From Cut to Carat: Everything You Need to Know About Buying an Engagement Ring - Buffalo, NY Edition
Choosing an engagement ring is one of the most exciting—and for many, one of the most nerve‑wracking—moments in a relationship. It’s a deeply personal piece of jewelry, meant to last a lifetime, and yet there are so many options. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you should know: the 4Cs of diamonds, the different types (natural, lab‑grown, diamond simulants), ring settings, band styles, and where to shop—especially in Buffalo, NY (for that local touch), plus reputable online sources. We will also share advice on what to look for, common pitfalls, and tips to ensure you get something beautiful and lasting.
A classic round brilliant diamond on a white gold solitaire band is elegant and timeless. Photo by Lindsey Robinson Photography.
1. Diamond “Types”: Natural, Lab‑Grown, Simulants
When people say “diamond,” what they often mean is a natural diamond—a carbon crystal formed over eons in the earth’s mantle, then brought to the surface. However, modern gemology offers alternatives, and understanding these helps you make an informed decision.
Natural Diamonds
These are mined. Their value stems not only from their physical beauty but also from rarity, tradition, and market demand. They are graded using the 4Cs (cut, color, clarity, carat) and usually accompanied by a grading report from a lab such as GIA or AGS.
Lab‑Grown Diamonds
These are real diamonds too: they have the same chemical structure, physical hardness, and optical properties as mined diamonds—but grown in a lab under controlled conditions. Because production can be more efficient (no deep mining), lab diamonds often cost less per carat than equivalent natural stones. Many reputable online retailers now offer lab-grown diamonds with full grading reports. Lab-grown diamonds also offer less controversial sourcing, since mined diamonds are thought to contribute to environmental damage, and mining operations are often linked to exploitation of labor and disruption of local communities.
Diamond Simulants / Alternatives
These are not diamonds, but materials that mimic their appearance:
Moissanite: Very popular. Brilliant sparkle, hardness (though slightly less than diamond), and lower cost. Many jewelers now carry moissanite engagement rings. For example, Jewel Eternal specializes in moissanite rings. Jewel Eternal
Cubic zirconia: Much softer and less durable than diamond or moissanite; more often used for fashion jewelry.
White sapphire, spinel, or zircon: Other alternatives, but none match diamond’s hardness or durability over time.
It’s fine to choose something other than a natural diamond—what matters most is your partner’s preference, your budget, and ensuring the ring is well made and durable.
2. The 4Cs: Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat
Regardless of whether you choose a natural or lab-grown diamond, the 4Cs remain the key framework for understanding quality and price.
Cut
Cut refers not to the shape (round, princess, etc.) but how well the facets are proportioned, angled, and polished. A well-cut diamond returns maximum light to your eye—hence sparkle (brilliance) and “fire” (dispersion of color). Even a high‑quality diamond in other factors can look dull if badly cut. Many experts argue cut is the single most important of the 4Cs.
Color
Diamond color is graded on a scale (for white/clear diamonds) from D (colorless) downward; the more color (yellow or brown tint) the lower the grade. However, differences beyond a certain point may not be visible to the naked eye. Many couples choose a slightly lower color grade (e.g. G or H) to save money, especially if the stone is set in a white metal like platinum or white gold (which masks slight color).
Clarity
Clarity refers to internal or surface imperfections (inclusions or blemishes). Grading runs from Flawless (FL) and Internally Flawless (IF) through Very Very Slight (VVS1, VVS2), Very Slight (VS1, VS2), Slight (SI1, SI2), to Included (I1, I2, I3). Many “eye-clean” diamonds exist in the VS or high SI range—imperfections that are not visible without magnification.
Carat
This is the weight (not size) of the diamond. One carat = 0.2 grams. Price jumps significantly at quarter‑carat, half, and full‑carat thresholds. Many buyers balance the carat with cut, color, and clarity: e.g. a slightly lower clarity but excellent cut can yield a more visually impressive diamond for the same budget.
Trade‑offs & priorities
Many experts suggest prioritizing cut first (to maximize sparkle), then pick a color-clarity pairing that is “good enough” but gets you more carat.
Use a diamond certificate (GIA, AGS) to verify the 4Cs.
View the stone in multiple lighting conditions (store lighting, daylight) before committing.
