DETERMINE BUDGET

Neiman Marcus carries a large assortment of diamonds across various price points, from 18-karat white gold earrings starting at just under $1,000 to white and fancy yellow diamond rings set in platinum for over $100,000.

LAB GROWN VS. MINED

Neiman Marcus carries both mined (also known as natural) and lab-grown diamond jewelry. Lab-grown diamonds have the same physical, chemical, and optical properties as their natural counterparts. The main difference is that they are grown in a laboratory using advanced technology that duplicates the conditions under which diamonds naturally develop when they form beneath the Earth’s crust. They can only be distinguished from natural diamonds through specialized equipment.

DIAMOND GRADES

Diamonds are graded according to the 4 Cs which help determine their quality and value. Once a diamond’s 4 Cs have been assessed by a gemologist, they register this information in a diamond grading report through a set of standards referred to as grading scales or grading charts by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA).

- CUT SCALE

The quality of the cut is evaluated by factors such as a diamond’s brightness, fire, scintillation, polish, and symmetry. It’s then graded from Excellent to Poor on the GIA scale.

- COLOR SCALE

GIA’s color-grading scale begins with the letter D, representing colorless, and continues with increasing presence of color to the letter Z, or light yellow or brown.

- CLARITY SCALE

The GIA Clarity Scale contains 11 grades, ranging from included and slightly included (I and SI) to internally flawless and flawless (IF and FL). No diamond is absolutely perfect under 10× magnification, though some come close and are exceptionally rare.

STYLES & SETTINGS

If you’re looking to purchase an engagement ring, you’ll need to understand what the style and setting is. Setting refers to how gemstones are mounted into a metal band. Style refers to the shape and setting of a ring, whether it’s a solitaire, halo, or three-stone ring. A solitaire engagement ring is a ring that has one center gemstone. A three-stone engagement ring, also known as trilogy ring, has a larger center diamond and two smaller diamonds on either side. The halo style features a ring of small diamonds that surrounds the center stone.

SHAPES

Diamond cuts are categorized into two groups: round, the most traditional shape, and fancy, which includes princess, emerald, marquise, and other cuts. Here are some of the most popular shapes:

- MARQUISE

A marquise diamond possesses an elliptical shape with two smooth curves that come to a point

- EMERALD

Emerald-cut diamonds are recognizable by their "step-cut" parallel and rectangular facets that create a geometric "hall of mirrors" effect. The emerald cut is a suitable choice for those seeking an Art Deco-inspired engagement ring.

- CUSHION

Also referred to as the “pillow-cut diamond,” the cushion-cut diamond features rounded edges that soften the corners of a square or rectangular silhouette.

- PRINCESS

Boasting over 50 chevron-shaped facets, princess-cut diamonds are modified brilliant cuts with pointed corners that form either a square or rectangle.

- OVAL

The oval shape is an elegant combination of the round-brilliant cut and the marquise diamond. It’s a great choice for those looking for an elongated diamond shape with lots of sparkle.