Beyond4Cs (Paul Gian)This heart shaped diamond ring is seen under various lighting conditions for its overall outlook and brilliance.
Under different lightings, you can see that the diamond takes on a different look. My favorite lighting condition is under the direct sunlight/spot lights. The diamond basically explodes into a fireworks show with blue/red/yellow flashes.
Click this link to find out more about heart cut diamonds:
Heart Shaped Diamond Ring Under Different LightingsBeyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2012-07-21 | This heart shaped diamond ring is seen under various lighting conditions for its overall outlook and brilliance.
Under different lightings, you can see that the diamond takes on a different look. My favorite lighting condition is under the direct sunlight/spot lights. The diamond basically explodes into a fireworks show with blue/red/yellow flashes.
Click this link to find out more about heart cut diamonds:
In the past, White Flash has kept their packaging really simple and it consists only of a ring box (or display box depending on what you are buying) + an envelope that contains important documents like your certificate or invoice.
The newly revamped jewelry box packaging gives the overall presentation a big lift. Now, you get all the items of your purchase neatly packed into a sleek looking jewelry box.
The new jewelry box is made up of 2 main areas: top and bottom.
The top portion of the box contains a foam insert where your purchase will be securely held during transportation. The bottom portion of the box is a pull out drawer that contains documentations of your purchase like the diamond certificate.
What is impressive is that there is a lot of thought that is placed into the design. The box contains a large storage space where you can keep all your jewelry safely in one location.
And even if you don't like the box as a jewelry storage option, you can still remove the inserts and it doubles up as just a box storage that you can use to keep anything.
Also, the jewelry box can be stacked upright and be slotted into a bookcase. This blends in nicely against books or other items that you can simply leave in a cupboard.
The 3 most common diamond simulants in the market are CZ, moissanite and white sapphire. CZ is the cheapest diamond alternative where the cost can be up to 1/1000 of the cost of a real diamond. Moissanite (both man made and natural) cost about a tenth of a diamond and is often market as being superior because of its ability to disperse light (fire).
In this video, we compare cz vs moissanite vs diamond and see what happens to them when a diamond tester is used on them.
CZ can easily be detected using the gemstone tester and it registers a non-diamond result. However, moissanite actually tests out to be a REAL DIAMOND on the meter. This is a false positive and can be a problem especially if an unethical seller is attempting to offload a fake diamond to you at a high price. As for the real diamond ring, it tests positive as a real diamond.
So, how do you tell if a diamond is real or fake if you are using a tester similar to what I am using? The key is to use a 10X loupe and use it to eyeball the facets of the moissanite for a doubling effect.
As you can see, a diamond tester like this has some problems detecting moissanite vs diamond because it uses a heat probe. Since moissanite and diamond both have similar thermal properties, both of these gemstones register as a diamond on the tester.
Most other simulants like CZ or morganite or white sapphire can be accurately detected.
If you are looking for a more reliable way to detect a genuine diamond, a higher end gemstone tester from Presidium would be able to detect moissanite because it also adds in an electrical conductivity test.
In the jewelry market, you can find cubic zirconia rings everywhere from departmental stores to higher end chains. And they are really popular for good reasons. CZ is cheap, relatively durable and looks alot like real diamonds.
Most of the cubic zirconia you find in jewelry are mass produced in China where production costs are low and the cost per carat being as low as a few cents. This inexpensive option coupled with its appearance make CZ suitable for both higher end and lower end jewelry.
In this video, we are using a diamond tester on a $10 cubic zirconia engagement ring that I bought online. As you can see in the video, the gemstone tester accurately checks the ring out as a non-diamond ring. This quick examination only takes a fraction of a minute and gives you a very convenient way to perform identification tests at home.
While this CZ ring can be identified easily with a diamond tester, I do want to point out that there are limitations to it. Some gemstones which have similar thermal conductivity like moissanite would not be accurately identified with a heat probe testing equipment.
If you are a hobbyist or someone who wants a cheap and simple way of identifying CZ and other common simulants, you can buy this diamond tester here:
For people who are more serious or require a higher level of test accuracy, I recommend the Presidium gemstone tester which can identify a wider range of simulants like moissanite.
Moissanite is a popular diamond simulant that is sold by jewelers as an alternative to a pricey diamond ring. It was first mass produced by Charles and Colvard and the patent they held gave them exclusive rights to make them.
In this video, I had purchased a loose moissanite gemstone from Charles and Colvard for about $100. It was then mounted onto a temporary ring holder to facilitate the test with the diamond tester.
As you will see in the video, the diamond tester actually identifies moissanite as a diamond. And this is actually an erroneous result because of the limitations of the testing equipment.
This cheap diamond tester uses a heat probe to check for a gemstone's thermal conductivity. While the majority of simulants like CZ or white sapphire can be detected, it fails to correctly identify moissanite. This is because moissanite has a similar heat transfer property like a real diamond.
If you want to correctly identify a moissanite, you will either have to use a higher end diamond tester that has an in-built electrical conductivity test or manually use a 10X loupe to check for doubling effects in the facets.
If you are thinking about buying a gemstone from a dubious source, you need to learn to protect yourself with knowledge and the best way not to get scammed into buying a fake diamond is to shop at a reliable place.
FAQ: Does moissanite look like a diamond? Answer: No. Mossanite is cut differently from a diamond to give it more fire. It also looks more oily and cloudy compared to a diamond which generally looks crisp and clean.
FAQ: Moissanite vs diamond sparkle - which is better? Answer: Better is subjective. Diamonds can be cut to a variety of cut standards which affects their light performance. In general, better cut diamonds cost more and display a good balance of fire and brilliance. Likewise, moissanite is also subjected to the same kind of cutting standards. There are well cut moissanites and there are poorly cut moissanites. If we were to compare the top tier of moissanite and diamond cut quality, I would say that diamond would come out tops.White Sapphire vs CZ vs Diamond - Can a Gem Tester Tell Them Apart?Beyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2021-06-22 | For a more detailed read on white sapphire, cz and diamond, go to:
White sapphire and cubic zirconia are both common types of diamond simulants found in the jewelry market place. They are used as an alternative to diamonds because of their cheaper prices and ability to be manufactured at scale.
With white sapphire, a lab made gemstone will cost around $2 for a carat while a CZ will cost less than $1 for a carat. White sapphires also have a distinct appearance that is slightly milky while CZ will look identical to a diamond to the untrained eye.
In terms of sparkle and brilliance, CZ is a better simulant because of its refractive properties and material quality. In terms of getting the best sparkle and scintillation, diamonds are usually in the top tier level.
This is because their hardness allows them to be polished with extreme luster and better proportions that are planned beforehand.
In this video, we performed a comparison of all 3 types of gemstones and used a diamond tester to check them for their authenticity. A real diamond will cause the diamond tester to sound out in a beeping fashion while a fake diamond simulant will not activate the tester.
It is also important to note that while a cheap and affordable testing equipment like this can allow a lay person to identify a diamond, it isn't 100% fail proof. Some gemstones like moissanite will show up as a false positive and you need to perform further tests to confirm the unknown gemstone's identity.
If you want to buy the diamond tester I used to perform a DIY home-based identification, check out the links below:
For more serious collectors or professionals in the industry, the Presidium gemstone tester is a better investment of your money. It can be used to identify different types of gemstones with a higher degree of accuracy.
Cubic zirconia and moissanite are both common diamond simulants that are found in the market. CZ is a much cheaper alternative and can be found in costume jewelry at departmental stores. Due to its cheap prices and yet somewhat similar appearance to diamond, CZ is one of the most popular diamond alternative.
On the other hand, moissanite is a much more expensive option compared to CZ. It is roughly 10-15 times more expensive and has different optical properties due to its double refractive index.
The differences between a moissanite and CZ are quite easy to see visually. Moissanite displays more fire and takes on an oily appearance. CZ appears more clean and crisp which gives it more resemblance to a diamond.
In this video, we use a diamond tester to perform a test on both of these gemstones to see the results. CZ can be easily detected as a non-diamond gemstone by the tester. However, moissanite turns up as a positive reading for diamond. This is due to the limitations of these types of diamond testers.
The heat probe method utilized by this tester checks for the thermal conductivity of the unknown gemstone. Since moissanite has similar thermal properties like diamond, it tests wrongly as a diamond!
So, if you are shopping for a real diamond ring from an unreliable seller, you need to be careful of getting a fake stone especially if there is no grading report or if the seller attempts to justify the gemstone's authenticity with a diamond tester like this.
White sapphire is one of the most common diamond simulants in the market as it has a good resemblance to diamond. In nature, white sapphire can be mined but they are generally low in quality and you will commonly get rough gemstones with lots of inclusions in them.
Most of the white sapphire jewelry (also in this ring) are actually mounted with man made stones. These artificially created white sapphires are made in the lab based on different recipes and done on a vast scale. As a result, the cost of a white sapphire is really cheap and you can get loose stones for pennies to the dollar.
In this video, the diamond tester probe is placed carefully onto the white sapphire in order to test for its heat conductivity. Due to its poor thermal conductivity, the light meter of the testing device does not light up fully. This means that the gemstone that had been tested is NOT a diamond.
In the case of a real diamond, the device would light up with a rainbow color and a loud sound will be heard from it. This confirms the presence of a gemstone with high thermal conductivity.
In this video, I purchased a cheap diamond tester online from eBay and used in on an existing real diamond ring that I had purchased for my wife. The diamond tester works on the principle of thermal conductivity (because diamonds are SUPERB conductors of heat due to their compact covalent structure).
The diamond tester has a light meter which lights up depending on how much heat is transmitted away from the tip after it gets into contact with the surface of the diamond.
