Diamond Education
4Cs - Clarity
Clarity is a measure of the natural occurrence of inclusions in a diamond. Inclusions are evaluated based on their visibility, number, position, and type under 10x magnification.
WHAT DOES "CLARITY" MEAN WHEN IT COMES TO DIAMONDS?
Diamonds are graded based on the inclusions found in their natural state. Inclusions refer to impurities inside a diamond. They are like a diamond’s fingerprint and are always unique.
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FL-The diamonds are flawless
IF-The diamonds are internally flawless
VVS-Diamonds (1 and 2) have very, very slight inclusions (Very, Very Slightly Included)
VS-Diamonds (1 and 2) have very slight inclusions (Very Slightly Included)
SI-Diamonds (1 and 2) have minor inclusions (Slightly Included)
I-Diamonds (1, 2, and 3) are imperfect
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Of course, you're also welcome to contact us with no obligation at our GISELLE Boutique in Zurich visit.
HOW IMPORTANT IS A DIAMOND'S CLARITY?
If there are too many inclusions, they can interfere with the refraction and reflection of light, which can make a diamond appear cloudy. You’re on the safe side with a VS2 or higher, except for step-cut diamonds, which require a VS1 or higher. However, if you’re considering an Si1, I recommend purchasing it only through a professional to avoid any unpleasant surprises later on. In my opinion, Si2 and lower are not recommended, as they significantly diminish a diamond’s sparkle.
Cut
The largest and most important factor affecting a diamond's appearance and sparkle. In addition to the different types of cuts, the cut refers specifically to how light is refracted within the diamond.
COLOR
Among other things, color refers to a diamond's natural color.
Karat (Carat)
The carat is a unit of weight for diamonds. It does not refer to size, as many people mistakenly believe.
FAQs
There's no right or wrong here. It depends on the person wearing it.
Most of our female customers are drawn to 1ct–2ct stones (visually). However, there are also women who specifically prefer larger stones starting at 3ct, or—on the other hand—women who want a tiny stone (about 0.05ct).
If you have no idea what your sweetheart wants, I recommend buying a diamond ranging from 0.50 ct to 1 ct. Even on petite women, this size won’t look too big, and if she does end up wanting a larger ring, you can always upgrade it later.
Diamonds are measured in carats. One carat is equal to 0.20 grams.
For a moderate budget, we recommend G/H and Si1 as good standard-quality options.
Color:
For white gold and platinum, be sure to choose G. For rose gold and yellow gold, an H is also perfectly acceptable, since the stone takes on a slight yellow tint from the alloy anyway.
Purity:
With Si1, you can expect an "eye-clean" diamond. The inclusions are mainly visible under a loupe.
However, we do not recommend going below Si1. The inclusions may be visible to the naked eye and significantly impair the stone's sparkle.
Would you like to buy an engagement ring, wedding band, or piece of jewelry on an installment plan? We’d be happy to help you make your wishes come true. This service is handled through a third party, Heidipay. Up to 10k (with absolutely no interest) can be borrowed in up to 12 installments.
Diamond Lounge
A place full of beauty and elegance. We cordially invite you to visit us to discover our unique jewelry and select from our exquisite diamonds and gemstones. Enjoy a personalized consultation tailored to your needs by one of our experienced experts.
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Stop by GISELLE—your Jeweler in Zurich. We recommend booking an appointment in advance so that we can provide you with the best possible advice.