A banner with loose diamonds of different shapes

Diamond Buying Guide

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

A banner with loose diamonds of different shapes

Diamond Buying Guide

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

A banner with loose diamonds of different shapes

Diamond Buying Guide

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

Ready to buy a diamond? Our helpful guide will take you through the process.

Illustration of a jewelry box and a diamond on a pillow
Illustration of a jewelry box and a diamond on a pillow
Shane Co. Diamonds
At Shane Co. we’ve been experts in the diamond business since 1929. This means we know diamonds better than anyone else. But most importantly, there’s always transparency and integrity in everything we do. So no matter what diamond you choose, with Shane Co. you can always be sure you’re getting the most beautiful stone at the best value.
The Shane Co. Diamond Promise
As your friend, we promise that all of our diamonds, no matter if they’re natural or lab-grown, are:
  • Conflict-free and ethically sourced
  • Sourced directly from our vendors
  • Hand-selected for quality by our expert team
  • Hand-matched for consistency
  • Cut to the highest standards
  • Covered by our Free Lifetime Warranty
  • Eligible for upgrades
  • Available in a huge range of shapes and carat weights
  • Available in our store, where you can use a loupe to look at them up close like our master jewelers
Illustration of a sales associate making a promise
Illustration of a sales associate making a promise
The Shane Co. Diamond Promise
As your friend, we promise that all of our diamonds, no matter if they’re natural or lab-grown, are:
  • Conflict-free and ethically sourced
  • Sourced directly from our vendors
  • Hand-selected for quality by our expert team
  • Hand-matched for consistency
  • Cut to the highest standards
  • Covered by our Free Lifetime Warranty
  • Eligible for upgrades
  • Available in a huge range of shapes and carat weights
  • Available in our store, where you can use a loupe to look at them up close like our master jewelers
Types of Shane Co. Diamonds
We offer natural diamonds, including our Shane Classic diamonds, as well as lab-grown diamonds. Learn more about the types of diamonds we carry below.

Transparency and Integrity

At Shane Co., we go above and beyond to differentiate our lab-grown diamonds from our natural diamonds. Our lab-grown diamonds are kept separate from our natural diamonds from when they’re created by the vendor up until they’re brought home by the customer. As an added measure, our lab-grown diamonds are certified by a third-party institute and inscribed with “Shane Co. Lab-Grown.”
Illustration of a diamond being set in an engagement ring
Illustration of a diamond being set in an engagement ring

Transparency and Integrity

At Shane Co., we go above and beyond to differentiate our lab-grown diamonds from our natural diamonds. Our lab-grown diamonds are kept separate from our natural diamonds from when they’re created by the vendor up until they’re brought home by the customer. As an added measure, our lab-grown diamonds are certified by a third-party institute and inscribed with “Shane Co. Lab-Grown.”
Illustration of a nature scene with raw diamonds in the ground
Natural Diamonds
Our natural and conflict-free diamonds are hand-selected at the source. They’re prized for their rarity, and formed deep within the earth over billions of years.
Illustration of a nature scene with raw diamonds in the ground
Natural Diamonds
Our natural and conflict-free diamonds are hand-selected at the source. They’re prized for their rarity, and formed deep within the earth over billions of years.

Shane Classic® Diamonds

These natural diamonds are known for their remarkable brilliance. In fact, less than 1% of the world’s diamonds meet the Shane Classic standards for perfect proportion, symmetry, and polish.
shop shane classic diamonds

Shane Classic® Diamonds

These natural diamonds are known for their remarkable brilliance. In fact, less than 1% of the world’s diamonds meet the Shane Classic standards for perfect proportion, symmetry, and polish.
shop shane classic diamonds
Illustration of a scientist inspecting a lab-grown diamond

Lab-Grown Diamonds

We offer high-quality lab-grown diamonds cut to maximize sparkle, so you know you’re getting incredible quality. Created with cutting-edge science and technology, these diamonds offer a great value.

