Diamond Guide

Choosing a diamond is easier when you know what to look for. Here is a short guide to the diamonds in our engagement rings and jewelry.

Lab-grown and natural diamonds

A lab-grown diamond is a real diamond: the same carbon crystal as a natural diamond, with the same hardness and sparkle. The difference is where it formed. A natural diamond formed deep in the earth; a lab-grown diamond is grown above ground. For the same size and look, a lab-grown diamond usually costs much less, which is why our engagement rings feature lab-grown center stones. Every piece says on its page whether its diamonds are lab-grown or natural.

The 4Cs

• Carat is the diamond's weight. Our engagement rings take a center stone from 1 to 6 carats.
• Color runs from D (colorless) down the alphabet. Our ring center stones are F–H: they look white to the eye.
• Clarity describes tiny natural marks inside the stone. Our ring center stones are VS: the marks are very small and not visible to the eye.
• Cut is how well the diamond is shaped and polished, and it is what makes a diamond sparkle.

Diamond shapes

Our engagement rings come in up to 10 diamond shapes: Round, Oval, Emerald, Cushion, Pear, Princess, Radiant, Marquise, Asscher, Heart.

Where to shop

• Lab diamond engagement rings, made to order for you in 14k or 18k gold or platinum. They ship in about 1–2 weeks, free and insured. How made to order works.
• Lab-grown diamond jewelry and natural diamond jewelry in gold: earrings, pendants, rings and bracelets. In-stock pieces ordered by 4:30 PM ET, Monday–Friday, ship the same day with free next-day UPS delivery.

Questions about a diamond? Contact us and we will help you choose.