Do take note that the diamond tester has to be used properly and angled properly to the diamond for a proper contact or you will get misleading results from the test.
If a real diamond is detected, the light bar lights up to the DIA level to indicate a real diamond and a beeping sound will be heard from the equipment.
In order to differentiate between a real vs fake diamond, this affordable tester can to correctly identify real stones vs fake gemstones with the exception of a few gemstones like moissanite. For the case of moissanite, you will need to use a diamond tester that has an electrical conductivity test or manually use a 10X loupe and check the gemstone for refractive doubling.
Higher end diamond testers like those from the Presidium brand will have such functions in place to differentiate between a real diamond and a fake diamond like moissanite.
If you want a simple diamond tester and have the physical knowledge to use a 10X loupe to identify a moissanite, you can use the testers here in conjunction with that knowledge:
For a more professional level of testing to differentiate between diamonds and common gemstones, I recommend the Presidium gemstone tester:
I've also written a couple of other comprehensive guides to help you identify a diamond from other common simulants found in the marketplace. Check them out in the links below:
As always, the best way to ensure you are getting what you paid for when buying a diamond ring is to shop at a reliable place and buy a diamond with a GIA or AGS certificate.Moissanite vs Diamond Identification With Diamond TesterBeyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2021-06-20 | For a comprehensive method of accurate identification of moissanite, go to: beyond4cs.com/faq/how-to-spot-a-fake-diamond/identify-a-moissanite
Moissanite is a common simulant and alternative used in the jewelry market for diamond. On the surface, it is marketed as a better option because of its supposedly better fire and lower prices. Sometimes, these are also called moissanite fake diamonds
To the untrained eye, it is difficult to know if a diamond is real if you do not understand the properties of diamond and moissanite. The difference between moissanite and diamond lies in their refractive properties and moissanite is doubly refractive which causes it to bend light more than diamond.
In this video, I attempted to use a diamond tester on both moissanite and diamond. As you will see, moissanite tests as a false positive on the testing device because it has similar heat conductive properties like a diamond. Hence, you cannot rely on such a tester to differentiate a diamond and moissanite apart.
Using a loupe, you can learn how to tell a real diamond from moissanite by inspecting the facets for a doubling effect. Diamond does not display this phenomenon.
Alternatively, you can also buy a more complex diamond tester that also has an imbued electrical conductivity test. The Presidium brand of diamond testers have this function and can identify a diamond from a moissanite. Due to its covalent bonding structure, diamond does not conduct electricity. On the other hand, moissanite can conduct electricity.
For a more professional level of testing to differentiate between diamonds and common gemstones, I recommend the Presidium gemstone tester which will cost upwards of $100 depending on model and functionality. This higher end gemstone tester has an in-built test for electrical conductivity which allows it to detect moissanite and diamond accurately.
In this video, we use a diamond tester that is commonly found on platforms like Amazon and eBay to test a cubic zirconia ring and a diamond engagement ring.
If you are someone who is wondering how to tell if a diamond is real, this video will show you exactly how the diamond heat probe tester work against most simulated diamond rings.
In the market, the most common "fake diamond" simulant is cubic zirconia (CZ) as it resembles and looks alot like a real diamond to most laypeople. To the untrained consumer, it would be very difficult to tell a real diamond by eye and you can purchase an affordable diamond tester like the one I used in the video above to do DIY tests at home yourself.
This testing device works on the principle of a heat probe which is used to identify and differentiate between gemstones using their thermal conductivity.
While scams aren't that common in jewelry stores, there are many unethical sellers on unregulated platforms like Craigslist and eBay where cubic zirconia rings that look real are used to rip off unsuspecting buyers.
With a portable diamond tester, you can easily filter out common simulants and find out whether a diamond is real or not.
Here are additional readings on fake diamonds and simulants such as moissanite:
If you liked this video, give it a thumbs up. If you didn't, leave a comment and let us know why and the areas we can do better. As always, shop safe.Cushion Cut vs Round Cut Diamond Rings – How They Will Look On Your HandsBeyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2020-02-11 | For a more indepth read about cushion cut vs round cut diamonds, head over to: beyond4cs.com/faq/cushion-cut-vs-round-cut
Cushion cut diamonds and round cut diamonds are amongst the most popular types of shapes that people choose for their engagement rings. In this video review, we wear both a cushion cut and a round cut diamond to show you how it looks like on the hand.
When cut for performance, both round diamonds and cushion cut diamonds can display a huge amount of fire and brilliance. The diamonds used for this comparison are near the half carat (0.50ct) range and will give you an idea of how they look like on a size 7 finger.
Round cut diamonds tend to have contrast patterning and scintillation due to their cutting style. Cushion cut diamonds tend to have smaller facets and can look a little splintery (in a good way).
If you are looking for something a little more unique compared to something more traditional, a cushion cut diamond ring would better fit your style. In the comparison of cushion cut versus round cut diamonds, you can also see that both face up really white due to their light return capabilities.
For people who aren’t sure what their recipient prefers, going with a round diamond would be the safest choice as it is a classic shape and goes well with almost every type of ring design in the market.
Also, if you are someone who wants the best of the best in terms of sparkle, a round diamond that is ideally cut would outperform an ideal cut cushion shape diamond. FYI, both these diamonds in this review are AGS graded 000 and are top of the line for their respective shapes.
For people with slimmer fingers, round diamonds might be better suited to you while cushion cut diamonds would have better finger coverage for people with larger hands or fingers.
At the end of the day, the choice between a round and cushion cut diamond lies in your own preferences. There are really no rules when it comes to fashion and your wants should help you decide which to choose.
Now, I want to hear from you. Which do you think is the better looking diamond shape? Do you like the round or the cushion cut diamond? Leave a comment below to let me know!
In this video, we compare a cushion cut vs a princess cut diamond to show you the visual differences between them when they are worn on a hand. Besides showing you how they look like in real life, we are also going to examine them under various types of lighting to show you the differences between their optical performance.
Visually, the cushion cut diamond is shaped like a pillow and has 4 rounded corners. It takes on a softer outline due to its curved edges. The princess cut diamond is essentially a square cut diamond and has a harsher and more pronounced outline.
For people who like geometric shapes and outlines, the square shape princess cut would be something that suits your tastes better. Depending on the type of ring designs you are after, you may prefer one shape over the other.
For example, if you like vintage or retro designs, the cushion cut is much better suited for these settings. For a more modern kind of appearance, the princess cut diamond would be a better fit to contemporary designs.
In the video, we compare the cushion cut and princess cut diamonds on our fingers and bring it under 5 types of everyday environments. Visually, both diamonds are spectacular and that should come as no surprise as both are carefully picked for their light performance.
Both diamonds are rated as AGS 000 and are ideally cut for the best brilliance and sparkle for their respective shapes. They are benchmarks of how a well cut cushion and princess should look like.
By itself, the cushion cut diamond has better finger coverage and looks bigger than the princess cut diamond in a like for like setting. This is because princess cut diamonds are generally cut deeper in order to bring out their sparkle. Cushion cut diamonds on the other hand, have better spread to carat weight ratio. If you placed 2 diamonds of the same carat weight side by side, the cushion cut would generally look bigger than the other.
In terms of optical performance, both diamonds are pretty much on par with each other. If we were to split hairs, the cushion cut diamond would have marginally better performance and scintillation patterning over the princess cut diamond.
As you can see in the different lightings, both diamonds light up like disco balls when they are subjected to spot light or sunlight. The fire and brilliance shooting out of the diamonds are incredible.
So, having watched the video, would you like a cushion cut diamond over the square cut diamond ring? Which do you think has better performance and appeals to you more?
Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts! Other links for interesting reads:
In the world of engagement rings and diamond jewelry, 2 of the most popular shapes are the round and cushion cut diamond. A round diamond is the classic evergreen shape cut to 57 facets and has been modernized over the last 100 years.
Today, round diamonds can be cut to the utmost precision and allow the diamond to display fantastic light performance and fire. Cushion cut diamonds are a derivative of the round brilliant cut. They look elegant due to their softer edges and they are also called the pillow cut.
In this video, we review the sparkle and scintillation of the cushion cut vs round cut diamond using 2 real life rings. They are both graded as ideal cut diamonds by the top laboratory in the world; AGS. Both engagement rings are placed side by side and carefully rocked under spotlight conditions.
If you watched the video, you would be mesmerized by the continual sparkle and fire displayed by both diamonds. The huge, bold flashes of colored light return are simply a joy to watch. With red, green, blue, yellow and orange colors bouncing off the diamond facets, this is the exact reason why people fall in love with well cut diamonds.
The cushion cut diamond is placed in a halo setting which accentuates its outline while the round cut diamond is placed in a 6 prong solitaire setting.
Next, the comparison of the round vs cushion cut diamond takes place in other common lighting environments to stimulate real life situations.
Strictly speaking, the round cut diamond has better contrast patterning and you can see this via the black arrows which creates a pleasing pattern. The cushion cut has a more splintery appearance due to the nature of its cutting style.
Both types of diamond shapes are winners in their own rights and it is really up to your personal preference on which to choose. In terms of price, cushion cut diamonds tend to be less expensive per carat as they are able to utilize the rough diamond better during the polishing process.
Now, I want to hear your thoughts. Which diamond shape do you like more? The cushion or round diamond cut? Leave a comment below to let me know!
Cushion cut diamonds and princess cut diamonds are 2 of the most popular fancy cut diamond shapes in the market. In this video, we perform a review of a cushion cut vs princess cut diamond ring under various types of environments. This will provide you with insights to a realistic look in real life.
