Education
Diamond
Guide
Understanding the essential qualities of a diamond allows you to make a confident, informed choice. This guide covers shape, carat, and origin — the three decisions that matter most.
Section 01
Diamond Shapes
Round Brilliant
The most popular diamond shape, engineered for maximum light return. 58 precisely angled facets create exceptional brilliance and fire. The round brilliant is the benchmark against which all other shapes are measured.
Princess
A square or rectangular shape with pointed corners and brilliant-cut facets. The princess cut offers modern geometry with outstanding sparkle — second only to the round brilliant in light performance.
Emerald
A rectangular step-cut with cropped corners. The emerald cut emphasizes clarity and transparency over brilliance, creating a hall-of-mirrors effect. Preferred by those who value understated elegance.
Heart
A romantic silhouette formed by two rounded lobes meeting at a point. The heart shape requires exceptional symmetry and is best appreciated at 0.50 ct and above. A deeply personal choice.
Section 02
Carat Size
Carat refers to the weight of a diamond, not its size. However, weight directly correlates to diameter for round brilliant cuts. The visual difference between carat weights is significant.
Delicate and refined. Ideal for everyday wear and minimalist settings.
A classic choice. Noticeable presence without being overstated.
Balanced and elegant. The most popular choice for solitaire rings.
A significant stone. Unmistakable brilliance and presence on the hand.
A statement piece. Exceptional light performance and visual impact.
Rare and commanding. Reserved for those who seek the extraordinary.
Section 03
Diamond Origin
DETARA offers both lab-grown and natural diamonds. Both are real diamonds — chemically, physically, and optically identical. The difference lies only in how they were formed.
Lab-Grown Diamonds
Created by science.
Identical in every way.
Lab-grown diamonds are produced using advanced technology — either High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) or Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) — that replicates the natural diamond formation process.
The result is a diamond with the same crystal structure, hardness (10 on the Mohs scale), refractive index, and optical properties as a mined diamond. A gemologist cannot distinguish them without specialized equipment.
Lab-grown diamonds offer the same brilliance and durability at a more accessible price point, making exceptional quality available to more clients.
Natural Diamonds
Formed over billions
of years.
Natural diamonds were formed deep within the Earth under extreme heat and pressure over 1 to 3.5 billion years. They were carried to the surface by volcanic activity and have been treasured for millennia.
Each natural diamond carries a unique geological history. For many clients, this rarity and heritage carries profound meaning — particularly for engagement rings and heirloom pieces.
DETARA sources natural diamonds through verified ethical supply chains, ensuring responsible provenance for every stone.
Both lab-grown and natural diamonds in the DETARA collection meet identical quality standards: D–G color range, VVS clarity, and certification by IGI or GIA.
Common Questions
Diamond FAQ
What is the difference between natural and lab-grown diamonds?
Natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth over billions of years. Lab-grown diamonds are created using advanced technology that replicates this process. Both are chemically, physically, and optically identical — pure crystallised carbon. The difference lies only in origin. DETARA offers both options, all certified by IGI or GIA.
What carat size should I choose for an engagement ring?
The most popular choice is 0.70–1.00 ct, which offers a noticeable presence without being overstated. A 0.70 ct round brilliant measures approximately 5.8 mm in diameter. The right size depends on your budget, the wearer's finger size, and personal preference. Our advisors can help you find the perfect balance.
Are lab-grown diamonds real diamonds?
Yes. Lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds with the same crystal structure, chemical composition, hardness, and optical properties as natural diamonds. A gemologist cannot distinguish them without specialised equipment. Both are certified by IGI or GIA.
What diamond certification does DETARA use?
DETARA uses IGI (International Gemological Institute) and GIA (Gemological Institute of America) — the two most respected grading laboratories in the world. Every DETARA diamond comes with a certificate documenting its cut, colour, clarity, and carat weight.
What colour and clarity standards does DETARA use?
DETARA works exclusively with D–G colour range diamonds and VVS clarity standards. D–G colour diamonds appear colourless to near-colourless to the naked eye, and VVS clarity means inclusions are extremely difficult to see even under 10x magnification.
Ready to choose your diamond?
Our advisors are available to guide you through every decision.