You know this diamond matters. You want to get it right. But when you start looking at certification grades, price tags, and technical terms, buying a diamond can feel overwhelming. Most guides throw charts and numbers at you without explaining what actually makes a difference when you look at the ring.

The truth is simpler than you think. Once you understand what affects a diamond’s beauty and value, you can make confident decisions that match your budget and your partner’s style. You don’t need to become a gemologist. You just need to know which characteristics matter most and where you can save without compromising on what you’ll see.

This guide walks you through choosing a diamond in seven practical steps. You’ll learn how to balance the 4Cs (cut, colour, clarity, carat), spot the grades that offer the best value, read certifications properly, and make smart decisions when you visit jewellers. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for and feel confident walking into any appointment in Hatton Garden or browsing online.

What to know before you start

Before you learn how to choose a diamond, you need to understand a few fundamentals that will shape every decision you make. The diamond industry uses specific terminology and grading systems that affect both quality and price. When you grasp these basics first, you’ll spot good value and avoid paying premiums for features you won’t notice with your eyes.

The 4Cs explained simply

Every diamond gets graded on four characteristics: cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight. These are the 4Cs, and they determine how a diamond looks and what it costs. Cut refers to how well the diamond reflects light (this creates sparkle). Colour measures how white or colourless the stone appears, graded from D (completely colourless) to Z (noticeable yellow or brown tint). Clarity describes the tiny natural marks inside or on the diamond, while carat measures the diamond’s weight.

Understanding these factors helps you make informed trade-offs. A beautifully cut diamond with slight colour will often look more stunning than a colourless diamond with a poor cut. You’ll learn which grades offer the best value for your budget in the steps ahead.

The cut affects sparkle more than any other factor, yet it’s often the characteristic buyers overlook when they focus only on size.

Natural vs lab-grown diamonds

You’ll need to decide between natural diamonds (formed over billions of years in the Earth) and lab-grown diamonds (created in laboratories in weeks). Lab-grown diamonds are chemically and optically identical to natural ones. They cost significantly less, which means you can afford a larger or higher-quality stone for the same budget.

Natural diamonds hold traditional appeal and historically have retained value better. Lab-grown diamonds offer excellent value if you prioritize size and quality over origin. Neither choice is wrong. Think about what matters most to you and your partner: the story and rarity of a natural diamond, or maximizing beauty and size with a lab-grown option.

Why certification matters

Every diamond you seriously consider should come with a certificate from an independent laboratory. The most trusted names are GIA (Gemological Institute of America) and IGI (International Gemological Institute). These certificates verify the diamond’s characteristics and prove you’re getting what you pay for.

Certificates include detailed grading information for all 4Cs, along with a plot diagram showing the exact location of any clarity characteristics. This document protects you from overpaying and gives you confidence in your purchase. Any reputable jeweller will provide certification without you needing to ask. If they don’t offer it, walk away.

When you visit jewellers or browse online, ask to see the certificate for every diamond. Check that the certificate number matches the number engraved on the diamond’s girdle (visible only under magnification). This verification ensures the stone you’re viewing matches the one that was graded.

Step 1. Decide your budget and priorities

You need to set a clear budget before you start looking at diamonds. Without one, you’ll either overspend or waste time viewing stones you can’t afford. A realistic budget guides every decision about carat size, quality grades, and where you’ll shop. The old "three months’ salary" rule is outdated marketing, not financial advice. Your budget should reflect your actual circumstances, savings, and what you’re comfortable spending on jewellery.

Set a realistic ring budget

Work out how much you can spend on the complete ring (diamond plus setting) without straining your finances or delaying other goals. Most UK couples spend between £1,500 and £5,000 on engagement rings, though this varies widely based on location and income. London buyers often spend more, while regional averages sit lower.

Break your total budget into two parts: diamond and setting. Allocate roughly 60-70% for the diamond itself and 30-40% for the mounting. A simple solitaire setting might cost £500-£1,500, while more intricate designs with side stones or halos cost £1,500-£3,000 or more. When you know both figures, you can shop realistically.

