How much are you willing to compromise for a bargain?

[JPie]

In the brief time I've been on PS, I've made some general observations about PSers' preferences for diamonds:

• Cut is king - ideal, super ideal, and highly symmetrical old cuts rule.
• Color is subjective, though warmer colors (J & beyond) that send the average consumer running are embraced by many PSers.
• Clarity preference seems to be towards eye clean SI to VS1, though unicorn I1s get high-fives.
  
• Carat weight trends towards ginormous (1.5+) for engagement rings. Other jewelry varies.

As with any sweeping generalization, exceptions abound. I'm curious to what extent in the past that you've compromised on the 4Cs in exchange for value, whether you have any regrets, and how you decide if something is enough of a bargain.

(Edited for grammar)

 

[BlingDreams]

Great question! What I have learned about myself over the years is that I am willing to compromise some, as long as the ability to upgrade them in the future is there. If not, the things I settled on would continue to bug me in the future and affect my joy with the piece. That’s why I would rather save and do it right one time or baby step in increments if that is possible.

So whether it’s colorless or a warm color, super ideal or an old cut, or something in between, if I know what I want I’m going to find the best one available for those parameters within my budget. And if my budget can’t get me what I want, then I will keep saving until it does

 

[nala]

Great question. I recently upgraded my stone for cut and a little bit of size. All else stayed the same. I have a minor regret. I could have saved 3k for the same cut, and better color—an actual G or H ( sorry i forgot) vs the I that I got. But the size whore in me went with a 2.52 vs the 2.02 and it cost me 3k more. My takeaway. I think I may have noticed the better color over the bigger size bc dss sets in anyway. Now to upgrade in color and size is an jump I’m not willing to pay for.

 

[cmd2014]

I have learned that if I don't buy the best quality of whatever item it is that I am buying, I will just lose money in the end upgrading to what it was that I wanted in the first place. A bargain isn't a bargain if it doesn't make you feel the way you do when you have something that makes your heart sing.

 

[JPie]

Great question! What I have learned about myself over the years is that I am willing to compromise some, as long as the ability to upgrade them in the future is there. If not, the things I settled on would continue to bug me in the future and affect my joy with the piece. That’s why I would rather save and do it right one time or baby step in increments if that is possible.

So whether it’s colorless or a warm color, super ideal or an old cut, or something in between, if I know what I want I’m going to find the best one available for those parameters within my budget. And if my budget can’t get me what I want, then I will keep saving until it does

When you speak of upgrading, do you mean with the vendor you made the original purchase from, selling something on your own to recoup some of the cost, or both?

Great question. I recently upgraded my stone for cut and a little bit of size. All else stayed the same. I have a minor regret. I could have saved 3k for the same cut, and better color—an actual G or H ( sorry i forgot) vs the I that I got. But the size whore in me went with a 2.52 vs the 2.02 and it cost me 3k more. My takeaway. I think I may have noticed the better color over the bigger size bc dss sets in anyway. Now to upgrade in color and size is an jump I’m not willing to pay for.

For what it's worth, I think your ring is a stunner!

A bargain isn't a bargain if it doesn't make you feel the way you do when you have something that makes your heart sing.

Very true!

 

[chanieish]

Hi! Interesting question and I look forward to reading other's answers too!

1.For me, the only thing I wouldn't compromise on at all is on cut. I want a sparkly bright stone in perhaps in a smaller size, lower color as long as the fire and brilliance is maximized. I have seen smaller fireball diamonds that I try not to gawk at and larger 2ct+ rock...that look just like rocks. I prefer the former. I'm very happy to be going down the HPD/CDI route.

2. Second most important for me is size if my budget allows. I like 50% and up finger coverage and am very fortunate that I have a 3.5 finger. I wanted a 2ct+ center and am thankful that my BF's and his budget obliged.

3. Regarding color, as long as it faces up white, that's A-OK for me. Now I realize this is subjective to a point. I went down to a J color for mine to be set in rose gold. I know there will be noticeable warmth from the side and I'm okay with that. Luckily the cut is amazing, which makes it face up whiter than a J!

