Yes, an I color, VS1 clarity diamond is generally considered a very good choice, offering a great balance of beauty, value, and eye-cleanliness, meaning imperfections aren't visible to the naked eye, though it's a near-colorless grade with a slight tint. The VS1 clarity ensures excellent quality without the high cost of flawless stones, making it a popular pick for those wanting sparkle and value, though its I color might show a faint warmth, especially in larger stones, notes Blue Nile and Waterfall Jewelers.
A VS1 diamond clarity grade is a fine choice for the center stone of your engagement ring. Diamond experts agree this clarity grade is the first to be considered eye-clean. Eye-clean diamonds are both rare and beautiful, reflecting gorgeous scintillation in various lighting conditions.
An I color diamond can be an excellent choice for certain engagement rings. Because it is Near Colorless, it will still shine bright; any small traces of color will be easily masked in a yellow or rose gold setting in particular.
An I color diamond falls into the near-colorless range. It is positioned just below the top-tier grades (D, E, and F) and slightly less colorless grades (G and H). While it does have a faint yellow tint, it is often not noticeable to the untrained eye, especially once the diamond is set in jewelry.
In terms of positioning along the diamond color scale, G color diamonds are more valuable than I color diamonds. But both are highly prized diamonds that make great center stones for engagement rings and other jewelry.
Near-colorless diamonds are normally more affordable than colorless diamonds. As they are typically difficult to distinguish without an expert eye, G, H, I, and J-color diamonds make for a stunning and often more affordable option in comparison with colorless diamonds.
Ultimately, deciding to purchase a VS1 vs VS2 diamond boils down to size, cut, and budget. If you're looking for something to invest in, a VS1 will be your best option. Most diamonds over 1 carat, especially if it's a step-cut, will be more eye-clean and have better monetary value at VS1 clarity.
I is lower on the color scale than H, but still considered Near Colorless. It is a particularly excellent choice for those purchasing a yellow or rose gold setting, as the color from the metal will mask any trace of color in the diamond. Again, the true difference between the two is price.
Yellow gold is often associated with tradition, warmth, and timeless elegance. It's the metal of choice for those who appreciate vintage-inspired designs or want a piece that feels rich and luxurious. White gold, with its sleek and modern appearance, is ideal for those who prefer a more understated, contemporary look.
The Best Color Diamonds
Colorless diamonds, grades D-F, will always represent the highest quality stones that you can get. However, they are rare and therefore quite expensive. Near Colorless diamonds, grades G-H, represent the best value if you are on a budget.
Taylor Swift's engagement ring features a large, antique Old Mine Brilliant Cut diamond, which is a vintage style with rounded corners, a high crown, and large facets, giving it a soft, candlelit sparkle rather than sharp modern flashes, often described as an elongated cushion shape with a small, open culet. This historical cut, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries, was chosen for its romantic, nostalgic character, perfectly suiting the ring's yellow gold setting with hand-engraved details.
Diamond color and clarity both impact beauty and price—but in different ways. Color is often more noticeable to the naked eye than clarity. In lower clarity grades, some flaws may still be invisible without magnification. Choosing between color and clarity depends on shape, setting, and personal preference.
The "3-month ring rule" is an outdated marketing guideline suggesting spending the equivalent of three months' salary on an engagement ring, a concept created by De Beers to boost diamond sales, evolving from earlier one and two-month suggestions. Today, it's widely seen as a myth, with most couples prioritizing personal financial comfort, open communication, and meaningful choices over this arbitrary rule.
I color diamonds are the third grade of diamonds that are "near colorless." Near-colorless diamonds range in grade from G to J and are the most commonly used diamond grades in engagement ring jewelry because they balance both beauty and affordability.
Cons. Price: VS1 diamonds are more expensive than VS2 diamonds. The price difference can be significant, potentially costing thousands of dollars more. Availability: Higher clarity diamonds like VS1 can be harder to find, limiting your choices.
For a $5,000 budget, you can typically get a natural diamond engagement ring with a center stone around 0.75 to 1.0 carat, possibly slightly larger (up to 1.2 ct) in elongated shapes like pear or oval, depending on cut, color, clarity, and the setting's cost, with lab-grown options allowing for much larger (3-4+ carat) stones or alternatives like moissanite offering bigger stones within budget.
From celebrity engagements to runway collections, white gold is shining brighter than ever in 2025. With its sleek elegance, versatility, and timeless beauty, it's no surprise that this precious metal is the go-to choice for those seeking modern luxury.
Yellow gold jewelry is experiencing a resurgence in 2024 due to its timeless allure, warm tones, and cultural significance. Its classic elegance combined with modern innovations in design has made it hotter than ever among fashion enthusiasts and jewelry lovers.
White gold suits cool skin tones best by flattering those pink and bluish undertones. It also pairs well with vibrant, cool-hued gemstones like amethyst, blue sapphire and garnet. From simple hoops to intricate diamond-cut chains, shop white gold jewelry styles to find a cool new look to love.
Because inclusions are more visible in diamonds with larger, open facets, you should pick VS1 over VS2 when choosing diamonds in shapes other than round (particularly in step-cut diamonds such as emerald-cut or Asscher cut).
Because diamonds reflect white light, colorless diamonds produce the best sparkle and fire. In fact, the more color a diamond has, the less likely it is to reflect white light. And as a result, will produce less sparkle. A D-color diamond is the highest quality, and will offer the greatest sparkle.
In the letter-grade diamond color scale, D (colorless) is the highest and best grade, and Z is the lowest. Diamond used to be graded like gemstones on a range that included AAA, AA, A, and B, so the new scale started at D to avoid confusion.
I3 diamond clarity represents the lowest grade of diamond clarity available.
Generally, the higher the clarity grade, the more expensive the diamond. However, diamonds with slight inclusions that are invisible to the naked eye can offer excellent value. The perceived clarity of such diamonds can be just as good as those of higher grades but at a more affordable price.
A 3 carat diamond, on the other hand, draws more attention and commands space on the hand. A 2 carat diamond falls right in between. It tends to be a favorite for people who want something noticeable without being too flashy.