Consider payment options if you need flexibility. Many Hatton Garden jewellers offer interest-free payment plans, letting you spread the cost over several months. This approach can make a higher-quality diamond accessible without putting immediate pressure on your budget. Just ensure you understand all terms before committing.

Decide what matters most to you

Think about which diamond characteristics you and your partner value most. Some people prioritize size (carat weight) above all else because they want a ring that makes a visible statement. Others care more about sparkle (cut quality) or want a perfectly white, eye-clean diamond regardless of size. You can’t maximize everything within a typical budget, so choosing your priorities helps you know where to invest.

Ask yourself these questions: Does your partner prefer subtle elegance or bold presence? Will they compare their ring to friends’ rings (where size might matter more)? Do they have sensitive eyes for colour differences, or will they never notice a slight tint? Would they prefer ethical sourcing over traditional value? Your answers reveal where to focus your spending.

Understanding your priorities before you shop prevents you from being swayed by what jewellers want to sell rather than what you actually need.

Know where you can compromise

Learning how to choose a diamond means understanding which grades offer the best value. You can save significant money by accepting characteristics that don’t affect appearance to the naked eye. A VS2 clarity diamond looks identical to a VVS1 when viewed normally, yet costs considerably less. Similarly, colour grades G-H appear white in most settings but cost much less than D-F grades.

The areas where you should never compromise include cut quality and certification. A poorly cut diamond looks dull regardless of other factors, and buying without proper certification leaves you vulnerable to misgrading or fraud. Always insist on excellent or very good cut grades and certificates from GIA or IGI.

Here’s where smart buyers save money while keeping quality high:

• Clarity: Choose VS2 or SI1 instead of VVS or IF grades (invisible difference)
• Colour: Select G-H grades instead of D-F (appears white, costs less)
• Carat: Buy 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct (looks same size, saves 10-15%)
• Shape: Consider oval or cushion cuts instead of round (better value per carat)

Focus your budget on excellent cut quality and the largest carat weight that maintains your minimum standards for colour and clarity. This strategy delivers the most beautiful, impressive diamond your money can buy.

Step 2. Choose a diamond shape they will love

The diamond’s shape defines the entire look of the ring. Shape refers to the outline of the stone when viewed from above (round, oval, cushion, etc.), and it’s often the first thing people notice. Your partner probably already has preferences, even if they haven’t said so directly. Some shapes suit delicate hands while others create bold statements. Getting this choice right matters more than most technical grades because shape affects both appearance and emotional connection to the ring.

Popular diamond shapes explained

You’ll encounter ten main shapes when shopping for diamonds. Round brilliant diamonds remain the most popular choice, accounting for roughly 75% of all engagement rings sold. They offer maximum sparkle because their 58 facets are precisely designed to reflect light. Round diamonds cost more per carat than other shapes due to demand and the amount of rough diamond lost during cutting.

Oval, cushion, and emerald shapes follow as popular alternatives. Oval diamonds create an elongated look that makes fingers appear slimmer and the stone seem larger than its actual carat weight. Cushion cuts blend rounded corners with larger facets for a romantic, vintage feel. Emerald cuts feature rectangular step-cut facets that create a "hall of mirrors" effect, prioritizing clarity over sparkle. Princess cuts offer a square shape with brilliant facets, while pear, marquise, and heart shapes suit those wanting something distinctive.

When learning how to choose a diamond, remember that each shape has different proportions that affect its beauty. A well-cut oval should have a length-to-width ratio between 1.35 and 1.50, while cushion cuts look best between 1.00 and 1.10. Ask jewellers to show you multiple examples of each shape at varying ratios so you can see which proportions appeal most to you.

Match shape to personal style

Look at the jewellery your partner already wears for clues about their preferences. Do they choose classic, timeless pieces or trendy, unique designs? Round, oval, and emerald shapes suit traditional tastes, while pear, marquise, and cushion cuts appeal to those who prefer distinctive looks. Check whether they wear yellow gold or white metals, as this affects which shape looks most harmonious.