When it comes to sparkle and scintillation, well cut cushions tend to have broader flashes of light and fire compared to princess shape diamonds. This is because the facets of princess cut diamonds tend to be smaller and their virtual facets would also be tinier.
Both diamonds used in this review are AGS graded and have ideal light performance (000). These 2 have extremely strong looking ASETs and are top notch in their optical performance.
As you can see in the video, both diamonds are extremely lively and full of fire. When you scrutinize details, you will realize that the cushion cut will slightly edge out the princess cut diamond in terms of brightness. This is due to the perceived light return from the pavilion facets of the cushion cut.
In an ideal cut princess diamond like the one in the video, you will see that there is superb edge to edge brightness and the outline is very crisp and well defined. When the diamond is rocked and tilted, light bounces off the facets to give it a defined scintillation patterning.
When it comes to fire, the cushion cut diamond edges out the princess cut and the colored light return is slightly more pronounced. In daylight environments, both diamonds face up white and this is due to their cut quality. The majority of other diamonds in the market will come nowhere close to the optics of these 2 beautifully cut diamonds.
Given a choice between these 2 shapes, which one speaks to you more? Which do you think is between a cushion cut and a princess cut diamond? Drop a comment below to leave your thoughts!
In this video, we review a G near colorless super ideal cut diamond ring purchased from White Flash. When most people buy a diamond ring, they assume that a higher colored diamond ring will make the engagement ring more beautiful or give it more sparkle.
That's why D-F colorless diamonds cost a premium and jewelers often market them in a way that is misleading. The fact is, color has nothing to do with the diamond's sparkle or brilliance. That is a direct factor resulting from cut quality.
Also, many people assume that near colorless diamonds are yellowish and that they can easily see a warm tone in the diamond. However, when a diamond is cut well, the light return of brilliance can help mask color and make the diamond face up white. In fact, most people cannot tell the difference between a well cut G diamond against the best D color grade in the face up view.
In this video, the super ideal cut diamond is a 0.622 carat G color VS2 that is graded by AGS. In different types of environments, we examine the diamond for any tints of color.
I personally find G diamonds to be the best value for money as you can get a cool icy white appearance without having to pay a price premium for colorless diamonds. They are also the sweet spot where you don't get such a massive price jump between larger carat sizes.
The key when buying a near colorless diamond like a G grade, is to make sure it is cut well.
So, watch and rewatch the video a couple of times and see if a G is good enough for you. Can you see any color in the G diamond?
Would you buy a G diamond or prefer other colors? Leave a comment below to let me know what is your ideal color for a diamond. See you again soon!
White Flash is a very reputable vendor in the industry and they are well known for their super ideal cut diamonds they sell. They offer both round and princess cut diamonds with AGS and GIA certificates in their signature lines.
In this review, I purchased a $4000 diamond engagement ring and recorded a video to show you how their A Cut Above diamonds look like in real life. A 0.60 carat round diamond with G color and VS2 clarity was picked and a designer Vatche setting was selected to complete the ring.
In order to assess the diamond's optical performance, we examine the diamond under various forms of environments that you will find yourself in most of the time. The diamond was reviewed under sunlight, outdoor shaded conditions, indoor spotlighting and office fluorescent lighting.
In the various types of lighting, we can see how the diamond behaves to exhibit sparkle and brilliance. So watch the full length video above to see it in action for yourself.
The thing about super ideal cut diamonds is that they provide a well balanced appearance and look great in almost any type of environments. That's because each individual facet has been carefully engineered and cut to exact proportions for the best light return.
On the other hand, poorly cut diamonds can look good in spotlighting environments and it can be hard for beginners to detect differences when compared to a well cut diamond. However, in lighting conditions such as shaded outdoor environments or fluorescent lighting, poorly cut diamonds look glassy and lack brightness.
Also, super ideal cut diamonds display an appealing contrast patterning which helps to captivate the eye and your attention. Poorly cut diamonds often have sub par patterning which look messy.
Finally, the A Cut Above diamond also displays extreme cut precision which results in crisp looking hearts and arrows patterning when viewed with a H&A scope. Most other diamonds will display H&A patternings which are inconsistent and defective.
I hope this video has offered you useful insights into how an A CUT Above (ACA) diamond from WhiteFlash.com looks like. Did you like what you see and which type of lighting do you think the diamond looks the best?
Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts.
If you are looking for a review of White Flash or wonder what's inside the package you would receive from WhiteFlash.com when you make a purchase, you are at the right place.
In this box opening video, I've recorded the entire process to show you what you will get when you buy a diamond ring from White Flash.
Inside the FedEx parcel, there is another padded sealed envelope to protect the contents during transit. And within the envelope, you will find a red/black ring box that holds the diamond ring.
There's also a black paper envelope from White Flash which contains the important documentation of your purchase.
Here's a list of the items I received in the package: 1) Jeweler's Mutual insurance brochure 2) White Flash information brochure 3) Refer a friend card 4) Invoice 5) Calender with a compiled collection of beautiful engagement rings 6) AGS grading certificate 7) Blue Vatche ring pouch (*Only for selected designer ring purchases.)
Overall, the package is no-frills and doesn't make use of excessive packaging. I'm very pleased with the entire shopping experience. The items inside were also received in superb condition with no damage.
I hope this unboxing video helped and gave you insights in knowing what you will receive when you shop at WhiteFlash.com. Lastly, I want to know what you think about White Flash's packaging.
Was it acceptable to you? Are there any areas for improvement or things that you didn't like? Leave a comment below to let me know.
In this video, we review how an ideal cut princess diamond ring looks like when it is worn on a finger. This diamond is graded by AGS as a triple ideal 000 cut diamond and is handpicked for its light performance. The ring setting is a pave style design made of 14k white gold and is very affordable at a price of $900.
In total, this pave diamond engagement ring only cost $2000 and it is a fantastic deal. Here are the specifications and proportions for this AGS graded diamond:
The pave setting was chosen to add an extra dimension of sparkle and to provide more finger coverage. In this video, we will review the princess cut diamond ring under different forms of lighting conditions to show you how a well cut diamond behaves.
In the spot lighting environment, the princess cut diamond displays intense fire and brilliance.
In the first spotlighting environment, you can see the diamond flare up with tons of beautiful sparkle and brilliance. You can also see that the individual facets of light up and there are no dead spots. For a square cut diamond, you also want to see good edge to edge brightness like what is seen here.
Even though this is an H near colorless diamond, there is no tint of any color at all and you probably won't even know what color grade this is until I told you about it. On top of that, this is an SI1 diamond which is usually classified as being "low quality".
People are scared of SI1 diamonds because they don't understand or know what they are buying. When a square cut diamond like this is selected well, you get an eyeclean diamond. The better cut performance of the diamond also helps the stone to hide inclusions and mask body color.
Even in unfavorable lighting conditions like diffused lighting or shaded outdoor environments, this diamond is able to hold its own weight and looks really bright and white. Unlike most other princess cut diamonds with large tables and shallow depths, this diamond is able to reflect light properly.
In other lighting environments like the direct sunlight, the diamond exhibits alot of colorful fire and it really attracts attention. So, if you are someone who is out to make a fashion statement and want to stand out, you may want to consider a similar looking ring like this.
Now, I want to hear from you. What do you think about the princess cut diamond ring? Did you like what you see? Or would you prefer a round cut diamond? Either way, leave a comment below to let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video review, we examine a Vatche Felicity pave diamond engagement ring I recently purchased to see how good (or bad) they are.
So, if you are wondering how a Vatche diamond looks like in real life or want to find out the quality of their craftsmanship, this review is something you need to watch in full.
Keep a lookout on the overall roundness of the ring symmetry, finishing, overall aesthetics and shank details. Personally, I find that the craftsmanship of Vatche is excellent and I see no issues with the ring.
What I also like is their attention to details where they polish the entire ring nicely. The melee diamond matching and selection is also superb. On this point, I do want to highlight that Vatche uses VS clarity and F-G melees and this is generally much higher in quality than those used by other vendors and brands.
When reviewing a ring, the face up view is one of the first things that the eyes see. So, prong placements and proper mounting of the diamond is an important aspect to check as well.
On the whole, I do like what I see and I can say that the quality of Vatche's workmanship is superb. But I want to know what you think of the ring after viewing it. Do you share the same thoughts or did you not like it?
1) Are Vatche designer rings worth the price or are they too expensive?
In my opinion, Vatche is one of the most affordable designer brands in the market. They don't cost a fortune and their rings are designed to match smaller size carat diamonds. This means they aren't out of reach from common people like you and me. Prices aside, the more important thing is that their rings are well made and better quality than other brands that charge more.
2) Do you sell Vatche diamond rings?
Nope I don't. I don't sell jewelry and that is one of the reasons why I can be objective in my review.VVS versus VS Diamond Engagement Ring – Hand ComparisonBeyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2019-06-08 | For more details about the clarity grades, head over to:
In this video, we compare two tiffany style 6 prong diamond rings and see how they look like when worn on a finger. The main purpose of this video is for you to see whether you can notice differences between a VVS and VS diamond. Do you need an excessively high diamond clarity in order for it to sparkle and look beautiful? Or would a VS diamond look completely identical when it comes to visual appearance.
First, let’s take a look at what the clarity grades represent in order to find out the differences between VVS and VS grades. GIA separates the different categories to represent different technicalities in inclusion grading.
For VVS (Very Very Slightly Included – VVS1 & VVS2), the grade only allows for minute inclusions that are EXTREMELY difficult to see at 10x magnification.
For VS (Very Slightly Included – VS1 & VS2), the grade allows inclusions that are somewhat hard to see under 10X magnification.
