Expert Diamond & Jewelry Guides
The Journal
Honest guides on diamonds, engagement rings, lab-grown vs mined, care, and pricing. Written by the people who set the stones.
The 4 C’s of Diamonds Ranked: Which Matters Most
Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat. They’re not all equal. Here’s the honest ranking for a diamond that looks stunning without the premium.
How to Buy a Certified Diamond Ring Without Overpaying (2026)
The jewelry industry’s markup is 200–400%. Certification is the single tool that lets you buy around it. Here’s how to read a grading report, spot the traps, and save without compromise.
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Round vs Oval Engagement Rings: Which Actually Looks Bigger?
A 1ct oval looks 10% larger than a 1ct round. Here’s why, when it’s the right call, and when the classic round still wins.
Read ArticleCan Anyone Actually Tell If It’s a Lab-Grown Diamond?
No, they cannot. Not your jeweler, not her mother, not an experienced gemologist without specialized equipment. Here’s exactly why, with the science.
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How to Clean a Diamond Ring at Home (Without Damaging It)
Five minutes with warm water and a drop of soap restores 90% of a diamond’s sparkle. Here’s the exact method, what to avoid, and when to bring it in.
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Emerald Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide
The emerald cut is a step-cut, not a brilliant cut. That one difference changes everything about how it sparkles, what flaws it reveals, and who it’s right for.
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Cushion Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide
The cushion cut sits between round brilliance and vintage softness. Here’s how to tell Old Mine from Modern, which fits which style, and why the ratio matters more than the carat.
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Pear Cut Engagement Rings: The Complete Guide
The pear cut is a round brilliant with a point on one end. It elongates the finger, sparkles like a round, and has a distinct modern-vintage silhouette. Here’s what specs to target, how to wear it, and when the shape is right for you.
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