Consider their hand shape and finger length when selecting. Elongated shapes (oval, pear, marquise, emerald) flatter shorter fingers by creating a lengthening effect. Round and cushion shapes suit longer fingers well. If your partner has smaller hands, avoid extremely large stones that overwhelm their proportions. A beautifully proportioned 0.75-carat diamond often looks more elegant than a poorly sized 1.50-carat stone.

The shape you choose affects daily wearability more than any grading factor, so prioritize what will make your partner smile every time they look down at their hand.

Shape and value considerations

Shape dramatically impacts price per carat, with round diamonds commanding the highest premiums. You’ll pay 20-30% less for an oval, cushion, or pear diamond of identical quality. Fancy shapes (anything except round) also face less demand in the resale market, but this matters little if you’re buying for love rather than investment.

Certain shapes require higher clarity grades because they reveal inclusions more readily. Emerald and asscher cuts, with their large, open facets, show flaws that would hide in a brilliant-cut round or oval. If you choose these step-cut shapes, aim for VS2 clarity or higher. Round, oval, and cushion cuts mask inclusions better, letting you safely choose SI1 or SI2 grades and invest those savings in larger carat weight or better colour.

Think about durability when making your choice. Shapes with pointed corners (pear, marquise, princess, heart) are more vulnerable to chipping during daily wear. These shapes benefit from protective settings that shield the vulnerable points. Round, oval, and cushion shapes have no sharp corners and prove more resilient to knocks and bumps.

Step 3. Understand cut and sparkle

Cut quality determines how brilliantly your diamond sparkles, yet many buyers overlook it while focusing on carat size. When light enters a well-cut diamond, it bounces between internal facets and reflects back through the top, creating the brilliance and fire that make diamonds captivating. A poorly cut diamond allows light to leak through the bottom or sides, resulting in a dull appearance regardless of its colour or clarity grades. Understanding cut helps you identify diamonds that deliver maximum beauty and avoid stones that look lifeless despite impressive specifications.

Why cut quality matters most

Cut affects a diamond’s appearance more than any other characteristic. A perfectly cut diamond with lower colour or clarity grades will outshine a flawless, colourless diamond that’s been poorly cut. The cut determines three optical effects: brilliance (white light reflection), fire (rainbow flashes), and scintillation (sparkle pattern when moved). These qualities make people stop and admire a ring, not technical grades on a certificate.

Professional gemologists grade cut on a scale from Excellent to Poor (GIA uses Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor; IGI adds Ideal above Excellent). This grading considers proportions, symmetry, and polish. The crown angle, pavilion depth, table size, and other measurements must fall within specific ranges for optimal light performance. When these proportions align correctly, even smaller diamonds punch above their weight in visual impact.

Cut is the only C fully controlled by human skill, making it your opportunity to choose exceptional beauty regardless of what nature provided.

Round brilliant diamonds receive official cut grades on certificates because their proportions are standardized. Fancy shapes (oval, cushion, emerald, etc.) don’t receive cut grades due to varied proportion preferences, though certificates still note symmetry and polish. For fancy shapes, you’ll need to evaluate cut quality through visual inspection and by checking proportion ratios rather than relying on a single grade.

Understanding cut grades and proportions

Always choose Excellent or Ideal cut for round diamonds when learning how to choose a diamond. These grades guarantee optimal light performance and maximum sparkle. Very Good cuts can work if you’re prioritizing carat weight, but avoid Good, Fair, or Poor grades entirely. The price difference between Excellent and Very Good is small compared to the visible difference in sparkle.

For round brilliants, look for these ideal proportions on certificates:

• Table: 54-57%
• Depth: 60-62.5%
• Crown angle: 34-35 degrees
• Pavilion angle: 40.6-41 degrees
• Girdle: Thin to slightly thick

Fancy shapes require different evaluation criteria. Check these key proportions for popular shapes:

Shape	Ideal Length-to-Width Ratio	Key Consideration
Oval	1.35-1.50	Avoid bow-tie effect
Cushion	1.00-1.10	Check corner roundness
Emerald	1.30-1.50	Requires higher clarity
Pear	1.45-1.75	Point should be sharp
Marquise	1.75-2.25	Needs protective setting

Pay attention to symmetry and polish grades listed on certificates. These should be Excellent or Very Good. Symmetry refers to how precisely facets align, while polish describes surface smoothness. Both affect how cleanly light travels through the diamond. Variations in symmetry create dark patterns that disrupt sparkle, while poor polish scatters light inefficiently.

