Advice on I vs. G color stone

[cmmy]

Hello all!

Some advise/suggestions are needed and would be greatly appreciated!
I got a1.5 ct BGD I color signature diamond (7.28x7.3 mm) set in a 14k rose gold solitaire without any diamond meelee with a platinum head. I love love love the rose gold, but in certain angles, the stone has a pink tinge to it, which is probably due to the reflection from the rose gold. My question is, do you think if I upgraded to a G colored signature BGD stone(7.3x7.3), it would decrease the pink tinge that occurs sometimes in some lightings/angles? Or is it something that is to be expected with a rose gold shank...? Maybe it's because people are so good at taking pictures of their rings on here, that it gave me false expectations that my diamond would just be crazy icy white even with an I color and rose gold? It would be about $2400 more for the G colored stone. BGD also has an H colored one that is 7.4x7.4mm that would be $2600 more as well.

So I guess in summary, is it expected to have a stone that is set in rose gold to have some pink pinge to the stone regardless of the color grade? (When talking about near colorless of G-H-I stones).
If it is NOT the norm, then do you think it would be worth it to upgrade for the better color? If so, G or H?
If it IS the norm and there wouldn't be much difference in terms of the brilliance of the different grades stones as well as the sometimes pink tinge to the stone due to the setting, then I would obviously not pay for something that would not be noticeable...

Just wanted to get some thoughts from people who are very well educated in this topic as this is my first diamond ever!!

Thank you all.

 

[ecf8503]

It's an I color, so you probably are seeing a tint at angles - it's not a colorless stone, and I doubt it is just reflection from the rose gold. If the tint is bothering you now, it likely always will - you seem rather color sensitive - and going to a G is probably your best bet, to be honest.

 

[WinkHPD]

Hello all!

Some advise/suggestions are needed and would be greatly appreciated!
I got a1.5 ct BGD I color signature diamond (7.28x7.3 mm) set in a 14k rose gold solitaire without any diamond meelee with a platinum head. I love love love the rose gold, but in certain angles, the stone has a pink tinge to it, which is probably due to the reflection from the rose gold. My question is, do you think if I upgraded to a G colored signature BGD stone(7.3x7.3), it would decrease the pink tinge that occurs sometimes in some lightings/angles? Or is it something that is to be expected with a rose gold shank...? Maybe it's because people are so good at taking pictures of their rings on here, that it gave me false expectations that my diamond would just be crazy icy white even with an I color and rose gold? It would be about $2400 more for the G colored stone. BGD also has an H colored one that is 7.4x7.4mm that would be $2600 more as well.

So I guess in summary, is it expected to have a stone that is set in rose gold to have some pink pinge to the stone regardless of the color grade? (When talking about near colorless of G-H-I stones).
If it is NOT the norm, then do you think it would be worth it to upgrade for the better color? If so, G or H?
If it IS the norm and there wouldn't be much difference in terms of the brilliance of the different grades stones as well as the sometimes pink tinge to the stone due to the setting, then I would obviously not pay for something that would not be noticeable...

Just wanted to get some thoughts from people who are very well educated in this topic as this is my first diamond ever!!

Thank you all.

I am pretty sure that you are NOT getting a pinkish tinge from the I color, it is surely coming from the mounting, and changing to an G or an H is not going to be a significant change in face up appearance of a well cut diamond, which I will make the assumption that a BGD signature diamond is.

Changing to a different diamond could make a difference, depending on the cut and the amount of windowing that it has compared to your current diamond, but it will not be due to the change from I to H or G. (In my opinion.) Given the price of even pinkish diamonds, you should treasure that look and tilt it to that position often!

Just my thoughts,

Wink

 

[ecf8503]

Do you think the tint you are seeing is definitely pink? I just wonder if it's the normal yellowish tint of an I that you are seeing and interpreting as pink. If it truly is a pink tint, then I'd keep that baby, as that is very rare and special! You said it was set in a platinum head, which is the only reason I doubt it's reflection of the band, as the band is somewhat far away from the stone, kwim? But I defer to Wink's expertise.

