Advise on Princess Cut Color Grade

[johnjohn]

First time poster here considering buying a princess cut ring online. Can someone with knowledge of this cut please advise on color? I'm considering F-H color grades, but feel like I need to narrow this down so I'm not so overwhelmed looking at so many rings. Suppose a G and H were put side-by-side, would the average person be able to tell a difference? What about a F and an H? My goal is to have as white a stone as possible without someone saying..."ahhhh you went with the lower color grade to save money didn't you." Joking but you get the point. Thanks.

 

[Enerchi]

I believe that its the corners that will show colour more, as you go down in grading. Side by side, you may notice a difference, but once you have purchased 'the one', unless you are going below a G/H, I don't think you'll really notice any overt yellow. But --- watch those corners, that's where you are likely to notice anything, same with the profile.

Please wait for others to chime in - there are PSers who are awesome experts at this, much more so than I!

 

[jstarfireb]

You should certainly be fine through H color. Take a look at this video:

http://vimeo.com/1853800

For what it's worth, I can't tell the difference between any of these diamonds. My princess is an I, and from the face-up view, you can't tell that it's not an F or G. However, I'm just starting to notice the slight tint in the profile view. So if you prefer colorless from all angles, stick with H or above.

 

[Christina...]

Well I'm not an expert and I haven't owned a princess cut, but I did have an I color asscher. I only ever saw color when I viewed the stone through the pavilion, face up it always appeared very white to me and asschers are another of those cuts that hold body color. So, I think that you will be fine with a GH, side by side once the stone is set, I think that you will have a difficult time differentiating the two. I think most people start to notice body color around I...maybe H if your color sensitive and there are many who are. I personally wouldn't pay the premium for an F. I really think that G H are a nice value.

 

[Christina...]

You should certainly be fine through H color. Take a look at this video:

http://vimeo.com/1853800

For what it's worth, I can't tell the difference between any of these diamonds. My princess is an I, and from the face-up view, you can't tell that it's not an F or G. However, I'm just starting to notice the slight tint in the profile view. So if you prefer colorless from all angles, stick with H or above.

I was typing while you were posting, but I totally agree!