Are well cut H,I, and J''s yellow?

[emeraldlover1]

NO, cause if they were they would be fancies. I want to hear what you think though.

I hope we could get come clarification here so that there is a good understanding of these near colorless stones especially for new posters looking for their first diamond purchase. There are tons of threads out there where newbies are searching for stones and concerned that these stones will look yellow. There is no clear definition between talking about "warm" tones and yellow and I personally think there should be. However, when I first joined ps a few years ago I didn''t even want to consider anything lower than a G because I took some of these posts as the above colors to be close to yellow.

I will agree that in certian cases some stones do show more warmth and we know that to be related to a few factors specifically shape and cut of the stone. Can one really look at one or two stones and discount those colors all together? I''m curious? For me, I knew I wanted a J after I saw my stone compared to a D and didn''t see the difference face up. I could only see it when upsidedown next to a D on a piece of white paper. That meant that I could get a bigger stone with our budget. Obviously its a preferance but there are a lot of Ps''ers that own stones these colors and I''d especially like to hear your opinion. How do you explain color and warmth of these color stones?

 

[Lorelei]

I think it is difficult to say specifically, as individual colour perception can vary so much. To me, a diamond begins to look a bit tinted at about an M or N colour, and distinctly tinted or more yellow at about an O or P colour grade upwards. Also sometimes a diamond can have a tint which can make a difference, more of a brownish hue for example. I wear a large L colour with faint to medium blue fluorescence, and it still faces up white, quite white indeed in some lights, although some warmth is visible from the side, but it is plenty white to me. Size of the diamond can also make a difference. I and J to me is still a white diamond, a softer white which personally I find very appealing.

I think the best advice is for those who are unsure, is to try to see the colour grades in person where possible, making sure to compare similarly lab graded, size, cut quality, and shape diamonds to get a good idea. But all of the above I am referring to round diamonds, fancy shapes can show colour differently as we know.

But it seems that in the past, buyers were encouraged to buy the whitest diamond possible, more recently, with the wealth of education which is now available, consumers are now privy to information which would not have been possible a few short years ago. Some are finding that the lower colour grades can still look great, and are more open to considering these diamonds for purchase.

 

[neatfreak]

I think they can be creamier in color...but most certainly not yellow. As you get down to some of the lower colors they can have kind of a gray/brown undertone, which I do not think is attractive at all. But a well cut, well graded H, I, or J is certainly none of these things to me. Just creamier.

 

[emeraldlover1]

Date: 6/27/2008 1:40:48 PM
Author: Lorelei
I think it is difficult to say specifically, as individual colour perception can vary so much. To me, a diamond begins to look a bit tinted at about an M or N colour, and distinctly tinted or more yellow at about an O or P colour grade upwards. Also sometimes a diamond can have a tint which can make a difference, more of a brownish hue for example. I wear a large L colour with faint to medium blue fluorescence, and it still faces up white, quite white indeed in some lights, although some warmth is visible from the side, but it is plenty white to me. Size of the diamond can also make a difference. I and J to me is still a white diamond, a softer white which personally I find very appealing.

I think the best advice is for those who are unsure, is to try to see the colour grades in person where possible, making sure to compare similarly lab graded, size, cut quality, and shape diamonds to get a good idea. But all of the above I am referring to round diamonds, fancy shapes can show colour differently as we know.

But it seems that in the past, buyers were encouraged to buy the whitest diamond possible, more recently, with the wealth of education which is now available, consumers are now privy to information which would not have been possible a few short years ago. Some are finding that the lower colour grades can still look great, and are more open to considering these diamonds for purchase.

Thanks, Lorelei! This was the advice that you gave me and I''m so glad that you did otherwise I would have spent a lot more money than I needed to.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/27/2008 1:56:31 PM
Author: emeraldlover1

Date: 6/27/2008 1:40:48 PM
Author: Lorelei

Thanks, Lorelei! This was the advice that you gave me and I''m so glad that you did otherwise I would have spent a lot more money than I needed to.

Thank YOU for your kind words! It is so hard to know what the best advice to give actually is, and I am delighted that I was of help to you!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Nope, not yellow one little bit. Creamier is a good term I think. But I still can''t see any color in my J, all I see is sparkle and light return... so it looks white!

 

[Fly Girl]

D through J are all white...sort of like various kinds of white paper are all white...some are just whiter than others, and most of the time you only notice if you do a critical side by side comparison.

 

[Catmom]

Thritto....creamer is a good term! My previous J was a creamier color compared to a d but in no way a yellow color. What I have now is yellow!

 

[Irishgrrrl]

<<<<<< The center stone in THIS is a J!!!

I thought it was an I, but I just had to dig out the appraisal (we''re updating our insurance policy), and sure enough . . . it''s a J! And it''s NOT certified by the GIA, so in reality it''s probably more like a K!!!

