A FREE GUIDE FOR SERIOUS DIAMOND BUYERS
9 checks I walk every client through before they approve a solitaire diamond. Use even five, and you'll buy better than 90% of the market.
No spam. No upselling. Just the checklist.
The Solitaire Buying Checklist is on its way. Meanwhile, you can download it directly:
Download Now →WHAT’S INSIDE THE SOLITAIRE BUYING CHECKLIST
For any solitaire diamond above half a carat, only GIA certification matters. Learn why IGI and HRD fall short for investment-grade solitaire stones.
Cut is the single biggest driver of a solitaire diamond's brilliance. A 1.5-carat Excellent cut will outshine a 2-carat Good cut every single time.
These two grades sit right below cut on every GIA certificate. Both must read Excellent, or light leaks before it reaches your eye.
Learn which diamond fluorescence grades are acceptable and which ones can make your solitaire look hazy or milky in daylight.
Why D-colour isn’t always the best buy, and how to find the diamond colour and clarity grade that looks identical for thousands less.
Table percentage, depth ratio, girdle thickness, and the one red flag that even experienced diamond buyers miss. All inside the free solitaire buying guide.
YOUR PERSONAL DIAMOND ADVISOR
Third-generation jeweller. GIA trained. I built The Solitaire Guy to help discerning buyers across the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, and India source the perfect solitaire diamond — without the markups, the jargon, or the guesswork. Every solitaire I recommend has been personally evaluated against all nine checks in this guide.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Focus on the 4Cs — Cut, Colour, Clarity, and Carat — but prioritise Cut above everything. A well-cut solitaire with an Excellent or Ideal grade from GIA will outshine a larger stone with a lower cut grade. Always insist on GIA certification, and check that both polish and symmetry are rated Excellent. Our free checklist covers all nine checks in detail.
GIA (Gemological Institute of America) is the gold standard in diamond grading. Their reports are consistent, unbiased, and internationally recognised. For investment-grade solitaires above 0.50 carats, GIA certification ensures you know exactly what you're paying for — no inflated grades, no surprises.
The most popular solitaire sizes for engagement rings are 0.70 to 1.50 carats. However, the ideal size depends on your budget, the ring setting, and your partner's hand size. A well-cut 1-carat solitaire often looks as impressive as a poorly cut 1.5-carat stone. Quality of cut always beats size.
Yes. The Solitaire Guy sources GIA-certified diamonds and ships to clients in the US, UK, UAE, Singapore, Australia, India, Canada, and Hong Kong. Every stone is personally evaluated before recommendation, and comes with full GIA documentation and insurance during transit.
A solitaire refers to a single diamond set alone in a ring — it's a setting style, not a diamond type. The diamond itself can be any shape: round brilliant, oval, cushion, princess, or emerald cut. "Solitaire" means the diamond is the sole star of the piece, with no side stones competing for attention.
A 1-carat GIA-certified solitaire diamond can range from approximately $4,000 to $12,000+ depending on cut, colour, and clarity grades. The sweet spot for most buyers is a G-H colour, VS1-VS2 clarity, Excellent cut stone — offering the best balance of beauty and value. Download our free checklist to learn exactly what to look for.
READY TO BUY A SOLITAIRE DIAMOND?
Get the free diamond buying checklist. Or book a personal consultation and let me help you find the perfect solitaire.