3. Diamond Shapes & Styles (Cuts vs Shapes)
While “cut” in the 4Cs refers to facet quality, “shape” refers to the outline of the diamond. Common shapes include:
Round brilliant (classic, most efficient sparkle)
Princess (square)
Cushion (rounded square / pillow shape)
Oval
Emerald (step cut)
Asscher (square step cut, vintage feel)
Marquise
Pear
Radiant (hybrid brilliant + step facets)
Trillion, heart, kite, shield, etc.
Each shape offers a distinct look; e.g. elongated shapes (oval, marquise, pear) can make fingers look longer. Some shapes hide inclusions better than others (step cuts like emerald are less forgiving). The balance of edge length to depth matters in terms of visual spread.
4. Setting & Band Styles
Once you have your center stone, next you choose how it’s set and what the band looks like. The setting affects both aesthetics and durability.
Popular Setting Styles
Solitaire: Classic single stone with prongs (4 or 6). Emphasizes the diamond.
Halo: A “halo” of smaller diamonds surrounds the center stone, making it appear larger and adding sparkle.
Three-stone: Center diamond flanked by two side stones (often smaller). Symbolic: past, present, future.
Side-stone / Pavé band: The band itself is studded with small diamonds, sometimes all the way around (eternity) or halfway (half-eternity).
Bezel: Metal rim encircles the diamond—very secure and protective setting, good for active wearers.
Channel set: Side diamonds set into channels within the band—great for low profile and durability.
Tension: The stone is “suspended” by pressure of the band arms—modern and dramatic, but can be risky for certain stones.
Cluster / Vintage / Art Deco / Milgrain / Filigree: More ornate designs with decorative metal work.
Band Styles & Metals
Metal choices: Platinum (durable, hypoallergenic, more expensive), white gold (popular, more affordable), yellow gold, rose gold, palladium.
Band profile: Straight, tapered, knife-edge, curved, criss-cross, bypass, twisted.
Width & thickness: Ensure the band feels comfortable and balanced relative to the stone’s size.
Matching wedding band: Many engagement ring designs are made to pair seamlessly with a wedding band—either flush, notched, or curved.
5. Where to Shop Locally in Buffalo, NY
Visiting local jewelers allows you to see stones in person, ask questions, and hold the ring on your hand. Here are some Buffalo-area options worth checking out:
Bomi Jewelers (4574 Main Street, Buffalo, NY 14226)
They carry GIA-certified stones, offer custom designs, and have a range of settings from classic to halo. Bomi JewelersThe Showroom on Union (4230 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14225)
They stock a variety of engagement ring styles with GIA gradings and offer financing. The Showroom on Union
Paul’s Jewelry Design (12 North Ellicott Creek Road, Amherst, NY 14228)
A full-service shop with certified diamonds, custom design, and in-house goldsmiths. Paul's Jewelry DesignBarbara Oliver Jewelry (5820 Main Street, Suite 311, Williamsville, NY 14221)
They specialize in unique, artisanal, and custom engagement ring designs, with a graduate gemologist on staff to guide you. barbaraoliverjewelry.comS & E Jewelers (6470 Transit Road, Depew, NY 14043)
They emphasize conflict-free diamonds, carry loose stones, and work with customers to customize settings. sandejewelers.comBen Garelick Jewelers (5001 Transit Road, Williamsville, NY 14221)
A longtime Buffalo jeweler with both in-store and online presence, known for its service and selection, carrying designer ring collections and custom work. Ben GarelickBrian Michaels Jewelers (1150 Niagara Falls Boulevard, Tonawanda, NY 14150)
Their “Engagement Package” includes education in the 4Cs, lifetime cleaning, and a diamond upgrade policy. brianmichaelsjewelers.com
When visiting local jewelers, bring your own lighting (e.g. smartphone flashlight), and ask them to show you the stone under daylight or neutral lighting to see its true sparkle.
A classic round brilliant diamond set in a vintage-inspired pave setting with matching band. Photo by Lindsey Robinson Photography.
6. Reputable Online Retailers & Strategies
Online diamond retailers offer advantages: lower overhead, large inventories, and easy filtering by cut, 4Cs, price. But you lose hands‑on viewing, so you must rely on high-quality images, videos, and return policies.
