When writing the grades of a diamond using the AGS Scale, diamond Cut grade is first, then diamond Color, Clarity, then Carat Weight—in that order. If a diamond possessing the finest diamond Cut grade is also colorless, free of inclusions and blemishes, and weighs one carat, it would be written as: 0/0/0–1.000 carat.
What is the best clarity and color for a diamond?
In general, the highest quality diamonds are totally colorless, whereas lower quality diamonds can often have a slight yellow tint. Diamond color is measured using Gemological Institute of America, or GIA color scale which goes from D (colorless) all the way to Z (light yellow or brown in color).
What is the best clarity for diamonds?
For diamonds over 2 carats, a clarity grade of VS2 or higher is the safest bet for avoiding any signs of visible inclusions. In diamonds between 1 and 2 carats, clarity grades of SI1 or better will not have inclusions easily visible to the naked eye.
Is Diamond color more important than clarity?
A diamond’s cut is ultimately more important than its clarity or color, particularly when it comes to brilliance. Before looking at color or clarity, limit your search to excellent or ideal cut diamonds only.
What is more important color or clarity?
The color grade is more important than the clarity grade because cushion-cut diamonds tend to retain a lot of color. … Because of this, you can go as low as SI1 or SI2 on the clarity scale, and the diamond should still appear flawless. If you are shopping for a radiant diamond, prioritize color over clarity.
What’s more important carat or clarity?
About one third of diamonds sold fall into the SI1-SI2 range. The larger the diamond, the easier imperfections are to detect; therefore Clarity becomes more important. For diamonds over 2 carats, a clarity grade of VS2 or higher is the safest bet for avoiding any signs of visible inclusions.
Is 12 a good clarity for a diamond?
Diamond clarity I2-I3
I2 diamonds are one grade better than I3 diamonds. An I3 diamond is the lowest grade on the Clarity scale and will have even more noticeable inclusions than I2 diamonds. Because these imperfections detract from the brilliance and beauty of the diamond, we do not recommend I3 diamonds either.
Is VS1 or VS2 better?
A VS1 diamond has slightly fewer and smaller inclusions than a VS2 diamond. In other words, a VS1 diamond is slightly better than a VS2 diamond.
Is s12 clarity diamond good?
Is SI2 diamond clarity good? … SI2 diamonds tend to have more imperfections and more noticeable inclusions than better grades like SI1 and VS2, but sometimes you can find an eye-clean stone. If you can find an eye-clean SI2 diamond, you’ll get the most for your budget.
What is the best cut of diamond to sparkle?
The most brilliant, or sparkliest, diamond cut is the round brilliant cut. Round brilliant diamonds are cut to have 58 facets (including the culet), allowing light to enter the diamond and reflect off of every facet to create a beautiful sparkle.
Does clarity affect sparkle?
Clarity will affect how the diamond sparkles and looks under light — and fewer inclusions means the diamond will shine more brightly under the light. … With Clarity does not carry Included I2 and I3 diamonds for engagement rings because the inclusions start to impact the clarity of the diamond.
Is an H color diamond good?
H color diamonds are an excellent value with a faint yellow hue that is difficult to detect unless compared side by side with other diamonds of a higher color grade. Typically, only a trained eye can see the difference between H and G color grades. Fifteen percent of customers choose an H color diamond.