Cut
Cut controls sparkle more than any other factor. Choose Excellent or Ideal when you can. A well-cut stone looks brighter than a larger poorly cut one.
Color
Color runs from D (colorless) to Z. For most buyers D to G looks colorless face-up, and H or I is a good value in yellow-gold settings.
Clarity
Clarity describes tiny natural features inside the stone. VS1 and VS2 are usually clean to the eye. VVS grades matter mostly to collectors. SI1 can be a smart choice if the stone is eye-clean.
Carat
Carat is weight, not size. Two stones of equal carat can look different because of shape and cut proportions. Check the millimeter measurements listed for each stone.
Where to spend
Prioritize cut, then size, then color and clarity. Our team can recommend stones in your budget; send an inquiry from any stone page.