 

[marymm]

OP - can you post a link to the BGD setting you have?

I do agree with Wink your diamond is most likely reflecting the pink from the shank, and changing diamonds would not change what you see (although possibly the pink reflected in a G color might be ever so slightly different in tone/hue as compared to the pink reflected by your I stone).

But depending on your actual setting design, and the degree to which the reflected pink bothers you, possibly another ring style would suit you better.

(And, if you did believe an I color stone in rose gold would show as "crazy icy white," that would indeed be false expectations... it is hard sometimes to get a clear understanding of diamond color particularly when you're looking at photos/videos on computer monitors and reading individual testimonies about the perceived color of their own diamonds - but, simply put, side by side, diamonds with identical cut parameters and in the same setting but one with G color and one with I color will show one as more white (the G) and one as less white (the I). But, in the real world, people seldom compare stones side-by-side, let alone diamonds with the same cut parameters and exact same setting. And people's perception and description of color vary widely - to one person, they see a white that is icy white; but to another person, that same white is a creamy white.)

 

[cmmy]

The setting is cathedral set, so the rose gold part actually touches the diamond, which makes me think it is from the reflection of the cathedral shoulders rather than the stone itself, but... I'm definitely not an expert. I've attached a few pictures for reference! They're iPhone pictures, so they aren't the best quality, nor am I very skillful at taking pictures, so I don't think they really reflect what I saw in real life as well...
I actually sent the ring back to have them try and shave down the shank and cathedral arms a bit (after much back and forth about how they are not comfortable with going thinner than original) as I was wanting a more thin and delicate look and figured that if I am gonna change diamonds, it should be now! So sadly, I cannot even attempt to take more pictures to show the color discrepancies.

 

[apacherose]

Well, I'm not an expert, but I was just discussing this the other day and took photos that illustrate what I'm thinking.

I have a 'G' colored cushion- with a white gold head- and an 18k rose gold shank- it picks up and reflects the gold of the setting, especially at a tilt angle, where the light leaks through.

I have an 'I' color grade diamond in a platinum halo. Even side by side, they mostly look the same to me... the difference is... nuance.

Yes, overall, I can tell the G returns more white light, but, it still reflects the color of the setting. So... just be sure if you switch that you are wanting that overall whiter-light return when your diamond is face up, because at angles I believe it will still reflect metal, no matter which color grade the diamond is.

Edit to add-just saw your pics- your ring is lovely- it does look kind of pinkish in the last photos- that would honestly please me. It also is very white in the top photo!

 

[drk14]

In the car, stone appears white!

This may be a silly question, but when you do see color, what environment are you in? Specifically, what are the colors of the walls and ceilings, and even your outfit? The reason I ask is that in your pictures, the areas of the diamond that seem to have some color are areas that one would expect to be reflecting light coming from above the diamond, not from below (where the rose gold mounting is). Maybe there's a simple explanation to what you're seeing!

 

[thecat]

From your last 2 photos, the color seems to be from the environment, like beige/peach walls/blouse.

 

[UrsTx]

A few pics of my G and I. The G (left/lower) is a MRB, 2.08ct in a spring ring. The I (right/upper) is an AC, 3.15ct mounted in platinum. Just a slightly warm diff. iPhone pics so of course they're sideways...

I think the I is obviously warmer on the wood desk as opposed to the white typing paper background.

 

[JDDN]

First off, your diamond and setting are both gorgeous. Love the way it looks on your hand too.

It's so hard to tell from photos (not just your photos, but photos in general). I think if you are seeing "warmth" all over your stone, then that is more from the I color. Seeing tinges of pink from time to time is likely either environment or a reflection from the cathedral arms.

Your stone looks nice and white in the photos. The two pictures that I see some pink look like it's from the environment or the ring, not something inherent in the stone. But as I said, it's really hard to tell in photos!

FWIW, from your pictures I think the pink reflection is really pretty and I think your stone looks nice and white (not yellow tinged). I think if you do decide to change diamonds to a whiter one, then do it because having an I made you realize you want an overall whiter stone. The pink reflection may still appear with a G!!