Illustration of a scientist inspecting a lab-grown diamond

Lab-Grown Diamonds

We offer high-quality lab-grown diamonds cut to maximize sparkle, so you know you’re getting incredible quality. Created with cutting-edge science and technology, these diamonds offer a great value.

An Endless Selection of Diamonds

We offer an incredible selection of diamond shapes — round, pear, cushion cut, emerald cut, and more — in a wide range of carat weights, from 1 carat all the way to 5 carats.

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An Endless Selection of Diamonds

We offer an incredible selection of diamond shapes — round, pear, cushion cut, emerald cut, and more — in a wide range of carat weights, from 1 carat all the way to 5 carats.

shop diamonds
Is a Natural Diamond or Lab-Grown Diamond Better for You?
When it comes down to it, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and no two are alike. Natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical makeup, look the same, and they’re both diamonds. At Shane Co. both natural and lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free. So what’s the difference? Here we’ll give you the details so you can make an informed decision, and pick the best diamond for you.
An illustrated table showing the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds
Is a Natural Diamond or Lab-Grown Diamond Better for You?
When it comes down to it, both natural and lab-grown diamonds are real diamonds, and no two are alike. Natural and lab-grown diamonds have the same chemical makeup, look the same, and they’re both diamonds. At Shane Co. both natural and lab-grown diamonds are ethically sourced and conflict-free. So what’s the difference? Here we’ll give you the details so you can make an informed decision, and pick the best diamond for you.

What Makes Shane Co. Diamonds Different?

Whereas other jewelers buy their diamonds in bulk, we hand-pick every diamond to ensure it’s the highest quality in its grade. We buy directly from the source and own all of our diamonds, which means:

  • We take pride in selecting only the prettiest stones within each grade
  • We don't have huge quality discrepancies within the same grade, unlike our competitors
  • We own all of the diamonds we sell, meaning we always have diamonds in stock, and never have shipping delays
  • We don’t do fracture filling and other enhancements that may weaken the diamond’s structure
  • We protect your diamond with our Free Lifetime Warranty, always
learn more about diamonds

What Makes Shane Co. Diamonds Different?

Whereas other jewelers buy their diamonds in bulk, we hand-pick every diamond to ensure it’s the highest quality in its grade. We buy directly from the source and own all of our diamonds, which means:

  • We take pride in selecting only the prettiest stones within each grade
  • We don't have huge quality discrepancies within the same grade, unlike our competitors
  • We own all of the diamonds we sell, meaning we always have diamonds in stock, and never have shipping delays
  • We don’t do fracture filling and other enhancements that may weaken the diamond’s structure
  • We protect your diamond with our Free Lifetime Warranty, always
learn more about diamonds

Where Do I Start?

Buying diamonds can be an intimidating process. If you’re unsure of what to do next, we have a few questions you can ask yourself to get started.

  • Where do you want to spend your “diamond dollars"? In other words, which of the 4Cs is most important to you?
  • What shape fits her style? Whether you’ve already picked out a setting or are building your engagement ring by choosing your diamond first, picking a shape can help narrow down your choices.
  • Would you like a natural or lab-grown diamond? It’s a personal choice, and there are benefits to buying both types of diamonds.
diamond cheat sheet

All About Diamonds

From learning the 4Cs to how to care for them, here’s everything you need to know about diamonds.

The 4Cs

The 4Cs are the most basic elements for classifying diamonds. They are: cut, clarity, color, and carat (size). Learning about the 4Cs is a great place to start when you begin shopping for diamonds, and it can help you decide which ones are most important to you. Once you figure out which of the 4Cs you want to prioritize, it’ll be easy to find a diamond you love within your budget. To get an in-depth look at the 4Cs, visit our guide below.

the 4cs of diamonds

The 4Cs

The 4Cs are the most basic elements for classifying diamonds. They are: cut, clarity, color, and carat (size). Learning about the 4Cs is a great place to start when you begin shopping for diamonds, and it can help you decide which ones are most important to you. Once you figure out which of the 4Cs you want to prioritize, it’ll be easy to find a diamond you love within your budget. To get an in-depth look at the 4Cs, visit our guide below.

the 4cs of diamonds

Diamond Shapes

Diamonds come in a variety of different shapes, each with their own unique qualities. Some shapes, like oval, can offer a sparkly, elongated look, while others, like round or princess cut, provide classic style and versatility. For an in-depth look at all the diamond shapes Shane Co. offers, visit our Diamond Shapes Guide.

