diamond education
Let's get technical
Everything You Need to Know Before Saying "Yes"
At Charleston Rings, we believe every diamond tells a story—and yours should shine as bright as your love. Whether you’re shopping for an engagement ring or a meaningful gift, understanding what makes a diamond unique will empower you to choose the perfect one.
The foundation of diamond grading
The 4 Cs of Diamonds
1. Cut
The cut refers to how well a diamond's facets interact with light. A well-cut diamond sparkles brilliantly, while a poorly cut one appears dull. Remember, a diamond's cut is about craftsmanship—not its shape.
2. Clarity
Clarity measures the presence of internal or surface imperfections (called inclusions and blemishes). Diamonds are graded on a scale from Flawless (no imperfections visible under magnification) to Included (imperfections visible to the naked eye).
- VS1 - VS2: Nearly flawless and a great balance of quality and value.
- SI1 - SI2: Slight inclusions, often invisible without magnification.
3. Color
Diamond color grading ranges from D (colorless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). Colorless diamonds are the most valuable, but near-colorless diamonds (G-H) can look stunning and cost less.
4. Carat Weight
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight, not its size. Larger diamonds are rarer and more expensive, but carat alone doesn’t determine beauty. A well-cut smaller diamond can outshine a larger one.
find your match
Diamond Shapes
While the 4 Cs affect a diamond's quality, shape reflects your personality! From the timeless Round Brilliant to the elegant Oval or modern Emerald Cut, explore options to find one that speaks to you
Stress-Free Perfection
Truly Exceptional Diamond Promise
We revolutionize engagement ring shopping by removing the stress of sifting through countless options. With access to over a million diamonds, we hand-select only the finest stones for our Truly Custom™ engagement rings. Each center stone meets our Truly Exceptional™ standards, featuring a superior Beyond-Ideal Cut, F or better color, and VS1 or better clarity—guaranteeing a flawless, eye-clean sparkle. Trust us to source the perfect gem for your one-of-a-kind ring, so you can focus on celebrating this special moment.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About Lab-Diamonds
Yes, lab diamonds are real diamonds. They have the same chemical, physical, and optical properties as mined diamonds.
Yes, most lab-grown diamonds come with certification from trusted gemological laboratories like IGI (International Gemological Institute) or GIA (Gemological Institute of America). These certificates detail the diamond's cut, color, clarity, carat weight, and more.
Lab-grown diamonds typically cost 75-80% less than natural diamonds of the same size and quality. This allows you to get a larger or higher-quality diamond for your budget.
No, even professional jewelers cannot tell the difference without specialized equipment. Lab-grown diamonds look identical to natural diamonds because they are the same material.
Absolutely! Lab-grown diamonds are insurable just like natural diamonds. You can protect your investment through a specialized jewelry insurance company, like Jewelers Mutual, which typically costs about 1% of the ring's value per year.
Yes, lab-grown diamonds are a more ethical and environmentally friendly choice compared to mined diamonds. They avoid the environmental destruction, deforestation, and human rights concerns associated with diamond mining.