First Step
Set Your Budget
There is no rule about how much you should spend on a diamond. The old "two months salary" guideline is a marketing myth. Spend what you are comfortable with — a well-cut diamond at any size is beautiful.
Be Realistic
Set a firm ceiling before you start browsing. It's easy to stretch once you fall in love with a stone.
Prioritise Cut
Allocate more of your budget to cut quality — a well-cut smaller diamond outshines a poorly cut larger one.
Consider Lab Diamonds
Lab-grown diamonds are 40–60% less expensive than natural diamonds of identical quality. More diamond for your budget.
Second Step
Choose a Shape
Diamond shape is the most personal choice you'll make. It defines the look of the ring more than any other factor. Consider the wearer's style — classic, modern, romantic, or bold.
Most brilliant. Timeless and universally flattering.
Elongates the finger. Romantic and trending.
Art deco elegance. Shows clarity beautifully.
Unique and feminine. Points toward the fingertip.
Soft and romantic. Classic with a modern edge.
Modern and geometric. Maximum fire in a square cut.
Third Step
Pick Your Quality
Once you have a budget and shape in mind, use the 4 C's to find the best diamond within your range. Our recommended sweet spot for maximum value:
Fourth Step
Choose a Setting
The setting is the ring's architecture — it holds the diamond and defines the overall style. Your metal and setting style choices affect both appearance and price.
Metal Choice
Platinum — most durable, naturally white, hypoallergenic. Best for D–H color diamonds.
White Gold — beautiful and affordable. Requires replating every few years.
Yellow / Rose Gold — warm tones complement lower color grades well.
Setting Style
Solitaire — puts the diamond centre stage. Timeless.
Halo — smaller diamonds surround the centre stone, making it appear larger.
Pavé — tiny diamonds along the band add shimmer without extra cost.
Bezel — metal surrounds the stone. Modern and secure.
Ring Size
Have her size measured professionally if possible. Most rings can be resized 1–2 sizes. Styles with full pavé or eternity bands are harder to resize — get the size right.
Fifth Step
Verify Certification
Never buy a diamond without an independent grading certificate. A certificate is your guarantee that the diamond is exactly what it's described to be.
GIA
Gemological Institute of America
The gold standard. The most respected and consistent grading lab in the world. Always our first recommendation.
RecommendedAGS
American Gem Society
Highly respected, especially known for cut grading. Excellent alternative to GIA.
IGI
International Gemological Institute
Commonly used for lab-grown diamonds. Widely accepted and reliable.
⚠️ Avoid diamonds certified only by in-house or lesser-known labs — grading standards vary significantly.
Sixth Step
Make Your Purchase
You're ready. Here's what to confirm before finalising your diamond purchase.
GIA or AGS certificate included with the diamond
Free resizing policy within 30–60 days of purchase
Lifetime warranty on craftsmanship
Return or exchange policy clearly stated
Diamond upgrade policy available for future trade-ins
Free shipping and insured delivery
✦ All LA Diamond purchases include every item on this checklist.
You're Ready to Shop
Start designing your dream ring or browse our certified diamond collection.