Diamond Faceoff: Round cut G/ VS2 vs. J/ SI1

Engagement ring shopping isn't always easy and sometimes the sizes qualities and details become a blur. Today we are going to compare two round brilliant cut diamonds that are seemingly similar and break down what makes them different.   Read below and you can listen & watch this useful video about diamond quality as well. The two diamonds we will look at are a 2 carat J color SI1 clarity against a 2 carat G color VS2 clarity.

THE SIMILARITIES: there are several characteristics that make these two diamonds appear similar to each other

Carat

When carat weights for the same diamond shape are the same typically you are comparing apples to apples. The similarity of size makes it a lot easier to compare the diamonds to each other.

Cut

Both of the diamonds have cut grades of Excellent as well as excellent polish and symmetry grade. This means all the faceting within the diamond lines up nicely, and all proportions and angles are correct creating a lot of brilliance and sparkle from the diamond.

Face Up Measurements 

Both of these 2 carat rounds have a large face up appearance meaning they are not hiding extra weight at the bottom. If a any diamond is cut too deep it will appear smaller than its size. These two rounds each measure 8.2mm across which is a larger than average measurement closer to that of a 2.2 carat. This means you save money and without spending the price of a  2.2 carat you still get the face up look of one!

THE DIFFERENCES: Now to really understand the diamond components let's compare where these diamonds differ

Color 

The color grade on one is a G color which is right at the top of the near colorless range. The second option is a J color which is 3 grades lower. Now side by side it can be tough to see a large difference but it is sutbtle. On a white background putting the diamonds in a face down position you can see more of a color difference though face up it may be easier to tell!

Clarity 

In terms of clarity the two diamonds are one grade apart. On a VS2 clarity diamond, very rarely will you be able to see an imperfection to the naked eye. In comparison, an SI1 clarity diamond is something you have to be more careful with. Some SI1 clarity diamonds have visible imperfections to the naked eye though this is not true for all of them. This particular diamond does not have any visible inclusions. When compared side by side, it will take a skilled gemoloist to actually verify which is a VS2 an which is an SI1 since they are so close in grading.

Price

Here is where you will see the two differences above come to life. The increase 1 grade in clarity and 3 grades in color mean a price jump of thousands of dollars! This isn't a small increase so it really comes down to balancing your budget to get the best diamond that works for you. At the end of the day, this is something you are going to be wearing everyday so if paying extra means you like the look better then go for it! However, if you have a tough time telling the quality difference between the two then it can really be a good opportunity to save some money as well.

A helpful learning tool is our diamond gallery where compare diamonds of all sizes and qualities to one another. You can even sort by price and diamond shape! Click here to view more

We specialize in customizing engagement rings to every budget. Contact us today to speak with a diamond specialist or set up an appointment to come in person and view our diamond inventory!