How to evaluate sparkle in person

When you visit jewellers, bring the diamond close to natural window light (not directly in sunlight, which can be misleading). Tilt the stone back and forth slowly. A well-cut diamond explodes with white flashes and rainbow colours. You should see consistent brightness across the entire face with distinct contrast between light and dark areas. Poorly cut diamonds look washed out or show large dark patches that don’t move when tilted.

Check for the bow-tie effect in elongated shapes (oval, pear, marquise). This appears as a dark shadow across the center that resembles a bow tie. Nearly all elongated shapes show some bow-tie, but it should be minimal and not obstruct the stone’s brilliance. A prominent bow-tie indicates poor cutting and reduces beauty significantly. Compare multiple diamonds of the same shape to identify which ones minimize this effect.

Ask jewellers to place the diamond face-down on white paper. Look through the pavilion (bottom) at the light performance. Well-cut diamonds show bright, even patterns with good contrast. You shouldn’t see straight through the stone (this indicates too shallow cutting). This simple test, combined with viewing under various lighting conditions, reveals more about cut quality than certificates alone can tell you. Trust your eyes when two diamonds have similar grades but one clearly sparkles more.

Step 4. Balance colour and clarity

Colour and clarity work together to determine how beautiful your diamond looks and how much it costs. Many buyers obsess over getting flawless, colourless diamonds when they could save thousands by accepting characteristics invisible to the naked eye. The key when learning how to choose a diamond is understanding which grades maintain beauty while offering better value. Both factors affect price significantly, yet most people can’t distinguish between mid-range and premium grades without magnification and controlled lighting.

Colour grades that look white

Diamond colour gets graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being completely colourless and Z showing noticeable yellow or brown tint. The grades D, E, and F are considered colourless, while G through J are near-colourless. Most people cannot see colour differences between D and H grades when diamonds are mounted in rings. You’ll waste money buying D-E-F colour unless you’re placing the diamond in a platinum setting where even slight warmth might show.

Target G or H colour grades for the best value in white gold or platinum settings. These diamonds appear colourless to anyone not comparing them side-by-side with higher grades. If you’re choosing a yellow gold setting, you can safely drop to I or J colour because the gold’s warmth masks any tint in the diamond. The metal actually makes lower colour grades look whiter than they would in platinum.

Buying an H colour diamond instead of a D saves you 20-30% while looking identical when worn, letting you invest those savings in better cut or larger carat weight.

Certain diamond shapes show colour more readily than others. Round brilliant cuts hide colour exceptionally well due to their brilliant faceting pattern. Emerald and asscher cuts reveal more colour because of their open, step-cut facets. If you’ve chosen an emerald or asscher shape, aim for G colour or higher. For round, oval, cushion, or brilliant-cut shapes, H or I colour works perfectly well.

Clarity grades you can trust

Clarity measures the natural inclusions and blemishes in a diamond, graded from Flawless (FL) to Included (I3). The scale includes FL, IF (Internally Flawless), VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included), VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included), SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included), and I1-I3 (Included). Inclusions form naturally as diamonds grow and are essentially birthmarks that make each stone unique.

Focus on eye-clean diamonds rather than chasing perfect clarity grades. An eye-clean diamond shows no visible inclusions when viewed with the naked eye from twelve inches away. Most VS2 and SI1 diamonds are eye-clean, yet they cost significantly less than VVS or IF grades. The only person who’ll see the difference is a gemologist using 10x magnification. You’re buying the ring for daily wear, not laboratory inspection.

Choose VS2 as your sweet spot for round, oval, and cushion diamonds. These shapes hide inclusions well due to their brilliant faceting. If you’re selecting an emerald or asscher cut, upgrade to VS1 or VVS2 because their large, open facets reveal inclusions more easily. Always ask jewellers to confirm that SI1 diamonds are eye-clean before purchasing, as some SI1 grades contain visible inclusions depending on type and location.

