Shopping for diamonds can feel like entering a world where everything sparkles, but not all gems are the same. If you're looking to treat yourself to a stunning piece of jewelry, or just fascinated by the beauty of diamonds, knowing the different types is key.
But with so many options—cuts, colors, origins, and even the difference between lab-grown and natural diamonds—it can feel a bit overwhelming. How do you find the perfect one that speaks to you?
In this guide, we'll break down everything from the classic round cuts to the vibrant fancy colors, and even dive into the fascinating journey behind each stone.
By the time you're done reading, you'll have a clear picture of how many types of diamonds are out there, and more importantly, which one is calling your name.
Types of Diamonds: A Quick Overview
With so many factors to consider while buying a diamond, choosing the right one can feel like a mix of art and science.
Whether you're fascinated by the way light dances off a perfectly cut diamond or curious about the ethical and environmental impact of your purchase, understanding the key elements that define a diamond will help you make an informed decision.
Let’s break down the essentials so you’ll know exactly what to look for:
- Popular Diamond Cuts: The cut of a diamond is crucial to its brilliance and beauty. From the classic Round Brilliant, known for maximum sparkle, to the elegant Emerald cut with its clean lines, we’ll explore the most popular shapes, their unique features, and how they influence a diamond’s overall appearance.
- Types Based on Origin: Diamonds can be either natural or lab-grown. Natural diamonds are created over billions of years deep in the earth, while lab-grown diamonds are made with advanced technology in a fraction of the time.
We’ll discuss how each type is formed, their differences in appearance, cost, and why lab-grown diamonds are becoming a popular ethical choice.
- Diamond Colors: Not all diamonds are colorless. Some come in breathtaking shades like pink, blue, and yellow, known as fancy-colored diamonds.
We’ll cover the color grading system for white diamonds and the unique appeal of rare colored stones, helping you decide which hue matches your style.
- Clarity: Clarity refers to the natural imperfections, or inclusions, found in a diamond. While some flaws are invisible to the naked eye, others can affect the diamond’s brilliance.
We’ll walk you through the clarity scale, from flawless to included, so you can find the right balance between clarity and value.
But before that, we’ll take a look at the popular diamond cuts and their prominent characteristics.
Popular Diamond Cuts: Finding The Perfect Shape
Let’s start with the fun part: the cut!
The cut of a diamond is its shape and how it is faceted to reflect light. The cut determines not only the diamond's appearance but also its brilliance—the way it sparkles when it catches the light.
Here’s a rundown of the most popular cuts to help you decide which type of diamond stone is right for you:
-
Round Brilliant Cut: The Classic Beauty
If you're looking for maximum sparkle, the round brilliant cut is your go-to. This cut, with its 58 precise facets, reflects light beautifully, making it the most popular and versatile of all types of diamonds.
This cut’s versatility isn’t just limited to its brilliance—it complements a wide range of jewelry styles. It can be a classic engagement ring or a statement necklace, the round brilliant cut is always a timeless choice. Plus, it looks stunning in any setting—from solitaire to halo.
Its enduring popularity is also reflected in its strong resale value, making it not only a beautiful choice but a smart investment.
Also, because of its symmetry and brilliance, it’s often chosen for maximizing the perceived size of the diamond, giving you both a larger-looking stone and superior sparkle.
- Princess Cut: The Modern Elegance
Are you a fan of clean lines and contemporary style? The princess cut, with its square or rectangular shape, is perfect for you. Known for its sharp corners and brilliant facets, it delivers a lot of sparkle.
The Princess Cut is particularly favored in engagement rings for its unique, geometric appeal, which enhances the perceived size of the diamond while maximizing its sparkle.
This cut is also versatile, looking stunning in various settings—from sleek solitaire designs to intricate halo arrangements.
In addition to its visual appeal, the Princess Cut is known for its relative affordability compared to some other cuts, as it tends to retain more of the rough diamond during the cutting process, resulting in less waste. This combination of style and value makes the Princess Cut a highly sought-after option in today’s jewelry market.
