The Civia Journal

Jewellery Education

Everything you need to choose fine jewellery with confidence, in one place: how diamonds are graded, what lab-grown really means, which shape and setting suit you, how metals compare, and how to find the right size.

Written by the Civia team · Updated October 2026

4Cs
How diamonds are graded
9
Diamond shapes
4
Metals to choose from
15 days
Free returns & resizing

01Guides

Start with our guides

Three in-depth guides answer the questions we hear most often.

GuideThe 4Cs of DiamondsCut, colour, clarity and carat explained, with the grades side by side.GuideLab-Grown Diamond GuideHow they are made, how they compare with mined diamonds, and honest advice on value.GuideRing Size GuideMeasure at home, an international size chart, and how to find a partner's size secretly.

02Step by step

Choosing an engagement ring in five steps

A simple order that keeps the decision enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

  1. Set a comfortable budget.Decide what feels right for you. Lab-grown diamonds let that budget go much further than mined diamonds.
  2. Pick a shape.The outline of the centre diamond has the biggest effect on the ring's personality. See the shapes below.
  3. Choose a setting style.Solitaire, halo, pavé, three-stone and more change how the ring looks and feels on the hand.
  4. Choose the metal.White, yellow or rose gold, or silver, to suit their skin tone and the jewellery they already wear.
  5. Choose the diamond and size.Balance the 4Cs, then confirm the ring size. Civia rings are made to order around these choices.

03Shapes

Diamond shapes and what they say

Shape is the outline of the diamond seen from above. Each one has its own character and sparkle.

RoundTimeless brillianceThe most sparkling shape of all, cut to return the most light. Always classic.OvalElegant and elongatingLooks larger per carat and makes fingers appear longer and slimmer.PearGraceful teardropA rounded end and a point: romantic, unusual and flattering.MarquiseVintage dramaLong with two points, it gives the most size from above of any shape.HeartRomantic statementThe most symbolic shape; best at 1 carat or more so the outline reads clearly.CushionSoft and romanticA square with rounded corners and a soft, glowing sparkle.PrincessModern and crispA square with sharp corners and lively sparkle. Clean and contemporary.EmeraldArt Deco eleganceLong step-cut facets create mirror-like flashes rather than sparkle.RadiantBrilliance meets structureRectangular with trimmed corners and the sparkle of a round.

04Settings

Ring styles at a glance

The setting holds the diamond and shapes the whole look of the ring.

StyleWhat it isBest for
SolitaireA single diamond on a plain band.Timeless, minimal taste; showing off the centre stone.
HaloThe centre stone circled by small diamonds.Extra sparkle and a larger-looking centre.
PavéSmall diamonds set along the band.Sparkle from every angle while keeping a classic centre.
Three stoneA centre diamond with one on each side.Symbolism: past, present and future.
Toi et MoiTwo diamonds side by side.Two people, two stones; unique and personal.
VintageDetailing such as milgrain and filigree.Heirloom character and romance.
Twisted shankA band that twists towards the stone.Movement and a modern, organic feel.

05Metals

Choosing your metal

The metal sets the colour of the ring and how it wears over time.

MetalLookGood to know
White goldBright, cool whiteMakes colourless diamonds look icy. Its plating can be refreshed by a jeweller over the years.
Yellow goldWarm, classic goldTimeless and flattering on warm skin tones; forgiving with diamond colour.
Rose goldSoft blush pinkRomantic and vintage-feeling; flattering on most skin tones.
SilverCool whiteA more accessible option. Softer than gold, so it may show wear sooner and benefits from regular polishing.

The metals available are shown on each product page.

06Care

Caring for your fine jewellery

A few simple habits keep every piece looking as it did on the first day.

DailyLast on, first offPut jewellery on after perfume, lotion and hairspray, and take it off before bed.
WeeklyA gentle cleanWarm water, a drop of mild soap and a soft brush bring the sparkle back.
AvoidChlorine and knocksRemove rings for swimming, cleaning, the gym and heavy lifting.
StoreKeep pieces apartDiamonds scratch other jewellery; use separate pouches or compartments.
YearlyCheck the settingHave prongs checked once a year so stones stay secure.
HelpWe are hereQuestions about care or repairs? Contact our team any time.

07Questions

Common questions

Are Civia diamonds real?

Yes. Civia uses lab-grown diamonds: real diamonds with the same chemistry, hardness and sparkle as mined diamonds, grown in a laboratory instead of mined. Read the lab-grown guide.

How long does a Civia order take?

Every piece is handcrafted to order and delivered in 12–15 business days, with free insured shipping to the USA and Canada.

What if I am not sure about my ring size?

Use our ring size guide. If the fit is not right, resizing up to 3.5 sizes is free within 15 days of delivery.

What is your return policy?

You can return a piece within 15 days of delivery. See our refund policy for the full details.

Which diamond shape looks biggest?

Elongated shapes (marquise, oval and pear) look largest from above for their weight, followed by radiant and cushion.

Can I get help choosing?

Yes. Our team can compare rings, send extra photos and videos, and help with sizing. Contact us at support@civiajewels.com or +1 (437) 422-1187.