If you want a great-looking diamond, you don't need to splurge on a D color flawless diamond. But if you want an expensive status symbol and the bragging rights that come with it, a diamond of this color and clarity might be just what you're looking for.
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D Color Flawless Diamond Price and Value
When choosing a diamond, we recommend finding the one with the best value. Most people want a diamond that appears white, with great sparkle and no visible imperfections. A diamond with H or I color and VS2-SI1 clarity will fit the bill for a beautiful diamond.
Those who want perfection will have to pay for it. Take a look at this chart with price ranges from Blue Nile and James Allen.
Now, if you were considering a D color flawless diamond (and haven't died from shock), think about this. For the same budget as a 1-ct D color FL/IF, you could buy an H color VS2 or SI1 stone in the 1.7 to 2.0-ct range. If you were budgeting for a 2-ct D color FL/IF, you could get a 3 to 5-ct H color VS2 diamond!
You could brag about the top grades or have a large enough stone to speak for itself.
Check out these platinum solitaire engagement rings from James Allen. Which do you think is more expensive?
1.50-ct D color IF. © James Allen. Used with permission.
2.25-ct I color VS2. © James Allen. Used with permission.
The D-IF solitaire costs $20,340, and the much larger I-VS2 costs $20,170. At the same price point, which would you rather have?
If you're still considering a D color flawless diamond, read on for some advice. For those of you who'd prefer a beautiful diamond with great value, read our tips for finding a diamond online.
Rarity in Top Diamond Color and Clarity
How can a rock be so expensive? Compared to many gemstones, diamonds aren't especially rare. However, a completely colorless diamond with no clarity imperfections at 10x magnification is rare, especially at larger sizes. Whiteflash estimates that only 0.001% of the world's production of diamonds reaches this level of color and clarity.
Nevertheless, that doesn't make them good investments. Unless you're purchasing a diamond with exceptional size, white diamonds aren't great investments. They have low resale value. Although a diamond's resale value increases over time, it would take a long time for it to reach the original sticker price.
Can a Diamond Really be Flawless?
Although gemological laboratories can assign a diamond a clarity grade of "Flawless" (FL) or "Internally Flawless" (IF), that only means there are no imperfections visible within the crystal at 10x magnification. With a more powerful microscope, there would still be imperfections. So, while FL and IF diamonds certainly have exceptional clarity, they're not absolutely perfect.
What's the Difference Between FL and IF?
Internally, FL and IF will be the same, with no imperfections visible under a loupe. IF diamonds have some surface blemishes or imperfections, though these will never be visible to the eye. These diamonds also have similar price ranges, though a top FL diamond will have a somewhat higher price than the top IF.
Flawless is not Forever
Unfortunately, the clarity grade of FL/IF diamonds may become VVS with wear. Diamonds famously have a hardness of 10—the hardest mineral in the world. Although nothing but a diamond can scratch a diamond, that doesn't mean they're indestructible. If you hit a diamond with a hammer, it will shatter.
Every time you knock a diamond against a table, it's like a mini hammer blow that can cause tiny fractures in the stone. These can result in "feathers," reducing the clarity grade. If you're planning on wearing your diamond in a ring every day and want it to have the same clarity grade as when you bought it, opt for a VVS1 diamond instead.
D Color Considerations
If you try our quiz, you'll see that it's tough to tell diamond colors apart. However, there are two special considerations for the top color grades.
It's best to avoid medium, strong, and very strong fluorescence in DEF diamonds. These can result in a milky appearance in the diamond, and the diamond may appear less brightly white indoors. Faint fluorescence won't have this effect.
In addition, top-color diamonds should always be set in white gold or platinum. The reflections of yellow or rose gold can make the diamond appear like it has a lower color grade. If you prefer yellow or rose gold, opt for white gold prongs. These will reduce the effect of colored metal reflections.
Check out these two yellow gold engagement rings from James Allen.
1.90-ct D VVS1. © James Allen. Used with permission.
2.01-ct D VS2. © James Allen. Used with permission.
While both have D color diamonds, this solitaire engagement ring has white gold prongs and the pavé engagement ring has yellow gold. On the one hand, the D color set in yellow gold has a warmer hue because of the metal around it. On the other hand, you can really appreciate the icy white of the D color diamond in the white gold prongs.
Cut is King
Finally, don't forget thecut. While a D color flawless diamond is rare and special, what really gives a diamond its beauty is the cut.
If you're already splurging on clarity and color, you might as well make it a Hearts and Arrows diamond. With a top-grade cut, these diamonds will shine like no other.
In fact, if you want a diamond with bragging rights but don't have the budget for a D/IF diamond, a lower color and clarity grade with a Hearts and Arrows cut will be just as beautiful.
Where is the Best Place to Buy a D Color Flawless Diamond?
Whether or not you're opting for a top-color, top-clarity diamond, it's essential that you're able to see what you're paying for. Both James Allen and Blue Nile have thousands of diamonds available, and you can view them all in 360°! This lets you see the diamond's performance, color, and clarity before you buy. Search for a D FL/IF diamond at James Allen.
If you're looking for something truly unique and special, check out CustomMade. Their jewelry experts will help you design an engagement ring you'll cherish with the diamond that's right for you.
