Natural and lab-created diamonds have the same optical, chemical and physical characteristics, and they cannot be distinguished even with a professional loupe under 10x magnification.

The core differences between them are their origin and the time they took to form. Lab-created diamonds allow you to maximize your budget, often offering higher clarity or carat weights for a comparable cost, while natural diamonds are incredible works of nature and the traditional choice.

Neither is inherently higher quality, as both natural and lab-created diamonds are available in a range of color, cut, clarity, and carat weights. Less About Type

Diamonds can be cut to be heavier (and more expensive), or cut to hide inclusions. Skilled cutters will always bring the most brilliance out of each diamond by maximizing these factors:

Proportions: The size and angle of each diamond facet
Symmetry: The precision of the design
Polish: The smoothness and luster of the surface

Cut grades are referenced on a diamond's certificate using the GIA standards of Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor.

Tip: Every diamond is unique, and so is every hand. Try on many cuts before buying to find the ones that work best for you. Less About Cut

Carats are often mistaken for a measurement of size, but they actually measure weight (CTW = Carat Total Weight).

Carats can also be expressed as points where 1 carat equals 100 points, and 1/2 carat is 50 points, etc. If a diamond is 1ct., it weights precisely 1/5th of a gram or exactly 100 points.

Tip: Look for a diamond 10 or 15 points less than a round number. Tiny, imperceptible differences can help you save big! Less About Carat

Here, it's all about lack of color and inclusion. No hue, no flaws means the highest value and maximum sparkle in the light.

Diamonds come out of the earth in many colors. The grading scale starts at D (colorless) and runs to Z (yellow). Diamonds graded I in color still appear white, but are more affordable.
The eye starts to detect yellow with grade J.

Regarding clarity, most inclusions appear as spots, cracks, or scratches. The scale spans from F (flawless) to I3 (inclusions detectable with the eye). Most stores carry VVS as their highest grade. VS and SI are considered fine quality diamonds.

Tip: Save on cost without sacrificing beauty by choosing a diamond with lower color grade and a difficult-to-detect inclusion, and set it in a contrasting metal. Less About Color/Clarity