arrogance vs confidence (color/clarity)

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

i am fairly financially sound but desire to pick something that is high quality though perhaps not technically the best (like buying a stereo speaker whose range is beyond the audible capability of our ears). I want to purchase a 3ct princess. Is there much difference between a "D,E,F" or a "VVS1,VVS2, VS1". Or, for that matter when interchanged? I''m finding that this can be a significant investment (chech that - "gift")and really need some guidance here!....thanks

 

[canadiangrrl]

The simple answer to your question is no.

If your'e looking to maximize your budget, size-wise, I'd go for an F VS2. In any event, I wouldn't suggest going any lower in colour than an F for a princess of that size. Fancies will show more body colour than rounds, and the larger the stone, the more colour you will see. You're safe with an F.

Best of luck!

 

[diamondsbylauren]

Hi Frabk,


Good question and many people have this quandry.


The difference in look between a D Internally Flawless and an F/VS2 - theoretcally here, let's assume both stones are exactly the same in terms of cut- anyway, in terms of color D and F are extremely close.


Some people are hyper sensative to color and could spot the difference but it is subtle, and even more so after the diamond is set in platinum. As far as clarity- theoretically- if a VS2 imperfection is not visible with the un-aided eye ( most VS2's are eye clean) then a VS2 is identical to a Flawless.


Here's an idea of price difference based on the Rapp Report ( a list many diamond dealers use to figure prices)


These are list prices


D/Internally Flawless 3.00 @ $30,400 Per carat =$91200 net for a 3 carat princess cut diamond


E/VS 3.00@ 15,500 PC=$46500


F/VS2 3.00 @$13,200pc =$39600




If you're a savvy shopper you will find dealers who sell these stones at a percentage below this list price.




Just for spits and giggles- off the same list


J/VS2 3.00 $6700 pc= $20,100 and you're likely to get a bigger discount off list price in J color.


I'm not suggesting you go for a J, but in some cases it makes a lot of sense.




Hope this helps!

 

[Rank Amateur]

Whether or not there is any "difference" depends on how you define "difference".

There must be SOME sort of difference, or the market wouldn't dictate such a premium for higher clarity or higher color stones. Maybe you don't care about the size of the inclusions, maybe you do. Maybe you don't care about the subtleties of color, maybe you do. We can't really decide for you. Many consumers here are advocates of the I/SI2 color/clarity combo because to their eyes there is little "difference" (except in price

) between I/SI2 and D/IF.

It sounds like you have decided on a princess shape. Great. Now you have a few more decisions to make about color, clarity, and cut quality. All you can do is look for yourself and see what you like. You're droppin' some huge $$$ so at least have some fun with it!

R/A

 

[pqcollectibles]

CanadianGirl is right about square cuts holding/showing more body color. Go look locally at similar weight diamonds in a variety of shapes and colors. You will see what we mean.

Read up on cut quality standards for Emerald cuts. The better the CUT, the better the diamond will perform. You might also find that G and/or possibly H might work for you. If you don't see a noticible color difference between F and G, G color will help you lower the price somewhat.

Choosing the clarity rating all depends of size, color, location, and type of the inclusions. Check out this thread posted by Valeria of a 4 ct EC.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/find-the-inclusion.9678/

Keep in mind it is a magnified pic.

Added: What can I say, it was the middle of the night! I meant Princess and not Emerald cut stats. The EC pic was for inclusions example purposes only. Duh!

 

[Appreciative-of-expertise]

Thank you all so far-truly made me aware of how "unaware" I am in this topic!
I have now decided to start looking at F/Vs1 and E VS2. I plan to place another post to help me eexplore further!

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 10/19/2003 12:40:27 Many consumers here are advocates of the I/SI2 color/clarity combo because to their eyes there is little 'difference' (except in price

) between I/SI2 and D/IF.

R/A ----------------

HaH! Who would that women behind the curtain be?

Rank/Am had a good overview. Except I would insert "value" instead of "price".

One needs to consider perceivable difference vs. visual difference. Though a dramatic swing between I/SI2 to D/IF, most of the time for piece of mind, people settle somewhere in the middle (G/VS). As suggested, go out and look at some stones. DO NOT fall in the hype of what a quality stone "should" be. Also, make sure you are looking at properly graded, well cut stones. Much of the stuff in the general market place is not either; so, you are going to have to pound the pavement.

Also, while I totally agree because of their transparacy standard Emerald cut stones will (and does in my eyes) show more body color, I thought properly cut Princess cut stones masked much more color.

Also, are you sure she wants a princess cut stone? They are the "it" stone of the moment. I don't have a crystal ball to see if this continues into the future. That said, in a large stone, a round brilliant will always be a classic.

Good luck!