-
Cushion Cut: The Vintage Charm
If you love all things vintage, the cushion cut is calling your name! Resembling a pillow (hence the name), this cut combines a square or rectangular shape with soft, rounded corners.
This cut is renowned for its ability to display a captivating play of light, often referred to as the “crushed ice” effect due to its distinctive facet arrangement.
The Cushion Cut is especially popular in vintage-inspired engagement rings and can be a great choice for those who appreciate jewelry with a story. Its versatility extends to various settings, from intricate halo designs to minimalist solitaires, and it pairs beautifully with both modern and antique styles.
Also, the Cushion Cut is known for its ability to mask inclusions and imperfections more effectively than some other cuts, making it a practical choice for those seeking beauty without compromising on clarity.
-
Emerald Cut: The Hollywood Glamour
If you’re aiming for a touch of Hollywood glamor, the Emerald Cut might be your perfect match. This cut is characterized by its rectangular shape, cropped corners, and an elegant "hall-of-mirrors" effect that creates a sophisticated and dramatic look.
The Emerald Cut's unique step-cut facets are designed to emphasize the diamond’s clarity rather than its sparkle, offering a refined, understated elegance.
The large, open facets of the Emerald Cut allow for a mesmerizing play of light and shadow, showcasing the diamond’s inner beauty and clarity. This cut’s clean lines and geometric symmetry give it a timeless, classic appeal that stands out without the intense sparkle of some other cuts.
Its ability to highlight a diamond’s clarity makes it a popular choice for high-quality stones, as any inclusions are more visible but can also add character to the gem.
On top of that, the Emerald Cut’s rectangular shape tends to make the diamond appear larger than its carat weight, providing both a visual impact and a practical advantage.
- Oval Cut: The Unique All-Rounder
If you're seeking a unique yet timeless option, the Oval Cut might be just what you’re looking for. This cut is essentially an elongated version of the Round Brilliant, combining the same dazzling brilliance with a distinctive twist.
The Oval Cut’s extended shape allows it to reflect light in a similar way to the Round Cut, delivering a sparkling display that catches the eye.
One of the standout features of the Oval Cut is its ability to create the illusion of longer, slimmer fingers, making it a flattering choice for many. Its elongated form not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an elegant touch to any piece of jewelry.
Oval diamonds are incredibly versatile, seamlessly fitting into various styles and settings. Whether set in an engagement ring, a pendant, or a pair of earrings, the Oval Cut provides a unique flair while maintaining classic appeal.
Additionally, the Oval Cut often appears larger than its carat weight due to its elongated shape, offering more visual impact for your investment.
-
Pear Cut: The Bold Statement
Bold, daring, and uniquely stylish, the Pear Cut—also known as the teardrop cut—merges the brilliance of the Round Cut with the elongated elegance of the Marquise Cut.
This distinctive shape offers the best of both worlds: the round cut's sparkling and the marquise's dramatic silhouette.
The Pear Cut’s versatility is one of its most appealing features. It can be worn with the point facing up or down, allowing for two different styles in one cut.
When set in jewelry, this shape creates a captivating focal point that adds a touch of drama and sophistication.
The Pear Cut is particularly popular in pendants and drop earrings, where its elongated shape enhances the overall design with a chic, elegant edge.
Its unique form not only stands out but also has the ability to elongate and flatter the wearer's features, making it a stunning choice for those who want to make a statement.
- Asscher Cut: The Vintage Revival
For those who adore retro elegance, the Asscher Cut is a stunning choice. This cut features a square shape with large, step-cut facets, reminiscent of the classic Emerald Cut but with a more square profile.
The Asscher Cut’s distinctive, vintage vibe and its geometric precision exude old-world charm that is perfect for antique-inspired jewelry.
Originally developed in the early 20th century, the Asscher Cut captures a timeless, Art Deco aesthetic with its clean lines and sophisticated sparkle.
Its step facets create a mesmerizing interplay of light and shadow, offering a unique look that is both subtle and striking.
Because of its vintage appeal and less common design, the Asscher Cut is a standout choice for those looking to make a distinctive statement.
