Q&A: Experience Shopping For a Solitaire Ring on a $13k-$16k Budget

Eye-cleanliness is a bit tricky. The actual clarity grade is not so important. Clarity grade only tells you the size of the inclusion. That is one factor in determining eye-cleanliness. But harshness, location and reflection matter as well: https://www.diamonds.pro/education/clarity/.

You can find an SI1 (even an SI2) diamond that’s eye-clean as well as a VS2/VS1 that’s not. It always depends on a particular diamond and its inclusions.

Generally said, large and dark inclusions often are noticeable while twinning wisps are fine in most of the cases. Sometimes the diamonds look just perfect but the ‘clarity grade is based on clouds not shown’ note is an issue. That means that there’s a large cloud that saps the brilliance from the stone.

Here’s what I’d recommend for you:

www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.72-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-4881762?a_aid=dmnd1357 www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.80-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5801123?a_aid=dmnd1357

Blue Nile LD10846069

Blue Nile LD10888174

They are fantastically cut and all of them are going to be very brilliant.

There’s also one vendor we recommend when somebody is interested in a super ideal cut (the creme de la creme if you will).
It’s Brian Gavin and his extremely brilliant diamonds. Brian Gavin is the perfect choice for those who focus on the best quality they can have. He makes sure that every single detail of his diamonds is perfect. There is a reason he’s one of the world’s experts when it comes to perfectly cut diamonds. BG cut is incomparable to others. https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/brian-gavin/

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.718-j-vs1-round-diamond-ags-104102020069?a_aid=y

https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/1.825-i-vs2-round-diamond-ags-c-104101871012?a_aid=y

With them, you can for sure choose lower grades as those diamonds will always be absolutely gorgeous.

Absolutely. Here’s an example of one: www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.54-carat-i-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-5627279?a_aid=dmnd1357

The note about clouds is on the left in the clarity comments.

Usually, clouds are marked on the clarity plot. When they are not and they are “not shown”, it’s either a possible issue (on SI diamonds) or no issue at all (VS1+). You know that your diamond doesn’t have this issue when this particular note is not written in the GIA report or when your diamond has a high clarity grade (like the ones I recommended).

I hope this answers your question about “additional clouds not shown”. It’s not at all a problem on VS1+ diamonds. If it was, they would have gotten a lower clarity rating.

When we search for diamonds, we’re looking for the best balance of the overall specifications (carat weight, color – colorless look, clarity – eye-cleanliness, fluorescence, depth and table %, cut – brilliance). And we search for the best stones that are currently available for your buck.

Blue Nile LD10846069

Yes, this link is correct. Keep in mind that the videos are magnified and what you see is probably dust or something. The clarity plot in the GIA report looks great and there’s no reason to worry about the eye-cleanliness on that diamond. It’s beautiful.

Blue Nile LD10888174

This one is stunning, I really like it.

When it comes to the certificate, both GIA and AGS are the most accurate labs. Brian Gavin, like every other company that focuses on perfectly cut diamonds, uses the AGS certificate due to the light performance chart. James Allen uses them as well for their “true hearts.” https://www.diamonds.pro/education/diamond-certification/#ags-certification

Personally, I’d go with Brian Gavin, we have found BGD’s Signature Hearts and Arrows to be consistently, and noticeably, more brilliant than diamonds from other vendors. But it’s up to you. Decide what you prefer.