Diamonds, Gemstones, Engagement Rings

Jewelry Tips & FAQs:

What is the most common mistake people make when selecting a diamond, especially in Toronto, and how can it be corrected?

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

Tiger Prongs vs. Rounded Prongs: A Guide to Choosing the Right Style

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

Color Gemstones vs. Diamonds: Which Is Right for Your Engagement Ring?

In my experience as a jeweller in Toronto, one of the biggest mistakes people make is focusing too much on certifications, particularly GIA. Many clients believe that a GIA certificate guarantees the best quality, but I’ve seen firsthand that even GIA grades can sometimes be inconsistent or overrated. I’ve had clients compare a GIA-certified diamond to another diamond graded by a reputable lab like IGI or AGS, and the non-GIA diamond often outperforms it in terms of brilliance and overall appearance. Yet, people often still choose the GIA diamond simply due to the brand’s reputation, even if the grading is inaccurate.

I want to be clear: I’m not saying you shouldn’t get a GIA certificate — GIA is a respected grading lab. However, it's essential to ensure you’re getting the **right** GIA certificate, with accurate grading that reflects the true quality of the diamond. Unfortunately, the grading system in the industry often does not work in favor of the consumer; it tends to favor diamond dealers who have established relationships with grading companies. This can sometimes lead to inflated grades that benefit the seller rather than providing an accurate assessment for the buyer.

Another mistake I frequently encounter is relying too much on what you read on Google. While online research can provide valuable information, it cannot replace the experience of actually seeing the diamond with your own eyes. Articles and guides often emphasize the importance of certifications and the Four Cs, but they miss the real-life nuances, such as how a diamond interacts with light or how its cut influences sparkle.

At Design by Sevan I always encourage clients to go beyond the certification and the internet. I take the time to guide them through the process of evaluating diamonds in person, showing side-by-side comparisons from different grading labs, and helping them understand what truly makes a diamond special. My goal is to ensure you select a diamond that looks incredible to your eyes, not just on paper.

In short, don't just rely on Google or a certificate alone — trust your jeweler, trust your eyes, and make sure you're getting the right grading for the diamond you're investing in.

With over three generations of expertise in custom jewelry design and a reputation as a well-known diamond cutter, Design by Sevan is dedicated to crafting personalized, timeless pieces that reflect your unique style and story. We understand that jewelry is more than just an accessory—it’s a symbol of life’s most meaningful moments. Our focus isn’t just on creating beautiful jewelry; it’s about building lasting relationships with our clients, understanding their needs, and providing the best experience from design to creation. At Design by Sevan, we combine exceptional craftsmanship with expertise in diamond cutting to deliver pieces that are both stunning and enduring. Our commitment is to ensure that each piece becomes a cherished part of your journey.

Welcome to Our Jewelry Tips and FAQs!

At Design by Sevan, we believe that an informed customer is a confident customer—and confidence is key when making meaningful purchases like jewelry. With decades of experience in custom jewelry design, diamond expertise, and a deep passion for craftsmanship, we’ve created this guide to address the most common questions and concerns our clients face.

Whether you’re exploring the world of engagement rings, comparing natural diamonds vs. lab diamonds, or trying to decide between a diamond and a color gemstone, this page is here to provide you with trusted, expert-backed advice.

Our mission is to not only help you understand the technical aspects of jewelry, like durability, value, and maintenance, but also to empower you with knowledge so you can confidently choose a piece that reflects your style, values, and budget.

From choosing the perfect diamond to caring for your jewelry and staying up-to-date with trends, our Tips and FAQs section covers it all. At Design by Sevan, we’re not just here to create beautiful jewelry—we’re here to make the process as seamless and enjoyable as the moment you say “yes” to your dream piece.

Explore our expert answers abowe, or feel free to contact us directly if you have additional questions. We’re always happy to guide you through your jewelry journey!

What My Clients Say

Loved and Trusted by Countless Happy Customers & 10+ Awards

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I had an outstanding experience working with Sevan on my custom engagement ring. From the start, his service and expertise were exceptional. He took the time to listen, offer plenty of advice along with visual samples and making sure I felt comfortable throughout the entire process. Sevan's attention to detail and dedication to creating the perfect ring made it feel like a truly personalized experience—much more intimate than a typical big store. You could really see his passion for his craft. I couldn't be happier with the final result, and I highly recommend his services to anyone looking for a custom piece.

Chris M

I am beyond grateful to Sevan for designing the perfect custom engagement ring for me. From start to finish, the process was a truly wonderful experience. Sevan not only created a breathtaking ring with a brilliant lab diamond, but he also took the time to educate me on how to choose the best diamond, making sure I felt confident in every decision. His attention to detail and craftsmanship is remarkable, and the final piece is more beautiful than I could have ever imagined. Thank you, Sevan, for turning my vision into reality and making this journey so memorable!"

Nurhan Cakirer

It was an absolute pleasure working with Sevan. Great craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a truly genuine and kind man. Prices are very reasonable, and his transparency throughout the entire process was very much appreciated. Please consider going in for a consultation, you won't be disappointed. Thanks again Sevan!

Dan Amankona

I had a design idea in mind for a custom engagement ring (and now wedding ring) and Sevan guided me through some options and ideas, which resulted in an incredible ring that my fiance loves. The process was seamless and included diagrams and quick responses. We couldn't be happier with the rings. To top it off Sevan was a friendly and supportive partner throughout. I highly recommend him.

D'Arcy Delamere

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