 

[cmmy]

Thanks for all of your replies and input! I appreciate it.
In the first two pictures, I was in the car with black interior and wearing a black dress, so maybe the dark color was a good contrast for the diamond to look extra white.
The last two pictures are from my living room, which has brick walls... Sooooo it is very possible that the color tint is from that. The fact that there's red bricks in my living room didn't even register until I just looked up and around! Hah.

If we chalk it up to environment, then I don't really see a need to upgrade to a G color, right? Since the general consensus is that there is very little difference between G/H/I diamonds once mounted.

I think I got worried because when we first started looking for rings, we went to Diamonds Direct to view different diamonds and when unmounted and against a white piece of paper, I could tell the difference between a G and I, even face up. And the guy was like "I can tell you right now, you're not gonna be happy with anything less than a G." But when we put a G, H, and I triple EX in the temporary setting and took them outside, I couldn't tell the difference! So I thought the guy was just trying to up sell me. Plus, I had heard from countless people that BGD signature cut diamonds are great and that an "I" colored diamond would shine bright! So I went ahead with an I color BGD, but when I started noticing the color tints coming from it when it was in my hands, I remembered what the guy at DD said and got concerned!
I guess a part of me wants the upgrade for the piece of mind, but then, knowing that it will likely not make a huge difference, I don't think it's worth the extra $2,400!

 

[WinkHPD]

Thanks for all of your replies and input! I appreciate it.
In the first two pictures, I was in the car with black interior and wearing a black dress, so maybe the dark color was a good contrast for the diamond to look extra white.
The last two pictures are from my living room, which has brick walls... Sooooo it is very possible that the color tint is from that. The fact that there's red bricks in my living room didn't even register until I just looked up and around! Hah.

If we chalk it up to environment, then I don't really see a need to upgrade to a G color, right? Since the general consensus is that there is very little difference between G/H/I diamonds once mounted.

I think I got worried because when we first started looking for rings, we went to Diamonds Direct to view different diamonds and when unmounted and against a white piece of paper, I could tell the difference between a G and I, even face up. And the guy was like "I can tell you right now, you're not gonna be happy with anything less than a G." But when we put a G, H, and I triple EX in the temporary setting and took them outside, I couldn't tell the difference! So I thought the guy was just trying to up sell me. Plus, I had heard from countless people that BGD signature cut diamonds are great and that an "I" colored diamond would shine bright! So I went ahead with an I color BGD, but when I started noticing the color tints coming from it when it was in my hands, I remembered what the guy at DD said and got concerned!
I guess a part of me wants the upgrade for the piece of mind, but then, knowing that it will likely not make a huge difference, I don't think it's worth the extra $2,400!

When I get to meet with live people rather than just sell on the Internet I love to do "blind taste test" where I put three to five diamonds on a slotted tray and let people choose what they like with their eyes.

When I first started doing this I was frequently surprised at how many people who had insisted on nothing below an F ended up choosing diamonds in the G-H-I range as the one they liked the best. (This sometimes changed once they found out they had selected a lower color.) Our minds want what we think is the best, but our eyes know what they really like when we do not know what the paper says!

Cut is FAR more important than color or clarity, and it is also by far the least understood of all of the C's.

Wink

 

[thecat]

Even if the color is from the environment, my experience is that a warmer color will pick up color more than a cooler color. I know theoretically they should pick up same amount of color, with I having more body tint than G. If the body tint isn't apparent, you have a high I and it faces up white and no need for color upgrade. That's theory. But my observations proved otherwise. Ignoring the body tint, warmer colors seem to take on more environmental colors. I don't know the reason for it but it's so. Can you just buy a G and compare both the G and I? And return one before return period is up. But my observations may be unique to my eyes since it does not fit theory. So please seek others' opinion.

Having said this, I like all colors (warm and cool). It just depends on my mood but mostly warm due to skin tone.

