Marei Diamond Guide
The Perfect Diamond For You
The 4 C's:
Carat, Color, Clarity, & Cut
This is the measurement unit used to define the weight of the diamond, not the size. Generally speaking, the higher the carat weight, the larger the diamond appears and the more valuable the stone. How large a diamond appears also depends on its proportions. For example, a one-carat diamond that is wider but has shallow proportions will appear larger than a one-carat diamond with excellent proportions. It is important to understand that the carat weight of the diamond does not completely determine its value. You can have two diamonds of the same weight however, the other factors of shape, color, clarity, and the quality of the cut and polish play a large role in determining the value.
Diamond colors are based on the Gemological Institute of America's (GIA) D-Z color grading scale. At the top of the scale, a D rating means that the stone is completely colorless, while the Z rating represents a light yellowish tint. Color is also influenced by the shape of the diamond, so for instance a round brilliant cut stone will hide a slight tint much more so than an emerald or oval cut. Colored fancy diamonds are also seeing an increase in demand. They come in all the colors of the rainbow and are considered exotic. The rarest diamond colors are red and green.
CLARITY
Diamond clarity is the metric used to grade the visual appearance of a diamond. The fewer inclusions inside the stone and blemishes on the surface of the stone the diamond has, the higher the grade. Most imperfections cannot be seen by the naked eye however the clarity grade can impact the cost of the diamond. The types and amount of inclusions may also impact the diamond’s durability. Because diamonds form deep within the earth, they are subject to extreme heat and pressure. 100% flawless diamonds are extremely rare and therefore are in higher demand.
CUT
We consider this the most important of the 4C’s. Although this is the only part of diamond grading that is not controlled by nature, the quality of the actual cut is extremely significant when it comes to the brilliance of the diamond. The proportions, faceting, polish work, and the ability to return light to the eye are all considered when examining a diamond.
Diamond Shapes & Profiles
Each diamond shape has its own personality, how it interacts with light, how it wears on the finger, and how it complements and adds fire and brilliance to different styles of jewelry. Below is a guide to the most popular diamond shapes and what to consider for each:
Round Brilliant-Cut
The classic and most brilliant of all diamond shapes. Its 58 facets are optimized to return light to the eye in a dazzling way, making it ideal for those who prioritize sparkle above all. Its symmetry and depth also help to mask color and inclusions more effectively than many fancy shapes.
Princess-Cut
Square in outline with sharp corners, the princess cut combines geometric modernness with lively sparkle. It offers an excellent balance between brilliance and a more contemporary, angular aesthetic. Because of its shape, it tends to preserve more of the rough stone, making it a popular choice among budget-conscious buyers who don’t want to sacrifice fire.
Emerald-Cut
With its elongated rectangular shape and step-cut facets, the emerald cut emphasizes clarity, elegance, and understated sophistication rather than fiery brilliance. The broad, open “table” makes inclusions more visible, so high clarity is essential. Its hall-of-mirrors effect and vintage feel attract those drawn to subtlety over flash.
Asscher-Cut
A square style with cropped corners (often considered a square emerald), the Asscher cut features step facets and a high crown that produces a dramatic optical effect. It’s elegant and art-deco–inspired, ideal for someone who wants symmetry, clarity, and vintage charm.
Oval-Cut
An elongated version of the round brilliant, the oval cut offers many of the same brilliance but with a flattering finger-lengthening effect. Its elongated shape can also help hide slight tints, and it pairs beautifully with tapered and halo settings.
Marquise-Cut
With a boat-like silhouette and pointed ends, the marquise maximizes perceived size. It offers a dramatic, elongated look, particularly suited to making the finger appear longer. Because of its pointed tips, protective prongs are essential.
Pear-Cut
A mix between round and marquise, the pear shape offers graceful asymmetry. The tapered point can visually lengthen the finger, and the broad end provides generous surface area. As with marquise, the point needs protection, and you’ll want to review how light plays across the breadth of the stone to ensure even brilliance.
Radiant-Cut
This cut combines the elegant trimmed corners of the emerald with the dazzling brilliance of the round. True to its name, the radiant cut sparkles with exceptional fire and light, offering a harmonious blend of modern geometry and timeless brilliance. Its versatile shape complements a wide range of settings, making it a favorite for those who want both elegance and show-stopping sparkle.
Cushion-Cut
This style evokes a romantic, vintage feel, with softly rounded corners and large facets that produce flashes of sparkle. There are variants (e.g. “modified cushion” or “pillow cut”) that lean more toward brilliance or towards a chunkier, antique aesthetic. It’s versatile and flattering on many hand shapes.
Diamond Sourcing & Ethical Transparency
Kimberley Process
At Marei New York, we believe integrity and transparency are as essential as beauty. That’s why we work only with a select number of trusted diamantaires who strictly adhere to the Kimberley Process, ensuring all our mined diamonds are conflict-free and responsibly sourced.
Candamark
™ Diamonds
We also offer Canadamark™ Diamonds, which are 100% traceable and conflict-free. Each Canadamark™ stone comes with full provenance documentation, so you can know exactly where your diamond originated. Responsibly mined in Canada’s Northwest Territories, these diamonds are renowned for their natural beauty, high quality, and ethical sourcing standards. Choosing a Canadamark™ diamond means supporting sustainable mining practices, fair labor, and environmental stewardship, while also owning a gem that embodies purity, integrity, and timeless elegance.
Antique Diamonds
Additionally, we offer antique (pre-loved) diamonds, timeless stones with history, often reclaimed from vintage settings. These stones carry character and sustainability in every facet.
We aim to give you options that not only reflect your aesthetic values and commitment to thoughtful luxury, but also provide the confidence of knowing that every diamond we source is selected with care, integrity, and your peace of mind at the heart of the process.
Diamond History Throughout the Ages
In ancient Egypt, a diamond could be found in the middle of a hieroglyph known as an ankh, which is a cross with a loop on the top. The placement of the stone symbolized the sun, which the Egyptians considered the source of power, truth, and courage. Because of the Egyptians, today we still wear the engagement ring on the third finger of our left hand. They believed the ‘vein of love’ connected the ring finger and the heart.
The Hindu culture believed that diamonds were created by a lightning strike to a rock, and they used them to bring brilliance to the eyes of their statues. The ancient Indians had a saying; “He who wears a diamond will see danger turn away.” The Hindus believed that diamonds made them invincible and that they brought mental clarity due to their refractive qualities.
Greek and Roman history both show that diamonds were a very powerful force in their respective cultures. They believed that diamonds were tears of the gods they worshipped and even small pieces of broken stars that had fallen to earth. In Roman literature, Cupid tipped his arrows with diamonds, and Greek philosopher Plato implied that diamonds were living beings that embodied celestial spirits.