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).
Found today: a 0.49 Carat F Color VS1 Clarity Hearts & Arrows Ideal Cut Round Cut Diamond
This VS1 clarity diamond is a slight improvement over a VS2 clarity diamond, the step up in clarity grading comes from there being fewer or smaller inclusions, or when the location of the inclusion is more favourable to the presentation of the diamond (hidden).
Sponsored Links
Spending only $1320 on the diamond, you will be able to save more cash to use for other costs, for example a wedding reception. According to James Allen, the Hearts & Arrows cut is the "ultimate expression of love". Whether that's relevant to you, choosing a diamond with this cut does suggest is that you are serious about obtaining the best possible visual performance out of the diamond. The difference between any neighbouring colors in the D-E-F range is only detectable in a lab, with the significance that this F color diamond is indistinguishable from diamonds rated one color either side of it. Although this VS1 clarity diamond will almost certaintly be "eye-clean", if you are looking to save some money, you should check out SI clarity diamonds. Try to find a diamond that is eye-clean in a photo or when viewed in person.
Put this 0.49 carat size in perspective when you weigh up your buying options - there are for sure other diamonds in the same size range that can provide more with regards to their cost and characteristics. This diamond's girdle is "Thin to slightly thick", which can have a impact on the shine and apparently width of a diamond, as written about in my diamond girdle page.
 |
Shape: Round Carat weight: 0.49 Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal Color: F Clarity: VS1 Price: $1320 Certificate: AGS Depth: 61.9% Table: 54.6% Polish: Ideal Symmetry: Ideal Girdle: Thin to slightly thick Culet: None Fluorescence: Negligible Measurements: 5.08*5.10*3.15 Item number: 1344937 |
Click here to search for other diamonds at James Allen.