Diamond Color

[musbursa]

Hello Everyone-

I keep going back on forth on this, and I would appreciate some honest opinons. Is there really much difference between an H and I color diamond? I can't decide if an H color diamond is worth the extra money.

 

[belle]

it really depends on the size of the diamond, as well as the cut quality and the lab that graded the diamond. of course, your perception (or that of the wearer) will play a role as well.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Color preference is just so personal, it is hard to advise you. I went and looked at some diamonds and decided that H was as low as I would go. However, Tiffany does carry I color diamonds, so that is in their favor. I''d be more inclined to try an I color stone from someone like Good Old Gold who has a color analyzer machine to tell me if it was a high I or low I.

 

[BigDiamonds]

It could be all in my head, but I seem to think that I''s have a larger range of color than H''s. I have seen some I''s that are definitely warm, and some that are white as can be. H''s are more predictably white.

However, I would certainly consider an I if it was a well-cut brilliant (I would hesitate on a step-cut) and if I was trying to maximize my budget. As someone else noted though, color perception is really a personal thing; you need to see for yourself if the color is noticeable to you.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 9/4/2007 10:05:56 PM
Author: belle
it really depends on the size of the diamond, as well as the cut quality and the lab that graded the diamond. of course, your perception (or that of the wearer) will play a role as well.

Belle is on the money

In diamonds under 1ct there is not a big $$ difference between H and I

But from 1ct round up it rises from aroud 14% to 18% for +2ct

If you are going to choose either H or I and you can find blue fluoro in med to strong then you will be much happier.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

PS I firmly believe the market is pricing color coreectly in placing the biggest jump at the H/I border because that is where most people can really discern a difference.

Tiffany have it wrong - they should drop I and include selected SI stones.

 

[musbursa]

Thanks everyone. I am looking at stones about 1.15 carats in size, GIA and AGS graded, with triple excellent or triple 0. I did go into a jewlery store today and asked to see an H and I diamond ring and was able to tell a difference between the two and found the I color less attractive, however the stones they showed me were princess cut and I do not know what the cut quality was. Since I am looking to purchase online (union diamond) I feel hesitant about the I color as I can not see the stone.

 

[Gypsy]

If you have a Hearts on Fire dealer near you, I would compare an H and an I there, as that will be the closest match in cut quality to an AGS000.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 9/4/2007 10:57:56 PM
Author: musbursa
Thanks everyone. I am looking at stones about 1.15 carats in size, GIA and AGS graded, with triple excellent or triple 0. I did go into a jewlery store today and asked to see an H and I diamond ring and was able to tell a difference between the two and found the I color less attractive, however the stones they showed me were princess cut and I do not know what the cut quality was. Since I am looking to purchase online (union diamond) I feel hesitant about the I color as I can not see the stone.

It is almost impossible to tell the difference between D and F
or bt F and G
or G-H

So your test confirms that H / I is the critical easiest to see border.

Princess cut will show more color than well cut round however - no matter how well cut the princess - because they have longer ray trace lengths - the light path is longer = shows more color

 

[musbursa]

Thanks for the information. I actually have one more question to ask if you all don''t mind. I am going to get a setting with a rb center stone and pear shaped sidestones on each side. One diamond I am considering is 1.15 carats, however there is another that is only 1.00 carat which is $900 cheaper. Do you think that extra 1.15 carats would be noticeable in such a setting. The dimensons are:

6.75-6.73-4.14

vs

6.45-6.41-3.95

Thanks!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 9/4/2007 10:37:39 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)
PS I firmly believe the market is pricing color coreectly in placing the biggest jump at the H/I border because that is where most people can really discern a difference.

Tiffany have it wrong - they should drop I and include selected SI stones.

At the 1ct point yea but I is a very wide grade and some nice near H''s can be found.
J is noticible too me at 1ct but not enough too bug me in a well cut stone.
In a 1/2ct Id take a J anyday and likely in 1ct too if I was stretching my budget.
With fancies H or above is my cutoff unless its L/M/N/O.