A diamond can be described in four words: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut . Those four words, also known as the 4 Cs (because they all begin with the letter C. Duh 😁) will tell you almost everything you need to know about the diamond. Carat describes the weight of the diamond, measured in carats (1 carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams). Color tells you how white the diamond is. Some diamonds have a yellowish tinge to it caused by impurities in the diamond. Clarity tells you how clean the diamond is. A diamond can have inclusions (imperfections within the diamond) or blemishes (imperfections on the surface of the diamond). Cut describes a diamond's proportions, how shallow or deep it is cut and the angles of its facets. This is the most important of the 4cs as it will dictate how much your diamond sparkles!

How is a diamond formed?

A diamond is formed deep underneath the earth's surface. It starts out in the lowly form of graphite, such as you might find in the tip of your pencil. Over the course of hundereds of millions of years, the immense pressure and temperature produced deep inside the earth rearrange the carbon atoms into a crystal structure. Then miners dig deep tunnels under the earth and collect the rough diamonds. The rough diamond looks nothing like the sparkly diamond you are holding. It has an irregular shape, is very dirty and looks dull. The diamond is then cleaned, cut into it's desired shape, and finally polished into the beautiful diamond you are now holding!

What are the different diamond shapes?

Diamonds come in many different shapes. From the classic round cut diamond to the romantically shaped heart diamond, you are guaranteed to find a shape that pleases you. Here are the 10 modern diamond shapes, ranked in order of popularity: Round , Oval , Emerald , Cushion , Princess , Pear , Radiant , Marquise , Asscher , Heart .

What are conflict-free diamonds?

Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that are mined ethically and legally without any connection to terror groups or war-torn countries. Although much more common in the past, conflict diamonds are now very hard to obtain in most countries thanks to the Kimberley process. The Kimberley process was established in 2003 by the United Nations to ensure that all diamonds are ethically sourced and are not used to finance wars. At Ritani, we go above and beyond that to make sure that all our diamonds are ethically sourced and come from companies that treat their workers fairly. We carefully select our suppliers and ensure that the diamond you get was mined ethically and conflict free.

How much does a diamond cost?

A diamond can cost anywhere between $200 and several million dollars depending on the 4 cs .

Diamonds Under $500

Stunning Diamonds Under $500

If you're looking to purchase a diamond for under $500, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure that you get the best value for your money. First, consider the 4 Cs of diamond quality: carat weight, cut, color, and clarity. While a larger carat weight may seem impressive, a well-cut diamond with high clarity and color ratings can offer more brilliance and sparkle for the price.

To get the most out of your budget, consider shopping for fancy-cut diamonds with an ideal cut. These diamonds are cut to maximize their brilliance and sparkle, making them a stunning choice for any piece of jewelry. From stud diamond earrings to diamond rings, bracelets, and even engagement rings, there are plenty of options available at this price point that are sure to impress. Find the perfect diamond gift that fits your budget and your loved one's style.

Additionally, consider purchasing a diamond with a lower carat weight or a unique shape, such as a pear or marquise cut, which can offer a stunning and stylish look without breaking the bank. At Ritani, we offer a wide selection of high-quality diamonds priced under $500, so you can find the perfect diamond for your budget and your unique style.

If you need help selecting your Diamonds, reach out to us at 1-888-9RITANI or chat now.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the 4 cs?
A diamond can be described in four words: Carat, Color, Clarity, Cut. Those four words, also known as the 4 Cs (because they all begin with the letter C. Duh 😁) will tell you almost everything you need to know about the diamond.
Carat describes the weight of the diamond, measured in carats (1 carat is equivalent to 200 milligrams).
Color tells you how white the diamond is. Some diamonds have a yellowish tinge to it caused by impurities in the diamond.
Clarity tells you how clean the diamond is. A diamond can have inclusions (imperfections within the diamond) or blemishes (imperfections on the surface of the diamond).
Cut describes a diamond's proportions, how shallow or deep it is cut and the angles of its facets. This is the most important of the 4cs as it will dictate how much your diamond sparkles!
How is a diamond formed?
A diamond is formed deep underneath the earth's surface. It starts out in the lowly form of graphite, such as you might find in the tip of your pencil. Over the course of hundereds of millions of years, the immense pressure and temperature produced deep inside the earth rearrange the carbon atoms into a crystal structure.
Then miners dig deep tunnels under the earth and collect the rough diamonds. The rough diamond looks nothing like the sparkly diamond you are holding. It has an irregular shape, is very dirty and looks dull. The diamond is then cleaned, cut into it's desired shape, and finally polished into the beautiful diamond you are now holding!
What are the different diamond shapes?
Diamonds come in many different shapes. From the classic round cut diamond to the romantically shaped heart diamond, you are guaranteed to find a shape that pleases you.
Here are the 10 modern diamond shapes, ranked in order of popularity: Round, Oval, Emerald, Cushion, Princess, Pear, Radiant, Marquise, Asscher, Heart.
What are conflict-free diamonds?
Conflict-free diamonds are diamonds that are mined ethically and legally without any connection to terror groups or war-torn countries.
Although much more common in the past, conflict diamonds are now very hard to obtain in most countries thanks to the Kimberley process. The Kimberley process was established in 2003 by the United Nations to ensure that all diamonds are ethically sourced and are not used to finance wars.
At Ritani, we go above and beyond that to make sure that all our diamonds are ethically sourced and come from companies that treat their workers fairly. We carefully select our suppliers and ensure that the diamond you get was mined ethically and conflict free.
How much does a diamond cost?
A diamond can cost anywhere between $200 and several million dollars depending on the 4 cs.