Diamond Guide

Our Approach to Diamonds

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We approach diamonds through an artistic lens, prioritizing what's beautiful to the eye over what the industry deems “perfect.” The industry grades diamonds on a narrow scale: the whiter, clearer, and more precise, the better. We see it differently. Some of our favorite stones have warmth to them, unusual proportions, or cuts made by hand a century ago. Others are bright, white, and pristine. Both are beautiful. What matters is what moves you.

This guide is an invitation to see diamonds the way we do.

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Why Natural Diamonds

We work exclusively with natural diamonds, chosen for their rarity, character, and connection to the earth. Whenever possible, we prioritize recycled and antique stones already in circulation.

When newly mined stones are required, we source from trusted partners who meet high standards for traceability, labor, and environmental responsibility.

Unlike lab-grown stones, natural diamonds retain long-term value and are shaped by time, origin, and human hands, not manufacturing.

Diamond Guide

Diamonds are graded and described by four characteristics: color, clarity, cut, and carat. Here's how we think about each, and what we look for at WWAKE.

Color

Color is graded from D (white) to Z (tinted), and we offer certified diamonds across the spectrum. While white diamonds are conventionally most valued, we see it with nuance: stones in the J-K-L range often carry a warm, candlelit glow that we actively seek out. Some lean champagne, gray, or faintly golden. These aren't lesser stones; they're truly singular.

What diamond color should I choose?[+] [-]

Diamond color is often framed as a hierarchy, but we see it as a spectrum of character. If you’re drawn to a bright, crisp look, stones in the D–F range will feel clean and luminous. If you prefer something softer, J–L diamonds carry a natural warmth, sometimes with faint golden or champagne undertones. Neither is better, it depends entirely on what resonates with you.

Are warmer diamonds lower quality?[+] [-]

Not necessarily. Color grading measures the presence of tint, not beauty or performance. Many warmer diamonds appear richer and more dimensional, especially in yellow gold settings. At WWAKE, we actively source these tones for their depth and individuality.

Will a diamond look different depending on the setting?[+] [-]

Yes. Metal choice and setting style can significantly influence how color reads. Yellow and rose gold tend to enhance warmth, while white gold or platinum can make a diamond appear whiter by contrast. We consider this relationship carefully when designing each piece.

Clarity

Most diamonds carry traces of their formation: tiny natural inclusions marking how the stone came to be. Clarity measures how present those marks are. Grades range from Flawless to Included, assessed at 10x magnification—not always what you'll see with the naked eye. We prefer VS and above, but we aren't dogmatic; some inclusions tell a story worth keeping.

What does “eye-clean” mean?[+] [-]

“Eye-clean” means that any inclusions are not visible without magnification. Diamonds are graded at 10x magnification, but what matters most is how the stone appears in real life. Many diamonds with slight inclusions look perfectly clear to the naked eye.

Should I prioritize clarity when choosing a diamond?[+] [-]

Clarity is one factor among many. A well-cut diamond with slightly lower clarity can appear more beautiful than a higher-clarity stone with less life. We prioritize balance, selecting stones where inclusions do not disrupt the overall presence.

Are inclusions always a flaw?[+] [-]

Inclusions are part of a diamond’s natural formation. Some are barely perceptible, while others can add a distinct character. We don’t treat them as defects, but as part of what makes each stone individual, as long as they don’t compromise durability or visual harmony.

Cut

Cut is the biggest factor in how a diamond handles light. Or: how much it sparkles. A stone cut with care and intention will outperform one that wasn't, regardless of clarity, color, or size.

Why is cut so important?[+] [-]

Cut determines how a diamond interacts with light. When proportions are balanced, light enters and returns through the top of the stone, creating brightness, movement, and sparkle. A well-cut diamond will feel alive, regardless of its size or clarity.

What should I look for in a diamond cut?[+] [-]

Rather than focusing only on grading, we look at how the diamond performs visually. Does it reflect light evenly? Does it have presence? Our modern diamonds typically fall within Very Good to Excellent, but what matters most is how the stone actually appears, not just how it’s classified.

Do all diamonds have a cut grade?[+] [-]

Only round brilliant diamonds receive formal cut grades. For other shapes, cut is assessed through proportion and visual balance. This is why we evaluate each stone individually, prioritizing how it handles light over strict technical standards.

Modern Diamond Cuts
Antique Diamond Cuts

Carat

Carat measures weight, not size; two stones with the same weight can look completely different depending on cut. We gravitate toward diamonds with an elegant, balanced spread and lower profile, often found naturally in elongated cuts like emerald and marquise. Our Ceremonial Collection spans 0.30 to 3 carats, but our custom team is happy to source beyond that range.

Does a higher carat mean a bigger diamond?[+] [-]

Carat refers to weight, not visual size. Two diamonds with the same carat weight can appear very different depending on their proportions and cut. Some stones are cut deeper, while others have a wider, more elongated spread.

How do I choose the right carat size?[+] [-]

The right size depends on proportion, setting, and personal preference. We often favor diamonds with an elegant spread rather than maximum weight, meaning they appear balanced and intentional rather than oversized for their structure.

Do larger diamonds always look better?[+] [-]

Not necessarily. Scale should feel in harmony with the design and the wearer. A smaller, well-proportioned diamond can feel more refined and wearable than a larger stone that lacks balance.

WWAKE Sourcing Ethos

Our diamond sourcing varies by collection, but the through-line is the same: we want to know where a stone comes from and how it arrived to us.