The types of inclusions allowable for VVS and VS also differ. For example, you will only benign inclusions like pinpoints, needles, internal graining or clouds in VVS diamonds. For VS diamonds, crystals, knots or distinct clouds, feather and graining are typically what you will find.
For most beginners, they have a misconception that the higher the clarity rating, the better the diamond looks. That’s not true because a higher clarity grade may not be worth the expense. In most cases, a VS diamond can look just as good as a VVS diamond and this video is a great example to showcase that.
So, which should you choose and which is better between a VVS diamond or a VS diamond? It depends on your personal tastes and if you are buying step cut diamonds at large carat sizes, that’s when a VVS clarity grade can have practical advantages to keep the diamond eyeclean.
If budget is something that affects your buying decision, then consider getting a VS diamond instead of a VVS diamond as it is less expensive. The savings you can get between these grading categories can be as high as 20% and in absolute terms, this can translate to hundreds if not, thousands of dollars in savings. And it makes sense too. You could use this money that is saved towards a larger looking diamond or a better colored diamond or even a more elaborate ring setting.
Now I want to hear from you. Can you see the differences in clarity rating between these 2 engagement rings? Would you be willing to spend more on a VVS or VS diamond? Is clarity the number priority on your mind when you look at diamonds or do you prioritize other aspects of the 4Cs?
Leave a comment below to let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In diamond clarity grading, VS diamonds have 2 grades: VS1 (very slightly included 1) and VS2 (very slightly included 2). The vs1 grade is higher than the vs2 grade but the real differences between these 2 grades are minute in terms of appearance.
In my opinion, VS diamonds (BOTH vs1 and vs2) are great choices for shoppers who are looking to get better value for money. Compared to VVS or IF diamonds, the VS diamonds look identical and are much lower priced. For some perspective, a VS2 diamond can cost 20-25% less than a VVS1 diamond.
To the naked eye and without the aid of any magnification tools, both VS1 and VS2 diamonds do not have inclusions that will cause haziness or impede light rays. They are also no structural or durability problems caused by VS1 and VS2 diamonds.
The point is, VS diamonds aren’t flawless and they do contain inclusions like most other naturally mined diamonds. What is great about them is that they strike a good balance between eyecleanliness and costs.
So, what’s the difference between VS2 and VS1? Well, a vs1 clarity diamond has no eye visible inclusions and have hard to see flaws under a 10X loupe. Vs2 diamonds are typically eyeclean as well and the common types of inclusions found in them are faint crystals, feathers, indented naturals, knots and needles. In this video review, we look at a side by side comparison of a VS2 vs VS1 diamond engagement ring in 6 prong solitaire setting. Both these diamonds are on par in terms of cut quality and the main difference we are looking at is clarity.
In a spotlight environment, do you notice any inclusions between these 2 rings? Or are your eyes drawn towards the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond? That’s the point I want to make as well. When people shop for diamonds, they get overly worried about clarity when it is actually a minor issue that the eyes won’t see. Instead of spending more time on assessing and choosing a diamond based on cut quality, they choose to focus on clarity. And getting a poorly cut diamond with IF clarity will not result in a more beautiful diamond with SI or VS clarity that is well cut.
In terms of clarity grading and nomenclature, the differences between vs2 vs vs1 diamonds are largely technical. Price wise, the differences between these 2 grades range from 5-10% depending on carat size. When it comes to selecting VS diamonds, I recommend getting those that are off-center inclusions and avoiding dark color inclusions. Also, you should only buy diamonds that are graded by GIA or AGS for a reliable and accurate assessments.
After watching the video, what do you think about the VS1 and VS2 diamond rings? Are there any tangible differences you can see between these 2 engagement rings? Which one do you like more? Leave a comment below and let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
Very often, first time engagement ring shoppers get confused between choosing a VVS and VS diamond ring. Which is better and is it necessary to pay the extra price for a VVS diamond? Are the benefits of buying a VVS diamond far better than that of a VS diamond graded by GIA?
One common phenomenon I come across when shopping for a diamond ring is that some dealers actively promote VVS diamonds for their exceptional clarity and make fictitious claims that they make the diamond more beautiful. There is some truth to that if you are comparing garbage tier clarity like I1 or I2 against a VVS diamond. But the claims tend to fall short when you compare them to VS or SI clarity diamonds.
In this video, we compare a VVS and VS diamond engagement ring in diffused lighting. This video shows you exactly what to expect when it comes to appearances and how the diamonds look like in real life. We take a critical look at the 2 different clarity grades in office diffused lighting where it is easiest to see inclusions and differences.
As the clarity grade improves, you can expect an upward movement in prices as well. The thing is VVS diamonds are relatively rare and they are much more expensive compared to SI or VS diamonds. And some people have the misconception that VVS diamonds are a good investment. That’s far from the truth. The fact is, diamonds are bad investments and this applies to D/IF diamonds as well simply because there are too many of them in the market. Unless you are bidding for a diamond worth millions of dollars, I can assure you that EVERY single diamond you buy at the retail level is a BAD investment.
Should You Buy a VVS diamond or VS diamond?
Now, there are some circumstances where it makes sense to buy a VVS diamond and that’s when you are buying large size step cut diamonds or when there is a symbolic reason for you to do so. In most cases, a VS diamond is more than sufficient to get an eyeclean, sparkly diamond. In fact, I personally think VS diamonds have more advantages than a VVS diamond. First of all, the pro of getting a VS clarity over VVS clarity is lower prices. The other advantage is that the inclusions that you see under a 10X magnification can also serve as a means of identification because it is a unique “birthmark” of a diamond.
Many people find value provided by VS diamonds as they offer a superb balance of cost and practicality. Chances are, when you review this Youtube video, you probably can’t tell any visual differences between these 2 engagement rings.
So, now I want to hear from you. What do you think about the comparison between VS and VVS diamond rings? Were you able to spot any differences between them and can you even see any inclusions in the rings? If you can’t, would you still want to pay a high price for a VVS diamond or would you be perfectly fine with a VS diamond ring?
Leave a comment below to let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video, a tiffany styled 6 prong solitaire ring from James Allen is reviewed. The center diamond is an AGS certified 0.616ct H color VS2 clarity round diamond. The diamond is handpicked from the True Hearts signature diamond for its superlative cut performance and precision.
This is a hearts and arrows diamond that has superb optical symmetry and contrast patterning. The total cost of the ring is $3,400 ($2400 for diamond and $1000 for setting). It goes to show the superb value you can get for a 3k budget when you shop at online vendors.
Mind you, this diamond is cut to impeccable standards and you would seldom find these type of cut precision at branded jewelry stores like Tiffany or Cartier. A similar ring like these would cost at least twice as much at branded places and that could easily set you back by $6000!
The setting is made of 14k white gold which also provides fantastic value for money if you are on a budget. 14k white gold is an alloyed metal and it has better hardness than platinum. It’s lighter and it’s cheaper. However, the alloy does contain nickel which can cause skin rashes to sensitive skin and the rhodium plating requires routine maintenance to keep the ring looking white and shiny.
In the video, the ring is examined from top to bottom and side to back. Overall, the things I look out for when assessing a ring’s workmanship is how consistent the shanks are made. The position of the head and prongs are also important factors I look out for as well.
So, what do you make of the 14k white gold tiffany setting from James Allen? Did you like what you see? Drop a comment below to let me know your thoughts.
In this video, we review a 18k white gold solitaire ring design. This 6 prong setting style is very similar to that of the classic Tiffany ring setting. It's a basic, plain and yet evergreen design that is adored by many people around the world.
The center stone is a GIA certified 0.65ct I color SI1 diamond with super ideal cut quality. This is a signature hearts and arrows round cut diamond that I personally handpicked.
Now, most jewelers offer a 6 prong design like this as it is very popular among consumers and it is an affordable setting.
When looking at a 6 prong solitaire ring's craftsmanship, we look at shank symmetry, prong placement, shank consistency and overall appearances.
Whether a ring has good workmanship really depends on how these difference elements are made. So, watch the video review of the ring above and let's examine this popular ring design together.
After watching the video, I would love to hear what you think about the workmanship of the ring. Do you think it is poor or good? Would you buy a 6 prong diamond ring with a solitary design or would you opt for other styles with side diamonds?
Leave a comment below to let me know!
Other readings you may want to check out to learn more about buying an engagement ring:
In this video, we review the light performance and sparkle of an ideal cut round diamond from the faint yellow color category. The diamond we are examining today is a GIA triple excellent cut and has superb optical precision.
The diamond has a K color and VS1 clarity which is priced at an attractive price point. Now, I know many people may shun lower color diamonds because they misunderstand that color makes the diamond more sparkly or more beautiful. Really, the sparkle and brilliance of a diamond is determined by cut quality.
In the full length video, you can see the ring being reviewed under different types of everyday lighting conditions. I can tell you that the diamond looks spectacular and is full of amazing sparkle. Also, while the diamond is a “low” K color, it is by no means yellowish looking in the face up view. That’s because diamonds are graded in the face down view.
Once they are mounted a setting like this, it’s hard for the eye to perceive color tints. That said, if you have an acute eye like I do, you may notice just a tinge of color in the diamond under fluorescent and office lighting.
When a diamond is well cut and has good proportions, its facets are able to react to light and reflect them back to the viewer’s eyes. Here are the stats and specifications for the diamond:
The combination of the proportions and craftsmanship of the diamond gives it a superb scintillation patterning and dispersion properties.
Because this diamond is so well cut, it is almost indistinguishable from a higher color diamond while costing a lot less. So, if you are on a budget and want to get a better bang for your buck, you may want to consider J or K diamonds.
