Anyone else ever think diamond is overkill?

[MissStepcut]

In all my years of being diamond obsessed, I've always been the first to advocate for bringing down the color and clarity to ratchet up that carat size. But then I found my BGD re-cut emerald on the secondary market (another key bullet point in my "diamond philosophy") and the clarity was VS1. I didn't like the idea of paying that premium for clarity because I'm totally sure I could have found an SI1 that would have been clean enough for me, but everything else about it was so perfect I "settled" for better clarity.

Is anyone else a bit bothered by quality overkill in size, color, clarity, cut, or something else?

 

[mastercut]

In all my years of being diamond obsessed, I've always been the first to advocate for bringing down the color and clarity to ratchet up that carat size. But then I found my BGD re-cut emerald on the secondary market (another key bullet point in my "diamond philosophy") and the clarity was VS1. I didn't like the idea of paying that premium for clarity because I'm totally sure I could have found an SI1 that would have been clean enough for me, but everything else about it was so perfect I "settled" for better clarity.

Is anyone else a bit bothered by quality overkill in size, color, clarity, cut, or something else?

I always advise my customers buying the most beautiful diamond overall, not just VVS/D because it is VVS/D. Of course I would buy myself VVS/D with a great cut if the price is excellent, but it is impossible
But buying for my mother in the end I prefer at least VS2/F (a conservative VS2, not a soft one), not SI1/H. I simply want a good clarity even with a loupe and a really white colour.

 

[Imdanny]

Is anyone else a bit bothered by quality overkill in size, color, clarity, cut, or something else?

If I'm being honest, yes, I am bothered by IF, because I think VVS2 is just as good and anything over VVS2 is a waste. But, really, that's just my personal opinion. I have no desire to say or imply that anyone else should feel this way.

As far as size, I don't think there is overkill. I know that many people think over a certain size is tasteless. I think it depends on the wearer. Elizabeth Taylor's Krupp diamond was not too big for her to wear. It would probably look ridiculous on some women. You have to be able to pull off what you're wearing. But that's true of everything and anyone.

No, color doesn't bother me. Get whatever you want. I don't think there is overkill. The whitest is graded the whitest because it is the whitest. Many people look down on low colors. To me they're different colors, not "lower" ones.

Overkill on cut? No, I guess not, but if you start telling me the Cullinan I has poor light return, my brain is going to start tuning you out. Like: OMG, it has a culet. It sucks! Yes, please see it in person and then get back to me.

Overkill isn't a big problem for me. Most stuff is just cheap and ugly. I'm talking about if you put all the jewelry for sale in the US in a big pile. But that's the way with anything money buys, as far as I can tell.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Overkill? No. I prefer VS and higher and G-H color and higher. I might consider I in antique cuts. Or I might go to W-Z to get a light yellow. But for white diamonds, I prefer the upper end of near colorless. Actually, my ideal would be F color, but the price jump is significant over G. The good thing for me is that I don't really care about size. Many people got 2 ct. J stones for what we paid for my 1.6 ct. H VS1 stone. And my studs are H&A, G VS1-2.

I think every single one of us balances out the "C's" according to our budget when it comes down to it. Few have unlimited money. If I did, my ring stones likely would be D-F, VVS-VS1 because I think they are really gorgeous and rare.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Also don't believe in overkill. It's whatever people want - to each their own. I perosnally would stick to VS1 or higher and don't want an SI stone (unless antique - I would settle).

 

[Missy]

Overkill? No. I prefer VS and higher and G-H color and higher. I might consider I in antique cuts. Or I might go to W-Z to get a light yellow. But for white diamonds, I prefer the upper end of near colorless. Actually, my ideal would be F color, but the price jump is significant over G. The good thing for me is that I don't really care about size. Many people got 2 ct. J stones for what we paid for my 1.6 ct. H VS1 stone. And my studs are H&A, G VS1-2.

I think every single one of us balances out the "C's" according to our budget when it comes down to it. Few have unlimited money. If I did, my ring stones likely would be D-F, VVS-VS1 because I think they are really gorgeous and rare.

