Shopping for a diamond can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to jewelry. With so many terms, grades, and options to consider, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. The good news is that understanding a few key factors will help you feel confident walking into any showroom. We’ve been helping couples find their perfect diamonds for more than a century, and we’ve learned that the best diamond is the one you fall in love with.

When shopping for an engagement ring, you can either purchase a complete ring (a ring preset with a center stone that we’ve selected) or you can choose a ring setting and a center diamond separately. (Check out our guide about the differences.) We have beautiful options no matter which path you choose.

This guide covers the essentials: the 4 Cs of diamond quality, how to balance priorities within your budget, and how to decide between natural and lab-grown diamonds. For deeper dives into specific topics like choosing a center stone or popular diamond shapes, we’ve linked to our detailed guides throughout.

Understanding the 4 Cs

The 4 Cs are the universal language of diamond quality: cut, color, clarity, and carat weight. Every certified diamond is graded on these four characteristics, whether it’s natural or lab-grown. While all four matter, they affect a diamond’s appearance and price in different ways.

Cut: The Most Important Factor

Cut determines how well a diamond captures and reflects light. A well-cut diamond will sparkle brilliantly even if it has slight imperfections elsewhere. Cut is graded from Excellent to Poor, and we recommend prioritizing Excellent or Very Good cuts whenever possible. The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) notes that cut has the greatest influence on a diamond’s visual appeal.

Color: Near-Colorless Works for Most

Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). Most people cannot detect color differences between grades that are close together. Near-colorless grades (G, H, I) offer excellent value because they appear white to the naked eye, especially once set in a ring. Your choice of metal matters too: yellow gold complements warmer diamond tones, while platinum and white gold look best with colorless or near-colorless stones.

Clarity: Slight Inclusions Are Often Invisible

Clarity measures the presence of internal characteristics (inclusions) and surface blemishes. The scale ranges from Flawless to Included. Most inclusions are microscopic and invisible without magnification. Grades like VS1, VS2, and even SI1 often appear “eye-clean,” meaning you won’t see imperfections when looking at the diamond normally. We examine every diamond we carry to ensure even lower clarity grades look beautiful.

Carat: Size Isn’t Everything

Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its size. Two diamonds of equal carat weight can appear different sizes depending on their shape and how they’re cut. A well-cut diamond often looks larger than its carat weight suggests because it reflects more light. Consider how carat weight interacts with your ring setting and the wearer’s finger size. Sometimes a slightly smaller diamond in an excellent cut will have more presence than a larger stone with mediocre proportions.

For a complete breakdown of each characteristic, visit our diamond education hub.

Consider Diamond Shape

Shape is often the first thing people notice about a diamond. Round brilliant diamonds remain the most popular choice because their 57 facets create unmatched sparkle. Oval, cushion, and pear shapes have grown in popularity for those seeking something distinctive. Emerald cuts offer sophisticated elegance with their step-cut facets.

Each shape has its own personality and works best with certain settings. Our guide to popular diamond shapes explores what makes each unique, and choosing a center stone walks you through matching shapes with settings.

Lab-Grown vs. Natural Diamonds

Today’s diamond shoppers have two equally beautiful options: natural diamonds formed deep within the earth over billions of years, or lab-grown diamonds created using advanced technology that replicates nature’s process. Both are real diamonds with identical chemical, optical, and physical properties. Even expert gemologists need specialized equipment to tell them apart.

Natural diamonds appeal to those who value rarity, heritage, and the romance of wearing something that took billions of years to form. We offer a 110% trade-up guarantee on natural diamonds, making them a meaningful choice for milestone upgrades.

Lab-grown diamonds offer the same beauty at a different price point, often allowing you to choose a larger or higher-quality stone within your budget. Many couples appreciate having options that align with their values and lifestyle.

We offer both and are happy to show you the differences in person. Our philosophy is simple: we guide, rather than pressure. The right choice is whatever feels right to you.

How We Select Our Diamonds

Only 1 in 10 diamonds meets our standards. Beyond the 4 Cs, we evaluate every stone for visual beauty, structural integrity, and that intangible quality that makes a diamond come alive in the light. Certificates tell part of the story, but our experienced buyers hand-select each diamond because two stones with identical grades can look remarkably different.

When you visit one of our showrooms, you can view diamonds in our VIP diamond viewing rooms under proper lighting conditions. Our jewelry consultants will walk you through comparing stones so you can see exactly what makes one diamond stand out from another.

The Robbins Brothers Difference

For more than 100 years, we’ve guided couples through one of life’s most meaningful purchases. Every diamond we sell comes with our lifetime warranty, which covers cleaning, inspection, and repairs at any of our showrooms. We believe the experience of choosing your diamond should be as memorable as the moment you present it.

With locations across Arizona, California, Texas, and Washington, you can explore our collection with expert guidance at a pace that feels comfortable. Walk-ins are always welcome, or you can book an appointment to ensure dedicated time with one of our consultants.

Featured Engagement Rings

Here are a few styles from our collection that showcase different diamond cuts and settings:

14k white gold round lab-grown diamond engagement ring	platinum radiant cut lab-grown diamond engagement ring	14k white gold princess cut natural diamond engagement ring

Frequently Asked Questions About Diamond Shopping

What should I look for first when shopping for a diamond engagement ring?

Start with cut quality, as it has the greatest impact on how your diamond sparkles. A well-cut diamond will look more brilliant than a larger stone with mediocre proportions. From there, consider what matters most to you: size, color, or clarity. Our jewelry consultants can help you find the right balance within your budget.

Does Robbins Brothers carry both lab-grown and natural diamond engagement rings?

Yes, we offer both lab-grown and natural diamond engagement rings. Both are real diamonds with identical properties. Our consultants can show you options in both categories and help you decide which aligns with your preferences and budget.

How do I know if a diamond engagement ring is good quality?

Quality is determined by the 4 Cs: cut, color, clarity, and carat. We only select 1 in 10 diamonds that we examine because we also evaluate visual beauty and structural integrity beyond the certificate grades. Every diamond we sell is backed by our lifetime warranty.

Can I see diamond engagement rings in person before purchasing?

Absolutely. We encourage it. With Robbins Brothers locations across four states, you can visit us to see diamonds in person, compare options in our VIP diamond viewing rooms, and get personalized recommendations from our expert consultants.

Do I need an appointment to shop for a diamond engagement ring?

Walk-ins are always welcome, but we recommend booking a personalized consultation to ensure you have dedicated time with one of our jewelry experts. This allows us to prepare options tailored to your preferences and budget.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Diamond?

Browse our engagement ring settings and loose diamonds online or find a Robbins Brothers near you to explore our diamond collection with expert guidance.

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