Difference (or not) in H and J color?

[Ashleigh]

Dear all,

Firstly, I hope that all in the affected areas of Storm Sandy are safe and sound.

I'd like some advice on color H and J. A colleague mentioned that she and her bf are selecting a diamond for her ering. Initially, she settled on the specs of H VS at least. As I can't see a difference between H and J, and VS and SI, I recommended a J SI1 stone with Excellent cut, GIA XXX, from JA to her. She likes it. Since then, her bf has been in emails with JA reps to get info about the diamond and is about to purchase.

Then I saw Diamondseeker's post on the 1.8ct AVR. A fewer posters mentioned that they can see a difference between G and I color, and that tint from I color will make diamond look less bright and smaller.

Furthermore, I saw Phoenix's tips on buying jewelry. One tip was that G,H and even I diamonds are easier to sell. Though I doubt colleague will sell her ering, I can't help feeling that I might be doing her a disservice by recommending a J SI diamond to her.

I spoke briefly to her just now about color and clarity, and told her she might be better off sticking to H VS diamond. However, she seems intent on the J SI diamond due to, I think, bigger size for same price as smaller H VS.

After this, I'll try to find a H VS diamond for her consideration. And I was thinking of digging up threads on H vs I color, though I'm not sure if I can find such threads and show her color difference/comparison photos if there are. But I doubt there'll be much difference in static photos.

I'm hoping for more experience/opinions replied to this thread so that I can show her the thread. I was trying to help, but now I feel I might have done her a disservice instead of good.

 

[CharmyPoo]

For an e-ring diamond, I would personally stick to H. I can personally see a big difference in my J/K when compared against my E, F and G diamonds.

 

[Rosebloom]

To me, an ideal cut round H is white. But a J has noticeable yellow tinge to my eyes especially from the side view. That being said, I love a J in yellow gold - I think the contrast with the gold makes the diamond look brighter and whiter. Also if the setting she wants has closed sides the tint may not be an issue for her. Or maybe she's like me - I can definitely see a difference between an H and a J but I prefer size to color so I'd go for the big J! And I'm definitely fine with an eyeclean SI.

You are kind to help her. I know that rotten feeling when you're not sure if you've given best counsel. Ultimately, she'll just have to compare an H and J in her budget and see what she likes!

 

[Ashleigh]

For an e-ring diamond, I would personally stick to H. I can personally see a big difference in my J/K when compared against my E, F and G diamonds.

Thanks for sharing your experience. I'll show her your post.

To me, an ideal cut round H is white. But a J has noticeable yellow tinge to my eyes especially from the side view. That being said, I love a J in yellow gold - I think the contrast with the gold makes the diamond look brighter and whiter. Also if the setting she wants has closed sides the tint may not be an issue for her. Or maybe she's like me - I can definitely see a difference between an H and a J but I prefer size to color so I'd go for the big J! And I'm definitely fine with an eyeclean SI.

You are kind to help her. I know that rotten feeling when you're not sure if you've given best counsel. Ultimately, she'll just have to compare an H and J in her budget and see what she likes!

Yes, I meant to help but now I'm unsure. Anyway, I'm now busier than her bf trying to find replacement diamonds for her consideration, lol.

 

[chrono]

I can see the difference between my E, H, J, and L diamonds. That said, I love them all. Just because one can see the difference does not mean one stone is better or lesser than the other. If possible, let her view an H and J side by side to let her decide her preference.

 

[Phoenix]

Ash,

The pic I posted last night was somewhat not representative of the true body colours of those stones, because the room I was in had beige walls; and the stones must have picked up the beige colour and thus look a bit darker than they appear IRL.

I've taken a few more pics of my H next to two master stones, an H (left) and an I (right). The colour here is more like what it actually looks like IRL. Bear in mind also, like someone else has said, a larger stone (like mine at 5.3ct) is bound to show a bit more colour than another but smaller H. I've posted these pics on my own Holly thread but thought it might be useful for you to see what they should actually look like.

The J's do not look that dark IRL either, not like the pic I posted last night.

 

[Phoenix]

I will try and take pics of my H and J together but in the face-up position tomorrow or day after. This is how they should really be viewed cuz IRL you don't wear your diamonds upside down, he he!

 

[Phoenix]

Just realised I posted in the wrong thread. You have two threads on the same topic....

 

[Karl_K]

I can see the difference between my E, H, J, and L diamonds. That said, I love them all. Just because one can see the difference does not mean one stone is better or lesser than the other. If possible, let her view an H and J side by side to let her decide her preference.

Well said!!!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Can she look at some well cut H and J stones in person? It's kind of hard to tell from the computer screen what a stone will look like in real life.