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Did I make a mistake?

PearCraze

PearCraze

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 12, 2015
Messages
77
I have a 3.42 ct H, strong blue fluorescence cushion diamond, and I wanted to buy some cadillac side stones. I always recall that you don't see much color in emerald cuts and decide to save a significant amount by buying a .65ct pair of I "eye not L" color side stones. Online I couldn't tell much difference between the G,H or I from the pictures. And of course, after I make the purchase, I happen to see a video on step cuts where they say that you can see a lot of color in them. Did I make the wrong decision, the process of purchasing these was not easy and would hate to return them. Would love your opinion. Thanks!
 
You wrote, "Online I couldn't tell much difference between the G,H or I from the pictures."
As often written here on PS, you cannot judge body color of diamonds in pictures.

Body color is properly graded by legitimate gem labs that assign the color grades from D to Z.
We should trust color grades from reputable labs, not pictures.

Next, step cuts (having fewer and large facets) show body color much more-so than cuts with more and smaller facets, like radiant and cushion.

So, (since you asked) I'm sorry to say, yes the purchase was a mistake.
If possible, I'd return them.

It's always best to do your research before a purchase, not after. :))
 
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There just isn't much enough information online for side stones such as videos, certifications, etc. I was hoping they would be small enough to not have a noticeable difference! I guess I have to just wait and see. Thank you!
 
I would wait and see. They might be small enough that the color wont bug you. But as you found, emerald cuts show MORE body color than some other cuts, not less.
 
I will be the voice of encouragement, here: I think you're gonna be ok. :) Smaller stones show less body color, at the same grade, than larger stones. And traditional ("crushed ice") cushions show more body color, as the light bounces around inside, than step cuts! That's why so many FCDs are cut as cushions or radiants, the chaos intensifies the color. Finally, color sensitivity is, by definition, subjective. I can't tell the difference between an H and an I, I'm pretty sure. :lol: So, until you see it, you won't know either!
 
evergreen said:
And traditional ("crushed ice") cushions show more body color, as the light bounces around inside, than step cuts! That's why so many FCDs are cut as cushions or radiants
Click to expand...

I also see that I, a novice, have directly contradicted an expert above. Grain of salt, please, then, regarding my take! But with all the spinning diamond videos I've watched on JA, subjectively I believe step cuts hide color better than splintery/crushed ice, though less well than cuts designed for light return (RB, ideal cut cushions and what have you). I've also heard the "big broad flashes" as the argument for why antique cuts hide color better than modern RB or cushions.
 
evergreen said:
I will be the voice of encouragement, here: I think you're gonna be ok. :) Smaller stones show less body color, at the same grade, than larger stones. And traditional ("crushed ice") cushions show more body color, as the light bounces around inside, than step cuts! That's why so many FCDs are cut as cushions or radiants, the chaos intensifies the color. Finally, color sensitivity is, by definition, subjective. I can't tell the difference between an H and an I, I'm pretty sure. :lol: So, until you see it, you won't know either
Click to expand...
Haha thanks, I appreciate the glimmer of hope! At least this will keep my stomach from churning until I get my hands on them next week.
 
Well I got them! In most lighting you can’t notice a color difference, however because of fluorescence I do get a bit of difference in indirect sunlight. Please let me know if I should return for a better color. I captured an image that reflects the worst case.6E8D4C14-220B-4590-9E4E-E65B57A34AC5.jpeg
 
The side stone on the left looks white to me, but I can perceive a hint of color in the one on the right. The real question is whether the slight color difference will bother you.
 
I don't think it would bother me personally, but you need to love it!
 
I know this may be difficult to do, but you may want to find side stones that also have fluorescence. I have a 3 stone ring in which all 3 stones exhibit fluorescence, and I’m glad I chose them that way. I feel like if just the center stove were fluorescent, I would see a difference between it and the side stones.
 
I debated replying because I really don't think it looks bad, but I want to be honest. I can really see the difference in color. How do you feel about it? Your opinion is the only one that matters.
 
Its going to be a smashing ring :appl:

But i can see a real difference in colour of the sidestones ....
And i never usually see the yellowness most others do
 
I literally ran to Fed ex! lol. It's gone now but at least I know that I really like cadillac sides. I will exchange it for another color- I think G is a safe bet. I feel like it was bringing down the overall look of my center diamond instead of enhancing it. Thanks everyone for your help!! =)2
 
Those side stones are really cool. But I think you made the right decision sending it back. Sorry you will have to wait though. In the long run it wii be worth it.
 
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