It is especially well-suited for antique-style engagement rings and elegant jewelry pieces that celebrate classic beauty with a touch of individuality.
- Marquise Cut: The Illusion of Grandeur
The Marquise Cut, with its distinctive elongated shape and tapered ends, is designed to maximize carat weight and create the illusion of a larger diamond.
This cut’s dramatic, sleek profile not only makes the diamond appear larger than its actual size but also adds a striking visual impact.
Originally inspired by the shape of a marquise’s lips, this cut is renowned for its ability to elongate the finger and enhance the overall elegance of the wearer.
The Marquise Cut’s unique shape makes it a standout choice for engagement rings and statement pieces, delivering a bold, sophisticated flair.
Beyond its visual impact, the Marquise Cut is also celebrated for its versatility in settings. It can be beautifully showcased in various designs, from classic solitaires to elaborate halo settings, adding a touch of grandeur and drama.
The cut’s elongated shape also tends to hide inclusions more effectively, which can enhance the diamond’s overall appearance.
-
Radiant Cut: The Brilliant Hybrid
The Radiant Cut beautifully blends the brilliance of the Round Cut with the sophisticated elegance of the Emerald Cut.
This versatile cut features a square or rectangular shape with trimmed corners, designed to capture and reflect light from multiple angles, delivering exceptional sparkle and fire.
The Radiant Cut’s innovative facet arrangement maximizes its ability to shine, offering a display of light similar to that of a Round Cut, but with the added grace and clarity of the Emerald Cut’s step facets.
This combination ensures that the Radiant Cut stands out with a vibrant sparkle that can be seen from all angles.
Ideal for those who appreciate modern design with a touch of classic sophistication, the Radiant Cut is incredibly adaptable and suits a wide range of settings.
Whether set in a solitaire ring, a halo design, or even as part of a three-stone ring, the Radiant Cut adds a contemporary edge while maintaining timeless appeal.
- Heart Cut: The Symbol of Love
The Heart Cut is the quintessential symbol of love and romance, capturing the essence of heartfelt sentiment in its beautifully unique shape.
Ideal for sentimental pieces such as anniversary gifts or “just because” rings, this cut conveys deep emotion and personal significance.
Characterized by its distinctive heart shape, this cut requires exceptional precision and skill to execute properly.
Due to the high level of craftsmanship needed to achieve the perfect heart shape, Heart Cut diamonds are relatively rare, adding to their allure and exclusivity.
This rarity makes them a cherished option for special occasions and memorable gifts, ensuring that the piece remains a unique and treasured part of the wearer’s collection.
Want to find your perfect diamond? Experience our jewelry firsthand with our Try at Home service! Select your favorite pieces, and we'll deliver them to your doorstep for a no-pressure, at-home trial.
Apart from the cuts, understanding the different types of diamonds available can further enhance the selection process, as each type offers its own distinct qualities.
Diamond Types Based on Origin: Natural vs. Lab-Grown vs. Treated
Diamonds are not only categorized by their cuts but also by their origin. Let’s explore the two main types:
- Natural Diamonds
Natural diamonds are a marvel of nature, formed deep within the Earth’s mantle over billions of years under immense pressure and heat. This geological process creates each diamond as a unique masterpiece, with its own distinct characteristics and history.
The journey of a natural diamond—from its origins in the Earth's depths to its eventual placement on your finger—is a testament to its extraordinary natural beauty.
These diamonds are treasured not only for their brilliant sparkle but also for their natural origin. Each one is a rare product of geological forces, giving it a unique story and individuality that adds to its allure.
The intricate process that forms a natural diamond ensures that no two stones are exactly alike, making them a timeless symbol of uniqueness and enduring value.
Natural diamonds are considered the classic choice among various types of diamonds due to their historical significance and traditional appeal.
Their rarity and the intricate journey they undergo contribute to their status as a symbol of luxury and permanence.
Whether chosen for an engagement ring, a family heirloom, or a special occasion, natural diamonds continue to be cherished for their unmatched beauty and natural origins.