4. Eye clean is good enough for me. I don't need it mind clean. At the same time, I don't want the inclusions to affect the integrity of the stone. I like eye clean SI1s and up

5. Fluorescence might be another aspect of interest. I like how more fluorescence can whiten a near-colorless stone. As long as it doesn't make the stone hazy or milky, Strong blue and less are okay for me.

 

[bludiva]

we sacrificed color for my ER, although we liked the warmth of light colored diamonds so it didn't feel like giving up anything. it was also waaaay less expensive than a comparable white stone. win-win.

the first thing i'm willing to exchange for value though, is newness, even though it takes a lot of time and effort imho to find good pre-owned buys.

 

[dk168]

For an EC, if I were to get one now, I would drop the colour to G/H, and clarity to VS2 or even SI1 as long as it is eye clean, in order to get the largest stone with the best cut.

I do not know the cut grade of my EC, however it is a very sparkly 1.19ct E VS1 and I am still in love with it.

DK

 

[lagirlie]

I sacrificed color for size and I have to say I regret it a TINY** bit. I have a J Colored and although it faces up white, i can definitely see the yellowness from the sides (which is the angle I look at it mostly from). It sparkles like crazy though so no one else will ever notice the warmer color.. All they see is a big sparkly stone.

However, if I could turn back time... I'd probably have gone with a lower color and just paid the extra on it now that I know it bugs me a tad bit.

 

[BlingDreams]

When you speak of upgrading, do you mean with the vendor you made the original purchase from, selling something on your own to recoup some of the cost, or both?

With the original vendor. I’d lose too much in the re-sell process to make me happy. So I’ll only buy MRB’s I want to upgrade from Whiteflash or HPD and old cuts from whichever vendors have the best upgrade policy; it’s always tricky though because you never know what will happen in the future (aka: what’s going on with GOG/AugustVintage/Octavia’s) but I’d make the best choice available at the time.

 

[crbl999]

1. I won't compromise on cut, super ideals are preferred. 55-56 table, 60-61.8 depth, ca 34.3-34.5, pa 40.7-40.8, thin to medium girdle, 77 lgf, H&A.
2. Must be eye clean from any distance and any angle. Inclusions must not affect performance. SI2 or higher.
3. G/H; higher color is OK, but not at the expense of size.
4. Carat size.

 

[skypie]

I boosted my standards for cut (went from GIA XXX to AGS 000 = WF ACA) and compromised on color (from H or I to a "high K") in exchange for size (1.5 to 2.0+ carats). My fiancee loves the huge size and amazing light performance and doesn't notice the color at all!

 

[whitewave]

I have learned that if I don't buy the best quality of whatever item it is that I am buying, I will just lose money in the end upgrading to what it was that I wanted in the first place. A bargain isn't a bargain if it doesn't make you feel the way you do when you have something that makes your heart sing.

I’m kind of learning this myself. I want what I want and that’s that. I might have to save up for it or whatever. This is for my “serious” pieces.

I have a lot of fun lower budget things where I’ll go for the look and not the precision.

 

[cflutist]

I am pondering this question myself if I ever upgrade to a 4ct.
Currently my e-ring stones are all F color:
3.01 F-SI1 pear
2.79 F-VS1 CBI
2.21 F-SI1 CBI

Facing up, the CBIs are all whiter than the pear. But from the side, I notice a very very slight tint (used to own a 2.05 D-VS2 oval that I traded in for the pear) on all of them.

If I upgrade (would trade in my 2.21 CBI and put the 2.79 CBI in a 3-stone) I would not compromise on the VS1 for a stone of this size, but could I go from a F to a G color?
There is an estimated $23k to 25k difference in price. Or do I get request a 3.80 unicorn to break the 10.0 mm mark? What I have learned buying diamonds since 1979, that I always regretted it later when I compromised too much.

 

[motownmama]

I’m much less willing to compromise on my ER and anniversary 3-stone than my studs or pendant.