I agree. If my budget was unlimited this is how I would go.

 

[LittleRiver]

I know what you mean because I also didn't want to pay for higher than SI1 clarity. That said, if I found a VS1 stone that met my other criteria and was in budget, I would definitely appreciate and enjoy it! I'm another person who would go for D-F, VVS if budget were unlimited.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I don't think that is overkill especially in an emerald cut. Other cuts can hide inclusions but it is harder with an emerald cut. Everyone of us picks where our comfort level is to balance price with specs. I think you got really lucky and should just enjoy your good fortune!

 

[Miss Sparkly]

My recent purchase was a J VVS2. I dropped the color to be able to raise the clarity to the SI1 level and stumbled across this stone, also an AGS0, for less $$ than many others. Otherwise I wouldn't have paid extra to go up that high. To me it's only overkill if a person is paying a premium for it.

 

[tyty333]

Miss StepCut,

I have found I dont like to pay for high clarity in rounds because I pretty much know I can get a round at any size, any color and
a lower clarity at anytime. However, with fancy cut stones that's a different story. There are fewer of them and there are even
fewer well-cut attractive ones. So, on a fancy cut if the clarity is a little higher than I wanted to pay for it I would do it if I found
everything else about the stone acceptable. I have a pear engagement ring. It is a D color. Thats not what I was looking for
but to find all the right combination of eye-clean and attractive this is what I ended up with. This was pre-PS so all I had to
work with were local B&Ms. It might have been easier if I had PS back then AND was willing to take as much time as it was going
to take to find an eye-clean, attractive, G colored pear...but I REALLY wanted to be engaged so I wasnt willing to spend that time .

tyty

 

[kenny]

I don't get to call someone else's choice overkill.
I only get to decide what's right for me.

I love my E VVS1 0.82 ct.
For the same price I could have gotten a much larger diamond, but that would have been overkill.

Overkill is like beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder, not in any diamond itself.

Some would think a E VVS1 is not pure enough for the most perfect woman in the world.
Some would think a 0.82 ct is not large enough for the most perfect woman in the world.

Some like size.
Some like high clarity and cut.
Nobody's wrong.
Unless you are Oprah or Bill Gates and can afford a 50 ct D IF you have to select YOUR compromise.

People vary.
Buy what YOU like.

 

[SneakyBF]

In all honesty IF and VVS are the best things to happen for buyers like us. Given the way that diamond pricing works if they didnt seperate out the VVS and IFs theyd raise the prices on everything else to compensate. I say let other people pay the premiums.

As another reason if I ever win the lotto, why not buy a VVS or D stone. Its easy peace of mind for those with the cash.

 

[D&T]

I went from an SI2 in RB to a VVS1 in my now asscher . Unfortunately the price, size spec was all in my range, I could have come down in Clarity but how long would I have had to wait to maybe go up in carat size or color? and what about the price since it was increasing rapidly. I don't regret my VVS1 and it is VERY mind and eye clean so I'm happy with my choice.

 

[decodelighted]

I went from an SI2 in RB to a VVS1 in my now asscher . Unfortunately the price, size spec was all in my range, I could have come down in Clarity but how long would I have had to wait to maybe go up in carat size or color? and what about the price since it was increasing rapidly. I don't regret my VVS1 and it is VERY mind and eye clean so I'm happy with my choice.

Ditto. My Asscher is VVS1. ESPECIALLY when you're looking in the 2nd hand market for *fancy cuts* -- something has to give. You could wait forever trying to *optimize* the deal & never get anything you like. Ever hear the expression "perfect is the enemy of good"? Sometimes good (in terms of deal) is good ENOUGH.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

You are taking about people's preferences--so how is that translated to "overkill"? Preferences are subjective.

cheers--Sharon

 

[Xanthoria]

I look at it this way: my friends do not carry loupes around to inspect each other's rings and pass judgment on them - that would be really tacky. Got a “friend” like that? Get rid of them.

So, of the things you can see from between 6” and 6’ (close friend peering at ring, stranger on the street passing by) what’s visible?

