CarbonstoneUK

A solitaire is a ring set with one diamond and nothing else. Setting styles, real prices, pros and cons, and how to choose one.

What a 2 carat cushion cut really looks like, what drives the price, and which settings suit it. Lab-grown pricing explained honestly.

Princess, Asscher, radiant and square cushion compared on price, sparkle, durability and the clarity grade each one really needs.

Rough diamond looks like a greasy grey pebble with no sparkle at all. Here is what uncut diamond really looks like, and why cutting changes it.

Carat-to-mm size chart for emerald cut diamonds, what 1, 2 and 3 carats look like on the hand, and how to pick the right size.

A halo is a circle of small diamonds around the centre stone. What it does to size, price and everyday wear, explained plainly.

A 1 carat pear is about 8.5 x 5.5mm. Size by ratio, how it compares to a round, and the bow-tie effect no certificate shows.

Rose cuts usually cost less per carat and look bigger for their weight, but there are three situations where they cost more.

Brilliant cut is a faceting style, not a quality grade. Here is when it costs more, when it does not, and what you actually get.

Cushion cuts cost less than rounds, but not as much less as you think once the ring is made. Honest UK price guidance.