Finding your colour and clarity balance

Calculate how much of your diamond budget goes to each characteristic. If you’re spending £3,000 on a diamond, moving from D to H colour saves roughly £600-900, while dropping from VVS1 to VS2 clarity saves another £500-700. These savings let you afford a 0.30-carat size increase while maintaining excellent appearance. The visible impact of that extra size outweighs invisible grade improvements.

Prioritize cut quality above colour and clarity every time. A beautifully cut H-VS2 diamond will outshine a poorly cut D-VVS1 stone because sparkle matters more than technical perfection. Apply this priority framework: excellent cut first, then colour to H minimum, then clarity to VS2-SI1, then maximize carat weight with remaining budget. This strategy delivers the most impressive ring for your money.

Step 5. Choose a carat weight that feels right

Carat weight measures how much your diamond weighs, with one carat equaling 0.2 grams. People often confuse carat with size, but weight doesn’t tell the whole story. A poorly cut 1.00-carat diamond can look smaller than a well-cut 0.90-carat stone because cut quality affects how much surface area faces up. When learning how to choose a diamond, you’ll discover that carat weight drives price more than any other factor, yet the difference between certain weights is barely visible to the eye.

What carat weight actually means

Carat weight translates to physical diameter in predictable ways for well-cut diamonds. A standard 1.00-carat round brilliant measures approximately 6.5mm across, while a 0.75-carat measures about 5.9mm. The difference sounds small, but it creates noticeable visual impact when compared side by side. Each time you double the carat weight, the diameter increases by roughly 26%, not 100% as many people expect.

Different diamond shapes carry weight differently due to their varying proportions. An oval or marquise diamond will look larger than a round diamond of equal carat weight because these elongated shapes spread more surface area. Cushion cuts appear slightly smaller than rounds of the same weight because they distribute mass deeper in the pavilion rather than across the face.

Carat Weight	Round Diameter	Oval Dimensions	Typical Price Range
0.50 ct	5.1mm	6.0 x 4.0mm	£1,000-£2,500
0.75 ct	5.9mm	7.0 x 5.0mm	£2,000-£4,000
1.00 ct	6.5mm	7.7 x 5.7mm	£3,500-£7,500
1.50 ct	7.4mm	8.9 x 6.5mm	£7,000-£15,000
2.00 ct	8.2mm	10.0 x 7.5mm	£14,000-£30,000

Find the sweet spot for your budget

Diamond prices jump dramatically at "magic numbers" like 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 carats because these psychological thresholds drive consumer demand. You’ll pay a premium simply for saying "I have a one-carat diamond" rather than "I have a 0.90-carat diamond," even though they look virtually identical when worn. Smart buyers exploit this by purchasing stones just below these thresholds.

Buy a 0.90-carat instead of 1.00-carat and save 10-15% while getting a diamond that appears the same size. The 0.1-carat difference equals 0.02 grams, which your eyes cannot detect without direct comparison. This strategy works at every threshold: 0.48ct vs 0.50ct, 0.95ct vs 1.00ct, 1.45ct vs 1.50ct. The savings let you upgrade cut quality or colour grade instead.

Buying slightly below popular carat weights gives you professional advice that jewellers won’t volunteer because it reduces their profit margins.

Calculate price per carat when comparing diamonds to understand true value. A £3,600 diamond weighing 0.90ct costs £4,000 per carat, while a £4,500 diamond weighing 1.00ct costs £4,500 per carat. The larger stone costs 12.5% more per carat despite only a 0.1-carat increase, proving how premiums work around magic numbers.

Consider finger size and lifestyle

Your partner’s finger size affects how different carat weights appear. On smaller hands (UK ring size H-J), a 0.75-carat diamond makes a substantial statement, while the same stone might look modest on larger hands (size M-O). Proportions matter more than absolute size. A well-chosen diamond should complement the hand rather than overwhelm or disappear on it.