 

[apacherose]

Even if the color is from the environment, my experience is that a warmer color will pick up color more than a cooler color. I know theoretically they should pick up same amount of color, with I having more body tint than G. If the body tint isn't apparent, you have a high I and it faces up white and no need for color upgrade. That's theory. But my observations proved otherwise. Ignoring the body tint, warmer colors seem to take on more environmental colors. I don't know the reason for it but it's so. Can you just buy a G and compare both the G and I? And return one before return period is up. But my observations may be unique to my eyes since it does not fit theory. So please seek others' opinion.

Having said this, I like all colors (warm and cool). It just depends on my mood but mostly warm due to skin tone.

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

 

[apacherose]

[

When I get to meet with live people rather than just sell on the Internet I love to do "blind taste test" where I put three to five diamonds on a slotted tray and let people choose what they like with their eyes.

Wink

You must be so much fun to shop with. A blind taste test... I love it.

 

[cmmy]

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Do you think there would be a noticeable difference between an H and an I in terms of how much an H picks up on environmental colors compared to an I? Or a G vs. an H? Or is the difference really going to be between an I and a G?

 

[gm89uk]

Even if the color is from the environment, my experience is that a warmer color will pick up color more than a cooler color. I know theoretically they should pick up same amount of color, with I having more body tint than G. If the body tint isn't apparent, you have a high I and it faces up white and no need for color upgrade. That's theory. But my observations proved otherwise. Ignoring the body tint, warmer colors seem to take on more environmental colors. I don't know the reason for it but it's so. Can you just buy a G and compare both the G and I? And return one before return period is up. But my observations may be unique to my eyes since it does not fit theory. So please seek others' opinion.

Having said this, I like all colors (warm and cool). It just depends on my mood but mostly warm due to skin tone.

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Just wondering why that would be?

I thought a well cut stone would actually take up more of it's surroundings because it reflects more light, and that colour shouldn't really factor into how much a stone picks up from the environment.

 

[JDDN]

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Do you think there would be a noticeable difference between an H and an I in terms of how much an H picks up on environmental colors compared to an I? Or a G vs. an H? Or is the difference really going to be between an I and a G?

cmmy, I think it depends on how color sensitive and discerning your eyes for color are. For some there's a noticeable difference between an H and an I. For some there is not. Usually people have a threshold that they won't go below. Mine's probably a G or H, so for me there would be a difference between an H and an I. But that's just me and I happen to be pretty color sensitive.

If we chalk it up to environment, then I don't really see a need to upgrade to a G color, right? Since the general consensus is that there is very little difference between G/H/I diamonds once mounted.

I don't think there's a general consensus that there is very little difference between a G, H and I. In fact I think most would say there's a fairly noticeable difference between a G and an I.


I guess a part of me wants the upgrade for the piece of mind, but then, knowing that it will likely not make a huge difference, I don't think it's worth the extra $2,400!

I don't know that anyone can tell you with certainty that going to a G or H will not make a huge difference! I think you will need to determine that for yourself. I do know that determining how much you love your diamond in terms of sparkle, color, clarity, etc., will be over some period of time in different environments and different lighting. Give yourself a few weeks to live with your stone and see. If the color bothers you, then swap it out. The last thing you want is to always be wondering if a higher color will be more lovely to you or to wish you had gotten a different diamond. You should love everything about your diamond!

 

[decisively_unsure]

It really depends upon your taste. An I colour will never be colourless, but some people don't like colourless or prefer to compromise colour for size or other parameters. The difference between a G and an I is marginal, but the difference between an I and an F is significant (to some people). Ignore opinion and find what you like.

 

[drk14]

Even if the color is from the environment, my experience is that a warmer color will pick up color more than a cooler color. I know theoretically they should pick up same amount of color, with I having more body tint than G. If the body tint isn't apparent, you have a high I and it faces up white and no need for color upgrade. That's theory. But my observations proved otherwise. Ignoring the body tint, warmer colors seem to take on more environmental colors. I don't know the reason for it but it's so. Can you just buy a G and compare both the G and I? And return one before return period is up. But my observations may be unique to my eyes since it does not fit theory. So please seek others' opinion.