 

[sledge]

I am pondering this question myself if I ever upgrade to a 4ct.
Currently my e-ring stones are all F color:
3.01 F-SI1 pear
2.79 F-VS1 CBI
2.21 F-SI1 CBI

Facing up, the CBIs are all whiter than the pear. But from the side, I notice a very very slight tint (used to own a 2.05 D-VS2 oval that I traded in for the pear) on all of them.

If I upgrade (would trade in my 2.21 CBI and put the 2.79 CBI in a 3-stone) I would not compromise on the VS1 for a stone of this size, but could I go from a F to a G color?
There is an estimated $23k to 25k difference in price. Or do I get request a 3.80 unicorn to break the 10.0 mm mark? What I have learned buying diamonds since 1979, that I always regretted it later when I compromised too much.

It's funny you mention this. When I was going through the debacle with my fiancee about her seeing tint in the H VS2 stone I picked for her, I used some of your photos as a comparison for F color (as I thought they were very white for an F) and she immediately spotted tint. Ugh. Now granted, it's a picture and exact screen colors vary. I honestly think for her, a D/E is the right color to deal with her sensitivity and then I think she's going to see every wall or object around her reflect it's color into the stone.

Apparently (for now) we are staying put with the H VS2 as it has sentimental value to her. I have tried talking her into an upgrade so she could get a diamond how I intended it to be for her, but she's stubborn. Maybe when DSS kicks in I will get to upgrade color and size, lol.

Either way, I didn't say any of this to bash your stones. I used them to show her thinking they were rather gorgeous and some of my favorites on here. I'm not sure if you will ever get your unicorn, but I can't wait to see it when/if you do.

 

[Johnbt]

I'm 68 and I compromised. I bought her what she wanted.

She picked out a 1.51 F VVS2 WF ACA. I offered to buy the same thing in an E or F in a 2+, but she thought it was too big for her 5.5 finger. There was a 1.7 ACA...too big. I tried.

I wonder though, why buy a so-called colorless F? I’m partially colorblind and I can see colors in it...

 

[JPie]

the first thing i'm willing to exchange for value though, is newness, even though it takes a lot of time and effort imho to find good pre-owned buys.

I feel the same way, especially when it comes to antique jewelry.

I sacrificed color for size and I have to say I regret it a TINY** bit. I have a J Colored and although it faces up white, i can definitely see the yellowness from the sides (which is the angle I look at it mostly from). It sparkles like crazy though so no one else will ever notice the warmer color.. All they see is a big sparkly stone.

However, if I could turn back time... I'd probably have gone with a lower color and just paid the extra on it now that I know it bugs me a tad bit.

I was the opposite; I sacrificed size for color and ended up with a 1.02 F VVS2 stone. I do love how it's icy bright but I wonder if I would've been as happy, if not more so, with a bigger diamond in a warmer color.

I’m kind of learning this myself. I want what I want and that’s that. I might have to save up for it or whatever. This is for my “serious” pieces.

I have a lot of fun lower budget things where I’ll go for the look and not the precision.

If you don't mind my asking, at what price point does something make the leap from fun to serious for you?

I think for me, it's anything over $1,500.

If I upgrade (would trade in my 2.21 CBI and put the 2.79 CBI in a 3-stone) I would not compromise on the VS1 for a stone of this size, but could I go from a F to a G color?
There is an estimated $23k to 25k difference in price. Or do I get request a 3.80 unicorn to break the 10.0 mm mark? What I have learned buying diamonds since 1979, that I always regretted it later when I compromised too much.

Go big or go home!

It's funny you mention this. When I was going through the debacle with my fiancee about her seeing tint in the H VS2 stone I picked for her, I used some of your photos as a comparison for F color (as I thought they were very white for an F) and she immediately spotted tint. Ugh. Now granted, it's a picture and exact screen colors vary. I honestly think for her, a D/E is the right color to deal with her sensitivity and then I think she's going to see every wall or object around her reflect it's color into the stone.

Apparently (for now) we are staying put with the H VS2 as it has sentimental value to her. I have tried talking her into an upgrade so she could get a diamond how I intended it to be for her, but she's stubborn. Maybe when DSS kicks in I will get to upgrade color and size, lol.