Think about daily lifestyle demands when selecting carat weight. Larger diamonds protrude higher from the finger and catch on clothing, bags, and surfaces more frequently. If your partner works with their hands, plays sports regularly, or has an active lifestyle, a 0.75 to 1.00-carat diamond offers better practicality than a 2.00-carat showpiece. Beauty means nothing if the ring sits in a drawer because it’s impractical for everyday wear.

Step 6. Check certification and ethical sourcing

Every diamond you consider buying should come with proper certification and verifiable sourcing information. Certification proves the diamond’s characteristics match what the jeweller claims, while ethical sourcing confirms the stone came to market through legitimate channels. Understanding how to choose a diamond means knowing how to read these documents and verify authenticity. These protections shield you from fraud, misgrading, and unknowingly purchasing conflict diamonds. Reputable jewellers provide both without you needing to ask, and any hesitation signals you should walk away.

Read diamond certificates properly

The certificate functions as your diamond’s passport and quality guarantee combined into one document. GIA and IGI certificates provide the most trusted independent assessments in the UK market. These laboratories employ trained gemologists who evaluate diamonds under controlled conditions using standardized equipment. The certificate includes a unique report number laser-inscribed on the diamond’s girdle, connecting the physical stone to its documentation.

Check these essential elements on every certificate you review:

• Report number: Must match the inscription on the diamond’s girdle (visible under 10x magnification)
• Carat weight: Stated to the hundredth decimal (1.23ct, not "approximately 1.2ct")
• Cut grade: Should read Excellent or Very Good for rounds (Ideal acceptable for IGI)
• Colour grade: Single letter designation (G, H, I) without ranges
• Clarity grade: Precise grade (VS2, SI1) with plot diagram showing inclusion positions
• Measurements: Exact dimensions in millimeters to two decimal places
• Fluorescence: Stated as None, Faint, Medium, Strong, or Very Strong
• Polish and Symmetry: Should both be Excellent or Very Good

Look for the clarity plot diagram printed on the certificate. This maps the exact location and type of every inclusion the gemologist observed. You can use this diagram to verify you’re viewing the same diamond that was graded. Ask the jeweller to show you the inclusions under magnification and match them to the plot. This verification prevents certificate swapping, where unethical sellers might show you a certificate for a better diamond than the one you’re actually buying.

A legitimate certificate from GIA or IGI protects you far more effectively than any jeweller’s promises or guarantees, because these laboratories stake their global reputation on accurate grading.

Verify ethical sourcing credentials

The diamond trade has worked to eliminate conflict diamonds (stones that finance armed conflict) through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme, established in 2003. This international system tracks diamonds from mine to market, though critics note it doesn’t address all ethical concerns. Reputable UK jewellers source diamonds through legitimate supply chains and can provide documentation about their sourcing practices.

Ask jewellers to explain their sourcing policy in specific terms. They should tell you whether diamonds come from Canadian mines (considered highly ethical), Australian sources, Botswana (proceeds support national development), or other tracked sources. Many jewellers now offer blockchain-tracked diamonds that document the entire journey from mine to your finger. Lab-grown diamonds sidestep mining ethics entirely, though you should still verify they’re grown in facilities with proper environmental and labor standards.

Request written confirmation that your diamond complies with the Kimberley Process and ask about any additional ethical certifications the jeweller maintains. Some jewellers partner with organizations like the Responsible Jewellery Council or source Fairmined gold for settings. These commitments indicate a business that takes sourcing seriously beyond minimum legal requirements. If a jeweller cannot or will not discuss sourcing, that reluctance itself tells you something important about their practices.

Step 7. Final checks and buying in Hatton Garden

You’ve narrowed down your choice to one or two diamonds, but you need to complete several final checks before handing over money. This step prevents buyer’s remorse and ensures you’re getting exactly what you expect. Many people rush through this stage after spending hours on research, but taking thirty extra minutes for proper verification protects your investment and confirms you’re making the right decision. Whether you’re buying in Hatton Garden or elsewhere, these final checks apply universally and catch problems before they become permanent.