Diamond Shapes Guide

Diamond Certification

Every diamond comes with a certificate that explains its grade, size, authenticity, and other aspects of the diamond that you'll want to know about. At Shane Co., we use our own internal grading system, and sometimes other grading labs like the GIA or IGI to ensure we're offering the highest-quality diamonds in every grade. We also employ the newest state-of-the-art machines when it comes to grading, ensuring that we are at the top of the industry when it comes to new technology.

diamond certification

Diamond Certification

Every diamond comes with a certificate that explains its grade, size, authenticity, and other aspects of the diamond that you'll want to know about. At Shane Co., we use our own internal grading system, and sometimes other grading labs like the GIA or IGI to ensure we're offering the highest-quality diamonds in every grade. We also employ the newest state-of-the-art machines when it comes to grading, ensuring that we are at the top of the industry when it comes to new technology.

diamond certification

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Shane Co. has been ethically sourcing our diamonds since we first opened in 1929, using relationships we've built with care over generations. No matter if it’s a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, we always provide conflict-free diamonds that you can feel good about buying. In addition, our industry has a positive impact on diamond communities all around the world.

Learn More About Conflict-Free Diamonds

Conflict-Free Diamonds

Shane Co. has been ethically sourcing our diamonds since we first opened in 1929, using relationships we've built with care over generations. No matter if it’s a natural diamond or a lab-grown diamond, we always provide conflict-free diamonds that you can feel good about buying. In addition, our industry has a positive impact on diamond communities all around the world.

Learn More

Diamond Care and Cleaning

Every Shane Co. purchase comes with free lifetime care and cleaning. Come in every six months or so to ensure your jewelry remains beautiful for a lifetime. We’re also happy to clean your jewelry as often as you’d like, even jewelry that wasn’t purchased at Shane Co.


We understand life gets busy, and if you want to clean your jewelry at home between your Shane Co. Care & Cleanings, here are some tips:

  1. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water in a small bowl.

  2. Let the diamond soak in the solution for up to an hour.

  3. If the diamond is especially dirty, use a toothbrush to gently remove any residue that may be stuck in hard-to-reach places.

  4. Rinse with warm water, dry, and enjoy your clean ring!
about our warranty

Diamond Care and Cleaning

Every Shane Co. purchase comes with free lifetime care and cleaning. Come in every six months or so to ensure your jewelry remains beautiful for a lifetime. We’re also happy to clean your jewelry as often as you’d like, even jewelry that wasn’t purchased at Shane Co.


We understand life gets busy, and if you want to clean your jewelry at home between your Shane Co. Care & Cleanings, here are some tips:

  1. Mix a small amount of soap with warm water in a small bowl.

  2. Let the diamond soak in the solution for up to an hour.

  3. If the diamond is especially dirty, use a toothbrush to gently remove any residue that may be stuck in hard-to-reach places.

  4. Rinse with warm water, dry, and enjoy your clean ring!
about our warranty

The Diamond Glossary

Learning about diamonds can be overwhelming, but we can help you brush up on some of the most important diamond-related keywords:

  • Girdle
  • Table percentage
  • Diamond fluorescence
  • Polish

And more. Becoming familiar with these terms can help you navigate your buying journey with ease. Our Diamond Glossary explains all of these diamond-related terms in a digestible way that will give you the confidence you need in choosing a diamond.

diamond glossary

What Is Diamond Subjectivity?