Ceremonial Collection

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Diamonds in this collection are sourced from vendors who meet or exceed Kimberley Process requirements—the international certification designed to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate trade. The Kimberley Process isn't perfect, but it remains the industry baseline; less than 1% of the world's diamonds today are classified as conflict diamonds, down from roughly 4% in the late 1990s.

One of a Kind Collection

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Every diamond in this collection has a known history: recycled stones we can date and verify (including antique, vintage, and post-consumer), or single-source diamonds traceable to the mine. We work with dealers who specialize in dating and authenticating antique diamonds; in an industry known for opacity, this expertise gives us confidence that what we're told about a stone is true.

Our Single Source Diamonds

When we work with newly mined diamonds, we prioritize programs that offer full traceability through chain-of-custody documentation, and that have delivered real impact at the source: schools, infrastructure, economic growth that stays in the community.

Argyle Colored Diamonds
Canadamark
Botswana Diamonds
GemFair

All

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What is WWAKE’s ethos?[+] [-]

We believe that our jewelry is a connection to the earth and every hand in between. Our materials are sourced as sustainably as possible, driven by a commitment to social impact at the source and to the responsible mining communities we work with.

In collections where development projects cannot scale, we integrate circular design thinking, giving new life to recycled metals, diamonds, and heritage rough. Our jewelry is shaped by an entire chain of people, through careful sourcing, planning, and ongoing learning, a process we continue to refine every day.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

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What are your sustainability practices?[+] [-]

Our approach to sustainability is rooted in responsible sourcing, circular design, and long-term partnerships. We prioritize local production to maintain oversight of quality and processes, while supporting the community around our Brooklyn studio.

In sourcing, we focus on transparency, fair labor, and positive social impact. We work with trusted suppliers and artisanal mining communities that uphold responsible labor practices and are committed to ongoing environmental progress. The premiums we pay for materials support this progress directly, helping fund access to clean water, equipment, and long-term development within these communities.

A core part of our approach is circular sourcing. Whenever possible, we design around existing materials, including recycled gold, recycled diamonds, antique stones, and heritage rough. This allows us to extend the life cycle of materials that are already in circulation while maintaining the integrity of our designs.

We also employ minimal-waste strategies, often building collections around the full yield of available material. Stones that are not suited to repeatable designs are repurposed into One of a Kind pieces or custom projects, ensuring thoughtful use of every resource.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

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Where are your diamonds sourced from?[+] [-]

Our sourcing varies by collection, but the through-line is the same: we prioritize traceability, history, and responsible sourcing.

For our One of a Kind pieces, we work primarily with recycled diamonds, including antique, vintage, and post-consumer stones that have been given new life. These are sourced through trusted dealers who specialize in identifying and dating each stone.

For Bridal and Choose Your Diamond pieces, we source natural diamonds through partners worldwide who meet established industry standards and our own requirements for traceability and responsible practices. In select cases, we also work with traceable diamond programs that provide detailed origin information and support artisanal mining communities.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. For more tailored guidance, our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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Do you work with lab-grown diamonds or moissanite?[+] [-]

WWAKE works exclusively with natural diamonds and gemstones. Our approach is rooted in a connection to the earth and in supporting the communities at the source of our materials. We prioritize traceable natural stones, with a strong focus on circular sourcing through recycled and antique diamonds.

When newly mined stones are used, they are sourced through trusted partners in regions such as Canada, Australia, Southern Africa, and Namibia, with an emphasis on traceability, responsible labor practices, and positive community impact. We believe many extraordinary stones already exist, and we are committed to giving these materials new life through thoughtful design.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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What does "post-consumer diamonds" or "reclaimed diamonds" mean?[+] [-]

Post-consumer diamonds are stones that have previously been set in jewelry and are given new life in a new piece. As part of our broader approach to circular sourcing, we work with recycled diamonds that already exist in circulation. This includes stones recovered from earlier jewelry, which are carefully selected and reset into new designs. We partner with trusted dealers who specialize in identifying and dating diamonds, ensuring the authenticity and history of each stone.

Our recycled diamond sourcing also includes:
-Antique diamonds: cut before the 1930s by hand, with distinctive faceting and softer proportions.
-Vintage diamonds: cut between the 1930s and 1990s, before modern precision cutting.

Each stone carries its own history, reflecting our belief that many extraordinary diamonds already exist and can be thoughtfully reintroduced through new design.

If you would like to learn more, you can explore our Diamond Guide and Materials page. our team and stone sourcing specialist are always available to assist at customerservice@wwake.com.

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What is the difference between recycled and Fairmined gold?[+] [-]

Recycled gold is identical in quality, purity, and durability to newly mined gold. Because gold does not degrade, it can be refined and repurposed indefinitely without losing its integrity. At WWAKE, recycled gold is sourced from previously existing materials such as jewelry and objects, and refined into new material for our pieces. This approach reflects our commitment to circular sourcing, working with materials already in circulation.

Fairmined gold is sourced from certified artisanal mining communities that follow responsible practices. The Fairmined certification ensures fair trading conditions and provides a premium that supports community development, including access to healthcare, education, equipment, and infrastructure.

All diamond engagement rings from our Ceremonial collection are made using Fairmined gold. To learn more, we invite you to explore our Materials page.

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What programs or initiatives do you support?[+] [-]

Giving back is an ongoing part of our practice. Since our founding, WWAKE has supported organizations that uplift communities both locally and at the source of our materials. To date, we have raised over $200,000 for WIN NYC, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting women and families experiencing homelessness. We have also contributed to initiatives focused on responsible mining, education, and community development, reflecting our broader commitment to social impact.

To learn more, we invite you to explore our Ethos page.

Support Our client care team is available Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm EDT

Email customerservice@wwake.com

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