Can't Tell The Difference

Date: 11/29/2008 2:44:23 PM
Author: zman8
Prior to my trip this morning, I had written off anything below F and VS2. However, I am now considering increasing the carat on an SI1/G instead.

Also, when considering a ring with sidestones, I presume the issue of clarity and color becomes less of a factor due to their small size?

I have also been looking at White Flash and James Allen for purchasing the ring. I know that people laud the quality of WF, but has anyone had experience with James Allen?

Date: 11/29/2008 4:42:21 PM
Author: CharmyPoo
I had very similar experience when I went to the jewelry store with all their crazy lighting. I couldn't tell the difference as easily as I thought I would be able to. But I was able to see a little more difference once I was in 'normal' lighting. We landed on a G/VS1 but started with no lower than E/VVS1.

Date: 11/29/2008 4:48:00 PM
Author: zman8



Is there a way to look at the diamond outside of the store? When I was at Mervis I had to go through a holding area just to enter the store.

Date: 11/29/2008 4:48:00 PM
Author: zman8



Is there a way to look at the diamond outside of the store? When I was at Mervis I had to go through a holding area just to enter the store.

Date: 11/29/2008 2:27:34 PM
Author:zman8
I have been reading around the PS forums for a couple of days now. Also looking at various PS recommended websites an their prices. All the while I kept thinking to myself, 'exactly what does an SI1 look like? How big is 1.0 carats?, etc.'

Fortunately, I live three blocks from a diamond store, Mervis Diamonds, and decided to stop in to just look at some of the rocks they had available. I figured all the research of numbers and jargon was worthless if I did not have a first-hand impression of what it comported to.

Having left the jeweler, I am set on a round cut diamond (I had considered a Princess cut, however, I like the way the light caught the round).

However, what I am unsure about is the color and clarity issues. While cut still remains my top priority (excellent or ideal only), I found myself unable to tell the difference between an VS1 and an SI1. Even when handed the magnifier, I struggled to locate the feather in the SI1. On the color issue, I could not see a difference between an E and a G. It was not until I saw the G next to an I that I could see the color difference.

My question is, is this a common issue? Should I go with an SI1/G, or is there something I am missing?

Thanks for your help, and this website has been a god-send.