The Montare Journal
Honest guides to lab-grown diamonds and engagement rings — the 4Cs, shapes, settings, metals, value and care, written to the same standard we hold every stone to.
Lab-Grown vs Mined Diamonds: The Honest Comparison
Same crystal, same physics, different supply chain — what is identical, what differs, and what actually matters for the ring.
Read the guide →Diamond education
The 4Cs Explained
Cut, colour, clarity, carat — which two actually matter.
Read →Triple Excellent Cut
The grade that most determines how a diamond looks.
Read →Ideal Cut: Table & Depth
The proportions that decide brilliance.
Read →Diamond Clarity
FL to SI, and what 'eye-clean' means.
Read →Diamond Colour
The D-to-Z scale and when colour shows.
Read →Carat vs Size
Carat is weight, not size — what you actually see.
Read →Fluorescence
The UV glow, and whether it matters.
Read →Reading a Certificate
How to read and verify an IGI or GIA report.
Read →How Lab-Grown Are Made
CVD vs HPHT, explained simply.
Read →IGI vs GIA
Which certificate matters for a lab-grown stone.
Read →Why Three Carats
How big a 3-carat diamond is, and why it is our floor.
Read →Lab-Grown vs Moissanite
A real diamond vs a different gem.
Read →Lab-Grown vs Cubic Zirconia
A real diamond vs a simulant that clouds.
Read →Diamond shapes
Shapes: A Visual Guide
Every shape compared at a glance.
Read →Round Brilliant
The most popular and most brilliant shape.
Read →Oval Cut
Looks larger per carat and flatters the finger.
Read →Cushion Cut
The soft, pillowy shape with romantic fire.
Read →Emerald Cut
The elegant step cut — a hall of mirrors.
Read →Pear Shaped
A teardrop that elongates and looks larger.
Read →Radiant Cut
An emerald's shape with a round's fire.
Read →Princess Cut
A sharp square brilliant with great value.
Read →Marquise
The largest face-up size per carat.
Read →Asscher Cut
The square step cut with deco glamour.
Read →Heart Shaped
The most romantic shape — symmetry is all.
Read →Ring settings
Settings Explained
Every setting and who it suits.
Read →Solitaire
A single diamond — the timeless choice.
Read →Halo
A ring of diamonds for size and sparkle.
Read →Hidden Halo
A secret ring of diamonds beneath the stone.
Read →Pavé
Tiny diamonds that make the band sparkle.
Read →Bezel
The most secure, low-profile modern setting.
Read →Cathedral
Arches that lift and frame the stone.
Read →Three-Stone
Past, present and future in three stones.
Read →Toi et Moi
Two stones, two people.
Read →Vintage & Antique Style
Period romance with a modern stone.
Read →Metals
Wedding bands
Buying & owning
How Much to Spend
Forget the salary myth — set a real budget.
Read →Do They Hold Value?
The honest answer on diamond resale.
Read →The $11,000 Markup
Almost none of it is the diamond.
Read →Buying in Canada
Real prices, value and certification.
Read →Buying Online Safely
What to check before you buy.
Read →When to Buy
How far in advance to start.
Read →Diamond Consultation
A free, no-pressure conversation.
Read →Finding Her Ring Size
Five stealthy methods for a surprise.
Read →Cleaning & Care
Keep your ring brilliant for life.
Read →Insurance in Canada
How to protect your ring.
Read →