I have to say, I have a bunch of other diamonds that are G/H, and my e-ring center stone looks just as white to me as they do. I say, go for those "warmer" colors and save some $$$!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I know there have been a million threads on color sensitivity, but I think this one is interesting because I do think that some colors are "creamier" (no distinct yellow tone) wheras others are very much "warm"--and obviously cut quality, step cut vs. brilliant cut, etc. are all a factor in that. I can definitely detect some creamier color in H''s--when I was shopping for a step-cut I knew that G had to be my cutoff point. I personally feel that when you get down to the J''s, there is warmth. I think some warmth looks fantastic (vintage stones, vintage settings, etc.), but I wouldn''t consider anything "yellow"ish until you get down to maybe an L color?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/27/2008 3:37:37 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
I know there have been a million threads on color sensitivity, but I think this one is interesting because I do think that some colors are 'creamier' (no distinct yellow tone) wheras others are very much 'warm'--and obviously cut quality, step cut vs. brilliant cut, etc. are all a factor in that. I can definitely detect some creamier color in H's--when I was shopping for a step-cut I knew that G had to be my cutoff point. I personally feel that when you get down to the J's, there is warmth. I think some warmth looks fantastic (vintage stones, vintage settings, etc.), but I wouldn't consider anything 'yellow'ish until you get down to maybe an L color?

My large L still looks white, so I would encourage anyone considering this colour grade to look for themselves, they might find it appeals to them.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

The answer depends as much as the lighting and the environment.

I suggest in dim lighting you would not easily see the diff.

but in day light, say in a cafe, near a daylight window (shaded) or under a white umbrella, it is easy to pick a more expensive colour from a less expensive - and this is more so as the weight goes up. The difference is reflected in the prices.

 

[LGK]

For me, I don't see a diamond (a non step cut, that is) as being any hint of actually yellow until about N. M I can see it isn't a D color, but it looks not really yellow- sort of a steely color is what I see when it's face up. From the side against a white background, there's a bit of a yellow/cream color tint. But at about M I still see it as a steely warmth, not yellow. N is about where I start seeing a hint of yellow face up.

I get into a lot of conversations about my jewelry, probably more than most people just because I work around/with a lot of estate jewelry and so people feel especially comfy asking me about mine. And the thing I hear over and over is people shocked that any of my rings aren't super white (I wear an N and an M color OEC). If your diamond is sparkly, beautifully cut, clean, and eyeclean, people automatically think very sparkly = very white. People ask if my M color OEC is a D color way more often than I would EVER have guessed, because it is very well cut and super sparkly. And they're not used to seeing that, I think.

So if anyone is at all worried about other people's response to a beautifully-cut, eye clean but lower color diamond, the average person will not see any color. The more educated about diamonds might, depending on what color diamond we're talking about, but there aren't a lot of those folks around it seems

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Date: 6/27/2008 4:09:50 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/27/2008 3:37:37 PM
Author: NewEnglandLady
I know there have been a million threads on color sensitivity, but I think this one is interesting because I do think that some colors are ''creamier'' (no distinct yellow tone) wheras others are very much ''warm''--and obviously cut quality, step cut vs. brilliant cut, etc. are all a factor in that. I can definitely detect some creamier color in H''s--when I was shopping for a step-cut I knew that G had to be my cutoff point. I personally feel that when you get down to the J''s, there is warmth. I think some warmth looks fantastic (vintage stones, vintage settings, etc.), but I wouldn''t consider anything ''yellow''ish until you get down to maybe an L color?

My large L still looks white, so I would encourage anyone considering this colour grade to look for themselves, they might find it appeals to them.

This is a very good point, I wouldn''t want to discourage anybody from looking at L,M,N colored stones! Color is very subjective.

 

[purrfectpear]

I have an L pear which has 12 mm to view the color. Probably due to the strong blue flourescence it looks the same as a J round brilliant that I have. I would compare diamond color grades to the dozens of shades of white paint. There''s stark white (hardly anyone paints their walls this color) D-F, eggshell white G-I, and antique white J-L, then you get into navaho white M-N, after that it starts looking more like beige than white IMO.

 

[rickpiwo]

I would say not. My *cough cough* I mean my soon to be fiances is an I and it looks wonderful!

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 6/27/2008 4:16:24 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

The answer depends as much as the lighting and the environment.

I suggest in dim lighting you would not easily see the diff.

but in day light, say in a cafe, near a daylight window (shaded) or under a white umbrella, it is easy to pick a more expensive colour from a less expensive - and this is more so as the weight goes up. The difference is reflected in the prices.

Completely agree with this. I was in that exact setting (coffee shop window, with the shades down) when i first noticed the creamier color of my 5-stone ring which is mostly made up of I color stones.

When i upgraded my e-ring i thought i''d do an "H". when a smaller stone than what i was looking for came along (G color) and I went to the appraiser to view it, i fell in love. couldn''t see any color at all and bought it.

There''s nothing wrong with wanting a higher or lower color. It''s all about what you''re comfortable with. I will say though, I thought I was perfectly comfortable with an "I" until that day in the coffee shop.

