle, square face
pro tip:
Ovals, pears, and marquise cuts give you a larger face-up size per carat, making them a great choice for visual impact on a budget.
Final Thought: The Best Diamond is the One That Feels Right
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every diamond is beautiful—just like every love story. Whether you're after bold sparkle, vintage vibes, or modern minimalism, we’ll help you choose the perfect stone for your custom-designed engagement ring.
 Want Help Choosing Your Diamond?
Book a free custom design consultation, and let’s find the perfect stone together.
