Color or Calrity - D/SI1 or G/SI2 ?

[NYDiamond]

All other parameters being equal (including price), which is preferable, a D/SI1 or G/SI2?

I realize you would have to see the stone, but in general is there a realistic answer to the above question.

 

[Joeys Minx]

The first one is definately more preferable! The colors go from D E F G H I J K with d being the best! The clarity ranges go from SI1 - SI2 with the SI1 being the best! Where are the stones at? Usually the first one would be more money. What cut are both of the stones? If it is a bad cut then maybe it would be different and you would want the second one. We really need more info.

 

[NYDiamond]

I got the Clarity Grading reversed, the D color is the SI2 while the G is the SI1. The point being is it worth giving up one grade of clarity for 3 grades of color. Sorry for the mixup.

 

[blodthecat]

Yep...I agree with Joey

The cut is the most important of the 4c''s

blod

 

[Momoftwo]

You have to see the stones. My 1.98ct G SI2 is totally eyeclean. You can''t say that about all SI1''s or SI2''s. Some have visible inclusions and some don''t. My G is in a setting with F color stones and you cannot tell. The difference in color is so slight and G is still considered near colorless.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Seeing the diamonds, or understanding more about them, is good advice.

Cut will influence face-up color appearance, especially in rounds. A G of premium cut will often face up as well as a colorless diamond. SI clarity always depends on the diamond. Both of these diamond may have visible inclusions - or both may be very eye-clean. For that matter, there is the possibility the SI2 has many tiny inclusions (hard to see) while the SI1 may have 1 grade-making black inclusion that is quite visible...meaning the SI2 could possibly have a cleaner appearance than the SI1. It happens.

The labs that assigned the grades come into play as well. GIA and AGS are strict on color and clarity, so a D judgment from a softer lab could be a lower grade if the diamond were held to GIA/AGS standards. Same with clarity.

 

[RaeAnn]

I agree on seeing the stones....

I have a 1.02ct G/SI2 that is also eye clean and none of the inclusions are black--this is the only condition on which I would buy an SI2. My feeling is that if you can''t see it, why pay for it? Colorwise, my G is whiter than the platinum setting and is also set with F-H colored stones, no worries there with the color. Look at the price difference on these two stones too, that might help you make up your mind as to which is preferable, but I think it comes down to personal preference, there''s no one right way to go.

 

[Lorelei]

Each diamond, whichever ones you are considering I think are like a jigsaw puzzle, you need all the pieces to fit before making your choice. Cut should always be your first priority as a well cut diamond will be beautiful, regardless of colour and clarity ( unless heavily and visibly included.) A D colour is fine if that is what you prefer but you will pay a premium for the D and a lower colour such as an F G or H will still face up white , especially in a round unless you are very colour sensitive. I agree too with clarity, inclusions are not created equal as each diamond is unique, standards of eyecleanliness depend on your personal expectations and comfort level, as John says you need to compare each diamond. Only when you have considered carefully the many specs of each diamond to include size, certification, cut quality, price, colour and clarity etc can you make an informed decision. There is a lot more to buying a diamond than meets the eye.

 

[Kaleigh]

So it''s D SI2 and G SI1?? I''d go for the best cut of course and then go for the one that is the most eye clean.

 

[devientdrow]

I would go for the G color and SI1 clarity. I think after the cut clarity is most important to me. It all depends on whats important to you. I have a G color diamond and I think it''s VERY VERY white.....check out this chart of a D color diamond and a G colored.......looks pretty close to me! I''d rather have my diamond be clear!

Now in saying that my diamond is also an SI2 but it is COMPLETLY eyeclean so unless someone happens to wander across me with a loup they will never know!!! bwaahahahaha

 

[JCJD]

While DEF are "colorless" grades, GHI are "near colorless". If you (or the to-be-owner) can see color in near colorless diamonds and are bothered by it, you should choose the D stone (if it''s eye-clean). If you can''t see the color or can and aren''t bothered by it AND the SI1 is cleaner than the SI2, you should choose the G. All this assumes that the cuts are identical and you like them.

My 0.38 G SI2 pear is WHITE to my eyes and completely eye-clean. And even in rounds, stone personality is very very important. I adore the fire in my pear but don''t like the white brilliance of my mom''s RB, for example. It''s a matter of personal taste.