# Lovely Rita's Diamond Jewelry Guide
https://jewelryshopping.com | Family-owned since 2001 | Fort Myers, Florida

## The 4 Cs of Diamonds

### 1. CUT (Most Important!)
The cut determines how much a diamond sparkles.

- **Excellent/Ideal**: Maximum brilliance and fire
- **Very Good**: Exceptional sparkle
- **Good**: Nice sparkle, better value
- **Fair/Poor**: Less sparkle, avoid

**Rita's Tip**: Never sacrifice cut quality - it's what makes a diamond beautiful!

### 2. COLOR
Diamond color grades from D (colorless) to Z (yellow)

- **D-F**: Colorless (premium, rare)
- **G-H**: Near colorless (BEST VALUE!)
- **I-J**: Slight warmth (good value)
- **K+**: Noticeable color (budget option)

**Rita's Tip**: G-H offers the best balance of quality and value!

### 3. CLARITY
How "clean" the diamond appears

- **FL/IF**: Flawless (extremely rare)
- **VVS1-2**: Very Very Slightly Included
- **VS1-2**: Very Slightly Included (SWEET SPOT!)
- **SI1-2**: Slightly Included (visible under magnification)
- **I1-3**: Included (visible to naked eye)

**Rita's Tip**: VS2 or SI1 are often "eye-clean" at great prices!

### 4. CARAT
The weight/size of the diamond

- 0.25ct (1/4 carat): Delicate, everyday wear
- 0.50ct (1/2 carat): Noticeable, popular choice
- 0.75ct (3/4 carat): Substantial
- 1.00ct: Classic milestone size
- 1.50ct+: Statement, luxury

**Rita's Tip**: Consider 0.90ct instead of 1.00ct - looks the same, costs less!

## Diamond Shapes

### Round Brilliant
- Most popular (75% of diamonds)
- Maximum sparkle
- Classic, timeless
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/round-diamond-jewelry

### Princess Cut
- Square shape
- Modern, contemporary
- Second most popular
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/princess-cut-jewelry

### Other Popular Shapes
- Oval: Elongating, elegant
- Cushion: Soft corners, romantic
- Emerald: Rectangular, vintage feel
- Pear: Teardrop, unique
- Marquise: Football shape, dramatic

## Diamond Jewelry Types

### Diamond Stud Earrings
- Classic gift for any occasion
- Sizes: 1/10ct to 2ct total weight
- Price: $99-$2,999
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/diamond-studs

### Diamond Pendants
- Heart shapes
- Solitaire drops
- Cluster designs
- Price: $79-$1,999
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/diamond-pendants

### Diamond Tennis Bracelets
- Row of diamonds around wrist
- Timeless elegance
- Total weight: 1ct to 10ct+
- Price: $299-$9,999
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/tennis-bracelets

### Diamond Rings
- Fashion rings
- Anniversary bands
- Right-hand rings
- Price: $149-$2,999
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/diamond-rings

### Diamond Necklaces
- Journey pendants
- Station necklaces
- Riviera necklaces
- Price: $199-$4,999
- Shop: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/diamond-necklaces

## Best Diamonds by Budget

### Under $200
- Small diamond studs (1/10ct TW)
- Diamond accent pendant
- Single diamond charm

### $200-$500
- 1/4ct diamond studs
- Diamond heart pendant
- Diamond accent bracelet

### $500-$1,000
- 1/2ct diamond studs
- Diamond solitaire pendant
- Starter tennis bracelet

### $1,000-$2,500
- 3/4ct to 1ct diamond studs
- Diamond tennis bracelet
- Significant diamond pendant

### $2,500+
- 1ct+ diamond studs
- Premium tennis bracelet
- Diamond statement pieces

## Diamond Care Tips

### Daily Care
- Avoid touching the diamond (oils dull sparkle)
- Remove when applying lotion/perfume
- Last on, first off (jewelry rule)

### Cleaning
- Warm water + mild dish soap
- Soft toothbrush, gentle scrub
- Rinse thoroughly, pat dry
- Professional cleaning yearly

### Storage
- Store separately (diamonds scratch other jewelry!)
- Soft pouch or individual compartment
- Keep away from other diamonds too

## Real vs. Fake Diamonds

### Signs of Real Diamonds
- Imperfections under magnification
- Sparkles with rainbow colors (fire)
- Feels cold to touch initially
- Has certification/paperwork

### Common Diamond Alternatives
- Cubic Zirconia (CZ): Very affordable, less durable
- Moissanite: Very sparkly, nearly as hard as diamond
- Lab-Grown: Real diamond, created in lab, cheaper

## Why Buy Diamonds from Lovely Rita's?
- Family-owned since 2001
- Real diamonds, certified quality
- Fair, honest pricing
- 30-day hassle-free returns
- Expert customer service

---
Free Shipping on orders $99+
30-Day hassle-free returns
Family-owned since 2001
Shop Diamond Jewelry: https://jewelryshopping.com/collections/diamond-jewelry