With that, I want to hear your thoughts. Did you find the video useful and would you ever buy a K colored diamond? Why and why not? Do drop a note below to pen your thoughts and share them with me. I absolutely love hearing from viewers.
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this review, we examine a GIA triple ex diamond engagement ring that is worn on a hand under different types of lighting environments. The diamond ring costs around $3000 when you add the price of the loose diamond ($2200) and 6 prong ring setting ($800) together.
Here are the specifications and details of the GIA certified diamond:
This Tiffany style 6 prong ring made of 18k white gold was selected for its simplicity and to focus the attention on the center stone. The ring size is made to US size 7 and I think the size of the diamond is just right for the overall proportions of the hand.
So, if you are looking for a 0.60ct diamond and wonder how it looks like, this should offer a really good gauge on what to expect.
Here I want to highlight that this diamond isn't any generic GIA triple excellent diamond but one that is hand selected for the BEST optics and light performance. As you watch the video in full, you will see why this diamond is so full of life and full of brilliance.
In the first lighting environment where the engagement ring was seen in spotlight, you can see the full effect of cut quality coming into play. Not only does the diamond display mind blowing fire, it also has superb scintillation properties. When the ring is brought up close, you can notice how the individual facets light up and return light.
In other lighting conditions like a cloudy setting or an office fluorescent condition, the ring also stands out because of its really bright looking and symmetrical patterning. Due to its cut quality and brilliance, this I diamond actually looks better than the majority of D color diamonds in the market. And it only costs a fraction of what a D costs!
As for you, what environment did you enjoy the most when looking at the diamond ring? Would you buy an I near colorless diamond ring over a higher colored option and save money? Would you buy a poorly cut diamond that is lifeless but larger in size or would you buy a diamond that looks like the one worn on the hand in this video?
Leave a comment below! I love to hear what our viewers think!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video, we have a spectacular treat for you as we review a super ideal cut hearts and arrows diamond. In a Tiffany style 6 prong diamond engagement ring, a 0.616 carat diamond is mounted on a setting made of 14k white gold.
Here are the specifications and details of the AGS certified diamond:
The total costs of the ring cost in at around $3000 and it is a fantastic deal. If you were to buy a similar looking ring from Tiffany or a branded store, it would cost you at least twice as much and you also end up with a diamond with lesser cut quality.
This diamond was handpicked for its ideal proportions and cut performance. It's light return and precision were analyzed using the idealscope and hearts patterning images provided by the vendor. Using the same exact proven method I teach on Beyond4cs.com, you can also select a perfectly cut diamond like this.
And as you review the video and watch the ring being worn on my finger in different lightings, you will see that the ring is full of sparkle and displays intense fire properties. When the ring is reviewed in spotlight, the diamond facets act like mirrors to reflect and refract light. Can you see the 8 distinct black arrows when the ring is brought upclose?
In other lighting conditions like daylight and shaded outdoor environments, the diamond looks really bright and has great scintillation. Now, I want to emphasize that this is "only" a H near colorless diamond. Yet, it looks extremely white and if a D color diamond was placed beside it, I can tell you that most people would not be able to see differences.
In the diffused light environment, it is the most unflattering condition to look at diamonds but yet, the diamond can hold up because of its ideal cut properties.
FYI, the finger size is 7 and the engagement ring is worn on a relatively large sized hand. Do you think the 0.6 carat diamond is too small or do you think it is proportionate to the size of the finger?
Also, what did you think about the simple look of the diamond ring? Are you a solitaire person or are you someone who prefers more elaborate settings like halo or pave?
Finally, what did you think about the diamond's performance and sparkle? Which lighting environment did you enjoy looking at the most?
Leave a comment below! I love to hear what our viewers think!
When consumers shop for diamond rings, there’s a misconception that a higher clarity will make the diamond more beautiful and sparkly. The truth is far from that. In this video comparison, we review GIA/AGS graded VVS1 vs VS2 diamonds and place them side by side.
This comparison takes place under various types of lighting conditions and simulates real life environments you will typically find yourself in.
First of all, VVS1 clarity is the second best grade on the clarity scale. It stands for very very slightly included and typically only has minute inclusions that can be seen only from the pavilion side of the diamond. It is extremely clean and I can say with 100% certainty that clarity and durability will never be an issue or be seen with the naked eyes.
On the other hand, VS2 clarity represents very slightly included. Most of the gem quality diamonds in the market fall under the SI and VS categories. VS2 diamonds can have a range of different inclusions and a minority of them aren’t eyeclean. However, if you made a careful selection based on tangible data, you will have an eyeclean diamond where the inclusions will never be seen with the naked eyes.
The price difference between a VVS1 and a VS2 diamond can be as high as 40% and even more at larger carat sizes. Yet, there’s actually no noticeable differences when they are worn on a hand or finger.
If you had noticed in the various lighting, you would have seen the spectacular light performance and sparkle from the diamonds. That’s due to cut quality and has not to do with clarity. As long as a diamond is eyeclean and the inclusions don’t impact brilliance, a VS2 diamond will look just as good as a VVS1 diamond.
Now I want to hear from you. If you are given a choice between a VVS1 and a VS2 diamond on a limited budget, would you get a smaller sized VVS1 diamond or a larger carat size VS2 diamond. Would you spend more on a high clarity grade or would you rather save money on the diamond ring purchase?
In this video, you will find out how a K color diamond that is 0.60 carat weight in size will look like on a US size seven finger. The super ideal cut round diamond is set in a plain 4 prong solitaire ring design. This is done to showcase the diamond and to allow more light to enter the stone.
The ring setting can be purchased from James Allen and this particular one I chosen is made of platinum. When the ring is worn, it fits snugly onto the finger and we will examine it under various types of lighting environments.
In the first spotlighting environment, you can see the diamond flare up with tons of beautiful sparkle and brilliant. The contrast patterning of the arrows can also be seen. This helps the diamond in its scintillation and creates a pleasing appearance to the eyes.
In outdoor lighting, the super ideal cut diamond is blinding to the eyes because of the sparkle it produces. As sunlight enters the diamond, it is diffracted into the orangey, blue, red and green flashes of light. When the ring is worn on the finger like this, it’s going to attract a lot of attention in public for a good reason.
Due to its superlative cut properties, the diamond also looks extremely white in a cloudy and office type of lighting. Could you even tell that this is a K color diamond if I didn’t told you that earlier? Mind you, K color is supposedly the “worst” grade that jewelers carry in stock.
When you look at this video, would you even say that this diamond looks yellowish in a casual environment? The point here is, if you chose a diamond that is cut for light performance, the brilliance and sparkle is going to mask color and divert attention away from the eyes.
Also, by going down in color, it makes the overall ring more affordable. This stunning diamond ring only cost $2000! Would you believe that?
So, after watching this video, I want you to leave a comment. Did you ever think that a K color diamond would look like this? Did you enjoy looking at the ring’s sparkle or would you rather buy a poorly cut diamond in order to get a larger size/better color diamond? Let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video, we review the craftsmanship of a Tiffany style 4 prong platinum ring setting from JamesAllen.com. This ring design is a simple and popular style that has an evergreen appeal. The total cost of the ring is slightly over $2000 and the setting itself cost $920. Mounted on the basket of the ring is a 0.60 carat K color VS1 clarity super ideal cut diamond.
While the setting may look simple and straightforward to make, not every jeweler is able to craft them to good standards and consistently all the time.
If you watched the video, you can see that the diamond engagement ring is extremely symmetrical from the top down view. The size of the prongs and their placements are just perfect. As we review the side profile of the ring, the shanks look very uniform and the ring has a nice rounded shape. Also, the polishing and finishing of this platinum ring is done really well and you can see that the smallest details are taken care of.
Having looked and reviewed many different luxury brands, this ring is well made and I can tell you that it is better made than those offered by the big brands. For less than $1000, the ring setting is a steal for such a high level of quality.
Now I want to hear from you. What do you think of 4 prong solitaire ring designs? Would you select a similar design like the one you seen in the video and do you like the workmanship of the ring?
Drop a comment below to share your thoughts.
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video review, we examine a 6 prong solitaire diamond ring from James Allen. We review this platinum engagement ring setting for its craftsmanship standards and look at how well it is made.
Mounted in the six prong head is a 0.615ct D color VVS1 super ideal cut diamond that is graded by AGS (American Gem Society). This diamond displays superb optical precision and is a hearts and arrows diamond that was handpicked for its performance.
Platinum is one of the most popular choices of metal because of their rarity and superb toughness. Even though it may cost a lot more compared to white gold, platinum does not require replating maintenance.
The total cost of this engagement ring is about 5k (where the center stone costs $3,600 and the setting costs $1,300).
Compared to getting a ring from a branded store like Tiffany, this engagement ring will cost you LESS than 50% of what it would. So, watch the full video as we take a closeup view of the setting across multiple angles where we look for a streamlined and consistent workmanship.
What do you think about the solitaire six prong ring? Did you like what you see? Leave a comment to share your thoughts. More readings:
When it comes to diamonds and clarity grading, what’s the difference between vs1 versus vs2 diamonds? Technically speaking, the differences between these 2 ratings are very small and it boils to how easily you can see inclusions under 10x magnification.
When a lab like GIA or AGS rates a diamond as a VS1 or a VS2 clarity, they will typically be eyeclean and only have minor inclusions that can’t be seen with the naked eyes. But here’s the thing, many people read too much into this and often ask me about the differences between a VS1 vs VS2 diamond and whether a VS clarity is good enough.
In this video, we compare a VS1 and VS2 diamond ring beside each other. This is how it actually looks like in real life under office lighting which is very similar to the conditions that diamonds are graded with.