Inspect the diamond in multiple lighting conditions

Never evaluate a diamond under jeweller’s spotlights alone, as these are specifically designed to maximize sparkle and can hide flaws. Request to view the diamond in at least three different environments: bright jewellery store lighting, natural daylight near a window, and softer diffused lighting. The diamond should maintain its beauty across all conditions, not just perform under optimal illumination designed to flatter it.

Take these specific inspection steps when learning how to choose a diamond:

• Hold the diamond at arm’s length: Check if it still sparkles and catches light from normal viewing distance
• View it face-up and tilted: Confirm brilliance remains consistent from multiple angles
• Check for bow-tie effects: Look for dark shadows across the center (especially in ovals, pears, marquises)
• Examine the girdle: Verify the inscription number matches the certificate using the jeweller’s loupe
• Inspect the setting fit: Ensure the diamond sits level and secure in the mounting with no gaps

Ask the jeweller to clean the diamond with professional equipment before your final viewing. Fingerprints and dust diminish sparkle significantly, and you deserve to see the stone at its best. If anything looks different than you remember from earlier viewings, question why before proceeding.

What to ask before committing to purchase

Get clear answers about the jeweller’s policies and guarantees in writing before you pay. Ask specifically about their returns policy (how many days, what conditions, who pays return shipping for online orders), sizing adjustments (how many times, any fees), and lifetime services like cleaning and inspection. Reputable Hatton Garden jewellers typically offer free lifetime cleaning, complimentary resizing, and annual inspection services.

Request these specific confirmations before finalizing your purchase:

• "Can I see your returns policy in writing with the timeframe clearly stated?"
• "What happens if the diamond is damaged during setting? Do you carry insurance?"
• "Will you provide the original GIA/IGI certificate, or just a photocopy?"
• "Does the price include VAT, or will additional charges apply?"
• "When exactly will the finished ring be ready for collection?"
• "What warranty covers the setting workmanship, and for how long?"

Verbal promises mean nothing if you discover problems later, so insist on written documentation for every guarantee the jeweller makes.

Completing your purchase in Hatton Garden

Hatton Garden remains London’s historic diamond district, where dozens of jewellers compete within a few streets. This concentration creates competitive pricing but also requires careful selection of which jeweller deserves your business. Visit multiple jewellers before committing, compare prices for similar specifications, and check online reviews specifically mentioning the jeweller’s name. Family-run businesses with decades of presence typically offer more personalized service than chain retailers.

Payment methods matter more than many buyers realize. Credit cards offer Section 75 protection for purchases over £100, giving you legal recourse if problems arise. Some jewellers offer small discounts for bank transfers, but you sacrifice this protection. Balance the discount against the security, especially for purchases exceeding £2,000. Request a detailed receipt showing the diamond’s specifications, certificate number, setting description, and total price including VAT. Store this receipt with your certificate in a safe location.

Arrange insurance coverage before you leave the shop with your ring. Your home contents policy likely won’t cover high-value jewellery adequately, so you’ll need specialist insurance or a policy extension. Many Hatton Garden jewellers partner with insurance providers and can arrange coverage immediately. Get the ring insured before you walk out the door, as theft or damage after purchase isn’t the jeweller’s responsibility.

Ready to choose your diamond

You now understand how to choose a diamond that matches your budget, priorities, and partner’s style. The 4Cs work together to determine beauty and value, but cut quality matters most for sparkle. Target G-H colour and VS2-SI1 clarity for the best balance between appearance and cost, then maximize carat weight with your remaining budget. Always insist on GIA or IGI certification and verify the report number matches the diamond you’re viewing.

The knowledge you’ve gained protects you from overpaying and gives you confidence during appointments in Hatton Garden or anywhere else. You’ll spot good value, recognize which compromises maintain beauty, and ask the right questions before committing. Trust your eyes alongside the certificates, inspect diamonds in multiple lighting conditions, and never rush the final checks.

At A Star Diamonds, our family-run team brings decades of Hatton Garden expertise to your bespoke engagement ring journey. We guide you through every decision with honest advice, hand-select diamonds that offer exceptional value, and craft your ring in our own workshop with lifetime care included. Book your appointment today and discover how the right jeweller transforms diamond shopping from overwhelming to enjoyable.