- Lab-Grown Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are crafted using cutting-edge technology that simulates the natural conditions under which diamonds are formed.
By replicating the high-pressure, high-temperature environment or employing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, these diamonds are produced to be chemically, physically, and optically identical to their natural counterparts.
One of the significant advantages of lab-grown diamonds is their affordability. Because they are created in a controlled environment, they often cost less than natural diamonds of comparable quality.
This affordability allows for a broader range of choices and larger stones within the same budget.
In addition to being cost-effective, lab-grown diamonds are a sustainable and ethical alternative. They are produced with minimal environmental impact and are free from the ethical concerns associated with some natural diamond mining practices.
For those who prioritize eco-friendly choices and ethical sourcing, lab-grown diamonds offer a compelling option that aligns with their values.
Lab-grown diamonds also come with the same dazzling beauty and brilliance as natural diamonds, making them a popular choice for those seeking both a beautiful gem and a responsible purchase.
Their growing popularity reflects a shift toward more conscious consumerism, blending modern technology with traditional elegance.
- Treated Diamonds
Some diamonds undergo treatments to enhance their clarity or color. While treated diamonds can be more affordable, it's important to know exactly what you're buying.
Treated diamonds are natural diamonds that have been enhanced to improve their appearance.
Treatments can include laser drilling to remove inclusions, fracture filling to hide cracks, or heat treatment to improve color.
While these enhancements can improve a diamond's visual appeal, they may affect its long-term value and durability. Always ask about treatments before buying!
To clarify the differences, let's take a closer look at how natural, lab-grown, and treated diamonds compare across key factors.
Natural vs. Lab-Grown vs. Treated - Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Lab-Grown Diamond |
Natural Diamond |
Treated Diamond |
|
Formation |
Created in laboratories using high-tech methods. |
Formed naturally over billions of years under pressure and heat. |
Naturally formed but enhanced through treatments. |
|
Composition |
Chemically, physically, and optically identical to natural diamonds. |
Unique chemical and physical properties from natural formation |
Retains natural composition but altered by treatments. |
|
Cost |
Generally more affordable due to controlled production. |
Typically more expensive due to rarity and natural formation. |
Often more affordable due to enhancements. |
|
Sustainability |
Environmentally friendly and ethical. |
Environmental and ethical impact varies by mining practices. |
Impact depends on the treatment process used. |
|
Appearance |
Same brilliance and beauty as natural diamonds. |
Classic beauty with natural sparkle. |
Enhanced appearance but may have altered value. |
|
Rarity |
Increasingly common as technology advances. |
Rare and unique due to natural formation. |
Less rare but can vary in appearance based on treatments. |
|
Value |
High value with growing acceptance in the market. |
Timeless and often considered more valuable due to rarity. |
May affect long-term value and durability. |
|
Maintenance |
No special care required beyond normal diamond care. |
Requires regular care to maintain its natural brilliance. |
Care must be taken to ensure treatments remain effective. |
Explore the widest collection of lab-grown diamonds at Everyday
Both natural and lab-grown diamonds come in a wide variety of colors that offer unique aesthetic appeal. From timeless classics to more vibrant and rare hues, the color of a diamond can significantly influence its character and allure.
Diamond Colors: From Classic to Extraordinary
Diamonds come in more colors than you might think! Here's what you need to know about the spectrum of diamond colors:
-
Color Grading: From D to Z
Diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z to evaluate their color, with D being completely colorless and Z showing a noticeable presence of color.
This grading scale helps determine the diamond’s quality and value, as the less color present, the more rare and valuable the diamond generally is.
- D-F (Colorless): Diamonds in this range are the highest quality and are completely devoid of color. They exhibit the purest light reflection, resulting in exceptional brilliance and sparkle.
These diamonds are highly sought after for their rarity and their ability to display the most vivid spectrum of light.
- G-J (Near Colorless): These diamonds exhibit very slight traces of color that are often imperceptible to the untrained eye.
They still offer considerable brilliance and are an excellent choice if you’re looking for a balance between quality and value. In certain settings or lighting conditions, the slight color may be less noticeable.
