Selecting the clarity of a diamond is also very important when choosing diamonds. Let’s look at the grades first. These grades are based on using a 10 x Magnification eye loupe.
FL – Flawless in everyway
IF – Internally Flawless in everyway
VVS1 & VVS2 – Slight Inclusions only detectable by a skilled Gemmologist and Diamond Grader.
VS1 & VS2 – Minor inclusions are noted by a Gemmologist and Diamond Grader.
SI1 & SI2 – Noticeable inclusions are readily detected by even the untrained Grader.
I1, I2 & I3 – Obvious to very obvious inclusions are seen and can affect brilliance and the correct refraction of light.
The diamond grading scale above is also indicative of the pricing structure of those clarities. Let’s consider the two top clarities FL & IF, both of these clarities are extremely rare and attract a high price point. Both of those Clarities are often purchased as Investment Diamonds. Most discerning diamond buyers are more interested in what is called “eye clean” stock. There is some logic to selecting those clarities that exceed “eye clean”, simply because the presence of some inclusions can occasionally impact the refraction of light within the diamond. Even if these inclusions such as SI Clarity diamonds may impact your diamonds fore and brilliance.
Determining the best diamond colour can is often a matter of your budget along with your preference and often your design.
Peoples views and value of colour vary vastly. Some people can immediately detect a top rated diamond colour that is outside the colorless range.
COLOURLESS – D,E and F are considered to be colourless diamonds
NEAR COLOURLESS – G,H,I,J and K are considered to be near colourless diamonds
NOTICEABLE – L to M graded diamonds are considered to have a noticeable colour
FANCY COLOUR – M to Z graded diamonds are often referred to as fancy in colour
Most engagement ring buyers are searching for diamonds that are mainly white and colourless . Diamonds in the near-colorless range (G,H,I,J and K) generally fit this criteria. It’s no surprise to tell you that near-colorless diamonds cost far less than colourless ones do. Many many or our clients have found the ultimate diamond and the best value in this range.
Selecting the clarity of a diamond is the second most important stage in choosing to buy diamonds. Let’s look at the grades first;
FL – Flawless in everyway
IF – Internally Flawless in everyway
VVS1 & VVS2 – Slight Inclusions only detectable by a skilled Gemmologist and Diamond Grader.
VS1 & VS2 – Minor inclusions are noted by a Gemmologist and Diamond Grader.
SI1 & SI2 – Noticeable inclusions are readily detected by even the untrained Grader.
I1, I2 & I3 – Obvious to very obvious inclusions are seen and can affect brilliance and the correct refraction of light.
(Using a 10 x Magnification eye loupe)
The diamond grading scale above is also indicative of the pricing structure of those clarities. Let’s consider the two top clarities FL & IF, both of these clarities are extremely rare and attract a high price point. Both of those Clarities are often purchased as Investment Diamonds. Most discerning diamond buyers are more interested in what is called “eye clean” stock. There is some logic to selecting those clarities that exceed “eye clean”, simply because the presence of some inclusions can occasionally impact the refraction of light within the diamond. Even if these inclusions such as SI Clarity diamonds may impact your diamonds fore and brilliance.
The forth part of the “4C’s” is the actual size of your diamond by weigh alone. A diamonds carat weight is a measurement of how much a diamond weighs in Metric measurements. A metric “carat” is defined as 200 milligrams. Each carat can be subdivided into 100 ‘points. eg
A 1 carat diamond weighs 100 points and is written as 1.00ct
This not only provides a very accurate way to universally grade but to be within a hundredth decimal place. Jewelers will usually give the weight of a diamond below one carat by its ‘points’ alone. eg
A diamond that weighs 50 points is written as 0.50ct
Often described by many jewellers as a ‘fifty pointer’ or a ’half carater’. Of interest is that diamonds can be a variety of diameters yet will weigh the same in points.
ME Jewellery Design Pty Ltd
We offer a private, no pressure personalised service with an initial free consultation.
From creating your Dream Diamond Ring to designing a Bespoke piece. Diamond Concierge for selecting your own loose Natural or Lab Grown Diamond, Pink Diamond Investments or searching for that rare Gem.
Shop our Engagement & Wedding Ring Builder, choose your Loose Lab Grown or Mined Diamond online.
Servicing Australia & New Zealand
We offer a private, no pressure personalised service with an initial free consultation.
From creating your Dream Diamond Ring to designing a Bespoke piece. Diamond Concierge for selecting your own loose Natural or Lab Grown Diamond, Pink Diamond Investments or searching for that rare Gem.
Shop our Engagement & Wedding Ring Builder, choose your Loose Lab Grown or Mined Diamond online.
Servicing Australia & New Zealand