What Are the Different Types of Diamonds That Exist Today?

You’ve found the love of your life, the one person you want to spend forever with. And now you’re ready to propose with to show them you’re ready to start your lives together. But first, you must find the perfect ring.

There are so many options and types of diamonds available; it may seem like an overwhelming decision.

But worry not because this quick guide will lay out everything you have to know to purchase the best diamonds for the perfect engagement ring.

Natural Diamonds

A natural diamond is what most people consider to be a traditional diamond for an engagement ring. Natural diamonds can be between one and three billion years old.

They’re formed under high pressure and high temperatures about 85 miles under the earth’s surface. After being mined and extracted from the earth, they’re carved into shapes to create jewelry.

Natural diamonds can be on the more expensive side, depending on the size, quality, and clarity of the stone.

Synthetic Diamonds

Synthetic—or lab-grown—diamonds are a fairly new concept. While they’re called synthetic diamonds, they are chemically and physically the same as natural diamonds.

However, instead of forming under the earth’s mantel, these diamonds are manufactured in a laboratory. This process typically allows for the consumer to choose custom diamonds to add to an engagement ring.

Compared to natural diamonds, synthetic diamonds are less expensive. So you can often get a larger, better quality synthetic diamond compared to a natural diamond at the same price.

Treated Diamonds

Treated diamonds can be either natural or synthetic. Treated diamonds undergo some processes to make the diamond more appealing to the eye, like enhancing or changing the color of the diamond or filling cracks.

Common treatments include high pressure/high temperature (HPHT), heat treatment, irradiation, coating, or a combination of irradiation and heat treatment.

Treated diamonds may be less expensive, but the value also stays low. If you’re purchasing a treated diamond, you should ask to receive documentation of each treatment the diamond has undergone.

Diamond Alternatives

Say you don’t want a diamond at all and instead want a diamond alternative. Luckily, you have a few options that still look like diamonds.

Moissanite is a common diamond alternative because it looks the most similar. Where diamonds are the hardest material, moissanite is the second hardest. However, moissanite is much shinier than diamonds.

But if you want to move away from the diamond look altogether, you can try some alternative stones like white opal, moonstone, or white topaz. Or add color with stones like aquamarine, morganite, and emerald.

Finding the Right Types of Diamonds for a Perfect Engagement Ring

So you’ve imagined the day you get down on one knee and ask the one you love to marry you. You imagine their smile, the way they look at you, and, of course, them saying yes.

But you also need the perfect ring as the cherry on top of the engagement cake. You don’t need to feel overwhelmed with your choice of types of diamonds. This guide can lead you to the ring that starts the rest of your life.

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