 

[bee*]

I only notice colour from about an M down. I have an I and I would definitely consider going a bit lower as my I is so white.

 

[Skippy123]

I would never call H, I, J''s yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

 

[pmpkn42]

I''m with you guys! I have seen D''s next to J''s and actually much prefer the I''s and J''s! They are more brillant and have more life and fire in my opinion. I went today and looked at a F next to a J, and again, wasn''t thrilled with the F at all, but loved the J!

I''ve found most jewelers will really, really try and discourage me from liking the I''s and J''s and says they are "very yellow". I really haven''t found one that says that I''s and J''s CAN be really white. It''s making me quite mad because they are basically saying my opinion is wrong, and usually I just walk away after they keep ramming down their F''s and G''s down my throat for a ridiculous price.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 6/27/2008 7:10:40 PM
Author: Skippy123
I would never call H, I, J''s yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

Yes Skippy

But i would turn the comment arond and say that if you want icy white then under 1ct round go for G+ and over 2ct or fancy shapes then Icy white starts at F color.

Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 6/27/2008 7:40:54 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 6/27/2008 7:10:40 PM
Author: Skippy123
I would never call H, I, J''s yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

Yes Skippy

But i would turn the comment arond and say that if you want icy white then under 1ct round go for G+ and over 2ct or fancy shapes then Icy white starts at F color.

Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

Okay then, what Garry says

 

[lizard6]

Yay! Thank you so much for this thread! Very very helpful. Answered a lot of questions that I had.

 

[purrfectpear]

Date: 6/27/2008 7:40:54 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

Right-o Garry, now there is a dilemma most of us would like to have

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 6/27/2008 7:37:24 PM
Author: pmpkn42
I''m with you guys! I have seen D''s next to J''s and actually much prefer the I''s and J''s! They are more brillant and have more life and fire in my opinion. I went today and looked at a F next to a J, and again, wasn''t thrilled with the F at all, but loved the J!

since when did color had anything to do with more fire?

 

[Lisa Loves Shiny]

I am very color sensitive and I can always detect the yellowish tint of my J diamonds and some of my H diamonds in certain lighting. Mostly dimmer flourescent lights. I have a J .5 RB
that has a pink hue in most lighting but somewhat yellow/brown in the dim flourescent I mentioned. I think the key is to acquire many diamonds in various shades. You will find which shades work best for the office, for the house, for the garden ect. Then plan accordingly.

Lisa

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/27/2008 7:40:54 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 6/27/2008 7:10:40 PM
Author: Skippy123
I would never call H, I, J's yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

Yes Skippy

But i would turn the comment arond and say that if you want icy white then under 1ct round go for G+ and over 2ct or fancy shapes then Icy white starts at F color.

Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

I thought we always referred to ICY WHITE DIAMONDS in caps??

 

[justjulia]

Date: 6/28/2008 4:44:35 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/27/2008 7:40:54 PM

Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 6/27/2008 7:10:40 PM

Author: Skippy123

I would never call H, I, J''s yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

Yes Skippy


But i would turn the comment arond and say that if you want icy white then under 1ct round go for G+ and over 2ct or fancy shapes then Icy white starts at F color.


Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

I thought we always referred to ICY WHITE DIAMONDS in caps??

Lorelei, you crack me up. Thanks for the fun memories of those old posts... (if that is what you are referring to.)

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/28/2008 9:27:43 AM
Author: justjulia

Date: 6/28/2008 4:44:35 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 6/27/2008 7:40:54 PM

Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 6/27/2008 7:10:40 PM

Author: Skippy123

I would never call H, I, J's yellow. I think it really depends on the person, someone may see warmth and someone else may not see anything at all.

Yes Skippy


But i would turn the comment arond and say that if you want icy white then under 1ct round go for G+ and over 2ct or fancy shapes then Icy white starts at F color.


Above 10ct you can see the difference between F and D quite easily in most fancy shapes.

I thought we always referred to ICY WHITE DIAMONDS in caps??

Lorelei, you crack me up. Thanks for the fun memories of those old posts... (if that is what you are referring to.)

Hehehe!!

I couldn't resist....

 

[Fly Girl]

Date: 6/28/2008 12:18:37 AM
Author: LisaRN
I am very color sensitive and I can always detect the yellowish tint of my J diamonds and some of my H diamonds in certain lighting. Mostly dimmer flourescent lights. I have a J .5 RB
that has a pink hue in most lighting but somewhat yellow/brown in the dim flourescent I mentioned. I think the key is to acquire many diamonds in various shades. You will find which shades work best for the office, for the house, for the garden ect. Then plan accordingly.

Lisa

There is some truth to this! I had a 0.25 ct brown diamond I acquired off e-bay some years ago. It looked pretty blah, so it has been sitting in my drawer. Lately, I have been carrying around colored stones, to check them in various lights, and I pulled out this brown diamond and took it along. I discovered that it looks fantastic in my office lighting--sparkles like a new copper penny.

So I had it set, and I now wear it as a RHR when I am spending the day at the office.