Independent Diamond Education

Diamond Buying School: A solitaire diamond engagement ring.

Welcome to Diamond Buying School, your source for learning all about diamonds before you buy.

Start with our Diamond Buying Guide or learn about the four Cs of diamonds - the four important characteristics that determine the value of a diamond.

Finally, learn how to save money and buy ethical diamonds with the best online jewelers.

Once upon a time, it was said that an engagement ring should cost at least three months’ salary. This is not as much of a tradition as it used to be because more and more couples are looking for ways to save money in these tough economic times. But this doesn’t mean you can’t get […]

Most people think the only significant wedding anniversaries are the big ones, like the 25-year and 50-year anniversaries. But the first wedding anniversary is pretty important as well. This is when you eat that top layer of your wedding cake to mark this important milestone. Is your first wedding anniversary coming up soon? If so, […]

Many think their wedding bands must match, but this has only been commonplace since the mid-20th century in North America. But this doesn’t mean that matching wedding bands haven’t been popular in other parts of the world throughout the centuries. In fact, they were pretty popular during the Renaissance, with puzzle rings used for couples […]

For many, their wedding band is one of the most important purchases they will ever make. A wedding band expresses your love and style, and is an investment in your future together. It’s no surprise that it needs to be perfect. If you struggle to find the right wedding ring for your taste or want […]

If you have an engagement ring, you likely never want to take it off. But is it safe to always wear the ring, especially if you are in the shower and regularly exposing it to water and soap? The short answer is yes, you can wear your rings in the shower. But that doesn’t necessarily […]

The last thing you want is a diamond falling out of your ring. However, this does happen. While it can be incredibly heartbreaking, it is sometimes unavoidable. In fact, it could be several minutes or even hours before you even notice, and by then, it could be too late to locate the missing stone. Your […]

How Are Melee Diamonds Cut?

by David Weliver

Melee diamonds are tiny diamonds used to accentuate jewelry, usually surrounding the central stone in an engagement or wedding ring. Melee diamonds are increasingly popular in how they can add brilliance and visual impact to a ring. They are also increasingly popular because new technologies have created ways to increase the sparkle of even very […]

So, you have finally decided that it is time to propose to your partner. Now, you may wonder when buying the perfect engagement ring is best. There are several things to consider before you actually go out and buy the ring. First, when do you plan on proposing? The proposal date will significantly affect when […]

Are Black Diamonds Real?

by David Weliver

Many people ask are black diamonds real. Is this something you have been wondering about as well? The short answer is that black diamonds are genuine. There are a few types of black diamonds, some more valuable than others. A black diamond is unique if you are looking for something different in an engagement ring. […]

What is Diamond Accent?

by David Weliver

If you are planning on buying a diamond ring of any kind, there are many considerations that you need to keep in mind. Of course, the quality and shape of the main stone, as well as the setting, need to be considered. However, another aspect of your diamond ring that you may want to think […]