Color: Unless you have other diamonds right next to yours to compare it to, on a white background in great lighting, and unless it’s obviously a fancy colored diamond, I defy the average eye (no, not a PS-er) to be able to guess whether a solitary, set diamond is a D or a J. Someone peering closely might see a bit of color on a lower grade if set in platinum perhaps? But really, could they determine the exact grade? No, we have to pay for a professional appraisal on perfect conditions to differentiate between the top 10 or so “colorless” diamonds. Average person looking at a set diamond in average conditions? Nope.

Clarity: Same. Unless it’s an emerald cut with a big old inclusion or your friends inspect your property with magnifying glasses, nobody is going to know the difference between an IF and a SI2 at first glance. And let’s face it, even the closest friend is only likely to spend 30 seconds looking at your ring with the naked eye, unless they have an unhealthy fascination with your jewelry…

Cut: Again we don’t compare good and “bad” diamond cuts side by side except in a jewelry salesroom where we’re being encouraged to buy the more expensive one…

Carat weight: Average casual, non-PS observer can’t differentiate between ½ and 2 carat: they just don’t know what 1 carat looks like. Educated diamond fan? Probably can guess – if they have a couple seconds to look closely.

So, the only person who knows all the 4 Cs of your diamond is you. You and your jeweler, your insurance agent and your SO if they bought it for you. Buy what makes YOU happy and nobody you know will be able to tell the difference between a ½ carat, H, SI1 and a 1 carat D, IF… which could easily save you $20,000. That’s $20k that could pay off your student loans, put a down payment on a house, go to your retirement fund, or all sorts of other real world important things that make a huge and measureable difference to your future.

 

[MissStepcut]

I don't get to call someone else's choice overkill.
I only get to decide what's right for me.

I love my E VVS1 0.82 ct.
For the same price I could have gotten a much larger diamond, but that would have been overkill.

Overkill is like beauty; it's in the eye of the beholder, not in any diamond itself.

Some would think a E VVS1 is not pure enough for the most perfect woman in the world.
Some would think a 0.82 ct is not large enough for the most perfect woman in the world.

Some like size.
Some like high clarity and cut.
Nobody's wrong.
Unless you are Oprah or Bill Gates and can afford a 50 ct D IF you have to select YOUR compromise.

People vary.
Buy what YOU like.

Well yes, Kenny. I was saying that it is overkill to my own preconceived standards before I found the stone. I wasn't lobbing labels at anyone else's choices.

 

[MissStepcut]

Thanks everyone for your perspectives. I do always find "C" trade offs to be an interesting discussion.

 

[texaskj]

Make yourself happy and get what you like. It's your jewelry and your checkbook........unless you've got a sugar daddy.

 

[MissStepcut]

Make yourself happy and get what you like. It's your jewelry and your checkbook........unless you've got a sugar daddy.

Yes, but what I wanted wasn't available and what was, was in "overkill" range.

 

[Gypsy]

I went from an SI2 in RB to a VVS1 in my now asscher . Unfortunately the price, size spec was all in my range, I could have come down in Clarity but how long would I have had to wait to maybe go up in carat size or color? and what about the price since it was increasing rapidly. I don't regret my VVS1 and it is VERY mind and eye clean so I'm happy with my choice.

Ditto. My Asscher is VVS1. ESPECIALLY when you're looking in the 2nd hand market for *fancy cuts* -- something has to give. You could wait forever trying to *optimize* the deal & never get anything you like. Ever hear the expression "perfect is the enemy of good"? Sometimes good (in terms of deal) is good ENOUGH.

I agree. My engagement diamond is an asscher and it's a VS1 F. It's a fancy so... as cut is the most important, and I needed at least Vs2... not a big deal that I could have saved money with a G Vs2.

 

[Dreamer_D]

My former diamond was a J VS1 and for me at that time the VS1 was overkill. I would have been happy with a VS2. But it is hard to find ideal RBs right under the 1.7ct mark, so I paid for the clarity.

