Diamond engagement rings & the diamond qualities used
In our engagement rings, we have chosen only to sell diamonds that are of a high quality and that have no obvious flaws. All of our diamonds are conflict-free.
The 5 diamond grades we sell are:
Read more about each of these diamond grades below.
How do you meassure diamond quality?
We use the GIA International Diamond Grading System. It is based on the 4 Cs – Cut, Colour, Clarity and Carat weight.
This is the worldwide standard for measuring diamond quality. For more information on the GIA 4 Cs diamond grading system click here for further reading.
PREMIUM QUALITY
Premium quality is a great choice in diamonds, because it’s very difficult to spot any imperfections in them. Premium quality diamonds look better than those usually sold on the high street. They represent good value for money.
The colour quality of premium diamonds ranges from H to I. This means that a premium diamond is a white diamond with no colour tint that can be easily noticed by the naked eye. Only when compared side by side with a better quality diamond are the differences noticeable.
The clarity quality of premium diamonds ranges from I1 to I2. “I” is short for “inclusions”. Any imperfections in the diamond can only be noticed if you look very closely at the stone (within 6 inches). With smaller diamonds these imperfections become even harder to notice. I1 is slightly cleaner than I2.
H/SI QUALITY
H/Si quality diamonds are one of our usual recommendations for engagement rings. With bright white diamonds that have no visible inclusions, you cannot go wrong. H/Si quality diamond can be said to represent superb value.
The colour quality is H, meaning that this is a white diamond with no colour tint easily noticeable to the naked eye. Only when compared side by side with a better quality diamond are the differences noticeable.
The clarity quality is Si, meaning “slight inclusions”. On this quality diamond, and certainly under 0.50 carat, imperfections are not noticeable to the unaided eye. Only once under a jeweller’s high-powered magnifying glass can these inclusions be detected. You may see this category expressed as SI1 or SI2, with SI1 being slightly cleaner than S2.
For cut, polish and symmetry, we use a minimum of Good/Very Good in all H/Si diamonds over 0.50 carat.
G/SI QUALITY
G/Si quality diamonds are an excellent choice for engagement rings. This is a bright white diamond that has no visible inclusions.
The colour quality is G, meaning this is a bright white diamond. Expert knowledge is needed to identify any colour tint. In other words, these diamonds can essentially be considered near colourless.
The clarity quality is Si, meaning “slight inclusions”. On this quality diamond, and certainly at under 0.50 carat, imperfections are not noticeable to the unaided eye. Only once under a jeweller’s high-powered magnifying glass can these inclusions be detected. You might see this category available as Si1 and Si2, with Si1 being slightly cleaner than Si2.
For cut, polish and symmetry, we use a minimum of Good/Very Good in all G/Si diamonds over 0.50 carat.
G/VS QUALITY
G/Vs quality is the connoisseur’s choice. If you like to appreciate the finer things in life, this is the diamond for you.
The colour quality is G, meaning this is a bright white diamond. Expert knowledge is needed to identify any colour tint. In other words, these diamonds can essentially be considered near colourless.
The clarity quality is Vs. This is an abbreviation for “very slight”, referring to inclusions, or indeed lack of them. In fact, any inclusions in these diamonds can only be detected with expert knowledge and with the use of a high-powered jeweller’s loupe (magnifying glass). You might see this category available as Vs1 and Vs2, with Vs1 being slightly cleaner than Vs2.
For cut, polish and symmetry, we use a minimum of Good/Very Good in all G/Vs diamonds over 0.50 carat.
E/VS QUALITY
E/Vs quality is the diamond expert’s choice. If you want to know that you’re buying a superlative quality diamond that will stand up to professional scrutiny, this is the one for you.
The colour quality is E, meaning this is an exceptionally white diamond. Expert knowledge is needed to identify any colour tint whatsoever, so in essence these diamonds can be considered colourless.
The clarity quality is Vs. This is an abbreviation for “very slight”, referring to inclusions, or indeed lack of them. In fact, any inclusions in these diamonds can only be detected with expert knowledge and with the use of a high-powered jeweller’s loupe (magnifying glass). You might see this category available as Vs1 and Vs2, with Vs1 being slightly cleaner than Vs2.
For cut, polish and symmetry, we use a minimum of Good/Very Good in all E/Vs diamonds over 0.50 carat.
Note – the E/Vs quality is the highest grade of diamond we offer in engagement rings. Although there is one more colour grade (D) that is better, we genuinely feel that qualities higher than E/Vs are not noticeable by anyone except a diamond expert. That’s why we recommend that if you have extra budget available, go for a larger diamond rather than a grade higher than E/Vs.
We’re happy to answer any questions you may have
We understand that if you’re buying a diamond engagement ring, it’s a very important purchase for you – perhaps the most important one you’ll ever make. We’re here to help. If things get a little daunting, the best thing to do is contact us. We’re always happy to chat.
To live chat with us, simply click on the orange tab in the bottom left corner of our website. Alternatively, email us on sales@thediamondstore.com