The Allure and Sparkle of a 1.7 Carat Round Diamond

The Allure of a 1.7 Carat Round Diamond

For those shopping for diamond engagement rings or looking to invest in an exquisite piece of jewelry, a 1.7 carat round diamond radiates allure and elegance. This sizable gemstone makes a dramatic statement while retaining a classic shape revered for its symmetry and ability to maximize brilliance through its 57 precisely angled facets.

Striking the Ideal Balance

A 1.7 carat round cut hits a sweet spot by balancing size with affordability. It is substantial enough to excite the recipient while remaining within budget for many shoppers. According to the Rapaport Diamond Report, a 1.7 carat round diamond with an I color and VS2 clarity sells for approximately $7,300 as of 2023.

This reasonable price point allows shoppers in many budget ranges to consider a 1.7 carat diamond rather than settling for a smaller stone. While bigger is not always better when it comes to diamonds, a 1.7 carat round is undeniably eye-catching.

Maximizing Carat Weight

Savvy diamond buyers look for ways to maximize carat weight while remaining within their budget. Opting for a round brilliant diamond just under magic size thresholds is one strategy.

Diamonds priced above 1.5 carats, 2 carats, and 3 carats often come with a significant premium. By choosing a 1.7 ct stone, buyers capitalize on being in an in-between weight range right below the 2 carat price jump. This allows securing a very sizable diamond for less than a 2 carat stone of the same quality.

Finding the Finest Cuts

Cut plays the biggest role in unleashing the fire and brilliance innate to a diamond. With a round brilliant, symmetry and precise faceting are vital. The GIA grading scale includes ratings from Excellent to Poor, with diamonds graded Very Good or higher recommended to best harness light performance.

Ideally, an Excellent or Very Good cut grades will accompany a 1.7 carat round stone. This level of quality helps ensure optimal sparkle and life, especially helpful for a diamond approaching 2 carats.

Cut Quality Factors

Several components make up the GIA Cut grade. Optimal proportions, symmetry, and polish raise the overall face-up appearance. While no diamond is perfectly symmetrical, minimal table %, depth %, crown angles and pavilion angles help reflect and scatter light.

Checking facet shape, alignment, and point sharpness also indicate excellence. Crisp, well-aligned facets amplify brilliance through the precise pathways cut into the diamond.

Finding the Finest Color

White diamonds appear colorless to faint yellow, with near colorless grades the most valued. Exceptionally white stones are treasured for their rarity.

On the GIA grading scale, most eye-clean diamonds fall into the G to J color range. Thanks to their scintillating brilliance, 1.7 carat round diamonds can withstand lower colors while facing up white.

Near Colorless for Value

Those seeking an excellent value find near colorless H and I grades ideal. These fetch lower premiums than exceptional D-F grades while retaining a bright white appearance. If budget allows, excellent D-F grades deliver outstanding sparkle through their total lack of color.

Lower color diamonds from K-M grades frequently remain eye-clean while providing the best carat-per-dollar. When combined with strong clarity and cut grades, these make beautiful jewelry.

Clarity Characteristics

Most flawless diamonds lie firmly outside typical budgets. Luckily, minute inclusions hardly impact the beauty of round 1.7 carat diamonds, with VS/SI grades offering excellent ring stones.

Common inclusions like crystals, feathers, and small cleavages rarely take away from brilliance. Instead, they serve as nature’s unique birthmarks within the diamond!

Eye-Clean SI Diamonds

Internally flawless and VVS stones must be viewed under magnification. Thus, VS and SI clarity grades frequently deliver “eye-clean” face-up appearance unmatched for the price.

SI classified diamonds with minor inclusions bring an affordable opportunity to secure a 1.7 carat dazzler. When selecting, avoid dark, central or numerous inclusions and focus on crisp cut quality to maximize fire.

FAQs

How much does a 1.7 carat round diamond cost?

As of 2023, a 1.7 carat round diamond with an I color and VS2 clarity costs approximately $7,300 according to the Rapaport Diamond Price Report. The final price depends on the 4Cs factors of cut, clarity, color and carat weight.

What diamond cut is best for sparkle?

The round brilliant cut is known for providing the most sparkle of any diamond shape. Within round diamonds, choosing an Excellent or Very Good cut grade ensures optimal light performance and fire.

What color grade is best for a 1.7 carat round diamond?

While exceptional D-F color grades face up beautifully white, excellent value comes from near colorless grades G-I. These fetch much lower premiums while retaining bright beauty. Faint yellow grades J-M can provide outstanding value while remaining eye-clean.

What clarity grade is best for a 1.7 carat diamond?

VS and SI clarity grades deliver tremendous value and eye-clean beauty for 1.7 diamond carat weights. Focus on crisp cut quality over flawless clarity to maximize sparkle.

Why choose a 1.7 ct round diamond?

A 1.7 carat round maximizes size just under the 2 carat premium threshold, allowing excellent value. This diamond carat weight also balances affordability with sufficiently impressive presence for engagement rings or fine jewelry.