Diamond Grading: The Biggest Mistake People Make When Buying an Engagement Ring

Buying a lab-grown diamond engagement ring can feel overwhelming. There are dozens of aspects to consider, from the 4Cs to the setting and design. One of the biggest mistakes we see people making when buying engagement rings is not taking the time to understand diamond grading and how the 4Cs contribute to the quality (and cost!) of your ring. 

At Valley Rose, we put education at the heart of our buying experience, and you’ll find dozens of in-depth articles about lab-created diamond engagement rings in our expert-curated blog. We’re fully committed to transparency: our lab-grown diamonds are fully certified, and you can learn more about our diamond types on our sustainability page. In this article, we’re sharing everything you need to know about diamond grading and how to avoid common mistakes.

What Diamond Grading Really Means

Diamonds are graded using what’s known as the ‘Four Cs’: cut, color, clarity, and carat. These factors are what every diamond is graded against, with the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the International Gemological Institute (IGI) being the leading authorities on diamond grading. Most diamonds will come with a certificate from one of these two institutions to verify their grading. 

Here is how the 4Cs work:

• Cut: How the diamond is shaped and faceted, with the cut being the main factor that determines the diamond’s brilliance and sparkle. Most diamonds will receive a good, very good, or excellent rating.
• Color: Diamonds receive a color rating from colorless (D) to light yellow or brown (Z), with colorless diamonds being the most expensive due to their rarity. Color grading can impact the cost of your lab-grown diamond without changing its visual appearance.
• Clarity: This determines whether there are any inclusions or imperfections in the diamond, grading the stone from flawless (with no inclusions) to included (with visible imperfections). If you’re on a budget, a ‘VS’ (very slightly included) diamond can appear clean to the naked eye and be a more cost-effective option. 
• Carat: It’s a common misconception that ‘carat’ represents the diamond’s size; in reality, it measures the diamond’s weight. Larger diamonds are more expensive, but ultimately, it is the cut that determines how big a diamond appears.

 When you buy a lab-grown diamond engagement ring, you’ll receive a certificate that provides detailed information about each of these factors. It’s important to ask about the 4Cs, especially if you’re choosing a stone for a custom engagement ring.

The #1 Mistake: Ignoring Certification and Proper Grading

An engagement ring is one of the biggest purchases you’ll ever make, both symbolically and financially, so you want to get it right. The number one mistake to avoid is buying a lab-grown diamond engagement ring – or any diamond – without fully understanding its grading and seeing proper certification. 

Diamonds that don’t have a certificate may be advertised with an inflated grade, leading you to overpay for your lab-grown diamond engagement ring. Alternatively, having an uncertified diamond makes it harder to insure or resell your engagement ring, reducing its long-term value.

Buy Smart and Sparkle Brighter with Our Lab-Grown Diamond Engagement Rings

Understanding how diamond grading works helps you find the perfect lab-grown diamond engagement ring to pop that all-important question, while ensuring you get the best investment and ring for your budget. 

At Valley Rose, our lab-grown diamonds are fully certified by the IGI or GIA, and you can find out more about any of our stones by using our diamond finder tool. Explore our best-selling ethical engagement rings or book a free 1-on-1 consultation to find out more about our bespoke ring services.