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Help! Color vs Size, what to choose?

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labossanova

Rough_Rock
Joined
Feb 18, 2014
Messages
18
Hi!

I am in the hunt for the perfect diamond to put in an engagement ring. The thing is that I have a pretty strict budget (around 2200$ for the diamond). I have learned all I could from the internet the last few months and I am down to this: I would like the biggest diamond within my budget, with excellent cut (or best) and VS2 clarity (or best). The color is the one C I am the most unsured about.

I searched online for diamonds that I can see (James Allen mostly, but also Whiteflash and Brian Gavin) and I am reluctant to go with Blue Nile (because of I can't see it). I have to mention that I am from Canada so it has to be shipped up here! This is what I roughly found, for equal price, cut and clarity:
- .75 J
- .65 I
- .63 H
- .60 G

My main question is: will the color (as low as J or I) show on small stones like that? Should I worry about the color of the J or a .75ct won't show enough warmth to be noticed? I don't particularly like colorless stones (like D-E-F) and I think G-H is perfect, but I just want to make sure going as low as J is not too much of a sacrifice (considering again the "small" size of the stone). I should also mention that the diamond will be set on as a solitaire, no side stones, white gold and 6 prongs on a size 5.5.

It is very hard to shop for something you can't see in real life, all the help/tips are welcome!
Thanks!

p.s. I hope everything is understandable, I am French so if I don't express myself clearly please excuse me :)
 
labossanova|1399736993|3669715 said:
Hi!

I am in the hunt for the perfect diamond to put in an engagement ring. The thing is that I have a pretty strict budget (around 2200$ for the diamond). I have learned all I could from the internet the last few months and I am down to this: I would like the biggest diamond within my budget, with excellent cut (or best) and VS2 clarity (or best). The color is the one C I am the most unsured about.

I searched online for diamonds that I can see (James Allen mostly, but also Whiteflash and Brian Gavin) and I am reluctant to go with Blue Nile (because of I can't see it). I have to mention that I am from Canada so it has to be shipped up here! This is what I roughly found, for equal price, cut and clarity:
- .75 J
- .65 I
- .63 H
- .60 G

My main question is: will the color (as low as J or I) show on small stones like that? Should I worry about the color of the J or a .75ct won't show enough warmth to be noticed? I don't particularly like colorless stones (like D-E-F) and I think G-H is perfect, but I just want to make sure going as low as J is not too much of a sacrifice (considering again the "small" size of the stone). I should also mention that the diamond will be set on as a solitaire, no side stones, white gold and 6 prongs on a size 5.5.

It is very hard to shop for something you can't see in real life, all the help/tips are welcome!
Thanks!

p.s. I hope everything is understandable, I am French so if I don't express myself clearly please excuse me :)
Click to expand...

In my opinion, a J would look just fine in a stone that size -- especially since you don't care for the stark white stones. Color will not be as obvious in the size range you are looking into... and 0.75 ct will be a noticeable size difference from a .60 ct. Have you picked out some stones yet? If not, there are many here that are very good at finding great deals! :))
 
labossanova|1399736993|3669715 said:
Hi!

I am in the hunt for the perfect diamond to put in an engagement ring. The thing is that I have a pretty strict budget (around 2200$ for the diamond). I have learned all I could from the internet the last few months and I am down to this: I would like the biggest diamond within my budget, with excellent cut (or best) and VS2 clarity (or best). The color is the one C I am the most unsured about.

I searched online for diamonds that I can see (James Allen mostly, but also Whiteflash and Brian Gavin) and I am reluctant to go with Blue Nile (because of I can't see it). I have to mention that I am from Canada so it has to be shipped up here! This is what I roughly found, for equal price, cut and clarity:
- .75 J
- .65 I
- .63 H
- .60 G

My main question is: will the color (as low as J or I) show on small stones like that? Should I worry about the color of the J or a .75ct won't show enough warmth to be noticed? I don't particularly like colorless stones (like D-E-F) and I think G-H is perfect, but I just want to make sure going as low as J is not too much of a sacrifice (considering again the "small" size of the stone). I should also mention that the diamond will be set on as a solitaire, no side stones, white gold and 6 prongs on a size 5.5.

It is very hard to shop for something you can't see in real life, all the help/tips are welcome!
Thanks!

p.s. I hope everything is understandable, I am French so if I don't express myself clearly please excuse me :)
Click to expand...

It's all relative and depends what you like. I think I color is great value for your budget. Remember 'warmth' means yellow tint in your stone. I think you really start to see this in J color stones, but not in a bad way. If you look for a diamond with some fluorescence (medium blue or more), it usually makes J color diamonds face up whiter. So that is something to consider?

