Color for Clarity

[Husky]

K has always stated that it was about the color, cut and clarity. As long as the ring lit up a room, she didn''t care about size....

Well I relayed that information to the jewler I have been dealing with. He called me today as some new diamonds had arrived and he had one he wanted me to see.

1.02ct. SI1, D color.
6.35x4.03 are the dimensions he wrote down for me.
Price was well within budget (actually below what I was planning on for the center stone...but I fear that''s due to the SI1).

It''s a beautiful stone, but when I look at it from the bottom I can see a few inclusions. It appears "eye-clean" from the top...and I feel confident it would be "eye-clean" while in the setting.....BUT (I know there''s always a but...)...I am worried that K may see some of the inclusions and may even be able to see them from the top (don''t know how often she''s going to be staring at the ring).

Anyways....here''s my question. I told the jewler that I would like to see some more diamonds especially in the VS1, VS2 category just for my peace of mind.

He told me that he was really excited to have the D color for me to look at and to consider that I would not be able to tell a difference in VS1-SI1 when looking at them side-by-side...and the price would go up some.

So to the PS pros....is a D color stone that much to get excited about?? Knowing that the D colored diamond is "eye-clean" from the top, would it be smart to consider this diamond over an F VS2 or VS1?

All dimensions and other qualities being equal.... D color SI1 or F color VS1/2?

Man, I am struggling to find a "mind-clean" ring....

 

[robh505]

The one thing you've left out, which is arguably the most important, is the quality of the cut of the stones. This is what determines how well the stone sparkles.

Along the same lines of how you can't tell a difference between SI1 and VS1 (since it's 'eye clean'), you probably can't tell a difference between D color and F color. Especially with a stone that's very well cut, it'll tend to help it face up with a nice white color.

Ask the jeweler to show you only AGS graded ideal (sometimes known as AGS000 (triple zeros)) or GIA graded EX/EX/EX (for cut, polish, and symmetry) and you'll know that you're getting a diamond that has an excellent cut. It's probably also worth while to put in the metrics of the stone and do a price search of all the pricescope vendors to know that you're paying a good price.

 

[Skippy123]

Date: 8/12/2008 1:02:17 PM
Author: robh505
The one thing you''ve left out, which is arguably the most important, is the quality of the cut of the stones. This is what determines how well the stone sparkles.

Along the same lines of how you can''t tell a difference between SI1 and VS1 (since it''s ''eye clean''), you probably can''t tell a difference between D color and F color. Especially with a stone that''s very well cut, it''ll tend to help it face up with a nice white color.

I agree with this and Welcome to Pricescope!

 

[absolut_blonde]

I think it really depends how colour sensitive she is. It can vary.

Personally, I tend to think that really high colours are a bit overrated. I''m not especially colour sensitive, mind you. As far as I''m concerned, my priorities go something like cut > clarity > colour, with carat being budget dependent (ie, our budget will determine the approx carat range, then I''ll use the aforementioned criteria to narrow it down further).

I tend to doubt that most people will really notice the difference between a D and an F to the point where it warrants sacrificing clarity and cut. I''m no expert, though.

There are several threads on here showcasing various colours of stones such as F, G, H, I and J -- there are even some side-by-side comparison photos. I''m not sure how to dig them up but doing some board searches for ''colour'' (or ''color'', heh) and words like ''sensitivity'' or ''comparison'' should yield something. And I''m sure someone else will chime in with some links too!

 

[Venice]

If you went with an F VS2, it will still be plenty white and clean (a terrific combination). You mentioned you didn''t know how often she''ll be "staring" at it - the answer is every waking moment! Good Luck.

 

[dockman3]

I personally bought a D SI2 that is eye clean. I can see some inclusions from underneath as well, but she will never look at the diamond from underneath. Its the face up appearance that matters. For me, the D color was a "mind clean" thing and while I would have been happy with an F VS2, it just so happened that the jeweler had a D SI2. I like knowing that my diamond is absolutely, completely, 100% color free. I know many people can''t tell a difference and honestly, I can''t tell a difference between D and F, but I like knowing its a D.

Moral of the story, its up to you and what will give you a "mind clean" stone. Would you rather it be completely colorless or be more "pure" in terms of inclusions? (Color comes from it not being pure carbon on the whole while inclusions are little packets of non-carbon in an otherwise pure carbon sea).

 

[Lorelei]

It is personal preference, as long as the cut is great, either could be a fine combo. It depends on whether the SI2 is clean enough and you or she particularly value a D colour, F VS will also look very white and is generally eyeclean.

A question - are these diamonds GIA or AGS graded?

 

[NewEnglandLady]

Is it possible for you to see a D next to an F? I''m very, very color sensitive and could see a big difference between a D and an H (or even and F and an H), but couldn''t tell a difference between D and F. I was hoping I could get an E for the mind-clean issue vs. paying a premium for a D, but F fit the bill. I think F/VS is a great combo (but I''m biased).

 

[Husky]

That's a gorgeous ring you've picked out there, Dockman....thanks for the reply.

 

[kcoursolle]

As others have mentioned, you *must* focus on cut above all. This particular stone is facing up a tad smaller than a 1 carat stone should be which leads me to speculate that it''s slightly deep. Before you consider a stone, you should post the cut specs here such as depth, table, crown/pavillion angles, girdle, polish/symmetry, etc.

Personally, I''m fine with SI1 and I''m also fine with stones much lower than D. Since she wants high quality, I would go for a very well cut stone and then stay around the f/g/VS2 range. This will be very safe in terms of color clarity and you won''t see much of a difference relative to a D.

 

[Husky]

I really appreciate all the advice ya''ll are giving me. I never believed how many thoughts could race through my head as I was sitting there looking at different diamonds.

Lorelei, these are GIA graded diamonds. Again, with my mind going out the window I completely forgot to get all the specs I meant to.

kcoursolle, I will try to get the cut specs....I will keep everyone''s advice foremost in my mind next time I go.

Thanks to everyone again....

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/12/2008 2:27:55 PM
Author: Husky
I really appreciate all the advice ya'll are giving me. I never believed how many thoughts could race through my head as I was sitting there looking at different diamonds.

Lorelei, these are GIA graded diamonds. Again, with my mind going out the window I completely forgot to get all the specs I meant to.

kcoursolle, I will try to get the cut specs....I will keep everyone's advice foremost in my mind next time I go.

Thanks to everyone again....

Ok, thats good having GIA. The first diamond might be ok, get all the info if you can as KC advises, then we can help you evaluate it and for the second also.