3 replies to this topic

[dshaig]

To get the size diamond at the price I want, I will have to compromise either or color or clarity. Is it better to get a vs1 or vs2 diamond with a g or h color, or should I stick with the colorless one and go down to an si1?

[barry]

Cut is your most important factor. The better the Cut, the whiter and cleaner the diamond will face up.

With a well-cut stone, you can easily go with a H/SI-1 and have it look indistinguishable from a G/VS-1.

[10X]

I agree with Barry. In addition to facing more white and masking clarity characteristics, a well cut stone may also appear slightly larger than a stone of lesser cut quality.

The shape you are considering is also a factor as round brilliants tend to hide inclusions better than, say, Emerald cuts. If you are getting something similar to an Emerald cut you may want to stay in the VS range and go slighlty lower in color (G-H).

What is most important is that the diamond is eye-clean.

[dshaig]

Thank you for your thoughts. I won't compromise on my cut, so that makes me feel less nervous about compromising on those factors. Any further tips are always welcome.

dshaig