Diamonds-Engagement Rings
Diamond Grades
Diamond Grades are reference points that help define a standard so dealers may communicate in a common language. Be wise, learn the language of diamonds
Natural flaws in or on diamonds are called inclusions and blemishes.
Interior inclusions might be tiny gas/air bubbles, solid deposits, clouds of tiny clear crystals, or cracks which are called feathers.
Ice cubes in water is a good comparison.
External blemishes can range from chips, poor cuttings, scratches or pits on the diamond's surface.
Some diamond inclusions can be seen only by microscopic inspection or 10x loupe. Others are visible to the naked eye.
The more noticeable the inclusion, the poorer the grade.
Inclusions tend to do several things:
- Interrupt paths of light
- Detract the eye from the beauty of a diamond
- Jeopardize the integrity of the diamond
We recommend buying in the VVS-VS range. You will not be paying a premium for Flawless or Internally flawless, but neither will not get stuck with a poor quality lifetime investment.
| Comparing Color Grades | ||
|---|---|---|
| GIA | AGS | Description |
| D | 0 | Colorless |
| E | .5 | |
| F | 1 | |
| G | 1.5 | Near Colorless |
| H | 2 | |
| I | 2.5 | |
| J | 3 | |
| K | 3.5 | Faint Yellow |
| L | 4 | |
| M | 4.5 | |
| N | 5 | Very Light Yellow |
| O | 5.5 | |
| P | 6 | |
| Q | 6.5 | |
| R | 7 | |
| S | 7.5 | Yellow |
| T | 8 | |
| U | 8.5 | |
| V | 9 | |
| W | 9.5 | |
| XYZ | 10 | |
Notes:
-Rendering more subtle shades of color is difficult because of the color limitation for internet browsers. -The comparisons above are presented merely as indications.
| Comparing Clarity Grades | ||
|---|---|---|
| GIA | AGS | Description |
| Flawless | 0 | No Flaws Internal or External |
| IF | 0 | Internally Flawless - No internal flaws, perhaps minor facet junction abrasions |
| VVS1 | 1 | Very, Very Slightly Included - Very, very small inclusions, difficult to see with a 10x loupe. |
| VVS2 | 2 | Very, Very Slightly Included - Similar to Above / More Prominent Location |
| Vs1 | 3 | Very Slightly Included - Very small inclusions, hard to see in a 10x loupe. Perhaps greater in Number Than VVS |
| Vs2 | 4 | Very Slightly Included - Similar to Above / More Prominent Location, more inclusions |
| Si1 | 5 | Slightly Included - Inclusions are obvious using a 10x loupe. Perhaps a cloud of inclusions. |
| Si2 | 6 | Slightly Included - Similar to Above / More Prominent Location and in clouds |
| I1 | 7 | Included - Inclusions are obvious to the naked eye. Prominent locations under table. Integrity of diamond may be compromised |
| I2 | 8 | Included - Similar to Above / More Prominent Location. Not attractive, transparency compromised |
| I3 | 9 | Included - Similar to Above / More Prominent Location. Not attractive, transparency compromised. As bad as it gets. |