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: this 2.50 Carat G Color VS1 Clarity Premium Cut Round Cut Diamond
If you decide to pay the extra money for qualities in a diamond like this one - the G color and VS1 clarity - don't let yourself down by choosing poorly with regards to the diamond's cut grading.
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Shape: Round Carat weight: 2.5 Cut: Premium Color: G Clarity: VS1 Price: $39460 Certificate: GIA Depth: 62.0% Table: 59.0% Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Girdle: Medium to slightly thick, faceted Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 8.64*8.68*5.37 Item number: 1304081 |
Click here to search for other diamonds at James Allen.
The cut property for this diamond (Premium) has it right in the middle of the road between quality of cut and cheapness of diamond. Place this 2.50 carat size in perspective when you consider your diamond choices - there are for sure other stones in the same size range that may offer more with regards to their cost and characteristics. A G color diamond such as this one is a good option balancing white pureness and money considerations. If you have got some money but do not wish to waste it, this is a sensible color range to look in. For $39460, if you've done your shopping properly you should have a nice stone; ensure that you are harsh in your judgement as you look at this diamond. Girdle thickness (for this diamond the girdle is "Medium to slightly thick, faceted") can play an important role in the apparent size of the diamond, as is explained in my article about girdle thickness.
If you're buying blind online, then VS1 clarity is basically the minimumclarity rating you should consider without carrying a significant risk of getting a diamond with visible inclusions.