Cut: The cut of a diamond has the biggest affect on its sparkle, also called brilliance. Even with perfect color and clarity, a poor cut can make a diamond look dull. We carry only Ideal, Very Good, Good, and Fair cut diamonds, which produce the most brilliance.

Color: Colorless diamonds are most highly valued and are priced accordingly. For the best value, choose a colorless or near-colorless diamond that has no noticeable color, grades D-J.

Clarity: Diamonds free from internal flaws, or inclusions, are very rare and highly-valued. The best value in diamond clarity is a diamond with no inclusions visible to the unaided eye. Blue Nile only offers diamonds graded FL–SI2, some of the clearest diamonds available.

Carat weight: Since larger diamonds are more rare than smaller diamonds, diamond value rises exponentially with carat weight. With a clear understanding of cut, color, and clarity, you can balance the overall diamond quality with the size of your diamond.

This is a basic guide to understanding what influences the price of a diamond. However, Michael, at DiscountJewels.net, is certified by the GIA to read between the lines of the data recorded in a diamond certificate. This enables Michael to fully evaluate a diamond and explain why there can be a price discrepancy, of as much as 30%, between the prices of two diamonds, which have the identical cut, size, and color grading. Diamonds are never sold under market price. In the end you only get what you pay for.

Because we do not promote our own inventory, DiscountJewels.net has the freedom to research the entire market and locate your diamond at the best possible value.