Are you shopping online? Would you be interested in letting us find you a gorgeous stone. My advice is trust the expertise on here. I have yet to read a post where someone was disappointed with a stone that people on here suggested they buy.
 
For the moment I am only looking at the stones available in my price range, to see what I can afford. When I will be more sure about the combination of size-color to choose, I might ask for advices on the best deals out there. I have noticed there are great connaisseurs here :)
 
Yes I will be purchasing online for sure. Here in my city there are only few jewellers and from what I have seen I am going to get ripped off by buying from a b&m. The jewellers are mostly salesmen, not gemmologists and when I ask questions they are not so keen to give me a throughout answer...

The 2 diamonds are perfect, except slightly over budget. Do GOG and BG ship to Canada as easily as JA or BN?
I watched maybe 1/2 of all the GOG educational videos on youtube, I think they are pretty safe bet ;)
 
Stive85|1399737854|3669721 said:
It's all relative and depends what you like. I think I color is great value for your budget. Remember 'warmth' means yellow tint in your stone. I think you really start to see this in J color stones, but not in a bad way. If you look for a diamond with some fluorescence (medium blue or more), it usually makes J color diamonds face up whiter. So that is something to consider?

Are you shopping online? Would you be interested in letting us find you a gorgeous stone. My advice is trust the expertise on here. I have yet to read a post where someone was disappointed with a stone that people on here suggested they buy.
Click to expand...

In a stone the size he's looking into, a J will appear the same way a larger (1.5-ish) I color would... :)) I would try to maxmize his budget with the largest "white" stone possible. FWIW, I have a 2.43 ct J, and although it would show tint from the side if it weren't set in a halo, it is very white face up. That said, larger stones will show more tint, so I don't think a J would look "yellow" at all in a <1 ct diamond.
 
labossanova|1399738545|3669730 said:
Yes I will be purchasing online for sure. Here in my city there are only few jewellers and from what I have seen I am going to get ripped off by buying from a b&m. The jewellers are mostly salesmen, not gemmologists and when I ask questions they are not so keen to give me a throughout answer...

The 2 diamonds are perfect, except slightly over budget. Do GOG and BG ship to Canada as easily as JA or BN?
I watched maybe 1/2 of all the GOG educational videos on youtube, I think they are pretty safe bet ;)
Click to expand...


Yup, both will without any problem. I'm from Canada too (see how I spell colour* sometimes? hah) and have never had a problem with any vendor online shipping here. Just remember you will pay tax on it when it crosses customs. Do you live near the boarder? I take it your from Quebec?


I think it's great that your sticking to a budget and if you can't stretch it that is totally acceptable and probably a good example of discipline. My only comment is that for the extra 200 hundred bucks your guaranteed a gorgeous diamond that will last forever and can be passed down generations.

Either vendor is incredibly reputable, BGD or GOG are both A+ around here, so don't worry about either.
 
msop04|1399739391|3669741 said:
This stone looks nice, and it's under budget @ $2060. (as a PS member, you will get a small discount at JA)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314742
Click to expand...


Very nice stone! With JA you will have to request an idealscope, so if you decide to go with them, pick three (that's how many you get) and they will give you their opinion and idealscopes for each.

I would also suggest looking at a 60/60 diamond to maximize size and white light return for your diamond. It's a preference thing around here, but they are equally as gorgeous as tolk cuts (the ones we have been linking you to), but generally face up larger than tolks.
 
My personal limit is I color for a round stone. G-H is my preference when I can get it, though. My I color stone looks bright and white in natural daylight, but it can take on tint from the environment indoors. I can see the tint in J color stones, so that is why my limit is I color. I would consider J color for a right hand ring such as an antique cushion or emerald cut, though.

I think the GOG stone is a good value and gets you a color grade higher.
 
Stive85|1399739740|3669745 said:
msop04|1399739391|3669741 said:
This stone looks nice, and it's under budget @ $2060. (as a PS member, you will get a small discount at JA)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314742
Click to expand...


Very nice stone! With JA you will have to request an idealscope, so if you decide to go with them, pick three (that's how many you get) and they will give you their opinion and idealscopes for each.

I would also suggest looking at a 60/60 diamond to maximize size and white light return for your diamond. It's a preference thing around here, but they are equally as gorgeous as tolk cuts (the ones we have been linking you to), but generally face up larger than tolks.
Click to expand...

This is a good idea -- mine is closer to a 60/60, and I love it! :))
 
diamondseeker2006|1399739991|3669749 said:
My personal limit is I color for a round stone. G-H is my preference when I can get it, though. My I color stone looks bright and white in natural daylight, but it can take on tint from the environment indoors. I can see the tint in J color stones, so that is why my limit is I color. I would consider J color for a right hand ring such as an antique cushion or emerald cut, though.