In real life, let me tell you that there are no noticeable differences you can see with the naked eyes between a VS1 clarity and VS2 clarity. The key lies in cut quality too when it comes to seeing inclusions. With an ideal cut rating for both these diamonds, the brilliance and sparkle helps to mask inclusions and it makes it even harder to see differences in clarity!
So, what are the differences between vs1 versus vs2 diamonds? Well, it’s really down to pricing. While they may not be visual differences between the 2 ratings, there is usually a 5-10% difference in price between these 2 grades.
The point is, no diamond is perfect. Not even an IF diamond. It’s just that for an IF diamond, no inclusions can’t be seen under 10X and it doesn’t mean that the diamond is “inclusion-free”.
So, watch the video and look at both diamond engagement rings with your eagle eyes and see if you can spot any inclusions in them. If you do, leave a comment below and let me know!
I also want to hear you thoughts about buying a VS diamond. Would it be good enough for you or do you think you need higher clarity grades for a peace of mind?
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
VVS clarity diamonds are often marketed as being more bright and brilliant than lower clarity grade diamonds. But is that really true? Or is it just a marketing scam to make you spend more money on your purchase?
In this video we performed a side by side comparison of a VVS diamond ring against a VS diamond ring to reveal the truth behind the claims. Both diamonds are mounted in identical solitaire settings and both diamonds are selected with identical cut performance. As we rock the diamond to and fro in the video, make sure you keep your eyes peeled and see if you can tell any differences between them.
So, what exactly are VVS and VS diamonds? In short, VVS diamonds are almost perfect clarity grades and they have very very minor flaws that a trained gemologist would have difficulty in detecting at 10X magnification. To put things in perspective, if an expert has trouble finding the inclusions, I can guarantee that a casual shopper like you will NEVER see them. In fact, I will go as far as to say that ALL VVS diamonds are going to be eyeclean.
But, this peace of mind and high quality clarity rating comes at an expensive price. Most people actually don’t need a VVS diamond for an eyeclean diamond ring. VS diamonds only contain minor flaws that are hard for the naked eyes to see and you can get a diamond that visually looks just as good.
Technically, the main differences between VVS and VS clarity lie in the size/type/location of inclusions the diamond has. VVS diamonds have smaller and less visible flaws while VS diamond tend to have inclusions that are easier to spot using a 10X loupe. But the point is, without magnification and in a casual viewing, most people cannot tell the diamonds apart.
The advantages of a VS clarity is that you get a better price point that is less expensive. Also, because of rarity factors, you tend to find more options of VS clarity diamonds available for selection. At the end of the day, clarity is largely a matter of personal preferences. Some people mind the fact that they can see inclusions under magnification. If this bugs you, then pay for an upgrade to VVS clarity. But if you are a practical person, getting a VS diamond may make more economical sense.
Now I want to hear your views. Having reviewed the comparison between a VS and VVS diamond, can you tell which is better or can you even see inclusions in the video? Which kind of shopper are you? Would you spend more on clarity for a psychological peace of mind or are you more of a practical person when choosing an engagement ring?
Leave a comment below to let me know!
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this video, we review the brilliance and light performance of an AGS 000 ideal cut cushion diamond ring. The ring is worn on a hand and examined under various kinds of lighting conditions. This is done with the purpose of simulating real life conditions. FYI, the diamond used in this review is an E color VS1 clarity and 0.52 carat in size.
First of all, the modern day cushion cut diamond can be cut to different types of facet structures and styles. This is the reason why you see a wide range of different diamonds in the market. From squarish to elongated, their appearances can be tweaked and changed based on what the cutter aims for.
But here’s the thing. Most cutters only care about the economic benefits and money they can make from polishing the diamond. That is their priority and they often do so at the compromise of cut quality as they retain weight while polishing the diamonds.
The AGS ideal cut diamond you see here is one of the rarest cushion diamonds you will find in the market. It is cut for light performance and undergoes a light tracing analysis during its grading process. As you can see in the video, the diamond ring looks extremely bright and lively in the different types of environments.
In contrast, most cushion cut diamonds look ugly and have a crushed ice appearance due to severe light leakage. Even in a spotlight environment, these diamonds don’t perform as well as they should.
I also want to highlight the brightness that this diamond ring exhibits in unflattering fluorescent lighting. The contrast patterning is superb and it looks extremely white.
For this engagement ring, a halo setting is used to reduce the overall cost of the ring while getting a big looking ring. By itself, the 0.5 carat cushion diamond is relatively small. Once it is mounted into a halo setting, the melee diamonds follow the outline of the diamond and makes it appear larger than it really is.
With that, I hope this video has been useful and you had gained some insights on what to look for when buying a cushion cut diamond engagement ring. Let me know what you think. Would you buy a cushion shape diamond and what kind of setting would you place it in if you did.
In this video, we review a D colorless diamond that is at the top of the GIA color scales and shows you how it looks like on a finger. This super ideal cut round diamond is from James Allen's signature line and a solitaire ring design with 6 prongs was selected to complete the ring.
This ring setting looks very identical to the Tiffany ring setting and yet, it has a better cut diamond and the ring only costs less than half the price it would at Tiffany's. Having a 6 prong solitaire ring also improves the security of the center stone without compromising too much on letting light into the ring.
So, how do you know this diamond has better cut quality than those you find in branded stores? Well, that's because there's tangible data in idealscope, aset and hearts and arrows patterning image to back that up.
In the first portion of the video, we examine the ring on my hand under spotlight and outdoor natural lightings. Immediately, you can see the diamond bursts into life and reflect different colors of the spectrum as fire. The brilliance and patterning of this ring also makes it an attention grabber.
Now, what I also want to mention here is that the diamond looks really white and that's partly because of the D color rating but it is attributed more to the excellent cut rating it has.
In other lightings that are more muted, the diamond also faces up white and displays good contrast patterning. Also, you might have noticed that this diamond is a VVS1 clarity diamond and that's a really high grade which costs a price premium. In truth, you don't need such a high clarity diamond as an eyeclean VS2 will look just as good if it is well cut.
The reason I chose this VVS1 diamond was to perform comparisons against lower clarity diamonds in another separate video.
i absolutely love how the diamond behaves and interacts with light and this is my benchmark when I'm buying a diamond ring. At the end of the day, if you are like most people buying an engagement ring, would you prefer it to have more sparkle or less sparkle? More life or dull?
After watching this video, I want to hear you views. What did you think about the engagement ring? Did you like what you see and also prioritize cut quality over other Cs? (If you don't like my man-hands, you can leave a feedback as well).
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
In this review, we examine a super ideal cut diamond with D color and VVS1 clarity. This diamond is a TrueHearts selection which is part of James Allen’s signature diamonds. It has an AGS grading report and has ideal light performance (000).
The video showcases the diamond’s performance and how you can expect it look like in real life under various types of environments.
In the first type of lighting, the diamond flares in life under strong spotlight. These are lights typically found in kitchens, shopping malls and indoor lighting. Light from external sources hit the diamond’s facets and get dispersed into rainbow colors of light. It’s an absolutely joy to watch in real life.
In other outdoor environments, the diamond faces up extremely white because of its inherent body color (D) and also the white light return exhibited by the diamond.
There’s something I want to highlight here as well. As you can tell, the color rating is a D which is the best grade possible and the clarity rating is a VVS1 which is also a top tier grade. However, the sparkle and brilliance of the diamond you see in the video has nothing much to do with color or clarity.
The spectacular fireworks display is a result of precision cutting and light physics. The overall cost of the ring is approximately $5,000 ($4,900 to be exact). This diamond ring is slightly more expensive because of the high color/clarity ratings.
If you are on a budget and want to stretch your dollar, you may want to consider a lower color/clarity diamond. So, there you have it. I hope this video has been useful and gave you useful insights to how a D colorless and VVS1 round diamond would look like. Leave a comment below if you liked the video or if you have specific topics you want us to cover in the next video.
In this video review, we scrutinize a GIA certified 0.65 carat hearts and arrows diamond. On the grading report, the diamond has an Excellent rating for Cut Grade, Symmetry and Polish. However, the choice to make this selection was not based on the grading report alone.
Light performance data like the idealscope and hearts and arrows patterning images were analyzed in order to confirm that this was a super ideal cut diamond with top of the line sparkle and brilliance.
The diamond specifications and proportions are as follows;
This diamond was mounted in a Tiffany-like replica setting with a simple 6 prong solitaire design. It is made of 18k white gold and is priced very affordably. So, if you are shopping on a budget, this simple design is something you may want to consider.
In the full length video, we look at the engagement ring under commonly found environments. The spotlight environment is usually found in malls and jewelry store. This is the environment which really flatters the diamond's sparkle and brilliance.
There is also something I want you to look out for when watching this video. Remember that this is an I near colorless diamond and many people often classify it as being "too yellow". In this video, can you see any obvious tints of yellow? Well, I can tell you that most people have a hard time doing so.
This is because when the diamond is well cut and has strong light return, it makes the diamond face up white. The most likely environment for you to see a color is via its side profile in a diffused lighting environment.
The other point I want to highlight in this GIA 3Ex diamond is that it looks very bright in shaded outdoor environments. It also has a nice scintillation patterning when the facets light up when the diamond ring is in motion. This is due to the cut precision and how the facets are proportioned and placed in alignment.
That's why Cut is so important when choosing a diamond. It directly affects the beauty of the diamond. Whether a diamond looks dull or lively is an attribute caused by cut quality.
Now I want to hear from you. Most consumers tend to go for larger diamonds at the expense of cut quality. Would you do that?
