Bigger v. Whiter: 2.56 H SI1 Strong Fluorescence

[cousingigi]

Was wondering if I could get some help. Have been looking for a 2+ ct RB for some time now. I originally thought I did not want to go below H color because I do not like yellow stones and am choosing platinum mounting. But then I saw an H EGL stone and although it looked white from the top, it was quite yellow from the side, which is visible in the setting. Anyhow, since then I have been looking exclusively at D-F color stones. Today I found this stone online which interested me. It''s an H, but it''s GIA certed. What about the strong fluoresence. Will it help or hurt? My other option (about the same price) is a 2.1 ct E SI1 Very Good cut with medium blue fluoresence. Should I get the bigger one or the whiter one?


Stats:

Weight: 2.56 ct
Color: H
Clarity: SI1
Cut: Excellent (GIA) or 1.7 on HCA
Depth: 61.9%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 35
Pavillion Angle: 40.8
Measurements: 8.78 x 8.73 x 5.42 mm
Fl: Strong Blue
Symmetry: Very Good
Polish: Excellent

 

[JulieN]

I think you should try to arrange to see them together.

 

[cousingigi]

Thanks Julie- I absolutely would if I could get my hot little hands on them but unfortunately they''re on Bluenile. I suppose I could check out some similar stones in town if I can find them but I guess that wouldn''t be the same. I''m not as much worried about the H being too yellow as I am about the fluorescence creating some weird milky effect (is it a myth?). Likewise, the E color might be too stark and I might actually prefer the H. The diamonds in the platinum setting are G color I think.

 

[cousingigi]

Oh and here is the setting (Saturn in platinum). You can kind of see what I''m talking about with the open sides and the need for it not to look yellow in the body.

 

[LGK]

I suspect a properly graded GIA H color wouldn''t look yellow; you might see a hint of warmth, but probably not yellow. Since you said you saw definite yellow in the EGL H, I would guess it was probably pretty soft on the color grading... It''s kinda a personal taste thing whether or not you need a super duper white stone, and whether or not it bothers you to see any slight difference in color between center stone and any sidestones. (Personlly I actually like and prefer warmer stones, at least in older cuts.)

Is there a place you can check out a really nicely cut H? Like a Hearts on Fire dealer or something? That might tell you what your color sensitivity in a nicely cut stone would be; an ideal cut masks color, too.

That being said, I''d lean towards the better cut one, nevermind the color. A GIA H would be plenty white for my taste, but if you''re super color sensitive, perhaps you should consider going down a bit in size to get the super-white look you like as well as the best cut possible.

And yeah, the fluoro should help the H look whiter.

Blue Nile can be a pain when you''re shopping for really nicely cut stones, since they can''t provide pics or Idealscope/ASET images. However, at least they do have a decent return policy...

Have you shopped places like Whiteflash, Good Old Gold etc? Larger stones can take a while to find, as I''m sure you''re discovering! Good luck.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/30/2008 1:45:24 AM
Author: cousingigi
Thanks Julie- I absolutely would if I could get my hot little hands on them but unfortunately they're on Bluenile. I suppose I could check out some similar stones in town if I can find them but I guess that wouldn't be the same. I'm not as much worried about the H being too yellow as I am about the fluorescence creating some weird milky effect (is it a myth?). Likewise, the E color might be too stark and I might actually prefer the H. The diamonds in the platinum setting are G color I think.

It is rare that SB fluorescence causes a cloudy effect with the diamond, ask for someone from BN to check it for you if possible, but the chances are it is fine. Some actually like med or SB fluorescence in an H colour or lower as it is said it can help these colour grades face up whiter.

 

[cousingigi]

You know,
You are absolutely right about finding the stone. I thought this would be a cakewalk and now it''s been three months and I''m still at it! Hopefully this one will work.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/30/2008 12:03:02 PM
Author: cousingigi
You know,
You are absolutely right about finding the stone. I thought this would be a cakewalk and now it''s been three months and I''m still at it! Hopefully this one will work.

Keep us posted!

 

[gryffindor]

I tried that Saturn setting on in a store a few weeks ago and thought the intertwined sides were really cool. Good luck finding your stone.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think G and H in GIA diamonds is fine. The problem was that the H EGL stone probably wasn''t accurately graded. This H stone looks great, but you''ll have to look at it in person (with and without a loupe) to see if the inclusions are acceptable to you.

 

[cousingigi]

Okay BIG news!!
Thanks everybody for your input. Boyfriend just ordered the 2.56 H! I think the ideal cut was what sold me and I think I''m going to be okay with the color, especially considering the bump up in size.

So excited. It''ll be here tomorrow. Will post pictures!

 

[cousingigi]

Date: 12/30/2008 2:33:52 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
I think G and H in GIA diamonds is fine. The problem was that the H EGL stone probably wasn''t accurately graded. This H stone looks great, but you''ll have to look at it in person (with and without a loupe) to see if the inclusions are acceptable to you.

Yeah, I agree. Something I have definitely been keeping in mind is the pattern and position of the inclusions. The nice thing about the one we decided on is that the table is totally clear and the only substantial inclusions it has are some white crystals clusered in one tiny spot on the edge of the crown. Luckily the setting I have chosen has prominent prongs (4 of them) so I think one of the prongs can be positioned such that it will completely hide the crystals.

Thanks again!!!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Great choice! We''ll look forward to seeing the pictures!!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/30/2008 2:43:26 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Great choice! We''ll look forward to seeing the pictures!!!

Ditto!