Either way, I didn't say any of this to bash your stones. I used them to show her thinking they were rather gorgeous and some of my favorites on here. I'm not sure if you will ever get your unicorn, but I can't wait to see it when/if you do.

Did your fiance say that tint bothers her, or did she simply say that she can see it?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I have some narrow preferences, but I also have made some compromises along the way!

1. Cut: No compromise. I only like great cut diamonds.

2. Color and Clarity: I'd ideally want around G VS1 for a mrb engagement ring (F would be even better, but I don't like the price!). That's what I had before my current ring. Then I decided I wanted an AVR to have the OEC cut with the light return I am accustomed to. But Jon just never got any stones above 2 cts higher than I color. I finally sent for those two stones and kept the larger of the two. It is I VS1, and if I could magically make it an H, I would. But I can handle the color better in an antique style cut. My studs are Whiteflash ACAs, H VS2. That's my sweet spot for studs. In addition, I was lucky to get an antique asscher that looked fabulous in pictures, but I was very afraid of the color and clarity, K SI1. But the friend who had it first said not to worry, it was gorgeous in person. I fell in love when I saw it...the color looked soft off-white and the stone is eyeclean (just a couple of crystal specs with a loupe). So that was a big compromise! Then I ended up with an O VVS1 AVR and it is a beautiful light yellow which I adore! So basically, I am open to other colors, but each stone has to be evaluated individually. I really do prefer high clarity, but I consider my one SI1 an exceptional stone. Cut is still the important factor that makes compromises elsewhere possible! But none of my choices involved compromises for a bargain, because all of them are fairly rare stones.

 

[sledge]

Did your fiance say that tint bothers her, or did she simply say that she can see it?

She's never directly told me it bothers her, rather than she can see it. I think it may bother her to some degree, but I don't think I will ever get her to admit it. Sadly, it's become a "joke" that her diamond is yellow. I dunno -- maybe I'm just butt hurt about it and she knows it and likes to tease me.

Then, like last night for instance, we will be out for dinner or something and she will mention that someone said her ring was gorgeous and sparkly her ring was and she smiles.

I beat the dead horse 2 or 3 times before I resigned to letting her live with the H. She told me she sees no point in upgrading now as she would likely see tint in almost any stone. She saw a GIA D IF in-store and said she saw color in that. I think she must have been high that day, or else she is seeing the "contrast" and calls that color.

Honestly, the more I've dealt with it, the more I'm sick about it. If I had a re-do button I'd just buy a damn D/E and be done with it. Yes, it's becoming a sore spot.

 

[PreRaphaelite]

I have learned that if I don't buy the best quality of whatever item it is that I am buying, I will just lose money in the end upgrading to what it was that I wanted in the first place. A bargain isn't a bargain if it doesn't make you feel the way you do when you have something that makes your heart sing.

This, this exactly!

ETA, for me, it has taken several years (and selling all my personal jewellery every so often and starting over) in order to finally find what really works for me. I’m just into antiques now and have nearly zero budget to spend on jewels. Chips, odd cuts, deeper colors, and odd sizes are what work for me. To each his own! Isn’t it wonderful that we each have differing taste!

 

[whitewave]

@JPie I guess $2500

Edited: the cheaper the better

 

[lovedogs]

I’m kind of learning this myself. I want what I want and that’s that. I might have to save up for it or whatever. This is for my “serious” pieces.

I have a lot of fun lower budget things where I’ll go for the look and not the precision.

This. I've learned the hard way that compromising and buying something that I like less because it's cheaper is a mistake and ends up with me feeling like I wasted money.

I'm being more careful now than I was when I found PS a few yrs ago, and saving for pieces that are more "special".

To me, anything over $500 is "serious". That isn't to say it has to be "perfect" by PS standards, but I just don't want to compromise my own likes/aesthetic preferences on pieces that are more than 500.

 

[JPie]

She's never directly told me it bothers her, rather than she can see it. I think it may bother her to some degree, but I don't think I will ever get her to admit it. Sadly, it's become a "joke" that her diamond is yellow. I dunno -- maybe I'm just butt hurt about it and she knows it and likes to tease me.

