It’s only natural to want to dazzle the one you love. Unfortunately, that can mean getting so caught up in the moment that you make an emotional decision that can cost you in the long run. The truth is that you can have a much nicer engagement ring than you think you can have if you’re mindful of how the “Four C’s” impact price. So, in this post, we’ll discuss how Clarity impacts your investment.
A Quick Explanation of the Four C’s
The “Four C’s” are the diamond characteristics that impact the quality of a diamond. Color, clarity, cut, and carat weight are graded by independent diamond authorities and used to determine value. Understanding how the grading works can really help you. One of these factors is discussed in more detail below. Clarity can make a big impact on your diamond’s price.
How Diamond Clarity Can Impact Your Engagement Ring Purchase Price
Think of clarity like you might with eyeglasses. Are there scratches? Are there cracks. Just like those things on eyeglasses cause problems, imperfections on diamonds can impact the shine and shimmer of the stone. An imperfection on the outside of a diamond is called a blemish and inside the diamond, it is called an occlusion. Diamonds are graded under 10x magnification.
Here are the clarity grades according to the Gemological Institute of America.
1. Flawless (FL) – No imperfections visible.
2. Internally Flawless (IF) – No inclusions but visible blemishes
3. Very, Very Slightly Included (VVS1 and VVS2) – Almost imperceptible occlusions.
4. Very Slightly Included (VS1 and VS2) – Very minor, difficult to see occlusions.
5. Slightly Included (SI1 and SI2) – Noticeable occlusions.
6. Included (I1, I2, and I3) – Very obvious occlusions that impact brilliance, fire, and shimmer.
Now, here’s the thing. Did you know without a jeweler’s loupe to look through 10x magnification, nearly nobody could see the difference between a flawless gem and a slightly included gem. The price difference might shock you, though. The difference between a VS2 diamond and a SI1 diamond can be twenty-five percent or more! A jeweler will try to sell you a diamond with a higher clarity grade. Ask yourself this question. When you’re showing it off to your friends, will they be viewing the engagement ring with a jeweler’s loupe?
Will you?
When you realize what makes a diamond more valuable can often have very little impact for you, it’s much easier to make a smart decision with price.
For further help with using the Four C’s to save money, check this post out:
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