Buying diamonds can be intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be, according to Filipino retailer Tessera Jewelry.
Perhaps it’s the brilliance and sparkle that easily draws attention, or its timeless elegance and enduring strength that symbolize eternal love. Perhaps it’s also its intrinsic value that appreciates over time. Diamonds are, without a doubt, a symbol of beauty, luxury, wealth, and status. That’s why it makes sense that they are a girl’s best friend.
Nothing compares to the feeling of owning and dressing up with diamond jewelry. After all, these precious gems don’t just appear magically in stores, nor are they easily added to cart and checked out online. Natural, high-quality diamonds are formed deep within the Earth’s mantle—from immense heat and pressure over millions of years. The journey from the mine to market is long and complex, resulting in a high price tag and its rarity.
And just as you would invest in gold, land, or even designer bags, buying diamond jewelry requires understanding the basics: the “4Cs” (carat, cut, color, and clarity), which determine a diamond’s quality, the industry’s reputable brands, and your own budget. To get you started, The POST spoke to Papat Fider, who, together with her husband Carl, owns Tessera Jewelry—one of the leading retailers and manufacturers of diamond jewelry in the Philippines.
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Established in 2011, Tessera has been the go-to for gemmaphiles in search of natural, certified, and conflict-free diamonds, with locations in Makati, Quezon City, and Davao. On Aug. 20, 2025, the jeweler launched its fifth branch in Podium Mall, Mandaluyong City, in keeping with its mission to provide captivating, elegant yet non-intimidating diamond jewelry unique to each of its clients nationwide.
Tessera touts itself as an approachable Filipino brand because, at the end of the day, buying diamond jewelry should be as enjoyable as owning and feeling beautiful in the pieces themselves. So, read on for the tips Papat shared with The POST on how to start a prized collection that offers value both for the money and effort you invested in each piece.
What’s your budget?
First things first: set your budget as it helps you identify what to look for in a diamond jewelry that’ll give you most bang for your buck. Papat explains, “It all boils down to budget, regardless of how much you research on the clarity or specs. Of course, Google will tell you to get diamonds with the highest quality. But these diamonds are very expensive and most times, impractical. So I always go back to what my budget is and what best fits it.”
By setting a budget, you are able to focus on the aspects of the jewelry that matter most to you. Let’s say, you can prioritize a larger carat weight or high-quality cut over perfect color or clarity to help you save money. What’s more, a budget prevents you from overspending or incurring debt trying to get what you perceive as the best jewelry. Budget should be top of mind, especially if you have other upcoming expenses like a wedding or honeymoon.
Is bigger better?
Buying diamond, like all things, depends on personal preferences. You could be prioritizing different aspects of the gem’s quality, like cut, color, quality, or carat weight, in ways that others don’t. Budget varies as well. But, if you want to get the best value for your money, or impress your loved one and get that coveted “yes,” it’s best to go for bigger-looking diamonds.
“In the Philippines, girls like size over specs,” Papat told The POST. “Let’s say a client has a P500,000 budget. With that, they can get a two-carat ring but let’s say the color is ‘L.’ It can also equate to a 1-carat stone that’s color ‘B.’ But my client will choose a 2-carat over a 1 because 2 is bigger, even if the specs are lower. Filipinos want bigger size over perfection.”
Of course, budget still plays a crucial role in selecting the size you’re going to get, according to Papat. “When I have clients who are looking for an engagement ring, I always ask, ‘What’s your price range?’ Because maybe I can suggest a bigger one—bigger one but not so perfect in terms of specs, rather than a small one that’s perfect. “
Imperfect is also perfect
Most natural diamonds in the market come with microscopic inclusions and blemishes that are invisible to the naked eye. If you’re thinking of getting one that is truly flawless or the highest quality grade (FL), chances are, it will be a challenge as these blemish-free gems are exceptionally rare and come with an extra heavy price. Many retailers instead suggest choosing an “eye-clean” diamond where the imperfections aren’t even visible unless you’re looking through a magnifying glass.
“As long as it’s not obvious, or to my naked eye, the diamond is still brilliant and clear, I am okay with it,” Papat explained. “People don’t go around looking through a lens. As long as you find it beautiful, there’s that fire that speaks to you, then choose that one. It doesn’t have to be flawless because that would be very expensive.”
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Look for tinges of color
There are three things that differentiate natural from lab-grown diamonds. First is their origin—natural diamonds are formed deep within the Earth, while the other is created by humans in a laboratory. Then there’s the long-term value. Natural diamonds have a higher potential for resale as they are rarer than faux. The third factor, according to Papat, is that natural diamonds have tinges of color.
“I like those with tinges of color because they distinguish natural from lab-grown diamonds, which look too perfect—too white, too brilliant, too flawless. Many times, it’s hard to differentiate natural diamonds without color from those grown in labs that are super perfect, And you wouldn’t want people looking at you and doubting your jewelry,” she said. “I personally like diamonds with colors because it’s really a characteristic of natural ones. Besides the inclusions, it’s nice to have colors so that you’d know it’s real.”
Opt for trusted, reputable sellers
The best way to start and grow your diamond jewelry collection is always with a reputable seller that only offers gems that are authentic, accurately graded, and priced fairly. If you’re residing in Metro Manila, one of the newest spots to check out is Tessera’s branch in Podium Mall. Like its four other branches in the country, Tessera Podium houses the brand’s signature classics: standard engagement rings, studs, and tennis necklaces spakling with natural, uniformly-sized diamonds.
Besides the store’s fresh and glowing white interiors, what ultimately sets it apart is that it offers two new collections exclusive to the branch. The Bold in Gold collection combines the warmth of gold with natural diamonds to create statement pieces that are ideal women who are bold and playful with their looks. The Bridal Edit collection, on the other hand, is for today’s young brides who want to dazzle on their special day with refined, minimalist yet modern jewelry that they can also wear for other occassions.
Tessera is located on the third floor of the Podium Mall and is open from 10 am to 10 pm daily. For inquiries and updates on their latest collections, you can connect with them on social media or Viber here.
