At what color grade do YOU start "seeing" color?

[Ms.Lola]

Just wondering, based on everyone's own experiences, at what point in color grade do you personally start noticing color in a diamond, like in a ring on someone's finger, not just in comparison to a diamond of a different grade?

This is mainly out of curiosity--Thanks for indulging.

ETA: assuming that we're dealing with a diamond of excellent cut/proportions.

 

[sna77]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:08:32 AM
Author:Ms.Lola
Just wondering, based on everyone's own experiences, at what point in color grade do you personally start noticing color in a diamond, like in a ring on someone's finger, not just in comparison to a diamond of a different grade?

This is mainly out of curiosity--Thanks for indulging.

ETA: assuming that we're dealing with a diamond of excellent cut/proportions.

G. And occasionally some F's.... I'm very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI's AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

 

[ksinger]

Well, I''m not color-sensitive at all. And by that I don''t mean I don''t SEE color, I just mean I don''t MIND color, and would have a diamond in every color if I could afford it.

Now, that said, I can see the color on my J quite well - from the SIDE, but face up? Nope. But then the cut is excellent, which will camouflage that to a good degree. Besides, I''m too taken by all the pretty sparrrrrkles....mmmm!!!

As for seeing other people''s stones'' colors, well, grabbing some stranger''s hand and staring at their diamonds is considered poor form, at least outside of PS, where having someone come up to you and do that, and then state, "Wow!! An VVS1 E 2.5 carat!!" would be the height of discernment.

I did have one woman in a store one day, just about have a cow when she saw my diamond, and it isn''t huge by any means.
All hail the great god "CUT".

 

[Ms.Lola]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:22:27 AM
Author: ksinger
Well, I''m not color-sensitive at all. And by that I don''t mean I don''t SEE color, I just mean I don''t MIND color, and would have a diamond in every color if I could afford it.

Now, that said, I can see the color on my J quite well - from the SIDE, but face up? Nope. But then the cut is excellent, which will camouflage that to a good degree. Besides, I''m too taken by all the pretty sparrrrrkles....mmmm!!!

As for seeing other people''s stones'' colors, well, grabbing some stranger''s hand and staring at their diamonds is considered poor form, at least outside of PS, where having someone come up to you and do that, and then state, ''Wow!! An VVS1 E 2.5 carat!!'' would be the height of discernment.

I did have one woman in a store one day, just about have a cow when she saw my diamond, and it isn''t huge by any means.
All hail the great god ''CUT''.

Haha I wanted to grab this woman''s hand on the bus yesterday to drool, after I was literally almost blinded by what must have been a 4+ carat sparking solitaire! But I minded my manners.

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM
Author: sna77
G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

 

[sna77]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM
Author: sna77
G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

In certain natural lights... Who knows maybe it was just something yellow reflecting off it, or myabe it was the sun... no idea... it only happened once, and i hope it never happens again... FWIW, when FI and her sister compare their D and E''s side by side, they look identical...

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:54:07 AM
Author: sna77

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM

Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM

Author: sna77

G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

In certain natural lights... Who knows maybe it was just something yellow reflecting off it, or myabe it was the sun... no idea... it only happened once, and i hope it never happens again... FWIW, when FI and her sister compare their D and E''s side by side, they look identical...

Sorry, I didn''t mean to be rude or anything in my comments. I know much less about diamonds than many people here, and didn''t know some people could see colour in F or above stones. I haven''t yet gone to see any ideal-cut stones to judge how colour sensitive I am, and am a bit afraid that I will be sensitive when I don''t want to be. Not a good combo with my ring size and bank account!

 

[Isabelle]

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM

Author: sna77

G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

They can''t. But it''s fun to pretend otherwise. Of course, there is no way we can test the assertion, so if he insists he can, we can''t prove it isn''t possible on a chat board.

 

[sna77]

Date: 5/4/2008 12:22:19 PM
Author: Isabelle

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM
Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM

Author: sna77

G. And occasionally some F's.... I'm very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI's AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn't know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

They can't. But it's fun to pretend otherwise. Of course, there is no way we can test the assertion, so if he insists he can, we can't prove it isn't possible on a chat board.

Haha... I said it only happened once... I think it might have been like seeing the Abominable snowman or something... But seriously, there is color in E / F's... Someone must have seen it, or they'd have been graded D's, right?

 

[gwendolyn]

Date: 5/4/2008 12:33:46 PM
Author: sna77
Haha... I said it only happened once... I think it might have been like seeing the Abominable snowman or something... But seriously, there is color in E / F''s... Someone must have seen it, or they''d have been graded D''s, right?

