How Low Can You Go???

[mishamish]

Hello,

I’m looking to find a visually appealing ring that will retain its value, but… I don’t have a budget for the highest clarity and color ratings. I was wondering how low can I go for clarity and color and still get a beautiful, clear, sparkly stone that is has no visual defects to the untrained eye?

Can the average person tell the difference between an H color rating and a K rating?

Can the naked eye pick up the difference in clarity in VS1 vs SI1?

For color is the low point : J,K…?

For clarity is the low point: SI1, SI2…?

Ahhhhh, I’m confused… please help

Also, should I have different low points depending on where the certification is from (EGL vs GIA)?

Thanks so much in advance!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/8/2008 10:50:30 AM
Author:mishamish

Hello,

I’m looking to find a visually appealing ring that will retain its value, but… I don’t have a budget for the highest clarity and color ratings. I was wondering how low can I go for clarity and color and still get a beautiful, clear, sparkly stone that is has no visual defects to the untrained eye?

Can the average person tell the difference between an H color rating and a K rating? I would think probably with direct comparison assuming we are discussing round diamonds and both were similar size, cut quality and lab graded.

Can the naked eye pick up the difference in clarity in VS1 vs SI1? Not if the SI1 is eyeclean.

For color is the low point : J,K…? I would say J to be safe, although I personally love a K colour grade, you may see more warmth. Check out some similarly shape and size diamonds of great cut quality in GIA or AGS lab graded J in person to see where your tolerances lie. Some experts think blue fluorescence is a nice feature of a J colour, so it might be advantageous if you find a well cut stone with medium or above blue fluorescence, as some believe it can help a diamond face up whiter. If you encounter strong blue or very strong, check with the vendor that it doesn't make the stone look cloudy in some lights, this is rare though.

For clarity is the low point: SI1, SI2…? SI2 if verified eyeclean by a trusted vendor.

Ahhhhh, I’m confused… please help

No need to be, we will help!




Also, should I have different low points depending on where the certification is from (EGL vs GIA)? I would consider GIA and AGS labs.




Thanks so much in advance!

 

[stone_seeker]

Ditto Lorelei''s advice regarding clarity.

For color, my only suggestion would be to see some in person to see how color sensitive you are. Some people prefer warmth some people like the icy white look. Some that look ice white when set may be lower than you think. Also depends greatly on the shape and size and how color affects different stones of different shapes and sizes. Also, fluorescence may come into play in the lower color stones. If lower colors dont bother you from a physcological standpoint then you obviously can get a lot more stone at J/K than E/F.

I personally cant tell the difference between F and I so I went with a G and split the difference and am perfectly happy.

Focus on making sure you have a great cut stone.

 

[Herfnerd]

What''s been said - CUT should be your first issue of importance. The rest won''t make too much if a difference if you have a poor cut.....

 

[mishamish]

Thanks for the info Lorelei and stone_seeker...

Since i plan on buying everything from an online vendor, I’m probably going to find a stone that appeals to me in color and clarity from a local store first and then try to find one with the same specs online.

Can i trust that for example an H , SI1 stone online will have virtually the identical look and feel to the one i saw at the store? (assuming that they are both rated buy the same agency)

Does that make sense? I kind of feel like I’m babbling here... haha

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/8/2008 11:13:26 AM
Author: mishamish

Thanks for the info Lorelei and stone_seeker...

Since i plan on buying everything from an online vendor, I’m probably going to find a stone that appeals to me in color and clarity from a local store first and then try to find one with the same specs online.



Can i trust that for example an H , SI1 stone online will have virtually the identical look and feel to the one i saw at the store? (assuming that they are both rated buy the same agency)



Does that make sense? I kind of feel like I’m babbling here... haha

Assuming you compare GIA or AGS colour and clarity - assuming the SI1 is eyeclean ( SI clarity diamonds are not created equal) and the diamonds are of similar size and cut quality, then you should be close to the mark. It is cut quality which is so crucial to the beauty of a diamond, so you want to aim for the best cut you can. If you check out some AGS0 cut grade and maybe even some Hearts on Fire if you have a dealer near you, then you can get a feel for these grades with well cut diamonds. Once you have decided, we will be happy to help you search online, or help you out should you find a diamond you like in a store. But that is a great plan to see some diamonds in person to see what appeals to you most!

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Only you know how "low" YOU can go. It is a judgement call based on each stone and your preference. You have been given some good advice so far, and I would put my $ on the best cut with the hope that other variables (color, placment of inclusions) would be marginalized by the same.

cheers--Sharon

 

[mishamish]

got it.. thx Lorelei!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/8/2008 11:45:48 AM
Author: mishamish
got it.. thx Lorelei!

Most welcome and have fun looking at rocks!

 

[ButterBean]

Date: 8/8/2008 11:13:26 AM
Author: mishamish

Thanks for the info Lorelei and stone_seeker...

Since i plan on buying everything from an online vendor, I’m probably going to find a stone that appeals to me in color and clarity from a local store first and then try to find one with the same specs online.


Can i trust that for example an H , SI1 stone online will have virtually the identical look and feel to the one i saw at the store? (assuming that they are both rated buy the same agency)


Does that make sense? I kind of feel like I’m babbling here... haha

Hi Misha,
I started out doing that too. But what I found was that the CUT of the diamonds in the local stores wasn''t very good. So, I really wasn''t comparing apples to apples. Although I think it''s a safe bet that if you like an SI-1 that''s a J color at the mall with a fair cut, you will LOVE an SI-1 that''s a J color if it''s from one of the trusted vendors here who provide excellent/ideal cut.
It''s endless fun looking, too. Enjoy!
BB