Diamonds with characteristics 3/6 (color – 3, clarity – 6)

In a store window on dark velvet under a bright electric light, all diamonds sparkle in the same way. And we are not talking about size and the number of facets. Although size matters for diamonds, you should not only look at the size, but also the color and clarity of the stone. So, you have decided to buy a gemstone or an item with it. On the tag or in the certificate it says: “3/6”. What each of these numbers means, let’s talk about in this article.

Deciphering

Let’s start from the beginning. Diamond characteristics 3/6 means that the stone has color 3 (this parameter is indicated first) and clarity 6 according to the Russian diamond certification system TU 117-4.2009-2002. But, as already mentioned, size matters, and the TU takes this into account. For stones with 57 facets weighing up to 0.29 carats, there are 7 color and 9 clarity parameters. If the mass of the gem is from 0.3 carats and higher, there are 17 color grades and 13 purity grades.

Fig 1. Color of a diamond

Fig 2. Diamond clarity

Stones with characteristics of 3/6 to 0.29 carats

Diamonds of this weight with color 3 and clarity 6 have a slight color tint and small inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Diamonds with characteristics 3/6 to 0.3 carats

For stones of this weight, a color of 3 means that the diamond is almost colorless, with a barely perceptible tint, and a clarity of 6 means that small inclusions are visible only under a tenfold loupe.

Values of 3/6 diamond characteristics in the international GIA system

The Russian system for evaluating diamond characteristics TU 117-4.2009-2002 is not the only one and by no means the most popular. Another system – GIA – is mostly used in the world. There is no exact ratio of parameters between them, but if we look roughly, here are the characteristics of a diamond with a color of 3 and clarity of 6 according to TU in the GIA system.

Stones up to 0.29 carats

Color 3 according to the TU corresponds to G, H or I in the GIA system, which means a white stone with no tint. Diamonds of this weight with a TU clarity of 6 can have a spectrum of clarity in the GIA: SI3 (Slightly Included), I1 or I2 (Included). This means that the stone can have both small and large inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Diamonds from 0.3 carats

The color of 3 stones of this weight according to TU corresponds to color classes E or F in the GIA system, which means colorless stones. And the clarity of 6 according to TU lies on the border of VS2 (Very Slightly Included) or SI1 (Slightly Included) clarity in GIA. This means that a stone can have both very small inclusions visible only with a magnifying glass and small inclusions visible to the naked eye.

Jewelry or investment

So, you’re thinking of buying a 3/6 diamond. What each digit of its characteristics means – we have figured it out. Now let’s talk about the financial side of the question. And aesthetic, of course.

These characteristics of the stone are not the most ideal, and it does not have much investment appeal. Although, if the diamond weighs from 1 carat, you can consider it as an investment object. We told you more about investing in diamonds in the article “Investing in diamonds: pros and cons”.

However, these semi-precious stones have a relatively low price, and their external characteristics are not inferior to more pure and transparent specimens. Well, of course, if they are not examined under a magnifying glass against a white background and special light, as jewelers do. So for jewelry such diamonds are the best option.