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).

$680 Gets One A 0.42 Carat F Color SI1 Clarity Premium Cut Round Cut Diamond

There isn't any real reason for going up to a VVS1 clarity rating - the SI1 clarity for this stone is plenty sufficient, but be sure that the diamond presents as eye-clean; this can be determined using the photo.

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Place this 0.42 carat size in perspective when you consider your diamond options - there are for sure other stones of about the same size which may provide more with regards to their cost and properties. The chance in color between any neighbouring colors from the D-E-F color range is only detectable in a lab, meaning this F color diamond is not distinguishable from diamonds rated one color either side of it. By using only $680 on the diamond, you will be able to save more money to use for other expenses, for example a wedding reception. This diamond has a girdle described as "Medium", which plays a role in the size and sparkle of the diamond, as written about in my diamond girdle article.

If you are unsure from the photo of this SI1 clarity diamond whether it is eye-clean, try contacting a James Allen sales rep and asking them to specially analyse the diamond and get back to you - the staff member will give you an honest response. The Premium cut grading for this diamond is a compromise between cut rating and diamond price.

Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with. Thomas Carlyle .

Shape: Round

Carat weight: 0.42

Cut: Premium

Color: F

Clarity: SI1

Price: $680

Certificate: GIA

Depth: 61.8%

Table: 59.0%

Polish: Good

Symmetry: Very Good

Girdle: Medium

Culet: None

Fluorescence: Faint

Measurements: 4.77*4.74*2.94

Item number: 1348579

Click here to search for other diamonds at James Allen.