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).
1.23 Carat G Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut Round Cut Diamond
The combination of G color with VS1 clarity means a diamond like this one is a high quality choice for a careful shopper.
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I'd rather have roses on my table than diamonds on my neck. Emma Goldman .
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Shape: Round Carat weight: 1.23 Cut: Ideal Color: G Clarity: VS1 Price: $10240 Certificate: GIA Depth: 61.9% Table: 58.0% Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Excellent Girdle: Medium to slightly thick, faceted Culet: None Fluorescence: None Measurements: 6.85*6.89*4.25 Item number: 1321983 |
Click here to search for other diamonds at James Allen.
If you are buying blind online, then VS1 clarity is basically the minimumclarity rating you should consider without carrying a significant risk of getting a diamond with eye-visible defects. The Ideal cut means the diamond will shine significantly more than lower quality cut diamonds, maximizing attractiveness.
A G color diamond such as this one is a great compromise between extreme white pureness and money considerations. If you have got some dollars to spend but don't want to splurge unnecessarily, this is a great color range to do your searching within. Take note of this diamond's girdle characteristic - "Medium to slightly thick, faceted" - if you're unsure about girdles, try reading my girdle thickness article.
If you look at this 1.23 carat stone and immediately say, "that stone is too small", ponder whether it's possible to compromise by lowering other properties such as clarity in order to go for a bigger diamond. For $10240, you should be getting a nice stone, so make sure you're harsh in your judgement when you're looking at this stone.