Quick and Easy Buying Guide

Carat weight: 1 carat = 200 milligrams = 6.5 mm diameter. Doubling weight doesn't double diameter.

Diamond clarity: FL/IF/VVS/VS = super expensive, near perfect. SI = best value if you can check a photo for obvious inclusions (defects).

 

Color: D-G = colorless, expensive, only if you have money to burn. H-J = best value. Can go lower in gold metal settings than white metal.

Cut: Better cut ratings let more light into a diamond, making it sparkle more. Very important property, don't skimp here.

Set a budget and minimum cut (Premium). Go J color for gold and I/H for white metals. Go searching for SI1/SI2 clarity diamonds at James Allen. Pick a diamond with small/no inclusions. Choose a ring setting and buy it risk-free (60-day returns).

F Color VS1 Diamonds

Having reviewed a number of F color VS2 diamonds, you may be wondering whether there’s really any difference moving up to the VS1 clarity diamonds reviewed on this page. The answer to that is, frustratingly I’m sure, that there is some difference *on average* but not as much as some people may think.

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The difference between a VS1 clarity and VS2 clarity diamond comes down to subtle differences in either the number of inclusions, the size of the inclusions, and the location of the inclusions.

Inclusion size – a VS2 diamond may have slightly larger inclusions than a VS1 clarity diamond, although you’d almost definitely need a scope to tell the difference.

Number of inclusions – the VS2 diamond may have more inclusions with the result that they are easier to see overall, giving it the VS2 rather than VS1 rating.

Location location location – the VS1 diamond could have exactly the same size inclusion, but located in a different part of the diamond which isn’t as obvious to the eye.

Overall, if you’re doing your research, then you will appreciate that there is a small difference between the two clarity grades for F color diamonds like these ones. I suggest you decide whether it’s important enough to justify the increased price of the higher clarity rating. Shopping in the F color range you’re already getting a diamond that is whiter than you possibly need, so high quality may be your thing.

The reviews are once again split into the days of the week that I (approximately) got to them.

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