Choosing the right diamond is one of the most exciting — and meaningful — parts of creating a piece of jewellery. Whether you’re designing an engagement ring, a pendant, or a pair of timeless earrings, the diamond you select should reflect your personal style, values, and story.
At Lily Jewellery Manufacturing, we’ve spent generations helping customers find their perfect diamond. Here’s our guide to understanding what matters most — so you can make a confident and informed choice.
1. Start with the 4 Cs
Every diamond is unique, but jewellers use four main characteristics to determine a diamond’s beauty and value — known as the 4 Cs: Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat Weight.
Cut
The cut determines how well a diamond sparkles. It’s not about shape — it’s about how precisely the stone has been faceted.
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A well-cut diamond reflects light beautifully, creating that classic brilliance and fire.
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Even with modest size or colour, a high-quality cut can make a diamond appear more vibrant.
⭐ Tip: Always prioritize cut — it’s the most important factor for brilliance.
Colour
Diamonds naturally come in a range of shades from colourless to light yellow.
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The GIA colour scale runs from D (colourless) to Z (light yellow).
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The less colour, the rarer and more valuable the diamond — though some people love the warmth of near-colourless tones like G or H.
⭐ Tip: When set in yellow or rose gold, slightly warmer diamonds (like H–J) can look just as stunning as higher grades.
Clarity
Clarity measures the tiny natural inclusions inside the stone.
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Grades range from Flawless (FL) to Included (I).
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Most inclusions are invisible to the naked eye — so you can often choose a VS or SI diamond that looks perfect without overpaying.
⭐ Tip: Focus on what’s eye-clean rather than what’s microscopically perfect.
Carat Weight
Carat refers to a diamond’s weight — not necessarily its size.
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Two diamonds of the same carat can look different depending on their cut and shape.
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Balance what feels right for your hand, your setting, and your budget.
⭐ Tip: Slightly below “milestone” weights (like 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct) can offer excellent value without visible difference.
2. Choose a Shape That Suits Your Style
The shape of a diamond sets the tone for the entire piece.
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Round Brilliant: Classic and timeless — perfect for maximum sparkle.
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Oval & Pear: Elegant and elongating, creating a graceful look.
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Emerald & Asscher: Sleek, sophisticated, and vintage-inspired.
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Cushion & Radiant: Romantic with soft edges and a modern glow.
⭐ Tip: Try on different shapes to see which feels most you — sometimes the perfect diamond just “clicks.”
3. Decide on Natural or Lab-Grown
Today’s lab-grown diamonds are chemically and visually identical to natural ones. The difference lies in their origin — lab-grown stones are created in controlled environments, making them an ethical and sustainable choice.
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Natural diamonds: Formed over billions of years deep within the Earth.
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Lab-grown diamonds: Created using advanced technology, offering excellent value.
⭐ Tip: Both are real diamonds — choose what aligns best with your values and preferences.
4. Trust a Jeweller Who Educates, Not Just Sells
Selecting a diamond should feel personal, transparent, and exciting — never pressured. A trusted jeweller will:
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Explain each step of the selection process
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Show you how to compare stones side-by-side
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Provide certification from reputable labs like GIA or IGI
⭐ Tip: The best jeweller helps you understand why a diamond speaks to you, not just its price tag.
5. Think Beyond the Stone
Your diamond will shine even more in a setting that complements it. Consider:
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Metal colour (yellow, white, or rose gold)
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Setting style (solitaire, halo, bezel, vintage, or modern)
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Lifestyle factors — if you’re active, a lower-set design might be more practical.