What about color? Many uninformed consumers shun I color or the near colorless category because they wrongly believe them to be yellowish looking. If you cannot see any color differences, would you be willing to fork out a huge sum of money just to get a D or E colorless diamond for the feel good factor?
Leave a comment below to let me know.
For more related guides and insights about buying diamond engagement rings, read these links:
When it comes to diamond clarity, the VS1 and VS2 grades are the most well loved and popular grades among consumers. VS stands for very slightly included. On the GIA clarity scale, the VS1 and VS2 are right in the middle of it and they usually consists of minute inclusions that are invisible to the unaided eye.
In this video comparison, we review 2 solitaire diamond rings with VS1 and VS2 center stones to show you what they look like in real life. When placed side by side, both diamond rings are worn on the finger and subjected to examination under different forms of lighting.
The most common question I get asked about VS1 vs VS2 grades are whether there are visual differences between them. In 99% of the cases, there aren’t if we are speaking strictly about clarity issues.
When the diamond is mounted on a setting and has good light performance, the sparkle and size of the diamonds more than compensate for the visibility of the inclusions. Unless you are extremely acute with your eyes, you are not likely to notice any inclusions in these grades.
Also, the sparkle and brilliance generated by the diamonds in this video review are not a result of clarity but cut quality. So, watch the comparison between these 2 engagement rings and see if you can spot any inclusions in both rings.
When it comes to buying diamonds both VS1 and VS2 grades are highly recommended for shoppers who want to get a bigger bang for buck. As long as you make your selections using tangible data like videos, you will be able to find eyeclean diamonds easily without having to buy higher clarity diamonds.
Now I want to hear your thoughts. What do you think about the VS1 vs VS2 clarity grades? Can you see any visual differences between them when the rings are worn on the finger? Would you buy a VS diamond? Leave a comment below and let me know!
In this video, we review a super ideal cut round diamond ring with a 6 prong knife edge design. This engagement ring is very similar to the classic solitaire Tiffany design and yet, outperforms them in sparkle. Also, this engagement ring is made of 14k white gold and is much more affordable than what an identical Tiffany ring costs.
In total, the ring costs around $3000 and offers superb value for money. So, if you are looking for a six prong Tiffany replica, this would definitely be something you want to consider.
The diamond we are examining today is an AGS certified triple ideal cut 000. This diamond was handpicked at James Allen and based on cut performance data like the hearts and arrows diamond. The specifications are as follows:
The diamond also exhibits hearts and arrows patterning which is only found in well cut diamonds with good polishing precision. This helps to give the diamond good contrast patterning and scintillation when the stone is in motion.
In the first lighting where the solitaire ring is examined under spotlights, the diamond flares up into live. You can see the fantastic volume of sparkle and fire from the diamond when light rays enter it and get bounced off the pavilion facets.
I also want to bring your attention to the daylight environment where the brightness and patterning of the diamond can be reviewed. Look at the super bright and white appearance and you'll understand why cut quality is king when it comes to buying an engagement ring.
Due to the amount of white light return, the diamond looks very white and there's no tint of color unless you view it from its side profile.
As for the other lightings, it gives you an idea and a useful benchmark of what an ideal cut diamond looks like in real life. I encourage you to watch the full length video and if need be, rewind or rewatch it to look at the subtle details.
Personally, I love round diamonds for their evergreen shape appeal and how versatile they can be with different types of jewelry settings.
Now, I want to hear from you. What do you think about the diamond's performance and interactions with light? Did you like the way it sparkles and how bright it looks? Would you buy a H near colorless diamond with a VS2 clarity rating? What about the solitaire 6 prong setting? Would you have preferred something else? Leave a comment below to let me know your thoughts.
One of the biggest misconceptions that consumers have about diamond rings is that a high clarity grade is required for a diamond to look gorgeous and be full of life.
Over the years, I’ve heard countless of jewelers and sales people mislead shoppers with marketing claims that a better clarity diamond has more brilliance and sparkle. And the part that really annoys me is that consumers get taken in because they don’t do their own research and blindly believe the rubbish that is fed to them.
In this video, we compare a top tier VVS1 diamond against a low clarity SI1 diamond ring to show you what they look like in real life. The solitaire engagement rings are made using the same design and worn on my finger in various lighting conditions.
On the GIA clarity scale, the VVS1 diamond represents the 2nd best rating after the IF/FL grade. Within the VVS1 grade, the inclusions are extremely minute and are never eye visible without a loupe.
The SI1 clarity grade is a much lower tier rating and the diamonds usually contain inclusions that are easily seen with a loupe. However, when you select an SI1 diamond with tangible data and smartly, you would be able to find diamonds where the inclusions will not be seen with an unaided eye.
This means that you would save A LOT of money while receiving a diamond that looks just as good as a VVS1 diamond. Depending on the carat size and color ratings, the price difference between a VVS1 and SI1 diamond can be as high as 50% even though they may visually look identical.
As seen in the video, the SI1 diamond sparkles just as much as the VVS1 diamond. Also, there isn’t the faintest sign of any inclusions that your eyes would be able to pick up in both diamonds. This is because cut quality is what really matters and both diamonds are cut to top notch precision and proportions. Were you surprised at how well the SI1 diamond performs against the VV1 diamond? Given a choice, which would you choose? An SI1 or VVS1 diamond?
I know this is largely a personal choice and preference but I would like to know what you think. Would you be willing to spend a lot more cash on something your eyes cannot see? Or would you rather save money with an eyeclean SI1 diamond?
When it comes to fine jewelry and high end diamond rings, 18k white gold and platinum have often been used for making the settings. In this video, we compare an 18 white gold ring beside a platinum ring to show you the visual differences between these 2 metals.
As you can see in the video, there isn’t much of a visual difference between both rings. FYI, both rings are created with the same design and mounted with a similar sized diamond. Are you able to see any color differences between them?
Most people can’t. In fact, I can’t as well when looking at the rings casually. However, if you scrutinize the rings long enough, you might see a very very very slight tone of color between the 2. But on the whole, both rings look identical.
Some people prefer buying platinum as they think the metal is more durable and is able to withstand impacts better. This is because platinum is softer and when a force is subjected to it, the metal deforms instead of chipping away on a microscopic level.
Being rarer, platinum is much more expensive than white gold and they also weigh more. This is because platinum is denser and the molecules are packed closer together in their crystalline structure. Platinum has some advantages over white gold. One of them is that they don’t require replating and the other is that platinum is suitable for hypo allergenic people with skin issues.
On the other hand, 18k white gold is a hard material and they are less expensive. In its raw form, white gold is actually dull and yellowish in color. It requires an electroplating process to coat the metal with rhodium to give it the bright shiny appearance. However, white gold contains nickel and this may cause allergic reactions to people with skin problems. Other than that, I personally favor white gold over platinum as it is cost effective.
So, having watched the video and learning about 18k white gold vs platinum, which would you choose? Do you have a specific preference for one metal over the other and Why?
If you had been shopping for an engagement ring and ran into a dilemma between choosing a VS2 or an SI1 diamond, you’ve come to the right place. In this video, we will show you exactly how a VS2 diamond would look like compared to an SI1 diamond.
We wear both Tiffany styled 6 prong rings on the finger and examine them under different types of lighting environments. When diamonds are selected well and for eyecleanliness, there is no way your eyes can see the inclusions without a magnification aid.
Sometimes, consumers get too hung up with inclusions in an SI1 diamond because they can see the inclusions under magnification. However, what their eyes can see in reality is a totally different story. Inclusions look scary under a loupe and it eats into our psychology of owning a ring.
However, when you shop with a practical mindset and understand how things really are in real life, you will find that these fears are unfounded. In fact, simply by choosing a VS2 or SI1 diamond clarity would enable you to save a lot of money without paying a premium on clarity grades.
Also, a diamond’s sparkle and brilliance has nothing to do with its clarity. As I had shown you in these 2 examples, there’s no need to buy an IF diamond or VVS diamond in order to get a beautiful ring. These 2 diamond engagement rings explode into life in spotlighting and sunlight conditions. The fire and brilliance they display are simply eye blinding. Look at both engagement rings carefully. Can you even see the faintest mark of flaws or inclusions in them? I can assure you that you can’t.
Even when I know exactly where the inclusions are in the grading report clarity plot, I couldn’t even find them when I scrutinize these rings. And mind you, I’m a trained professional with an eagle eye. If I can’t see them, do you think a lay person can?
When worn on the finger, both VS2 and SI1 diamonds look identical to each other and they face up really white because of their cut quality. Now, the differences between these 2 clarity grades is roughly 10% in prices. That’s to say if you bought a $5000 diamond ring of the same make, there would be a sizable difference of $500 between these 2 rings.
Now, I want to hear from you. Has your perception of SI1 and VS2 diamonds changed? Between a VS2 or SI1 diamond clarity, which grade would you choose if you had a choice? Or would you not buy both because of psychological reasons and would pay a lot more for higher clarity grades?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think.
In this video, we perform a real life comparison of 2 diamond rings in the VS and SI clarity ranges. The rings are compared side by side in diffused lighting to see if your eyes can pick out any inclusions in them.
If you don’t know yet, VS stands for very slightly included and SI stands for slightly included. Under a 10x loupe, you may be able to find the inclusions in this diamond. However, when it is seen with the unaided eyes, the inclusions are actually very minute and most people actually can see them.
The diamond engagement rings are examined under diffused lighting which is a common environment found in offices. Take a close look. Can you tell which the differences between VS vs SI diamond clarity?
If I didn’t label the diamonds, would you have every guessed which is which?