Having said this, I like all colors (warm and cool). It just depends on my mood but mostly warm due to skin tone.

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Just wondering why that would be?

I thought a well cut stone would actually take up more of it's surroundings because it reflects more light, and that colour shouldn't really factor into how much a stone picks up from the environment.

I, too, am skeptical about the claim that that warm-colored diamonds "pick up" more color from the environment than do diamonds that are more colorless. The devil is in the details. What angle is the stone being viewed from? From what angle is the environmental color being introduced? Is the cut of the two diamonds equivalent (especially, do they have similar ASETs)? For two well-cut MRB diamonds (with ideal ASETs), viewed top-down, with an environmental color introduced from above, I highly doubt that the relative appearance of a G and I will differ compared to when the environmental color (still introduced from above) is white.

Conversely, if the two diamonds have different cut (i.e., different ASET) and the environmental color is introduced from the side or from below, then it may appear that one of the diamonds is "picking up" more of the environmental color than the other, but this would be a result of diamond cut rather than body color.

I believe this latter scenario is the correct interpretation of the picture posted by UrsTx:



The 'I' stone on the right (top) is a (charming) AC, which no doubt has a good mix of red and green in its ASET, along with possibly a few "leakage zones" here and there. The 'G' stone on the left (bottom) is an extremely well-cut MRB with an ASET that has blue arrows in a sea of red (with only a few specks of green). Thus, laying on the wooden desk, the MRB can access brown light only from a small wedge-shaped area located on the part of the desk that is in front of the diamond. In contrast, the AC is picking up brown light from a much larger area of the desk surface, as brown light is also able to enter the diamond from the side, via the crown and pavilion, before being reflected internally within the diamond and exiting towards the camera. I believe that this is the main reason why the 'I' diamond appears warmer than the G diamond when laying on the wooden desk (as opposed to the white paper).

Back to OP's dilemma, assuming she cannot see a major difference between I and G diamonds while in a car with black interior (when viewing top-down), then I believe that she will not see a more pronounced difference if comparing the two diamonds in a room with brick walls (again, if viewing top-down).

 

[cmmy]

Hmm, so much more information to think about! I had asked BGD about how switching out my current diamond for the G colored one would work, just to see. But turns out that the diamond is on reserve and awaiting payment to be bought! Just not meant to be... The H colored one is still available, but I'm not sure if that's worth it to me to just go up just one color grade, especially since the price on the H is more than the G! (The G is just under the 1.5 carat mark and the H is just over the 1.5 mark with the same clarity so I think that's the reason why it's more expensive). I feel like the more I know, the more difficult it is to be happy!! Ignorance really is bliss!

 

[LLJsmom]

Based on your comments, I think you are more color sensitive if you are looking for "ice white". No judgement about that. I am. My mom totally is. I bought a pair of I from Whiteflash for studs. I had them in my ears and I asked my mom if she liked them. I never told her the color. She immediately responded "they are too yellow! I don't like them." I won't say more about her comment.

If you want to make sure you see a difference, move up to a G at least. And $2400 is not much at all to move up 2 color grades.

In the end, trust yourself and your eyes. Other people might not mind or notice. You're the one staring at the Rock all day.

 

[brellymom]

For the last several years I've worn a three stone ring E and F on the side, G in the middle. Frankly I couldn't tell the difference. Today I went to upgrade the middle stone, which was three carrots, to 3.7 (woohoo!)I looked at an F and an I. Compared with the G, I couldn't tell the difference with any of them, except to say the larger stones were more sparkly, but then they graded better from the HCA. Granted I OBVIOUSLY am not color sensitive but these were very large stones. So I agree with those who point to color sensitivity as the key, and suggest that you not get hung up on the grade but use your eyes.

 

[JDDN]

Can you ask BGD if they are getting more inventory? Or have them keep a look out for a 1.5-ish carat G stone for you?

 

[apacherose]

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Do you think there would be a noticeable difference between an H and an I in terms of how much an H picks up on environmental colors compared to an I? Or a G vs. an H? Or is the difference really going to be between an I and a G?

