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Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Explore Q Report's Content Centre for expert advice on jewellery insurance. You can also read e-guides and blogs, watch videos and more.

Jewellery, engagement ring & watch advice, plus insurance tips & industry insights. 

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Find answers to common questions about jewellery, engagement ring & watch insurance. 

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Clarity vs. Colour: What to Prioritise When Buying an Engagement Ring

Q Report Team

Updated on March 14, 2025
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To learn about diamonds is to learn of the four C’s: cut, carat, clarity and colour. These four categories are used to grade and value diamonds, and anyone purchasing a diamond will want to be familiar with these terms.

 

The Four C’s

Before we dive into the question of whether to prioritise clarity or colour, let’s quickly review each of the four categories:

Cut

“Cut” can be confusing because it’s used in two different ways in the jewellery world. You’ll often hear people using the word cut to describe the shape of a diamond, as in “emerald cut” or “princess cut.” But when it comes to grading, cut refers to a diamond’s reflective qualities. A skillfully cut diamond reflects light back to the eye, creating sparkle and shine. A diamond’s proportions are the key to its cut; not all diamonds are cut with equal skill.

Carat

A diamond’s carat refers to its weight. The word “carat” comes from carob seeds, which are so uniform in their size and weight; they were used to balance scales. One carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams).

Clarity

Most diamonds contain some flaws, and clarity grading can help you to make informed comparisons between diamonds. Diamond flaws are divided into two categories: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions encompass imperfections like air bubbles, cracks and non-diamond materials found within the stone. Blemishes, such as scratches, pits and chips, could be a result of damaged caused during cutting, or they may have occurred naturally.

Colour

Because colourless diamonds allow more light to pass through them, they’re graded higher on the colour scale. Since only a few genuinely colourless diamonds are formed in nature, these diamonds are highly prized (and very expensive). When it comes down to it, though, preferences for diamond colour are highly personal, and we’ll talk more about this preference below.

 

Clarity or Colour: What to Prioritise?

As you shop for a diamond engagement ring, you’ll look at many, many diamonds, and each diamond should have been graded on its cut, carat, clarity and colour. Before you shop, it’s wise to consider your budget, and your budget will help you to determine what carat and cut you’re looking for.

But when it comes to clarity and colour, which attribute should you prioritise?

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Clarity Considerations

Not all blemishes are created equal. Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you’re examining two different one-carat pear-shaped diamonds. They’ve both been graded VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2). In fact, their inclusions are even the same size. The difference is that in one diamond, the inclusion appears right in the middle of the table, and in the other diamond, the inclusion is tucked away near the pear’s point.

The inclusions are the same size, but one of them is much more apparent because of its placement. It’s the difference between dripping mustard on the front of your starched white dress shirt and dripping it on the underside of your sleeve. While the mustard spot is the same size, it’s much more evident in one location. When the inclusion is not apparent to the naked eye, the diamond is considered to be eye-clean. These diamonds will give you the best value.

In Australia, SI1 and SI2 are the most popular clarities.

Colour Concerns

When it comes to colour, diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being white to colourless (or exceptional white) with a range of yellowish tints to Z. As mentioned earlier, colourless diamonds reflect the most light, and therefore, they’re graded highest.

Keep in mind that to the untrained eye, grades G through I show virtually no colour, and while grades J through M may appear to be slightly darker than average, their colour can be minimised by setting them in yellow or rose gold. Some people actually prefer the warmer tones of lower-graded diamonds. Take a look at diamonds across the colour spectrum to determine which colour grades you like best.

Making the Decision

When it comes down to it, you’ll likely get the best results from prioritising colour over clarity, as long as you seek out an eye-clean diamond. Hide those inclusions where they won’t get in the way of sparkle and aesthetics, and let in as much light as possible with a decently graded colour range.

As always, however, remember that personal preference is critical when it comes to diamond engagement rings. You won’t be selling this item for a profitable return in the future; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment. Once you’ve found the perfect ring, insure it with Q Report jewellery insurance. We’ll protect it wherever you are.

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Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

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To learn about diamonds is to learn of the four C’s: cut, carat, clarity and colour. These four categories are used to grade and value diamonds, and anyone purchasing a diamond will want to be familiar with these terms.

 

The Four C’s

Before we dive into the question of whether to prioritise clarity or colour, let’s quickly review each of the four categories:

Cut

“Cut” can be confusing because it’s used in two different ways in the jewellery world. You’ll often hear people using the word cut to describe the shape of a diamond, as in “emerald cut” or “princess cut.” But when it comes to grading, cut refers to a diamond’s reflective qualities. A skillfully cut diamond reflects light back to the eye, creating sparkle and shine. A diamond’s proportions are the key to its cut; not all diamonds are cut with equal skill.

Carat

A diamond’s carat refers to its weight. The word “carat” comes from carob seeds, which are so uniform in their size and weight; they were used to balance scales. One carat equals 200 milligrams (0.2 grams).

Clarity

Most diamonds contain some flaws, and clarity grading can help you to make informed comparisons between diamonds. Diamond flaws are divided into two categories: inclusions and blemishes. Inclusions encompass imperfections like air bubbles, cracks and non-diamond materials found within the stone. Blemishes, such as scratches, pits and chips, could be a result of damaged caused during cutting, or they may have occurred naturally.

