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 Quality? 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!
What is Good Quality?
I feel that Good Quality (Color and Clarity) is considered SI1 Clarity and a G-H in Color.
SI1, G-H is Good! It's an above-average Diamond that's very popular on the market.
SI1 Clarity
SI1 has Small Inclusions in it that can only been seen with a 10x Microscope or Jeweler's Loupe. (SI2 Clarity is questionable and sometimes you CAN see inclusions in them with the naked 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 out there would be happy and satisfied with this particular Clarity and Color.
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 naked eye, like Black Carbon Spots or Clouds and the Color of the Diamond is White, versus Yellow or Brown!)
What is GREAT Quality?
NOW, if you were to ask me "So what is considered GREAT Quality?" That my friend, would be a different story.
Great Quality to me would be this: VS Clarity, E-F Color!
VS could be either VS1 or VS2, I'm fine with both of these! - The truth is, I Love any VS Diamonds!
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 a great Color to have. E and F is considered 'Pure White' (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 heart beat. These are the types of Diamonds that I love and would love to own. They are very impressive! High Quality Clarity and High Quality Color! You can't go wrong with VS, E-F! Ever!
VVS Clarity
Granted you could go up even higher on the Clarity Chart... You could get into VVS, Internally Flawless (IF) or even Flawless (FL), but when you get into these Clarities you get into a lot of money. And when you venture into these high-end rare Diamonds, you really aren't going to see any major differences between them! Under a scope you may see a few less inclusions or flaws (because we're dealing with microscopic imperfections only), but to the naked-eye you really won't see any differences. They'll pretty much look the same as an VS Diamond. Fascinating, eh?
Save your Money
So I always recommend that people save their money and spend it on something that they CAN see a difference in... Like a bigger Carat Weight instead!
The bottom line is:
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 G.I.A. Certified Diamonds, then you'll really be doing yourself justice! Buying G.I.A. Certified Diamonds guarantees that the Quality you want and bought, IS the Quality you got! And in my book, that's awesome!
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