A diamond’s shape is often the very first decision a buyer makes, and it has a huge effect on both the stone’s personality and its price. “Shape” refers to the outline of the diamond when viewed from above; it’s a separate consideration from “cut,” which refers to the quality of the proportioning and faceting within…

Choosing a diamond can feel overwhelming, especially with so much industry jargon thrown around. But almost everything you need to know comes down to four simple factors, universally known as the 4 Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, and Carat. Understanding how these work together, and which ones actually matter most for how a diamond looks, will…