Diamonds are much more than just a girl's best friend but symbols of love, dedication, elegance and class. There is so much more to jewelry, engagement rings, and diamonds in general than most people know, so let's talk about it! With lab grown, natural, flawless, and different cuts, colors, and carats, we know it’s a lot- we’ve got it broken down! 

Lab-Grown Diamonds: 

Lab-Grown Diamonds are revolutionizing the jewelry industry and are created in high-tech laboratories using methods that replace the natural diamond-forming process. These diamonds are identical to natural diamonds in every way that matters– chemically, physically, and optically. They’re not imitations or stimulants like moissanite, they’re real diamonds, just grown above ground instead! 

High Pressure, High Temperature (HPHT): Mimics the natural conditions deep within the Earth. 

Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Uses carbon-rich gas to grow diamonds layer by layer. 

Lab-grown diamonds are especially appealing to those who value sustainability, ethical sourcing, and affordability. Coming in typically 30-50% less than mined diamonds, making them a perfect choice for budget-conscious buyers who aren’t willing to compromise beauty or quality! 

Diamond on top is natural & diamond on bottom is lab!

Natural Diamonds: 

Natural diamonds are formed over billions of years, deep beneath the Earth’s surface under intense heat and pressure. They are brought to the surface through volcanic eruptions and mined from kimberlite rock making it one of nature’s most extraordinary creations. Each natural diamond is a unique creation of nature, with its own story and characteristics. 

Many people are drawn to natural diamonds due to their rarity, history, and emotional value, often seen as heirlooms, timeless pieces that can be passed down through generations. While they tend to be more expensive than lab-grown diamonds, their natural origin adds a layer of romance and mystique that many buyers find irresistible. 

What makes natural diamonds so special isn't just their age or rarity, but how unique every single diamond is. They are no two exactly alike. 

Unlike lab-grown diamonds, which are created in controlled environments, natural diamonds often contain tiny inclusions-nature’s fingerprints- that tell a story of their formation. These imperfections add character and authenticity! 

Flawless Diamonds:

Flawless diamonds are the rarest of the rare, the ultimate accolade. In gemological terms, a flawless diamond has no internal (inclusions) or external (blemishes) visible under magnification. This level of purity is incredibly uncommon- less than 1% of all diamonds graded by the GIA achieve this status. These gems are the epitome of perfection, prized by collectors and connoisseurs for their unmatched clarity and brilliance. 

But flawless doesn’t always be “better” for everyone. Many diamonds with tiny, invisible inclusions still sparkle brilliantly and offer exceptional value. Still, for collectors and connoisseurs, flawless diamonds represent the ultimate in perfection and prestige. The flawless status also comes from the way the diamond has been cut and polished with extraordinary precision, allowing light to pass through it in the most dazzling way possible. The result is a gem that sparkles with an almost otherworldly fire. 

That said, flawless diamonds are not the only beautiful diamonds. Many stones with slight inclusions- often invisible to the naked eye- can be just as stunning and significantly more affordable. Still, for those seeking the rarest and most pristine gems, a flawless diamond is the crown jewel of any collection. 

With all that being said, let’s go over the basics or what is called the 4 C’s in the jewelry world! 

Cut: The Sparkle Factor✨ 

The cut of a diamond is the most important factor in determining its brilliance. The cut of the diamond refers not to the shape, but to how well the diamond’s facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond reflects light internally from one facet to another and disperses it through the top of the stone, creating that signature sparkle! The round brilliant cut is the most popular, designed with 58 facets to maximize light return. Other shapes like cushion, marquise, asscher, and radiant offer unique aesthetics and can even appear larger per carat. 

Color: From Dazzling White to Vivid Hues

Diamonds are graded on a color scale from D(colorless) to Z(light yellow brown). The less color, the rarer and more valuable the diamond–especially in the D-F range. However, fancy diamond diamonds– like vivid pinks, blues, and yellows–are graded differently and can be even more valuable than colorless diamonds due to their rarity. 

Clarity: Nature’s Signature

Clarity measures the presence of inclusions and blemishes or internal and surface flaws! The GIA clarity scale ranges from Flawless (FL) to Included I1-I3). Most diamonds fall somewhere in the middle, like VS (very slightly included) or SI (slightly included). However, many inclusions are microscopic and don’t affect a diamond’s beauty or durability. IN fact, they can be seen as a unique identifier–like a fingerprint! 

Carat: Weight vs. Visual Impact

A carat is a unit of weight equal to 0.2 grams, but carat weight doesn’t always equal size– two diamonds of the same carat can look different depending on their cut and shape. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive per carat, but a well-cut smaller diamond can often outshine a poorly cut larger diamond. 

Whether you’re drawn to the creativity of lab diamonds, timeless elegance of a natural diamond, the rarity of a flawless gem, or the fascinating world of cuts, colors, and carats, each stone tells a story as unique as the person who wears it! 

At Gage, we believe choosing a diamond should be just as special as the diamond itself. Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, marking a moment, or simply treating yourself, we’re here to help you find the perfect gem that reflects your styles, values, and story! 

Ready to find your forever diamond? ✨