Then, like last night for instance, we will be out for dinner or something and she will mention that someone said her ring was gorgeous and sparkly her ring was and she smiles.

I beat the dead horse 2 or 3 times before I resigned to letting her live with the H. She told me she sees no point in upgrading now as she would likely see tint in almost any stone. She saw a GIA D IF in-store and said she saw color in that. I think she must have been high that day, or else she is seeing the "contrast" and calls that color.

Honestly, the more I've dealt with it, the more I'm sick about it. If I had a re-do button I'd just buy a damn D/E and be done with it. Yes, it's becoming a sore spot.

Given that she has never said that the tint bothers her, but she has told you happily about the compliments that she's gotten, it's reasonable to conclude that the tint genuinely doesn't bother her and you did good! Seeing tint isn't inherently a bad thing. I see the tint in my H cluster ring and I'd smack my husband if he kept insisting on replacing it with something else.

 

[MissGotRocks]

I personally will not sacrifice my color/clarity comfort for size. In the end, I think all stones shrink over time as your eyes adjust and what seemed like wow! will appear very normal in a short amount of time.

Settling just doesn't work for me - it does for some and that is a wonderful thing. We are all different though and knowing what will make you happy and what won't is truly a core value and eliminates a lot of heartache.

 

[holeydonut]

I don't think it's a matter of what the ring purchaser is willing to compromise; it's more of what the recipient of the ring is willing to compromise.

I believe the Four C’s are a bit misleading. The categories of Color, Clarity, Carat, and Cut are widely taught to diamond shoppers. But, I think that for diamond shopping, the Four C’s should be re-branded as “The 3 Constraints and The Cut.”

To me, the “Constraints” are Color (including fluorescence), Clarity, and Carat. The constraints manifest as a floor that cannot be dropped below. The constraints cannot be established using charts and blog posts. The constraints require a hands-on interaction with gems at a jewelry store or diamond trade show to determine what the recipient would be happy with.

The remaining “C” of Cut is the factor to maximize. The cut is the only attribute informed by the craftsman’s (or woman’s) skill. The three constraints are determined by nature or by the selection of raw materials. The Cut represents the unique knowledge, process, and talent that can maximize the potential of the source material.

The best case is that after setting a budget and understanding the Color/Clarity/Carat constraints; there should be a diamond out there that has the best possible cut. In that event, you've found the best diamond for your unique situation.

 

[holeydonut]

Here are a couple of examples around the color Constraint. In these halos, the F melee causes a noticeable contrast with the I/J center stones.

While some people like a bit of warmth in the center stone, it's probably best to find out ahead of time if the melee/center color differential found in these two rings would be ok before buying them.

 

[Golden_bird]

She's never directly told me it bothers her, rather than she can see it. I think it may bother her to some degree, but I don't think I will ever get her to admit it. Sadly, it's become a "joke" that her diamond is yellow. I dunno -- maybe I'm just butt hurt about it and she knows it and likes to tease me.

Then, like last night for instance, we will be out for dinner or something and she will mention that someone said her ring was gorgeous and sparkly her ring was and she smiles.

I beat the dead horse 2 or 3 times before I resigned to letting her live with the H. She told me she sees no point in upgrading now as she would likely see tint in almost any stone. She saw a GIA D IF in-store and said she saw color in that. I think she must have been high that day, or else she is seeing the "contrast" and calls that color.

Honestly, the more I've dealt with it, the more I'm sick about it. If I had a re-do button I'd just buy a damn D/E and be done with it. Yes, it's becoming a sore spot.

Oh I hear you !! F is the sweet spot ! I don’t see any color and I am crazy sensitive I don’t see difference between my F and E

 

[AprilBaby]

I need the best cut, I won’t go below H for color, a nice SI1 at the lowest. Size, the biggest I can afford with the above specs.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Top ideal H&A G/H VS2 stone with a small table + a high crown. If I had a lot of $$$ I'd go F VS1.