My question: I recently purchased a 1.40 carat SI2 G Radiant cut EGL certified from the internet. I took the stone to be independently verified and was told it was DEFINITELY an I1, though he agreed with the color. I returned the diamond. Now I am weary of purchasing another EGL certified stone. Are their clarity grading standards relaxed compared to GIA?

Another question while I am here and still searching....is it worth the cost difference to buy a G color over an H? I plan on setting the diamond in yellow gold. Does that matter?

Yes there is an opinion in the industry that EGL reports often less strict than GIA. Perhaps that is the reason why GIA "certified" diamonds are more expensive than EGL.

However independent checking of any diamond with any report including GIA or AGS is the rule of thumb.

You need to look through the microscope at stones in order to tell if the inclusions have size and importance to the human eye, or if they are small, remote, or of low relief. Each SI2 or I1 is different and there are crossovers that no one can really agree on.