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5 Essential Questions When Buying a Diamond Engagement Ring

Choosing a diamond engagement ring is a momentous occasion, and we at Mark Lash understand that it can also feel a little overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process, making sure you feel confident and informed every step of the way. We've noticed that many of our clients have the same questions, so we’ve compiled the most common ones, along with the answers, to help you on your journey to finding the perfect ring.

1. What is the Most Popular Diamond Shape?

While trends shift, we often see clients drawn to the modern elegance of oval and emerald cut diamonds. Their elongated shapes create a sophisticated look and often appear larger than round diamonds of the same carat weight. However, at Mark Lash, we believe that the "most popular" isn’t always the "most perfect" for everyone. We proudly showcase a curated collection of every diamond shape, from classic round cuts to more unique shapes like pear, marquise and cushion cuts. We love helping clients choose a shape that resonates with their personal style and preferences.

2. What’s the Difference Between Lab-Grown and Mined Diamonds?

This is a great question, and understanding the answer is key to making an informed decision. Both lab-grown and mined diamonds are, in fact, diamonds. The key difference lies in their origin:

  • Mined Diamonds: These are naturally formed over millions of years deep within the earth, making them a truly unique treasure.

  • Lab-Grown Diamonds: These are created in a controlled laboratory environment, mirroring the natural formation process.

A significant difference to note is cost. Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value for a more budget conscious purchase without sacrificing brilliance or beauty. Both mined and lab-grown diamonds are graded by the same standards, according to cut, clarity, colour and carat. At Mark Lash, we pride ourselves on competitive pricing for all of our beautiful diamonds.

3. Can You Explain the Different Qualities of a Diamond?

Absolutely! Diamonds are prized for their beauty and rarity, and the qualities that determine a diamond’s value and appearance are often summarized by the “Four Cs”: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat weight. Let’s break them down:

  • Cut: The "cut" refers to how well a diamond has been shaped and faceted from its rough form. A well-cut diamond will reflect and refract light beautifully, enhancing its brilliance. It is graded from Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair and Poor. An "ideal" cut maximizes light return, creating the most sparkle.

  • Color: The color refers to how colorless it is. Most diamonds have subtle tints, typically shades of yellow or brown, though some can be colorless. The less color a diamond has, the more valuable it typically is, as colorless diamonds allow more light to pass through, making them more brilliant. Diamonds are graded on a scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown) with D-F being the most sought after.

  • Clarity: Clarity refers to the presence of internal or external imperfections, called "inclusions" and "blemishes." The fewer the inclusions or blemishes, the more valuable the diamond. Clarity is graded by the size, nature, and location of the inclusions or blemishes, with categories ranging from Flawless to Included.

  • Carat Weight: Carat weight measures the size of the diamond. One carat equals 200 milligrams. Larger diamonds are rarer and generally more expensive, though carat weight alone doesn’t determine the diamond's value.

It is important to remember that the Four Cs work together. Balancing these qualities is key to selecting the best diamond for your needs, whether you're prioritizing size, brilliance, or value.

Other Factors To Consider:

  • Shape: This refers to the physical outline of the diamond (round, princess, oval, emerald, etc.). The round brilliant cut is the most popular, but other shapes offer their own unique appeal.

  • Fluorescence: Some diamonds glow under UV light. While fluorescence itself doesn’t usually impact the overall quality, diamonds with strong fluorescence may appear hazy or milky in direct sunlight, which can lower their value.

  • Polish and Symmetry: The overall finish of the diamond's surface and its internal proportions. A diamond with good symmetry and polish will exhibit superior brilliance and sparkle.

4. What Metal Should I Make My Ring In?

We usually make our custom rings in either 14kt or 18kt gold, or platinum. These metals offer both beauty and durability for everyday wear. Here's a quick look at each:

  • Platinum: This is a strong, durable, and naturally white metal that's also hypoallergenic, making it an excellent choice for daily wear. It is however, the most expensive metal.

  • White Gold: A more affordable option with a bright white appearance that requires rhodium plating over time.

  • Yellow Gold: Classic and warm, yellow gold has a timeless, elegant appearance. It does not require rhodium plating.

  • Rose Gold: Has a warm, pinkish hue that’s romantic, unique, and increasingly popular.

  • Palladium: A member of the platinum family, palladium offers a natural white appearance that is also lightweight.

  • Titanium: This metal is extremely strong and lightweight, making it very comfortable.

Each metal offers a unique look and feel, so choosing one that fits your personal style and budget is important.

5. 14K vs 18K Gold?
Another very popular question we get. 14K gold is more durable, because it is alloyed with more metal. 18K gold is considered to be more pure, because it contains 75% gold and less alloy.

We're Here to Help

At Mark Lash, we're passionate about helping you find the perfect engagement ring. We invite you to visit our store or contact us to learn more about our diamonds and custom designs. Our knowledgeable team is ready to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you select a ring that embodies your love story.

Schedule an appointment with a client advisor