But after owning that and having had experiences with SI2 and SI1 stones in the past where I could see in the inclusions, with ease in the former case and with hunting in the latter... well I came to appreciate VS1 clarity I would not shell out for VS1 clarity in a new stone. But my new OEC is likely a VS1 or better in clarity, by chance, and it makes me very happy that it is that way. I did not *pay* for clarity to be that high since the seller did not know what clarity even is, let alone what the clarity of this stone was But I do really appreciate a clean stone.

 

[decodelighted]

If your biggest problem is that you're having to "settle" for slightly *better* than you *thought* you wanted .... hee! First World Problems!

 

[Imdanny]

My former diamond was a J VS1 and for me at that time the VS1 was overkill. I would have been happy with a VS2. But it is hard to find ideal RBs right under the 1.7ct mark, so I paid for the clarity.

But after owning that and having had experiences with SI2 and SI1 stones in the past where I could see in the inclusions, with ease in the former case and with hunting in the latter... well I came to appreciate VS1 clarity I would not shell out for VS1 clarity in a new stone. But my new OEC is likely a VS1 or better in clarity, by chance, and it makes me very happy that it is that way. I did not *pay* for clarity to be that high since the seller did not know what clarity even is, let alone what the clarity of this stone was But I do really appreciate a clean stone.

Bing. My personal "mind clean" clarity. I'm trying to expand my preference so I could go if I wanted to, to SI1. Some jewelers (and I'm not referring to Tiffany, and recently), I mean Oscar Heyman have used SI1 in some nice pieces (one with a diamond and ruby chain and an amazing pear cut with a culet). Not only that but RB's are cut so precisely now as compared to what consumers like me could get in the '70's and '80's, that think it might not matter that much. But I don't have a budget to fit my tastes so the Oscar Heyman piece isn't a practical problem for me or anything; it just makes me wonder. I think I also like some inclusions better than others. This might sound strange but black streaks don't bother me. Black spots do. Clouds I don't like at all. The 4 C's trade-offs is a fascinating topic. Yes, thank you, OP, for starting this thread. I like to think about these arcane things, like how other people make these choices, and also I learned in this thread more about how real-time availability might affect the C's someone ends up buying. I like high clarity and low color. I don't know why. Most people probably care less than I do about clarity and aren't fans of low colors. The color looks like the color of straw. It fascinates me. It doesn't bother me at all. But I'll admit it would be nice to have a huge, white, VVS2 diamond too if money were no object.

 

[Gypsy]

If your biggest problem is that you're having to "settle" for slightly *better* than you *thought* you wanted .... hee! First World Problems!

Big fat ditto to this too.

 

[MissStepcut]

If your biggest problem is that you're having to "settle" for slightly *better* than you *thought* you wanted .... hee! First World Problems!

Big fat ditto to this too.

When even pricescope FWPs you...

 

[Laila619]

I'd hate paying for high clarity in stones, but this is because I've owned two super clean diamonds with SI1 and SI2 clarity. I have an incredibly hard time finding any inclusions with my Belomo 10x loupe. So I doubt I'd ever buy a VVS or a VS1 stone.

 

[GreenBling]

it's true that friends aren't going to look at your diamond with a loupe, however, if you wear blings to please yourself then whatever pleases you is NOT an overkill i am sucker for color so i'd pay more for higher color.

 

[r1ta_s]

I am fine with lower color and clarity as it helps me get a bigger stone for the same budget. I don't have mid clean issue and I'm Ok with a little warmth.

People having different preferences is why a balanced market exists. If everyone prefers the same as what I prefer, then SI1 and SI2 or I/J/K stones wouldn't be good deals anymore .

 

[Circe]

For me, buying secondhand or at a discount mitigates any concerns about overkill - which is how I justify my pendant being an E and my new anniversary ring being a VVS2. I found them both for significantly less than I would have paid for stones with lower specs if I'd gone straight retail, so, hey, a little variety is nice! You'll just drive yourself crazy if you second-guess a one-of-a-kind deal: after all, it's not like there was a second BGD re-cut emerald of your preferred size and color out there for less, right?

That said, my sweet spots do tend to hover around G-J, SI1. But, again, if I find better quality for less money than I'd pay normally? By all means, bring on the overkill.