I think the GOG stone is a good value and gets you a color grade higher.
Click to expand...

Most everyone would like a whiter stone, but with his budget, the size will make a big difference. Also, your I stone is much larger than the stones he's looking at... yours would show more tint in an I than a .70ish stone anyway. :))
 
msop04|1399739391|3669741 said:
This stone looks nice, and it's under budget @ $2060. (as a PS member, you will get a small discount at JA)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-j-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-314742
Click to expand...

I was eyeing that exact stone ;)

Stive85: Yes I am from Quebec (hence my limited vocabulary ;)) and I live close to the US boarder. I sometimes pick up things at Freeport Fowarding in Champlain but I don't think I would do that for a diamond. My budget is 2200$ US, considering duty charges and currency (for a grand total of about 3000$ CAN with simple 14k white gold setting).

Thank you all for your help, I take I close look to all the stones you suggest! I will be buying in about 3 weeks, I hope these diamonds will still be available then.

And by the way... I am a she ;)
I am typing on the keyboard as my man is doing something else but we are learning, shopping and buying together!
 
I, like you, had a very small budget for the center stone of my ring. I personally value cut first, then size, then clarity, then color. This may not be what you value, but its what I value. So I purchased a 6mm K colored stone. I find the stone to be white. it can transition to a bone color in some lighting, but i like that about it. I find the softer tone to be a bit romantic, and it as a bit of moodiness. Silly sounding i know, but stick with me here :lol:

it is NOT yellow. J colored stones are NOT yellow either. Consider, if you will, a sheet of writing paper. White, yes? But, when compared to printer paper it will take on a bit of a vanilla, bone color. This is my description of stones in the J-k-l range.

You know what she values most. Is it color? Is it size? I cant tell you that, only you can. But the average stone in america is sold from a mall store that will sell you a J, but yell you its an H. so dont feel bad if you choose a J because thats your (soon to be ) FI value. Its not our ring its hers. And frankly Js are more common than people think.
 
Well I don't know what idealscope is... I will try to learn about it!
 
my apologies I didnt catch it till your last post, but this ring is for you, yes?
 
labossanova|1399742361|3669772 said:
[And by the way... I am a she ;)
I am typing on the keyboard as my man is doing something else but we are learning, shopping and buying together!
Click to expand...

Oops, sorry OP! :oops: :lol: Also, I think it's great you are shopping together!!
 
Niel|1399742458|3669773 said:
I, like you, had a very small budget for the center stone of my ring. I personally value cut first, then size, then clarity, then color. This may not be what you value, but its what I value. So I purchased a 6mm K colored stone. I find the stone to be white. it can transition to a bone color in some lighting, but i like that about it. I find the softer tone to be a bit romantic, and it as a bit of moodiness. Silly sounding i know, but stick with me here :lol:

it is NOT yellow. J colored stones are NOT yellow either. Consider, if you will, a sheet of writing paper. White, yes? But, when compared to printer paper it will take on a bit of a vanilla, bone color. This is my description of stones in the J-k-l range.

You know what she values most. Is it color? Is it size? I cant tell you that, only you can. But the average stone in america is sold from a mall store that will sell you a J, but yell you its an H. so dont feel bad if you choose a J because thats your (soon to be ) FI value. Its not our ring its hers. And frankly Js are more common than people think.
Click to expand...

I really understand what your are telling about color. My preference is not a stark white stone because I like the "dept" in the near colorless ones and the vintage feel. For the same reason I don't want a stark white wedding gown.

And yep, this ring is for me :) It seems silly to ask the questions here on my behalf but I am the one who speaks english the best between us 2 so I got the task post on the forum!
 
Niel|1399742458|3669773 said:
I, like you, had a very small budget for the center stone of my ring. I personally value cut first, then size, then clarity, then color. This may not be what you value, but its what I value. So I purchased a 6mm K colored stone. I find the stone to be white. it can transition to a bone color in some lighting, but i like that about it. I find the softer tone to be a bit romantic, and it as a bit of moodiness. Silly sounding i know, but stick with me here :lol:

it is NOT yellow. J colored stones are NOT yellow either. Consider, if you will, a sheet of writing paper. White, yes? But, when compared to printer paper it will take on a bit of a vanilla, bone color. This is my description of stones in the J-k-l range.
Click to expand...