Yes, but I thought even appraisers had to unset stones in order to evaluate colour, because it''s graded face-down and is really hard if not impossible to see from the sides when set?

 

[Isabelle]

Date: 5/4/2008 12:33:46 PM
Author: sna77

Date: 5/4/2008 12:22:19 PM

Author: Isabelle

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM

Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM


Author: sna77


G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

They can''t. But it''s fun to pretend otherwise. Of course, there is no way we can test the assertion, so if he insists he can, we can''t prove it isn''t possible on a chat board.

Haha... I said it only happened once... I think it might have been like seeing the Abominable snowman or something... But seriously, there is color in E / F''s... Someone must have seen it, or they''d have been graded D''s, right?

Date: 5/4/2008 12:33:46 PM
Author: sna77

Date: 5/4/2008 12:22:19 PM

Author: Isabelle

Date: 5/4/2008 11:47:51 AM

Author: gwendolyn

Date: 5/4/2008 11:20:33 AM


Author: sna77


G. And occasionally some F''s.... I''m very color sensitive though.... I once thought I saw some in my FI''s AGS certed E... then talked myself out of it...

You saw colour in an E?! When it was just hanging out by itself?! Oh, lordy, no offense, but my wallet and I hope hope hope I am not colour sensitive like that! I didn''t know people could pick out colour differences in the colourless diamonds if not comparing them side by side!

They can''t. But it''s fun to pretend otherwise. Of course, there is no way we can test the assertion, so if he insists he can, we can''t prove it isn''t possible on a chat board.

Haha... I said it only happened once... I think it might have been like seeing the Abominable snowman or something... But seriously, there is color in E / F''s... Someone must have seen it, or they''d have been graded D''s, right?

Yes, but to ascertain color in the abstract when you are comparing colorless diamonds isn''t possible with the human eye. If you line up *TRUE* D,E,F,G,H color diamonds side by side, you might see that the D looks whiter than the H. If you see an H on someone''s hand outside, with no other point of reference, you won''t be able to guess the color. My H looks almost as white as another colorless diamond and you wouldn''t know if it were an F, a G, H, or I if you just saw it on my hand. In fact, many GG''s have noted that you can see differences of apparent color within a single colorless grade, but that doesn''t mean one is more of an F, for example, than another. Other factors like cut or inclusions can influence the apparent color of the diamond, even though these factors have no effect whatsoever on a diamond''s actual color. The idea of being sensitive to color is fine in the abstract, but I''d like to see you go out and start ticking off colors of diamonds on people''s hands. Or, even look at four white diamonds side by side and rank the color. With all the other factors that can influence the appearance, you are likely to be wrong.

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''m very color sensitive and very rarely I think I can see just a tinge of warmth in my F--it''s happened to me a couple of times outside in sunlight, though I''ve wondered if it could be a reflection. Occasionally, because mine is a step cut, I''ve wished I''d gotten an E. I actually love warmth in antique rings and settings, but also love how icy whiteness enhances the lines in a step cut.

 

[Skippy123]

I guess it depends on the stone and the individual. I notice color in I colored stones.

 

[angeline]

I think I can see color in a G. But only when comparing it to an E.

I just saw a 2.4ct ideal cut I and compared it to my 2ct E and honestly there was hardly any difference to me. I could see it sure, but it didn''t matter at all. The ''I'' still looked A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. And then I was watching the videos on Jon''s site and saw an O which looked so colorful and warm and just yummy.. *drool*

Can you tell the wheels are a''turnin''??!!

 

[purrfectpear]

Outside in bright sunlight, face on, probably somewhere around L or M. Inside under flourescent lighting, usually at J.

With an unmounted stone and some time to give it a good look, probably closer to H.

I can say this, I have a 5 stone vs E ring that I sometimes wear with my L pear (with strong blue flourescence). In bright sunlight, or under Home Depot lighting, you cannot tell the difference at all. Office lighting is a killer though

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I agree that seeing color in an E stone is from the lighting or surrounding colors. When I was diamond shopping, I went to one jeweler who allowed me to take diamond studs outside to look at in natural light (in the shade) so I could see what my color tolerance was. Now these certainly were probably not ideal cut stones. But I couldn''t see color until I got to J color, and those had too much tint for me. However, I realize that ideal cut makes a big difference. I chose to stay in the G-H range because those appeared as white face up as the higher colors yet were priced more reasonably.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 5/4/2008 2:02:59 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I agree that seeing color in an E stone is from the lighting or surrounding colors. When I was diamond shopping, I went to one jeweler who allowed me to take diamond studs outside to look at in natural light (in the shade) so I could see what my color tolerance was. Now these certainly were probably not ideal cut stones. But I couldn''t see color until I got to J color, and those had too much tint for me. However, I realize that ideal cut makes a big difference. I chose to stay in the G-H range because those appeared as white face up as the higher colors yet were priced more reasonably.

