Detect difference between H and J?

[PierreBear]

Hi PS Friends,

Am I being extra picky about color sensitivity or can the average person tell the difference between H and J? I have an MRB size 1.5 ct engagement ring with the H color stone that I wear on my left hand a 5 stone band, total 2 ct, that are all J color stones on my right. Initially I thought that going two color ranges either down or up are undetectable to the eye, however, I think I've gotten used to the "bling" of wearing a 5 stone band on my right and now see the warmth of the stones. I guess once you see the color, you can't "unsee" it and perhaps I find myself comparing the colors instead of just enjoying the rings.

Thought I would just ask the question first before getting even thinking next steps yet of possibly upgrading the 5 stone bands through the vendor. I appreciate any wisdom and would love to finally get a piece and never have any thoughts of changing it one day if that is even possible... haha!

Thanks in advance!

 

[rubybeth]

I think it doesn't matter if other people can detect a difference; if it bothers you and you want to change it, feel free.

 

[seekingshiny]

There are definitely varying levels of color sensitivity - I have a friend who is super-color-sensitive who can tell the difference between a F and an H while I wear a K. I think the difference is now that you see the color difference, does it bother you enough to change to a higher color? Since you're just starting to see the color, I'd suggest wearing the J band out and about in different environments for a while to see how you feel. Also, since it may be just the contrast between your ER and the band that you're seeing when they are worn at the same time, try wearing them separately and see if you still see a difference.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Interesting question.
One fact to which I can attest is that people have varying degrees of color sensitivity to color grades in diamonds.
So there's that...
but in your particular case- to get an idea what we're actually considering.....
Are any/all of these diamonds graded by GIA?

 

[PierreBear]

Thanks for the responses. Yes, all the diamonds are GIA certified though the engagement ring was pre-price scope days so it's not ideally cut. The 5 stone bands are though are ideally cut. Attached are some photos, which shows the variation of the contrast in different lighting. In the sunlight, it seems more equal but in other lighting, the warmth seems apparent. Any one else been in this situation before and was glad they went through the "color" upgrade?

Seekingshiny - Yes, I actually am not uncomfortable with the warmth of the 5 stone, if I wear it alone! However, I don't really want to find reasons to wear my engagement ring less. It seems like not an ideal compromise. : (

 

[HappyNewLife]

I'm color sensitive and can't handle anything below a G for an engagement ring diamond. In smaller diamonds though, I'm not as sensitive.

 

[rubybeth]

Because they are two different colors, yes, most people will be able to detect a difference between H and J colored diamonds--because they are different. They are just are.

To more thoroughly answer the question, I think, if stones are literally right next to each other, color differences will be more visible. It's why we often don't recommend putting lower color stones into a halo of whiter diamonds, unless you want to emphasize the color of the main stone, like making it look more yellow (like a fancy yellow) by contrast. In separate rings that are worn on separate hands, you probably personally will see the difference between H and J stones because you see your hands all the time. If you had F and H color stones, I'm also thinking you'd notice the difference, but both would be whiter. J color stones are kind of tricky--if worn alone in a solitaire or with very small stones in a wedding band, I think they are a great value option to get more size, but they will show color in some lighting situations and at some angles even in the best lighting situations. As for whether or not that bothers you, only you can decide. I personally love lower colored diamonds, and am not bothered by contrast, but to each his own.

Maybe you'd be happier with I color stones since it would only be one grade difference, or maybe you should price out H color stones for the 5 stone band if you have a need for the color grades to the same.

 

[Strawberry129]

Depends how color sensitive you are...I can detect warmth starting with an I, so a J would definitely be different than an H for me.

At the end of the day, it all depends on YOU.

 

[chamomiletea]

Well the difference is there of course as it would be. Like someone else said it's up to you if it bothers you or not. I can start seeing tints in an H although I can also see it in some G's if it's close up, I have earrings that are graded I colour and if I put them next to my E colour stone they drive me crazy but luckily they are in my ears so it doesn't bother me and no one else notices. Your rings are both beautiful.

 

[bmfang]

Face up, I can start to see tinges of yellow or brown at around the J/K level. If the diamond however resolves to have a grey-ish body colour, that makes things complicated for me to notice. If looking side on, it's the same in normal lighting conditions. It's only once I look at them in a makeshift home lab setting (daylight white temperature lamp with some white copy paper acting as a sort of filter and the stark white background) that I can see the tinge happening ever so slightly from H onwards.

It's different for each one of us as eyesight in daily life conditions (vs a lab setting) is a very person specific thing.

 

[seekingshiny]

Since you see the difference when worn together and it seems you would prefer to wear the your five-stone and your ER together, that leaves you the option to change your five-stone or change your ER. If you feel ambivalent, before embarking on such a project, perhaps take some time and wear them together and see how strongly you feel about the contrast? If you want to change them to be closer together, you could always list your five stone or reuse the diamonds in a new project (e.g. diamonds by the yard necklace or bracelet for example).

 

[FightGravity]

If the color doesn't bother you, only the color *difference*, you could always upgrade the one non-ideal-cut engagement ring stone to a (bigger, if desired) ideal cut J. Problem solved

But personally I would leave well enough alone since you wear them on different hands, unless it is REALLY driving you crazy.

 

[PierreBear]

Hello again and thanks for all the comments and advice thus far. The e-ring doesn't come with an upgrade policy so my option would really be to enjoy the ring as is or to upgrade the five stones from a J to something higher as ya'll mentioned.

I plan on visiting the vendor to get quotes and to compare to see if I only have to bump up to a I or perhaps have to go all the way to the H. It will be that day old question of whether it is "worth it to me" to pay $X to have a matching set.

One last question for ya'll though before that trip is made... in the first picture where the background is a white sink, the five stone band looks "darker" which I assume is because the tint of the stone is more yellow. Would upgrading the color of the stone resolve this "darkness" disparity or is it perhaps comparing the stones in different settings? I wasn't sure if it's because the e ring is set higher and so there is more light coming through versus perhaps how the 5 stone band is set? Just want to make sure that putting some more funds into it will actually make it look more like a set. I appreciate the help!