WHAT IS A GOOD QUALITY DIAMOND?

I’m often asked:

“What is a good quality diamond?”

It’s a very interesting question because it leaves so much room for controversy and opinion.

What is considered good?

Good quality to me? or good quality to you?

Good quality to me could mean a top of the line diamond like VVS1 clarity, D color. While good quality to you could simply mean “no eye-visible inclusions.“

So you see, quality is a state of mind.

It could mean anything.

But… I will tell you what I believe it to be. Granted this is just my opinion and it could be swayed by years and years of working with diamonds, but if you ask… I shall tell:

This is what good quality is:

Good quality (color and clarity) is considered SI1 clarity and a G-H in color (as in these beautiful diamonds HERE).

SI1, G-H is good.

It’s an above-average diamond that’s very popular on the market.

So let’s look closer…

SI1 clarity:

SI1 has small inclusions in it that can only been seen with a microscope or a 10x jeweler’s loupe (SI2 clarity is questionable and sometimes you can see inclusions in them with the bare eye).

G-H color:

G-H color is considered a ‘white‘ diamond (fine white) and is at the high end of the near colorless range.

SI1, G-H is actually more than good. 80% of all the shoppers would be very happy and satisfied with this particular clarity and color combo.

SI diamonds are reasonably priced as well. You won’t pay an arm and a leg for them. Plus, they’ll give you tons of sparkle, fire, brilliance, beauty and shine… and that’s really good.

So that’s my definition of good quality: SI1, G-H (you won’t see inclusions with the unaided eye; like black carbon spots or clouds, and the color of the diamond is white, Versus yellow or brown).

So what is great quality?

Now, if you were to ask me “What is considered great quality?” That my friend, would be a different story.

My great quality to me would be this:

VS clarity, E-F color.

VS could be either VS1 or VS2, I’m fine with either of these (as in these stunning diamonds here.) – The truth is, I love any VS diamonds. And now, a closer look…

VS clarity:

VS is very clean and even under a microscope you’ll only detect a few minor flaws and imperfections.

E – F color:

E, F color is an absolutely great color to own. E and F is considered ‘pure white‘ (which is in the best color range in the world) and looks exceptional. Very bright, very white, very sparkly.

I would highly recommend a VS, E-F diamond in a heartbeat.

These are the types of diamonds that I love and purchase. They are very impressive, high quality clarity and high quality color. You can’t go wrong with VS, E-F.

But, you can go higher…

VVS clarity:

You can go up the clarity charts… You could get yourself into VVS, internally flawless (IF) or even a flawless (FL) diamonds (see some of these wonderful and rare stones here). But when you get into these clarities you get into a lot of money.

And here’s the downfall… When you venture into these high-end diamonds, you really aren’t going to see any major differences between them. Under a scope you may see a few less inclusions and flaws (because we’re dealing with microscopic imperfections only), but to the bare eye you really won’t see any differences. They’ll pretty much look the same as an VS or SI diamond. Fascinating, eh?

So save your money.

I always recommend that people save their money and spend it on something that they can see a difference with… Like a bigger carat weight instead.

The bottom line:

• SI1 clarity, G-H color = Good
• VS1-VS2 clarity, E-F color = Great
• VVS clarity or higher, D-E color = Excellent

It all depends on how much you want to spend and what you’re ultimately happy with.

Good, great, or excellent, all of these qualities will give you results in diamonds that you’ll be very proud to own and wear.

Now, if you’ll also remember to buy GIA certified diamonds, then you’ll really be doing yourself justice. Buying GIA certified diamonds guarantees that the quality you want and bought, is the quality you got.

And in my book, That’s not only good… That’s awesome.

Cheers! :)