Noticeable? It will be a slight difference. Discernible, maybe, but not by too much. Nuance. You really need to go to a store and compare with your own eyes to see what is noticeable for you.

For me personally, to be worthwhile to upgrade for color, I'd be looking to get in the colorless range, D-E-F to really be what I would call 'noticeable'.

[

I agree with you, thecat- I think 'I' color definitely takes on/picks up more environmental color in its surroundings than 'G' color. No doubt about it.

Just wondering why that would be?

I thought a well cut stone would actually take up more of it's surroundings because it reflects more light, and that colour shouldn't really factor into how much a stone picks up from the environment.[/quote]

Okay... my guess as to why is that the 'I' has more impurities that act to filter and color/dinge-ey up the light return, and, coupled with hues and tinted lights in the environment just shows more color, versus a more colorless diamond that reflects more white light and looks whiter in the same environment.

Even if the color is from the environment, my experience is that a warmer color will pick up color more than a cooler color. I know theoretically they should pick up same amount of color, with I having more body tint than G. If the body tint isn't apparent, you have a high I and it faces up white and no need for color upgrade. That's theory. But my observations proved otherwise. Ignoring the body tint, warmer colors seem to take on more environmental colors. I don't know the reason for it but it's so. Can you just buy a G and compare both the G and I? And return one before return period is up. But my observations may be unique to my eyes since it does not fit theory. So please seek others' opinion.

I, too, am skeptical about the claim that that warm-colored diamonds "pick up" more color from the environment than do diamonds that are more colorless. The devil is in the details. What angle is the stone being viewed from? From what angle is the environmental color being introduced? Is the cut of the two diamonds equivalent (especially, do they have similar ASETs)? For two well-cut MRB diamonds (with ideal ASETs), viewed top-down, with an environmental color introduced from above, I highly doubt that the relative appearance of a G and I will differ compared to when the environmental color (still introduced from above) is white.

I like the above analysis.... but, all the theory in the world does not replace real life perception. Yes, individual diamonds have different personalities and light return, however, the chameleon-like tendencies of diamonds as they go down the color scale to the cape ranges is well noted and documented - check out the warmer diamond threads. In light of that, it is not a surprise that an 'I' takes on more environmental color than a 'G'.

 

[drk14]

I like the above analysis.... but, all the theory in the world does not replace real life perception.

I will defer to your experience, and I agree that diamonds sometimes surprise us... My main point is to try to make sure one is comparing apples to apples, i.e., if attempting to make a comparison, to make sure that the "experimental" conditions are reproducible, and that the effect you are perceiving is not a by-product of some uncontrolled variable.

 

[apacherose]

I like the above analysis.... but, all the theory in the world does not replace real life perception.

I will defer to your experience, and I agree that diamonds sometimes surprise us... My main point is to try to make sure one is comparing apples to apples, i.e., if attempting to make a comparison, to make sure that the "experimental" conditions are reproducible, and that the effect you are perceiving is not a by-product of some uncontrolled variable.

Well, I heartily appreciate skepticism and a scientific approach. I think, perhaps, the terminology of 'picking up colors in the environment' is 'off', in that it might be more correct of appropriate to say the an 'I' will show its body color in certain situations and lighting conditions, and does not always look the same as a 'G', and higher colored diamonds, which do not show as much body color in those same lighting situations. But in reality it *looks* like the diamond is just reflecting colors in the environment. Lighting conditions are so constantly variable. I think it is most accurate and helpful to say that, to me, they mostly look the same, and that neither my husband or daughter could pick out the higher color diamond on inspection and examination.

 

[drk14]

Well, I heartily appreciate skepticism and a scientific approach. I think, perhaps, the terminology of 'picking up colors in the environment' is 'off', in that it might be more correct of appropriate to say the an 'I' will show its body color in certain situations and lighting conditions, and does not always look the same as a 'G', and higher colored diamonds, which do not show as much body color in those same lighting situations. But in reality it *looks* like the diamond is just reflecting colors in the environment.

I agree with all of the above!