Here are some well-known and reputable online options:
Blue Nile: One of the pioneers in online diamonds. They offer both natural and lab-grown diamonds, a wide selection of settings, and a price-match guarantee.
James Allen: Known for 360° HD imaging of stones so you can inspect under magnification.
Brilliant Earth: Emphasizes ethically sourced diamonds and lab-grown options.
Whiteflash / Brian Gavin: Specialize in “ideal cut” or super-ideal diamonds with exceptional optical properties.
LooseGrownDiamonds: More niche, especially for lab-grown stones.
Ritani: Hybrid model—buy online and then pick up or view locally if they have partner jewelers.
Adiamor: Offers settings alone as well as loose diamonds (helpful if you already have a stone).
Online shopping tips:
Use filters (cut, carat, fluorescence, etc.) but also compare by image/video.
Request the grading report (PDF) and verify it with the grading lab (GIA, AGS).
Check return policies and restocking fees. Some scammers rely on strict non‑return policies.
Ask for videos, ASET / Idealscope images for light performance.
Factor in shipping, insurance, import/duty costs (if shipped internationally).
Custom settings: Some retailers allow you to buy just the setting (without center stone), or design your own. For example, Blue Nile and Brilliant Earth have settings-only options.
Many diamond aficionados start online (for the widest selection) and then bring their favorite options to a trusted local jeweler to inspect or mount.
7. Putting It All Together: A Workflow for Buying
Here’s a suggested step-by-step approach:
Set your budget (stone + setting).
Decide stone type: natural or lab-grown (or alternative).
Decide your priority among the 4Cs: typically, cut first, then pick a color/clarity compromise to maximize carat within budget.
Choose the shape you or your partner prefer.
Browse diamond options online, shortlist a few stones with images/videos.
Bring your shortlist to local jewelers to view in person (or ask them to obtain them).
Select setting & band style, or custom design with a local jeweler or via an online custom program.
Get a detailed contract or invoice, stating certificate, metal weight, warranty, return/upgrade policy.
Insure the ring (often via a rider policy or through Jewelers Mutual).
Get periodic checks and cleanings, which many local jewelers (like Ben Garelick, Brian Michaels) offer free or discounted.
8. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls to Avoid
Buying purely on carat without regard to cut: large but poorly cut stones may look dull.
Trusting only store lighting: some stores use lighting that makes all diamonds look sparkly—always see the stone in neutral light.
Overlooking durability / setting security: pointier shapes (pear, marquise) may chip; prongs get worn over time.
Skipping the certificate: never buy a diamond without a trusted grading report.
Not checking return/upgrade policies: especially for online purchases.
Assuming all lab-grown diamonds are low quality—some are excellent, especially when graded and cut well.
Ignoring matching between engagement ring and wedding band: make sure they sit flush or pair well.
Choosing an engagement ring is both an emotional and technical journey. By educating yourself about the 4Cs, understanding the differences between natural and lab-grown diamonds, exploring setting and band styles, and combining online browsing with in-person inspection, you’ll be in a strong position to choose a ring that’s both meaningful and well crafted.
A bride admires her engagement ring while getting ready for her ceremony at Notting Hill Farm. Photo by Lauren Victoria Photography.
We hope you enjoyed this blog about everything you need to know about buying an engagement ring - Buffalo, NY edition! Take your time, ask questions, compare, and view under different lights. The ring you choose will symbolize your love story, so it’s worth investing in a process that gets you a ring you’ll cherish forever.
Supporting Local
At Notting Hill Farm, we’re committed to raising awareness about the importance of supporting locally owned wedding venues. You can make a difference by writing a Google review, following these venues on social media, and sharing recommendations whenever you can. Your support means the world to us and to small business owners across the country. We’re excited to give a heartfelt shoutout to some of our incredible venue owner colleagues nationwide. If you’re planning your big day, consider choosing a locally owned venue—find some of the best through the Wedding Venue Map. Hidden Springs Venue Blog, Swan Lake Overlook Blog, Circle of Seven Ranch Blog, Riverbend Estate Venue, The Mill District Blog, The Stables at Cypress Creek Blog, Pine Lake Ranch Blog, The Barn at Cedar Grove, Venue de La Chute Blog, Carolyn Baldwin Lake Pavilion Blog
