3 Secrets I Use to Save Money on My Own Diamonds (Without Sacrificing Sparkle!)

Hi friends it’s Bonnie here with By Bonnie Jewelry, where I talk all things diamonds and craftsmanship. If you’ve ever felt completely overwhelmed by the internet while shopping for jewelry—you’re not alone. There's so much info out there, but how do you actually know what's worth your money?

Today, I’m spilling my own secrets. These are the three exact things I do when I'm buying diamonds for myself. Not just for clients, but for me—yes, the picky, sparkle-obsessed diamond girl. Let’s get into it.

Secret #1: Don’t Obsess Over Color

Let’s clear up a huge myth—just because a diamond is “colorless” (D-F on the scale) doesn’t mean it's automatically better.

When I’m shopping for myself, I don’t always go for the “perfect” D color. Why? Because near colorless diamonds (like G-H) can still face up beautifully white—especially when they're curated properly. Plus, you’ll get more bling for your budget.

Take a look below:

• D vs F: You can barely tell the difference.

• D vs H: Slightly more noticeable, depending on the shape.

Different fancy shapes show color differently. For example, H color in a round may face up white, while an H color emerald cut might show more warmth. It’s not one-size-fits-all.

And don’t forget—craftsmanship and color matching matter. I’ve done stunning J or even L color rings where the warmth looks intentional and romantic—especially when set in yellow gold.

So, if you’re on a budget? Don’t fear the G-H-I range. I love it there.

Secret #2: Embrace Fluorescence (Yes, Really!)

Okay, I said it. Fluorescence is where the value lives.

So many online articles will scare you away from diamonds with fluorescence—but I’m here to tell you: don’t rule them out. In fact, I personally buy diamonds with fluorescence all the time.

Here’s why:

• Over 40% of natural diamonds have it.
  
  
• Less than 1% actually show “milkiness” in sunlight.

And when curated correctly? Fluorescence makes no visible difference—except to your wallet.

You can literally save thousands by choosing a beautiful diamond with faint or medium fluorescence that doesn’t affect the look at all.

I’ve even tested it myself—my 4-carat I color diamond (with fluorescence) versus a D color lab diamond with no fluorescence… and my diamond wins in sparkle. Every. Time.

So don’t let the word scare you. Ask the right questions, and make sure you’re seeing it with real eyes (or through someone you trust—hi, that’s me!).

Secret #3: Focus on Sparkle, Not the Certificate

Let me say this loud: certificates don’t make your diamond sparkle.

Especially for fancy shapes like ovals, pears, emeralds, or radiants—the report gives very limited info on how the diamond actually performs. I’ve seen “perfect” certificates with dull, lifeless stones.

Why? Because sparkle comes from proportions, polish, light return, and craftsmanship. And unfortunately, that doesn’t always show up on paper. So what do I do?

I look with my eyes. Every diamond I choose is based on how it performs, not how the numbers look. That’s what makes my process different. That’s why people come to me when they want sparkle that actually stuns.

And look, I get it. If you want that flawless D-color, triple excellent, I’ve done it. For my high-end clients with unlimited budgets, we go all out.

But for the rest of us? It’s about balance. I wanted a natural diamond. I wanted it big. So I chose to give up a bit on color or clarity—but I got something even better: a ring that makes me smile every single time I look at it.

The By Bonnie Takeaway

So here they are—my top 3 secrets:

1. Don’t obsess over color—know what to prioritize.

2. Say yes to fluorescence—get the sparkle without the markup.

3. Trust your eyes over the paper—because beauty isn’t always in the numbers.

Shopping smart doesn’t mean sacrificing sparkle. It means understanding the diamond world just a little deeper—and having a jeweler you trust by your side.

Want more behind-the-scenes tips on how I make jewelry for myself and my clients? Leave a comment and let me know! And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @bybonniejewelry for sparkle inspo, styling ideas, and lots of real client stories.