Color Advisor

nobody · Nov 12, 2007

I have been reading up on all the tutorials on PriceScope and other forums and learned that it is really hard to tell the color from color grades that are 1 or 2 from each other. This is fine, so I started looking for I,J colors.

My dilemma is, Would/Could you tell the difference in Color grade if you held the two stones together? (It seems that many girlfriends of my "soon to be" have also recently received their engagement rings, and I know they will compare them) I dont want to get mines a J color and have it compared to a E,F color.

Would they see the J color (compared to E,F color) if I purchase a very good cut J? Would the brilliance, fire, and scintillation of a very good cut stone cancel out the lower color?

Now, What about ave Very good Cut E,F? I would assume that in this circumstance that the lower color would be noticable?

Richard Sherwood · Nov 12, 2007

E-F color is "colorless", while "J" color is four grades less, on the low end of "near colorless" (GHIJ), and one grade away from "faint yellow".

Yes, you will see a difference if a "J" color diamond is held next to an "E-F", whether the stones are well cut or not.

Does that mean a well cut "J" can not be beautiful? Absolutely not. They can be absolutely gorgeous. Even more beautiful than a poorly cut E-F color, in my opinion.

But don't ask more of them in the area of color than they are able to accomplish. There's a reason the E-F stones cost more.

Venice · Nov 12, 2007

Yes, you can tell the difference in color grades if they are held together, or even just hands side by side. I have an E and my mother has a J. My mother keeps putting her hand next to mine (I don''t know why, but she constantly does this) and then pulls it away commenting that hers is just "dirty." In fact, I get that comment a lot from people looking at my ring. I used to wonder why everyone said this to me, but I now realize it is because of the color difference.

While I was at Cartier a few weeks back, I looked at a beautiful "G" 2 ct. in a 1895 setting. When the salesman pulled it out of the case, we both immediately noticed and commented on the color difference from their G to my E. Cartier sells high quality cut diamonds, so the difference will still be noticeable.

If her friends have E and F colored stones, and they like to compare, I would think about going higher in color, maybe even a G.

Good Luck!

MichelleCarmen · Nov 12, 2007

Yes, you would be able to tell the difference. I''ve compared my E and G stones and can see the warmth in the G. But, just to point out, the G isn''t any less beautiful than the E. The E is just more icy where the G is warmer. Both sparkle like crazy, and IMO, that is the PRIMARY goal when purchasing a stone

:) · Nov 12, 2007

It will also depend on the size stone you are looking at - the larger the stone, the more apparent color differences are, also the ''lower'' you go on colors, the wider the range of color or ''warmth'' that is included (for example an H has a smaller range than a K) - this may also mean that more of a difference can be detected between colors ''farther down'' the alphabet, compared to ones closer to the beginning of the alphabet. There is no right or wrong, it is all about what you are comfortable with and what your eyes find beautiful. Go and look at AGS and GIA graded stones in a nearby store around the size you are interested in to see what your eyes like. You may also want to take into account her skin tone. Some skin tones are enhanced by slightly warmer tones.

Garry H (Cut Nut) · Nov 12, 2007

To add to those words of wisdom above, check out this photo - it is real and I took it. It is pretty much what you see side on.

Face up the difference is less obvious - but still there
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/color.asp

Deelight · Nov 12, 2007

Do you know for certain what her friends rings feature in terms of colour in their diamonds? And I mean do you know for certain they will have E and F coloured diamonds?

You will be able to tell a difference as what everyone else has said but colour is not the be all and end all of a diamond. I have a friend who has a very nice looking diamond (fairly decent size) and from looking at it I would guesstimate it being a d-f colour it is very icy white BUT it lacks any sparkle or life.

I''d much rather have a lower colour diamond that sparkled like no tomorrow then a higher colour one that sat dull and lifeless and I am sure most girls will agree

.

Also no matter how girls compare (and they will) there will always be differences someones will be bigger or whiter or sparklier.

At the end of the day that ring will be the most beautiful and wonderful thing cause it is hers and you gave it to her

.

chrono · Nov 13, 2007

I have all well cut diamonds of various colours: an E, H and 2 Js. Yes, the colour difference is noticeable. The E is icy white, the H is white and the Js are warm white. However, they all sparkle. I love all of them equally.

Given a choice between a well cut J and a dud E, I'd take the well cut J everyday and anyday.

wen104 · Nov 13, 2007

I have a G and My MIL has a I and there is a difference but I love the warm sparkle hers gives off. I have never compared my G to an E of equal size but my G is pretty white. When comparing at a B & M stones and then looking at the color, I found I favored the Near colorless range. It really is personal preference and some people are more color sensitive then others. I would much rather have an Ideal cut stone in a lower color then a colorless stone in a bad cut.

tberube · Nov 13, 2007

I think you might tell the difference, in your mind, and if you really look at it - but if you''re girlfriends comparing stones for fun you''ll never notice. Especially once the diamond is set and you''re looking at it from the top (which most onlookers usually do). I have an I color Emerald-cut - and that cut doesn''t hide color as well as rounds - and I get asked all the time if the stone is a D. Seriously.

Besides, how do you know the other girls won''t have K or L colored stones?

MichelleCarmen · Nov 13, 2007

Date: 11/13/2007 9:40:15 AM
Author: tberube
Besides, how do you know the other girls won't have K or L colored stones?

Yep, who knows if the friends' rings are well-cut or even certified by a reputable lab! Not all J stones are equal and if the friends' rings were purchased in a shady mall jewelry store, the rings could even be downright scary (even if they are E or Fs and poorly cut).

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