- K-M (Faint Color): Diamonds in this range show a noticeable hint of color, which can sometimes be visible without magnification. These diamonds are often less expensive, and the color can add a warm, subtle hue to the stone.
Some buyers appreciate this touch of warmth, especially in larger stones where the color may enhance the overall appearance.
- N-Z (Light to Dark Color): Diamonds in this category exhibit a more pronounced color, ranging from light yellow to brown. They are typically more affordable but might not offer the same level of brilliance as those with higher color grades.
This range is less common in fine jewelry but can be chosen for specific design preferences or budget considerations.
When selecting a diamond, your choice of color grade should align with your personal style, the setting of the jewelry, and your budget.
For instance, a colorless diamond might be preferred for a classic and timeless look, while a diamond with a hint of color might be chosen for its unique warmth and character.
-
Fancy Colored Diamonds: The Rainbow Gems
Fancy colored diamonds are a captivating and rare category of diamonds that come in a stunning array of natural shades, including yellow, blue, pink, green, and even black.
Unlike colorless diamonds, which are graded on a scale from D to Z, fancy colored diamonds are evaluated based on their hue, intensity, and tone.
The rarity and vibrancy of these colors often make them highly sought after and, in many cases, more valuable than their colorless counterparts.
- Yellow Diamonds: Known for their warm, golden hues, yellow diamonds can range from pale yellow to a deep, intense yellow.
The most prized yellow diamonds are those with a vivid color that is evenly distributed throughout the stone. Their sunny, radiant color adds a distinct and vibrant touch to any piece of jewelry.
- Blue Diamonds: These diamonds are renowned for their striking and enchanting shades of blue, from light sky blue to deep, intense blue.
The color is usually caused by the presence of boron. Blue diamonds are extremely rare and valued for their captivating beauty and unique color, with the Hope Diamond being one of the most famous examples.
- Pink Diamonds: Pink diamonds are among the rarest and most valuable of all fancy colored diamonds. Their delicate pink hues can range from soft pastel to vivid, intense pink.
The color in pink diamonds is due to a rare distortion in the crystal lattice, which contributes to their exceptional rarity and high value.
- Green Diamonds: Naturally green diamonds are incredibly rare and are colored by radiation and natural geological processes. Their hues can vary from light green to deep, rich green.
The unique origin of their color and their rarity make them a prized choice for collectors and those seeking an extraordinary gem.
- Black Diamonds: Known for their bold and dramatic appearance, black diamonds are characterized by their opaque, jet-black color.
They can be dotted with natural inclusions that give them a unique, speckled appearance. Black diamonds are valued for their distinctiveness and are often used in contemporary and avant-garde jewelry designs.
Fancy colored diamonds are perfect for those looking to make a statement with a unique and vibrant gem.
To better understand the range of colors and their qualities, it's helpful to compare how different diamonds are graded based on color.
Diamond Color Grading - Comparison Table
|
Aspect |
Color Grading (D-Z) |
Fancy Colored Diamonds |
|
Evaluation Scale |
D (colorless) to Z (light color) |
Graded by hue, intensity, and tone |
|
Color Range |
D-F: Colorless, G-J: Near Colorless, K-M: Faint Color, N-Z: Light to Dark |
Yellow, Blue, Pink, Green, Black |
|
Colorless Diamonds |
High brilliance, most valuable |
Fancy colors are distinct from colorless diamonds |
|
Near Colorless |
Slight color, good value |
Fancy colors can be vivid or subtle |
|
Faint Color |
Noticeable color, adds warmth |
Fancy colors add unique hues and intensity |
|
Light to Dark Color |
Pronounced color, less brilliance |
Fancy colors vary from light to deep shades |
|
Fancy Colors |
Differences in grading: less about color, more about hue |
Unique, vibrant colors often more valuable |
|
Value |
Higher for colorless, lower for more color |
Often higher due to rarity and vibrancy |
|
Popularity |
Classic and timeless |
Unique and standout |
Apart from the color, the clarity of a diamond also reveals its internal characteristics, often referred to as inclusions, which play a key role in determining its overall beauty and value.