Very good point, Niel... since she's looking at stones <1 carat, the color issue will work in her favor! :bigsmile:
 
labossanova|1399742970|3669784 said:
I really understand what your are telling about color. My preference is not a stark white stone because I like the "dept" in the near colorless ones and the vintage feel. For the same reason I don't want a stark white wedding gown.

And yep, this ring is for me :) It seems silly to ask the questions here on my behalf but I am the one who speaks english the best between us 2 so I got the task post on the forum!
Click to expand...

OP, sounds like a J/K stone might be the best bet for you!
 
msop04|1399742867|3669783 said:
labossanova|1399742361|3669772 said:
[And by the way... I am a she ;)
I am typing on the keyboard as my man is doing something else but we are learning, shopping and buying together!
Click to expand...

Oops, sorry OP! :oops: :lol: Also, I think it's great you are shopping together!!
Click to expand...

Haha I should have said it right away, my bad!

We are doing it this way because when we decided to get married, we thought we had to first set a budget we both agreed on and then try to find the best possible ring within that budget.

We both wanted a pretty classic solitaire setting and he prefers a round stone so here we are!
 
may i ask, would you be interested in an actually vintage stone?
 
labossanova|1399742361|3669772 said:
Thank you all for your help, I take I close look to all the stones you suggest! I will be buying in about 3 weeks, I hope these diamonds will still be available then.
Click to expand...

There is a chance they wont be available in that length of time -- it's just a gamble... Is there any way you could purchase a little sooner, like in 1 week or so? I would go ahead and have JA hold them for you and get the ASETs and/or idealscopes to compare them... that will also buy you a little time. ;)

Here are the three I suggested from JA:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...r&TabSelected=3&DiamondID=314742,306888,40170
 
Niel|1399743864|3669800 said:
may i ask, would you be interested in an actually vintage stone?
Click to expand...

Yes! But I just don't know where to look for vintage :S
 
msop04|1399743643|3669797 said:
What you two are doing is very responsible -- and smart! ;))

This stone is really nice! (and UNDER BUDGET @ $1910!)

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...t-k-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-40170

This one is larger (it scores 2.3 on HCA, but I'd still consider it for the size @ 5.95mm)... $2020

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-dia...-k-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-306888
Click to expand...

I think I have a prejudice on K stones but I want to stay in with I-J max. Plus, I think the max size we are willing to buy is around .75ct. Here, the norm is more .25-.30 max!

Also, my wedding band will be an eternity ring and the local jeweller who will be making it custom for us said she could get easily melée stones in the g-i range. I am afraid that if I go lower on the color scale it will be noticeable.

I have to say thought that the K stones you just showed me are impressively "white" looking! I don't know why I have been afraid of the lower end of the near colorless range because it is pretty darn white to me (well, on my side of the screen!).
 
labossanova|1399744297|3669806 said:
Niel|1399743864|3669800 said:
may i ask, would you be interested in an actually vintage stone?
Click to expand...

Yes! But I just don't know where to look for vintage :S
Click to expand...

This is a really good idea... something like this would be super cute: (and it's only $1650!!!) :wacko:

http://www.jewelsbygrace.com/loose-diamonds/under-1-ct/80ct-old-european-cut-diamond-gia-k-vs2.html

You could always contact her and give her your budget -- she could look for you if you don't have a strict deadline for the ring.
 
labossanova|1399744614|3669812 said:
I think I have a prejudice on K stones but I want to stay in with I-J max. Plus, I think the max size we are willing to buy is around .75ct. Here, the norm is more .25-.30 max!

Also, my wedding band will be an eternity ring and the local jeweller who will be making it custom for us said she could get easily melée stones in the g-i range. I am afraid that if I go lower on the color scale it will be noticeable.

I have to say thought that the K stones you just showed me are impressively "white" looking! I don't know why I have been afraid of the lower end of the near colorless range because it is pretty darn white to me (well, on my side of the screen!).
Click to expand...

That's okay if you would like to stay in that range... you can find lots of J's in your price range. I will say this -- nicely cut stones will appear a lot whiter than the ones you see normally (like at the mall, or even in the rings you see on people everyday). I think people shy away from certain colors bc they compare them to stones they've seen that are probably not cut well at all... Cut makes a HUGE difference. FWIW, I thought I had to have "at least an H" when I first started looking... and I'm soooo happy with my J! It allowed me to get a much larger stone, and it faces up perfectly white for me. :))

And lucky you, you'll have a stone twice as large as most women in your area! :naughty: I wouldn't worry so much about carat weight -- the spread is what matters, bc that's what you see. Some 0.75 ct stones will face up smaller than 0.7, some fill face a little larger...

As far as melee... I think you'd be good with G/H with a J stone. That's what mine are, and I like it.
 
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