That is how I feel too.

 

[Kaleigh]

Date: 5/4/2008 2:23:42 PM
Author: Skippy123

Date: 5/4/2008 2:02:59 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I agree that seeing color in an E stone is from the lighting or surrounding colors. When I was diamond shopping, I went to one jeweler who allowed me to take diamond studs outside to look at in natural light (in the shade) so I could see what my color tolerance was. Now these certainly were probably not ideal cut stones. But I couldn''t see color until I got to J color, and those had too much tint for me. However, I realize that ideal cut makes a big difference. I chose to stay in the G-H range because those appeared as white face up as the higher colors yet were priced more reasonably.

That is how I feel too.

Me three.

 

[Fly Girl]

When I purchased my Js for earrings, I spent a lot of time comparing them to my F e-ring diamond before they were set. About 90% of the time when I saw some color in the Js, it was there in the F as well. So, you absolutely do need a point of reference before claiming that you can see color in an F, because so much depends on the lighting. Now, looking at them from the side with a white background, I can definitely see the color in a J. Face up, they lack the crispness of a D or E. But, I think they are perfect for earrings, or any setting where they will never be visible from the side.

I can definitely see color from the top once you get into the L, M, N range.

 

[Imdanny]

So is the question at what point do you start seeing it, or what point does it start bothering you (if it does)?

 

[marcy]

I start to notice color in H''s. I can see it in a G if it''s next to a D or E stone.

 

[DiamondExpert]

H/I in stand alone Ideal cut round of ~1ct. - smaller stones are more difficult, larger a bit easier...fancy shapes vary - step cuts show color earlier than brillants...I don''t equate "warm" with anything negative in any stone...it''s all about cut!

 

[diamond student]

M but it depends upon the setting too. yellow setting makes yellow diamonds look whiter and white settings make yellower diamonds look yellower. The reverse is also true for more colorless diamonds. Most people can see a difference readily starting around M.

 

[Imdanny]

This is a fun topic. I used to think H was my sweet spot but I''m beginning to think it might be I.

 

[strmrdr]

there is a huge difference between being able too see a tint and being bothered by it.
What your really looking for is at what point it bugs you and that is far different than what point you can see it.

For me I can see color is almost all I asschers and it bugs me a bit but I love the color of lmnop asschers and step cuts.
In ideal cut RB's under 1/2ct I could likely go to a k or l and not be bothered by color, wifey2b's .42 J is not tinted.
In 1 ct range a good J or an I is my cut off. J is a huge range and add the disparity of grading labs and its a mess, But I haven't seen an GIA/AGS I 1ct-1.5ct that id consider tinted in a well cut RB.
I have seen IGI E graded stones with obvious body color face up.
That was due to a combination of lose grading and bad cut.
There really is no one single answer to the question.

 

[Asscherhalo_lover]

it depends on the cut of the stone and from what angle i''m viewing it....

 

[Venice]

I can usually tell a G on someone''s hand - and always an H and beyond. I have a fifteen stone RH custom made anniversary ring that has H colored, hand-picked stones. I also have a tennis bracelet that has G-H colored stones. I wear it on my right wrist as I could definitely tell a color difference between the bracelet and my E colored ER, and it really bugs me. Through the years, I''ve also gotten good at judging the tables as well, provided they were within a few feet!

I was lucky to have a jeweler that let me "play" with stones - line up the colors, tell him where the flaws are located, etc.

 

[oobiecoo]

I have an F colored Asscher and I can usually see a tiny bit of color in it. I like the warmer colored stones but only if it is much lower... like an M or below. I think anything around an I or J would just bother me. That''s me of course, I know other peple aren''t as color sensitive or simply like the I,J colors.

 

[chrono]

I can see the difference between an F, H and J even if they aren''t side by side. I don''t mind all 3 colours on RBs but I don''t like warmth in fancy cuts (asschers, ECs, cushion, etc). I like those shapes to be E/F/G. In rounds and old cut stones, I don''t mind some tint up to a J.

 

[LGK]

In a casual setting, glancing at someone else''s ring, I *might* notice a J as having a bit of color. Mayyyyyybe. With scrutiny, especially from the side, yes, J is where I can usually detect color pretty reliably. Above that, especially without stones to compare to and/or a quick glance, nope. I''m not good at spotting color.