Colour

Because colourless diamonds allow more light to pass through them, they’re graded higher on the colour scale. Since only a few genuinely colourless diamonds are formed in nature, these diamonds are highly prized (and very expensive). When it comes down to it, though, preferences for diamond colour are highly personal, and we’ll talk more about this preference below.

 

Clarity or Colour: What to Prioritise?

As you shop for a diamond engagement ring, you’ll look at many, many diamonds, and each diamond should have been graded on its cut, carat, clarity and colour. Before you shop, it’s wise to consider your budget, and your budget will help you to determine what carat and cut you’re looking for.

But when it comes to clarity and colour, which attribute should you prioritise?

New call-to-action

Clarity Considerations

Not all blemishes are created equal. Let’s look at an example. Let’s say you’re examining two different one-carat pear-shaped diamonds. They’ve both been graded VS2 (Very Slightly Included 2). In fact, their inclusions are even the same size. The difference is that in one diamond, the inclusion appears right in the middle of the table, and in the other diamond, the inclusion is tucked away near the pear’s point.

The inclusions are the same size, but one of them is much more apparent because of its placement. It’s the difference between dripping mustard on the front of your starched white dress shirt and dripping it on the underside of your sleeve. While the mustard spot is the same size, it’s much more evident in one location. When the inclusion is not apparent to the naked eye, the diamond is considered to be eye-clean. These diamonds will give you the best value.

In Australia, SI1 and SI2 are the most popular clarities.

Colour Concerns

When it comes to colour, diamonds are graded on a scale from D to Z, with D being white to colourless (or exceptional white) with a range of yellowish tints to Z. As mentioned earlier, colourless diamonds reflect the most light, and therefore, they’re graded highest.

Keep in mind that to the untrained eye, grades G through I show virtually no colour, and while grades J through M may appear to be slightly darker than average, their colour can be minimised by setting them in yellow or rose gold. Some people actually prefer the warmer tones of lower-graded diamonds. Take a look at diamonds across the colour spectrum to determine which colour grades you like best.

Making the Decision

When it comes down to it, you’ll likely get the best results from prioritising colour over clarity, as long as you seek out an eye-clean diamond. Hide those inclusions where they won’t get in the way of sparkle and aesthetics, and let in as much light as possible with a decently graded colour range.

As always, however, remember that personal preference is critical when it comes to diamond engagement rings. You won’t be selling this item for a profitable return in the future; it’s a symbol of your love and commitment. Once you’ve found the perfect ring, insure it with Q Report jewellery insurance. We’ll protect it wherever you are.

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Understanding the 4 Cs of Diamonds
Diamond Shapes
Choosing a Ring Style
Selecting a Ring Retailer

Understanding Mechanical Movements

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Statistic Heading

Rolex-super-precision

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Common Diamond Alternatives
for Engagement Rings

Tanzanite

Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Aquamarine

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Sapphire

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Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

Peace of Mind: An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

“Knowing your engagement ring is insured brings peace of mind. Accidents can happen, and insurance coverage alleviates the worry and stress of potential loss or damage.”

Unlike their battery-powered quartz counterparts, luxury watches have a beating heart – the mechanical movement. First created in the 14th century, large, weight-driven tower clocks with verge escapements and foliot balances marked the dawn of mechanical timekeeping.

Today, the core concept of mechanical movements remains unchanged from its original conception. It involves an intricate arrangement of gears, springs, and an escapement powered by a wound mainspring. This precision engineering allows for smooth operation and precise timekeeping.

Manual watch movements require the wearer to wind the crown periodically. Automatic watch movements, on the other hand, utilise the wearer's movements to keep the mainspring wound, offering a convenient everyday solution.

The Patek Philippe Calatrava, with its ultra-thin manual movement, exemplifies the elegance of traditional watchmaking. On the other hand, the Rolex Oyster Perpetual, with its self-winding mechanism epitomises practicality and durability.

Whether manual or automatic, a mechanical movement imbues a luxury watch with a soul, a testament to human ingenuity and a treasured heirloom for generations to come

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Expert Tip

Budget Considerations

Diamond shapes can vary in price due to popularity and demand. Round brilliants, for example, tend to be more expensive than other shapes due to their high demand. If budget is a concern, consider alternative shapes or prioritise other aspects, such as cut quality, over the shape itself.

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Jewellery Insurance FAQ

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.
Home Security Fortification

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Travel Savvy

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Social Media Caution

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

Regular Valuations

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised engagement ring insurance provides financial protection in the event of loss, theft or damage by ensuring you can recover the ring's monetary value or repair or replace.

An engagement ring is a significant financial and sentimental investment. Specialised.

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Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Luxury Watch Complications: Exploring Hidden Features & Functionality

Luxury watches often boast 'complications,' intricate mechanisms that add layers of sophistication, style and utility. Here, we explore some of the most fascinating complications created by the best luxury watch brands.

Home Security Fortification

Contents insurance covers the items within your home in case they are damaged, lost or stolen. This can include furniture, electronics, clothing and other personal.  Contents insurance is essential for anyone who owns valuable items, as it helps protect you should a potential loss occur in your.

Purchase Amount

To get an accurate insurance quote, please provide the amount from your purchase receipt.

Don't have the receipt?

If you don't have the receipt, you can provide the most recent valuation amount instead.

OK

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