Choosing a diamond can be a daunting task when faced with a combination of colour grades such as D, G and J and clarity grades of VS1, SI1 and VVS2. But what do these grades really mean and how do you decide if a higher grade is a noticeable and worthy improvement?
Diamond colour and clarity chart provide a reference of what these grade descriptions mean in practical terms. A diamond’s colour grade describes how much colour can be seen in the stone, whereas a diamond’s clarity grade refers to its level of internal and external imperfections.
A key consideration when reviewing a diamond colour and clarity chart is an understanding of the differences that can actually be seen. Diamonds with a lower clarity grade can often appear eye clean, and diamonds with a lower colour grade can often appear to have only minimal colour difference to higher graded stones. This is particularly true when choosing the right style and setting to complement a chosen diamond.
A diamond colour and clarity chart is useful in defining the main diamond grading scales and how each grade compares to the others. The chart can be helpful when comparing both mined and lab created diamonds as both are graded according to the same quality standards.
Diamond Colour and Clarity Chart
Diamond colour is graded on a scale from D to Z. The chart shows the difference in colour from colourless diamonds (D-F) to diamonds with very light colours (S-Z).
- Colourless
- Near colourless
- Faint colour
- Very light colour
- Light colour
Using the diamond colour and clarity chart, it is possible to see the difference in appearance between each colour grade. The visual difference between one colour grade and the next can often be very small and it is important to consider the final appearance and choice of setting.
Reading Clarity on a Diamond Colour and Clarity Chart
Clarity highlights diamonds’ inclusions and blemishes — both found inside the crystal and on its surface. These are diamonds’ imperfections, which can be of different sizes and locations.
The six basic levels of clarity are:
- FL – flawless,
- IF – internally flawless,
- VVS1-VSS2 – very very slightly included,
- VS1-VS2 – very slightly included,
- SI1-SI2 – slightly included,
- I1-I3 – included.
In some cases, a lower level of clarity may hardly be noticeable due to inclusions’ size and location. As you can see, the placement of a diamond’s blemish, as well as its size, can affect the jewelry’s appearance.
Diamond Colour and Clarity Chart: How to Choose the Right Diamond?
When buying a diamond, some may aim to get higher grades on both scales. However, it is necessary to analyse the actual look of a diamond. Firstly, to understand how colour affects the appearance, it may help to compare similar jewellery settings with each other. Indeed, colourless diamonds are often found in mounts, which hardly differ between different jewelers.
Therefore, one should pay attention to the first level of colours on the scale. It is essential to remember that some diamonds may have a near-colorless appearance when mounted. Secondly, one should look at the location of a diamond’s inclusions and blemishes. If these are clearly visible, the level of clarity may impact the appearance as well. Thus, to get value for money, it is critical to identify those diamonds, which would have a noticeable difference in clarity. Finally, there is one more attribute to consider when buying a diamond — its cut.
What About Lab Created Diamonds?
The same colour and clarity concepts apply to lab created diamonds. They can receive different colour and clarity grades just as mined diamonds can.
When comparing options, look at the individual grading information rather than assuming a particular origin automatically means a certain quality level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good diamond colour grade?
There is no single grade that suits every buyer. Near-colourless grades can offer a less noticeable colour difference compared with higher grades, depending on the stone and setting.
What clarity grade looks clean to the eye?
Some diamonds in VS and SI ranges may appear clean without magnification. This depends on the size, type and position of the inclusions.
Is D colour always the best choice?
D is the highest colour grade, but it may not be necessary for every ring. Some lower grades can still appear colourless or near colourless when viewed normally.
Should colour or clarity matter more?
Neither should be considered alone. Look at colour, clarity, cut, carat weight and the setting together before choosing a stone.
Choosing the Right Balance
A diamond color and clarity chart is a great reference, but the one on paper should not outweigh what you can see for yourself. Pay attention to what the diamond looks like and what features are most prominent.
This way you’re informed as to what the letters and numbers represent, and you can decide the features you’d like to see in a stone based on what’s most important to you and what your budget is.