Every diamond grade is based partially on the subjective opinion of the grader. This means that you can actually end up with diamonds that have the exact same grade, but still look considerably different. At Shane Co., we only pick the prettiest diamonds from within each grade, ensuring that the quality of each diamond is at the highest possible level. You can even look at our diamonds with 360-degree videos, so you know that every angle is as beautiful as the last.

shop diamonds

What Is Diamond Subjectivity?

Every diamond grade is based partially on the subjective opinion of the grader. This means that you can actually end up with diamonds that have the exact same grade, but still look considerably different. At Shane Co., we only pick the prettiest diamonds from within each grade, ensuring that the quality of each diamond is at the highest possible level. You can even look at our diamonds with 360-degree videos, so you know that every angle is as beautiful as the last.

shop diamonds

Diamond Budget Tips

Learn how to get the most for your money with these helpful diamond budgeting tips from your friend in the jewelry business.

How Much Should I Spend on a Diamond?

Ultimately, the amount you decide to spend on your diamond is entirely up to you and your personal finances.


Our Budget Buddy Tool can help you figure out which engagement rings and diamonds are within your budget by entering your price range, allocating the amount spent on the setting vs. the center stone, and allowing you to shop only rings that are within your budget. You can also learn more about setting a budget with our helpful guide.

how to set a budget

How Much Should I Spend on a Diamond?

Ultimately, the amount you decide to spend on your diamond is entirely up to you and your personal finances.


Our Budget Buddy Tool can help you figure out which engagement rings and diamonds are within your budget by entering your price range, allocating the amount spent on the setting vs. the center stone, and allowing you to shop only rings that are within your budget. You can also learn more about setting a budget with our helpful guide.

how to set a budget

What If My Budget Is Too Small?

If you’re worried that you won’t be able to buy the perfect diamond with the budget you’ve decided on, we can help! We offer ring financing with both layaway and our Shane Co. Credit Card. We also have the best upgrade policy in the industry, which means you can upgrade your ring at any time.

Financing options

Budget Tips

Here are a few tips to get the most bang for your buck:

  • Go with a yellow gold setting for a yellow-tinted diamond — it will make the gemstone appear whiter!
  • An oval or marquise shape can create the illusion of a larger diamond
  • White sapphires are a great substitute for diamonds, at a much smaller price tag
  • If you choose a lab-grown diamond, you can get a larger diamond for your budget
  • “Off sizes,” such as .9- or 1.9-carat natural diamonds, typically cost less than full 1- or 2-carat diamonds
more budget tips

Budget Tips

Here are a few tips to get the most bang for your buck:

  • Go with a yellow gold setting for a yellow-tinted diamond — it will make the gemstone appear whiter!
  • An oval or marquise shape can create the illusion of a larger diamond
  • White sapphires are a great substitute for diamonds, at a much smaller price tag
  • If you choose a lab-grown diamond, you can get a larger diamond for your budget
  • “Off sizes,” such as .9- or 1.9-carat natural diamonds, typically cost less than full 1- or 2-carat diamonds
more budget tips

Why Choose Shane Co.?

There’s a reason we call ourselves your friend in the diamond business — because we truly care about our customers and our jewelry. Here are just a few reasons why you should choose Shane Co.:

  • Our jewelry consultants are non-commissioned, offering a pressure-free environment every time you visit
  • Our Free Lifetime Warranty is the best in the business and even covers your center stone
  • We’re in it for a lifetime — we’ll be there through the good and the bad, through every special occasion and defining moment, offering help, service, and a friendly face to help you along your journey
  • Our jewelry consultants are experts that will treat you with respect and share their knowledge, to ensure you’re making a purchase you can feel proud about
learn more about us
FAQ

Still have concerns? We're here to answer a few more questions you may have while shopping for diamonds.

WHAT IF THE ANSWER IS NO?

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WHY SHOULD I BUY A DIAMOND?

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HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A DIAMOND IS REAL?

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IS BUYING A DIAMOND A GOOD INVESTMENT?

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HOW IS A DIAMOND CREATED?

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IS MY BUDGET TOO SMALL?

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