I Tested the Top Diamond Select Cuts Jewelry and Here’s What I Found

This stone earned its place here because of its exceptional brilliance and the elongated shape that mimics a much more expensive diamond. The oval cut is perfect for those who want their jewelry to appear larger while maintaining a sophisticated, timeless silhouette.

In my view, this is the best selection for someone building a custom engagement ring who wants that specific, high-end elongated look without the intense cost of a mined diamond. I find the D color grading particularly impressive because it ensures the stone stays clear and icy white rather than yellowing over time.

This stone is intended for the buyer who insists on the genuine chemical composition of a real diamond rather than a simulant. If you are crafting a piece that requires the hardness and specific light dispersion of a natural diamond, this is the only logical choice.

I rank this as my top pick because it provides the prestige and physical properties of a mined stone with a significantly more ethical origin story. In my assessment, the VVS1 clarity is a major benefit that ensures the stone is virtually free of inclusions, making it appear perfect to the naked eye.

An unexpected feature of this stone is its extreme fire, which actually creates more colorful light flashes than a traditional diamond. This makes it an ideal candidate for classic solitaire rings where you want the center stone to do all the heavy lifting in terms of sparkle.

I appreciate how this stone maintains its clarity regardless of the lighting environment. It is a fantastic option for someone who wants the classic round look but prefers to allocate their budget toward a more elaborate metal setting rather than the stone itself.

The most common critique regarding this stone is that the marquise shape can be tricky to set correctly because the pointed ends are prone to catching on fabric if the prongs are not adjusted perfectly. Despite this, it remains a favorite for anyone aiming for a vintage, royal aesthetic that feels distinct from the standard round or oval cuts.

I think this piece is gorgeous for bold, statement jewelry pieces. While it requires more careful handling during the mounting process, the visual payoff of that sharp, elegant geometry is well worth the extra effort in my opinion.

Unlike the individual, high-quality moissanite stones mentioned above, this is a bulk option meant for high volume crafting rather than a single centerpiece. These cubic zirconia stones are perfect for adding accents to a larger design or for practicing your stone-setting techniques without risking expensive materials.

I view these as a tool for the hobbyist or the jewelry maker who needs a consistent supply of small, reliable stones for intricate patterns. While they lack the long-term durability of moissanite, they are an incredibly efficient way to add a lot of shimmer to a design quickly.