Choosing a diamond isn’t just about picking the biggest sparkler you can find—it’s about finding the right gem that suits your vision, budget, and style. Whether you’re creating a one-of-a-kind engagement ring or designing a statement piece just for you, the diamond you select becomes the centerpiece of a story. And at Mark Katzeff, Edmonton’s trusted name in custom jewelry, we believe that every diamond should be chosen with care, intention, and expert guidance.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the perfect diamond for custom rings—from understanding the 4Cs to choosing the best shape and setting for your style. Consider this your go-to guide (with a few insider tips sprinkled in) for making a confident and meaningful choice.

Why Your Diamond Choice Matters

A diamond isn’t just a purchase—it’s an investment in a memory, a milestone, or a symbol of something deeply personal. That’s why selecting the perfect diamond goes hand-in-hand with custom design. At Mark Katzeff, we don’t just sell jewelry—we help you create pieces that last a lifetime and beyond.

Let’s say you’re designing an engagement ring. You’ve got a vision: something timeless, elegant, and personal. Choosing the right diamond ensures that your ring reflects not only your partner’s taste but also the emotion behind the proposal. And when it’s custom-made, every detail counts—starting with the stone.

Understanding the 4Cs: Your Diamond’s DNA

If you’ve done even a little bit of diamond research, you’ve probably come across the 4Cs: Cut, Clarity, Color, and Carat. These are the globally recognized standards for evaluating diamonds, and they play a huge role in how a diamond looks—and how much it costs.

Cut: The Sparkle Factor

Cut is often considered the most important of the 4Cs. It affects how well the diamond reflects light, which is what gives it that signature sparkle. A well-cut diamond, even with average color or clarity, can look brilliant and lively.

Tip from the Bench: At Mark Katzeff, we always prioritize cut when helping clients select diamonds for custom rings. A high-quality cut brings your design to life—literally.

Clarity: Perfectly Imperfect

Clarity measures the number and visibility of natural imperfections, called inclusions. Most diamonds have them—it’s what makes them natural! But unless they affect the brilliance or structure, many inclusions are invisible to the naked eye.

Common Clarity Grades:

FL/IF: Flawless or Internally Flawless (very rare)
VS1/VS2: Very Slightly Included (a great sweet spot for quality and value)
SI1/SI2: Slightly Included (imperfections visible under 10x magnification)

Color: From Icy White to Warm Hues

Most diamonds range from colorless (Grade D) to light yellow or brown (Grade Z). Colorless diamonds tend to be more valuable, but sometimes a slightly warm tone (like in G-H range) pairs beautifully with yellow or rose gold.

Carat: Size vs. Perception

Carat refers to weight, not size—though larger carats generally look bigger. But remember: size isn’t everything. A smaller diamond with excellent cut and clarity can outshine a larger, poorly cut one.

[sora: close-up shot of a jeweler comparing two diamonds under magnification]
Alt text: diamond expert in edmonton comparing stone quality

Diamond Shapes: What’s Your Style?

Diamond shape is where your personal style really comes into play. Some clients come in knowing exactly what they want—others need a little inspiration. Here are a few popular shapes we often work with at Mark Katzeff:

Round Brilliant

The most popular cut for good reason—maximum sparkle and timeless appeal.

Oval

Elegant and elongating on the finger. Great if you want a little more surface area.

Princess

Sharp, modern, and edgy with a lot of fire.

Emerald

Understated and sophisticated, with a “hall of mirrors” effect.

Pear

A romantic, vintage-inspired shape that stands out.

Real Life Example: A client recently came in wanting to repurpose her grandmother’s emerald-cut diamond into a modern setting. We preserved the original stone and designed a sleek, platinum band to complement its geometry. It’s now a family heirloom reimagined.

[sora: side-by-side comparison of diamond shapes on ring settings]
Alt text: custom diamond rings edmonton comparison of ring styles

Diamond Certification: What to Look For

Before buying a diamond, make sure it’s certified by a reputable gemological lab like GIA or AGS. This certification confirms that your diamond has been professionally evaluated and graded. It’s your proof of quality—and peace of mind.

At Mark Katzeff, we only work with diamonds that come with full certification and traceability. We’ll walk you through the report and help you interpret each grading to ensure you're getting exactly what you expect.

Custom Settings: Highlighting the Stone

The setting you choose should enhance your diamond, not overpower it. Think of it like the frame to a beautiful piece of art—it supports and elevates the centerpiece.

Popular Custom Settings at Mark Katzeff

Solitaire: Clean and classic. All eyes on the diamond.
Halo: A circle of smaller diamonds for added sparkle.
Three-Stone: Symbolizes past, present, future.
Bezel: Sleek, secure, and modern—great for everyday wear.

Expert Insight: We often sketch out several options during our initial consultation to help clients visualize how different settings can transform the look of their diamond. It's part of our collaborative custom design process.

[sora: jeweler sketching ring setting options on paper beside a loose diamond]
Alt text: custom engagement ring sketches by edmonton goldsmith

Lab-Grown vs. Natural: Is There a Difference?

More and more clients are asking about lab-grown diamonds—and for good reason. They’re real diamonds, created in a lab under controlled conditions, and they’re typically more affordable.

Natural diamonds, on the other hand, are formed over billions of years and carry that unique sense of history.

At Mark Katzeff, we offer both options and will walk you through the pros and cons based on your values, budget, and the story you want your ring to tell.

Custom Ring Design: Bringing It All Together

Once you’ve chosen your diamond, it’s time to start the design process. At Mark Katzeff, this is where the fun really begins.

Our Custom Process:

Consultation: We learn about your story, your style, and your budget.
Stone Selection: You view hand-selected diamonds based on your preferences.
Design & Sketching: We translate your ideas into initial concepts.
CAD or Wax Modeling: See your ring in 3D before it’s made.
Crafting: Our goldsmiths begin the detailed work of bringing your ring to life.
Final Reveal: You receive your one-of-a-kind ring, crafted with care.

[sora: client viewing ring design on screen in a jewelry studio]
Alt text: custom jewelry design consultation edmonton studio

Diamond Shopping in Edmonton: Why Choose Mark Katzeff

There are many places to buy a diamond—but few that offer the level of expertise, personal attention, and craftsmanship that you’ll find at Mark Katzeff. With over 30 years of experience and a deep commitment to ethical sourcing and design integrity, we’re proud to be Edmonton’s trusted name for custom diamond rings.

Whether you’re creating a modern engagement ring or redesigning an antique heirloom, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

“A diamond should reflect more than just light—it should reflect you.”

Final Thoughts: What’s Your Next Step?

If you're feeling inspired (or even just curious), we invite you to book a consultation with Mark Katzeff. Whether you already have a diamond in mind or need help starting from scratch, we’re here to make the process simple, creative, and meaningful.

Let’s bring your perfect custom diamond ring to life—together.

We also offer an extensive collection of custom and stock rings:

Engagements Rings
Wedding Rings
Ladies wedding rings
Men's wedding bands

Let Mark Katzeff help you find what you want that not only inspires you but meets your budget. Call for a free consultation today!

Out Of Town Custom Jewellery Store Customers

Mark Katzeff attracts clients from all over the world to visit his unique jewellery store in Edmonton, here are some of his top links in staying here when meeting with our team, try some of the other attractions!!