Top 5 Things to Consider When Picking Out Your Diamond
June 5th, 2025
At Frank Adams Jewelers in Albany, New York, we understand that selecting a diamond that suits your design and budget needs can feel overwhelming. Whether you're choosing a stone for an engagement ring, wedding band, or heirloom piece, the selection process might get complicated. As you begin your search, there are five key elements to keep in mind: shape, colour, carat weight, clarity, and the setting your stone is intended for. Let us walk you through these important factors to ensure your selection perfectly reflects your intention, taste, and budget.
Diamond Shape
The shape of a diamond determines much of its overall style and visual appeal. While the round brilliant cut is a timeless classic celebrated for maximum sparkle, fancy shapes such as oval, pear, cushion, and emerald cuts each offer a distinct personality. Our experts at Frank Adams Jewelers are here to help you explore these options and understand how each shape interacts with light and complements different settings. Your diamond’s shape also influences how large it will appear in its setting and its price.
Diamond Color
The second factor to consider is the color of the diamond. Color plays a crucial role in a diamond’s overall beauty. Most diamonds fall within a grading scale from D (colorless) to Z (light yellow or brown). The closer to colorless a diamond is, the rarer and more valuable it is. At our store, we help clients assess how colour interacts with setting style and metal type, ensuring the tone enhances the overall sparkle. You may also choose to opt for a stone with a lesser color grade that is barely noticeable to the naked or untrained eye to make the most of your money. Whether you prefer icy white tones or warm, vintage charm, we will guide you to a choice that feels meaningful.
Diamond Carat Weight
Carat weight refers to a diamond’s size, but bigger isn’t always better — balance, proportion, and personal style matter just as much. Consider the size of the setting and the wearer's lifestyle when selecting carat weight. Some may prefer a lower-carat stone with exceptional sparkle over a heavier diamond that lacks brilliance. It’s also worth noting that slight differences in carat weight can significantly impact cost.
Diamond Clarity
Clarity refers to the internal and surface characteristics of a diamond, often invisible to the naked eye. Many stones with small inclusions still appear clear unless placed under a microscope, offering exceptional visual appeal without the premium cost of higher grades. Evaluating clarity involves balancing aesthetic preferences with budget, as inclusions that are not readily visible can provide excellent value.
Where the Diamond Will Be Set
Considering where your diamond will be set is essential to making the right selection. Whether you're envisioning an engagement ring, a wedding band, a pendant, or a pair of earrings, each setting interacts differently with the diamond’s shape, size, and style. For example, diamonds in earrings may not need to be as visually clear and brilliant as those set in rings that are worn daily and remain ever in your line of vision. We’ll help you match the right diamond to its intended design, ensuring beauty, comfort, and durability in the piece you wear and treasure for years to come.
Shop for Stunning Diamonds at Frank Adams Jewelers
We invite you to discover our remarkable selection of loose diamonds and engagement rings atFrank Adams Jewelers, located in Albany, New York. Explore our bridal and fine jewelry collections, or collaborate on a unique piece through our custom design services. Our showroom welcomes clients from Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, and beyond. To learn more or book a private appointment, contact us today. Experience what it means to shop with ‘Albany’s Finest’ — where world-class quality and a century of trust come together in every diamond we offer.