Understanding how these natural imperfections affect clarity can help you appreciate the unique nature of each stone.
Diamond Clarity: The Inner Beauty
Clarity measures a diamond's internal and external imperfections, known as inclusions and blemishes. The fewer the imperfections, the clearer and more brilliant the diamond.
To fully understand how clarity impacts a diamond's value, it's helpful to examine the GIA's clarity scale, which classifies diamonds from flawless to included.
-
GIA Clarity Scale: From Flawless to Included
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) grades diamonds on a clarity scale from Flawless (no visible inclusions or blemishes) to Included (visible imperfections).
- Flawless (FL): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification. Extremely rare and valuable.
- Internally Flawless (IF): No internal inclusions, but may have minor surface blemishes.
- VVS1 & VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions, hard to detect even under magnification.
- VS1 & VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions, typically not visible to the naked eye.
- SI1 & SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are more noticeable and may be visible to the naked eye.
- Included (I1, I2, I3): Obvious inclusions visible to the naked eye, affecting brilliance.
Flawless diamonds are rare and expensive, but many inclusions in lower grades are barely visible. Choosing the right clarity depends on your budget and how visible you want the inclusions to be in everyday wear.
-
Impact of Clarity on Value
Clarity plays a significant role in determining a diamond's value—higher clarity grades, like Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF), command premium prices due to their rarity and perfection.
However, most buyers don’t need to aim for flawless clarity. Many diamonds graded as Very Slightly Included (VS1/VS2) or Slightly Included (SI1) are considered "eye-clean," meaning their inclusions are invisible to the naked eye but visible under magnification.
Opting for an eye-clean diamond allows you to enjoy a beautiful, sparkling stone without paying a premium for flawless clarity. This can be especially valuable when purchasing larger diamonds, as inclusions may be less noticeable in smaller stones.
Ultimately, balancing clarity and budget means choosing a diamond with inclusions that won't detract from its beauty when worn.
However, another crucial factor to consider is carat weight, which influences both the size and overall presence of the diamond.
Diamond Carat: Size Matters (But It’s Not Everything)
Carat is a measurement of a diamond's weight, not its size, although they are often related. Here’s what you need to know:
-
Carat Weight: Understanding Size
A carat is a unit of weight equal to 0.2 grams, and while it’s often thought of as the size of the diamond, carat primarily refers to its weight.
Larger carat diamonds are rarer, which makes them more valuable, but the price increases exponentially with carat size rather than linearly. For example, a 2-carat diamond is significantly more expensive than two 1-carat diamonds of the same quality.
However, carat weight isn't the only factor that impacts a diamond's beauty. A well-cut, smaller carat diamond can often appear larger and more brilliant than a poorly cut, heavier one.
Therefore, it’s essential to balance carat weight with the other “C’s” (cut, color, and clarity) to find a diamond that offers the best combination of size, brilliance, and overall quality within your budget.
- Impact on Value: Bigger Isn’t Always Better
While a larger carat diamond might seem more desirable, size isn’t everything. A smaller diamond with superior cut, color, and clarity can often outshine a larger stone with poor quality.
The cut, in particular, affects how light reflects off the diamond, creating that signature sparkle.
A well-cut smaller diamond may have far more brilliance and visual appeal than a larger one with noticeable inclusions or a lower color grade.
This is the reason why focusing on quality over size can result in a more beautiful and valuable diamond, giving you better value for your investment.
Find Your Sparkle
Choosing a diamond is a deeply personal journey, reflecting your unique style and values. From the types of diamond stones to the different types of diamonds names, cuts, and colors, understanding the variety available allows you to make a more informed decision.
Remember, a diamond is more than just a stone—it’s a symbol of love, a piece of history, and a reflection of you. So take your time, explore all types of diamonds, and find the one that makes your heart sing.
Ready to discover your perfect diamond?
Visit Everyday for high-end, handcrafted jewelry made with the finest lab-grown diamonds—delivered directly to you at the most affordable prices.