The point I’m trying to bring across here is that many consumers get too hung up over clarity and think they must buy a higher clarity diamond in order for the diamond to be eyeclean. In this visual examination, the facts speak for themselves.
I can’t see any eye visible inclusions and the camera isn’t picking up any either. For consumers who know what they are doing and shop with a practical mindset, the VS and SI clarity ranges are actually the most popular grades to shop in.
This is because you get the best value for money without having to pay a premium for clarity which your eyes cannot appreciate. As long as you chose your diamond wisely and with tangible data, you can find eyeclean diamonds at great prices!
Leave a comment below and let us know whether you would buy a VS or SI diamond. Even if you want to buy an IF or VVS diamond, do let me know your rationale for doing so as well. I’d love to hear from you.
For more readings, make sure you check out these links:
In this video comparison, we compare 2 Tiffany inspired diamond engagement rings from the VS and SI category in spotlighting conditions. In a well selected diamond, the inclusions are eyeclean and it is hard to discern between a VS diamond against an SI diamond.
In the video, you can see that the diamonds are extremely lively and full of fire. Under the barrage of sparkle and brilliance, can your eyes pick out any inclusions in the diamonds? Well, I can say with a high degree of certainty that most people can’t.
In fact, even without the spotlights and viewing the diamonds in a neutral environment, these diamonds are eyeclean. And it proves a point. A high clarity grade has no bearing on the appearance of the diamonds. Clarity has nothing much to do with a diamond’s brilliance or patterning but a result of careful cutting and precision.
Even though a VS and SI clarity grade is at the lower tier of the scale, you can find stunning diamonds by placing your emphasis on cut quality. These pair of Tiffany design diamond rings will outperform any branded rings and they don’t even cost half as much as what you would pay in a Tiffany store.
The caveat here is that you must be willing to put in effort to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to lower clarity stones. Cut quality is something that shouldn’t be compromised. I hope this video has provided useful insights and cleared up any misconceptions you have about VS and SI clarity diamonds.
Now, I’m curious to know what you think. Would you buy a VS or SI diamond now? Or would you rather pay more for an IF or VVS diamond even though there is no observable differences?
Should your ring have 4 or 6 prongs? Is one better over the other? This is a common question I get asked by viewers all the time. Well, it really depends on your personal tastes. Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the four prong and six prong ring design.
Why Choose a 4 Prong Solitaire Ring?
- Less metal coverage enables more light to enter the diamond. - Suitable for smaller size diamonds less than 1 carat in size.
Why Choose a 6 Prong Solitaire Ring?
- More security for holding the center stone. - Create an emphasis on diamond shape with prong placements.
Here, I want to clarify that 4 prong rings are safe and also good for larger diamonds. That’s provided the setting is made well and the material for the ring casting has been processed properly.
In my opinion, I find 6 prongs to be overwhelming especially when it comes to smaller sized diamonds but if you are looking for something very close to the Tiffany design, the six prong setting would be the better choice.
Another common question I get asked is whether a 4 prong or 6 prong setting would make the diamond appear bigger. In my opinion, a 6 prong setting will give the illusion of a bigger diamond as the prongs become part of the outline when the ring is seen from a distance.
If you are interested to find out more about shopping for diamonds intelligently, check out these links too!
beyond4cs.com/engagement-ring/floral-setting-designs beyond4cs.com/carat/ways-to-make-a-diamond-look-larger beyond4cs.com/carat/average-engagement-ring-size14k White Gold vs 18k White Gold vs PlatinumBeyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2019-02-03 | For a detailed write up on the differences between 14k, 18k and Pt, go to: beyond4cs.com/engagement-ring/differences-between-14k-gold-18k-gold-and-platinum In this video, we compare the visual differences between 14k white gold, 18k white gold and platinum. All 3 diamond engagement rings used in the video are created with the same exact 6 prong design. As you can see, there’s almost no discernible visual differences between the 3 types of metals. Under a specific lighting condition and angle, the platinum ring on the right may look a shade darker in color tone but it is still bright, silvery white. To the eyes, the 3 metals actually look identical. This is because the 14k and 18k white gold rings are finished with a layer of rhodium coating which gives the ring its luster. Platinum by itself is pale grayish white in its raw form but it can be polished to an ultra-shiny surface like you seen in the video above with no secondary plating or coating. The main differences between 14k white gold, 18k white gold and platinum lies in their physical characteristics and properties like hardness and durability. They are also very different in prices. Platinum is the most expensive and is the softest of the three. Being relatively softer gives platinum its better toughness and durability. White gold is a harder material and the differences between 14k and 18k lie in their gold purity content. As a practical shopper, I recommend buying white gold rings unless you are allergic to nickel and your skin will rash up upon long term contact with white gold. Leave a comment below to let me know which type of metal you would choose if you were buying an engagement ring. Would you choose 14k white gold or 18k white gold or platinum? For more information on buying diamond rings, check out the following links: beyond4cs.com/best-place-to-buy-engagement-ring beyond4cs.com/big-diamond-rings beyond4cs.com/truth-about-gia-triple-excellent-diamonds14k vs 18k White Gold Diamond Ring Visual Comparison - Which is Better?Beyond4Cs (Paul Gian)2019-02-03 | For a more indepth read 14k vs 18k white gold, head over to: beyond4cs.com/engagement-ring/differences-between-14k-gold-18k-gold-and-platinum
White gold is made up of an alloy of gold and other precious metals. Depending on the strength required and the type of jewelry that is made, different jewelers will have slightly different recipes when creating white gold in their workshop. The chemical composition of the alloying mixture may be mixed but the purity content would always remain the same.
Many consumers have the misconception that 18k white gold is better than 14k white gold and this is not helped by the fact that jewelers market 18k white gold as being superior. Well, the truth is far from than. Whether 14k white gold is better than 18k white gold really depends on your needs.
Visually, there is absolutely NO differences between 14k white gold and 18k white gold. This is because both metals undergo the same finishing process. They are both plated with rhodium in the final step of manufacturing to give it is white lustrous appearance. In reality, what you actually see when looking at white gold rings is the layer of rhodium.
Beneath the thin coating lies white gold. When it comes to chemical composition, 14k white gold has a higher percentage of alloying materials. These metals are usually harder than white gold and gives the material its strength. This is because gold in its purest form is very soft and unsuitable for daily wear.
18k white gold has a higher concentration of gold in its composition. But really, the differences in mechanical properties are not significant when compared to 14k white gold. However, they do come at a higher cost because of the higher gold content. As a practical shopper, you probably want to choose 14k white gold. Personally, that’s what I buy and get for my wife when shopping for jewelry.
So, having watched the video comparison of 14k vs 18k gold, could you tell any differences? Which would you choose to buy when selecting a setting? Leave a comment below to let me know! Other useful links for reading:
If you are looking for a square shaped diamond engagement ring, the True Hearts princess cut by James Allen is something you need to look at.
With AGS triple ideal cut ratings and performance, the True Hearts princess cut offers fantastic sparkle and packs a punch in brilliance.
In this video review of the True Hearts princess diamond, I've selected a half carat diamond and combined it with a petite pave setting for added bling on the sides. This 4 prong design enables maximum light to enter the diamond while providing a secure grasp to hold the diamond.
Throughout the review, I brought the engagement ring into various types of environments to simulate someone wearing the ring on a daily basis.
You will get to see exactly what a modified square brilliant cut diamond looks like when it is polished to ideal proportions and finishing. The Truehearts princess are some of the best diamonds in the market. Period.
And from the video review, you can probably tell how much scintillation and brightness the diamond has. In my opinion, it is well worth it to pay attention to cut quality and prioritize that when making decisions.
I hope you enjoyed the video and do leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts!
In this video, we compare a square cut diamond engagement ring against a round cut diamond ring. Both rings are placed side by side and reviewed in various types of lighting conditions.
Both of these diamonds are cut to the highest standards for their respective shapes. They are both graded as AGS 000 and are roughyl 0.60 carat in size.
So, which is better? The square or round cut diamond? Both diamonds are exceptionally well cut and are winners in their own rights.
Personally, I think the round cut diamond has better optical performance and strong contrast patterning.
This actually shows up in the video. Due to the inherent limitations of a square cut diamond, it can never achieve the same level of performance of a round cut regardless of how well cut its proportions are.
If you are someone looking for performance, go with the round cut. If you are someone looking for something unique and less commonly found, go for the square cut.
Now, I want to hear from you? Which shape do you like more? The square or round cut? Drop a comment below to let me know!
In this video, we compare a princess cut vs round cut diamond ring in a side by side manner. The rings are worn on my hands to show you what they look like in real life. The comparison is performed in different types of lighting environments you'll come across in your daily routine.
So, is a round or princess cut better for an engagement ring? Well, I have my preferences and I personally like a round brilliant cut more than a princess cut diamond. That's because a truly well cut round will always possess better sparkle and brilliance compared to the best cut princess shape diamond. I also like the timeless appearance of a round cut diamond more.
But that doesn't mean I'm saying princess shape diamonds are ugly. It's far from that. Princess cut diamonds are beautiful in the own rights and their unique shape can enable you to create unique pieces of jewelry.
Both types of cutting styles offer tremendous sparkle and brilliance. The upside to choosing them over other shapes are that they can hide inclusions and body color better. This means you can save money by going down to lower clarity and color grades.
The bottomline is this. Cut quality should be your priority whether you want to buy a round or a princess shape diamond. I recommend AGS graded diamonds as the diamonds are assessed using ray tracing technology and the better cut diamonds are usually sent there instead of GIA.
After watching the video and looking at both engagement rings upclose. Which of these shapes would you personally buy? The round or princess shape diamond?