Choosing a diamond doesn’t have to be complicated. When you understand what actually affects a diamond’s beauty—and what simply affects its price—you can make a smarter decision and get more value for your money.
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you'll shop from a large selection of loose diamonds, with hundreds in stock and access to thousands more through our extensive network. Viewing diamonds loose, rather than already mounted in a ring, allows you to examine the entire stone from every angle. Without prongs, settings, or side stones getting in the way, you can accurately compare sparkle, brilliance, proportions, and overall appearance side by side.
This is the best approach, as it gives you a clearer understanding of what you're buying and makes it easier to find the diamond that best fits your preferences and budget. Once you've selected the perfect diamond, you can choose from a variety of mountings to create a ring that's uniquely yours.
How the 4Cs Determine Price
Every diamond is priced based on four factors: carat, color, clarity, and cut. Each one plays a role—but not all of them matter equally to the eye.
Carat (Size)
Carat refers to the weight of the diamond, which directly affects how large it appears. As carat weight increases, price rises sharply—not just because the diamond is bigger, but because larger diamonds are far rarer.
Color
Diamonds are graded from colorless to slightly tinted. While top grades command the highest prices, most diamonds with slight warmth still appear white once set in a ring—especially to the naked eye.
Clarity
Clarity measures internal characteristics called inclusions. Many diamonds have small inclusions that can only be seen under magnification. Choosing a diamond that is “eye-clean” rather than flawless can dramatically reduce the price without changing how it looks.
Cut
Cut is the most important factor for how a diamond performs. It determines how light reflects through the stone—its brilliance, sparkle, and life. A well-cut diamond will outshine a larger or higher-grade diamond with a poor cut every time.
Choosing the Right Size (Carat Weight)
Bigger isn’t always better—it’s about balance.
Many customers find that choosing just under popular benchmark sizes (like 0.98 carats instead of 1.00 carat or 1.97 carats instead of 2.00 carats) can offer significant savings with almost no visible difference. A well-cut diamond will also appear larger and brighter than a poorly cut one of the same weight.
The goal is to find a size that looks impressive on the hand while staying within a comfortable budget.
Choosing a Shape That Fits You
Shape is where personal style comes in. Each cut has its own look and personality:
Round Brilliant – Maximum sparkle and timeless appeal
Princess Cut – Sharp, modern, and bright
Emerald Cut – Clean lines with a sophisticated, understated glow
Oval, Cushion, Pear – Unique shapes that can appear larger for their weight
There’s no “best” shape—only the one that feels right for you.
Color & Clarity: Where You Can Save
This is where smart buying makes the biggest difference.
Diamond Color
Diamond color refers to the absence of color in a white diamond. The industry uses a grading scale developed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) that ranges from D to Z.
D, E, and F diamonds are considered colorless.
G, H, I, and J diamonds are considered near-colorless.
Diamonds graded K and below begin to show more noticeable warmth or yellow tint.
The differences between adjacent color grades are often extremely subtle. In many cases, a G-color diamond can appear nearly identical to a D-color diamond when viewed without specialized lighting or side-by-side comparison. Once a diamond is mounted in a ring, those differences can become even more difficult to detect.
Color can affect a diamond's appearance, particularly in larger stones, but it is important to remember that higher color grades come with significantly higher prices. Many buyers find that choosing a near-colorless diamond provides an excellent balance of beauty and value. Our team can help you compare loose diamonds side by side so you can decide whether the price difference between grades is truly worth it for your preferences.
Diamond Clarity
Diamond clarity measures the presence of natural internal characteristics, called inclusions, and external characteristics, called blemishes. Because diamonds form deep within the earth under intense heat and pressure, most contain some naturally occurring features.
The GIA clarity scale includes:
FL (Flawless): No inclusions or blemishes visible under 10x magnification.
IF (Internally Flawless): No inclusions visible under 10x magnification.
VVS1-VVS2 (Very, Very Slightly Included): Minute inclusions that are extremely difficult to see under magnification.
VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included): Minor inclusions that are difficult to see under magnification.
SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included): Inclusions are visible under magnification and may sometimes be visible to the naked eye.
I1-I3 (Included): Inclusions are generally visible and may affect appearance or durability.
One of the biggest misconceptions in diamond buying is that higher clarity always means a more beautiful diamond. In reality, many VS and SI diamonds appear completely clean to the naked eye. These are often referred to as "eye-clean" diamonds because any inclusions can only be seen under magnification.
For many buyers, eye-clean diamonds offer outstanding value. Rather than paying a premium for microscopic characteristics that are impossible to see during everyday wear, you may be able to choose a larger diamond or a better cut while staying within the same budget. By viewing loose diamonds before they are mounted, you can evaluate clarity for yourself and select a stone that looks beautiful without paying for unnecessary perfection.
Smart Diamond Buying
Understanding color and clarity can help you make a more informed purchase. While the highest grades are often the rarest, they are not always the best value. Many diamonds with slightly lower color and clarity grades appear identical to the naked eye but cost significantly less.
By focusing on what you can actually see—and not just what appears on a grading report—you may be able to choose a larger diamond, a superior cut, or simply spend less while still getting a beautiful result. Our specialists can help you compare loose diamonds side by side and identify exceptional values that maximize both beauty and budget.
Why Cut Matters More Than Anything
A diamond’s brilliance comes from how it’s cut—not just its size or grade.
An excellent cut allows light to reflect internally and return to your eye, creating that unmistakable sparkle. A poorly cut diamond can look dull, even if it has high color and clarity grades.
If you want a diamond that stands out across the room, prioritize cut.
Setting Your Diamond
Once you’ve selected your diamond, the next step is choosing the perfect setting.
You can explore our extensive collection of engagement rings—from classic solitaires to vintage-inspired designs—or create something entirely custom. A custom ring allows you to design a piece that reflects your style, your story, and your priorities
A Better Way to Buy a Diamond
You don’t need to memorize grading charts or chase the highest specs.
You need to see the difference for yourself.
At Leo Hamel Fine Jewelers, you’ll be able to compare diamonds in person, understand what you’re paying for, and choose the one that gives you the most beauty for your investment. And if you have something specific in mind, we can source virtually any diamond you’re looking for.
