How much can you really tell just by looking at a diamond?

[Peepa]

I''m getting the feeling that most everyone here is a huge fan of the EX cuts, polish, etc. I''ll probably always be a newbie because when I look at someone''s diamond, the only thing that turns me off is clarity and that''s only if I can see obvious black spots without looking at it very close. Just curious, without actually comparing side by side, will someone be able to tell the quality of cut and when does it become "ugly" or "cheap looking?" What do YOU think? I probably frustrate jewelers because even when comparing I couldn''t even tell a difference between an H and a J and only a slight difference between an H and a K. Eek!

 

[meresal]

I''m the same as you. I have no clue, other than color after about H, and clarity up to a certain level. Probably VS1 or 2.

 

[girlie-girl]

Date: 7/18/2008 12:34:00 PM
Author:Peepa
I'm getting the feeling that most everyone here is a huge fan of the EX cuts, polish, etc. I'll probably always be a newbie because when I look at someone's diamond, the only thing that turns me off is clarity and that's only if I can see obvious black spots without looking at it very close. Just curious, without actually comparing side by side, will someone be able to tell the quality of cut and when does it become 'ugly' or 'cheap looking?' What do YOU think? I probably frustrate jewelers because even when comparing I couldn't even tell a difference between an H and a J and only a slight difference between an H and a K. Eek!

The cut, symmetry and polish is going to affect a diamond's beauty much more than its color will.

To me a diamond doesn't become 'ugly' or 'cheap' as the color changes, I classify it that way when it has no sparkle or personality. If it looks like a frozen piece of spit mounted on a band of gold I'd definitely call it ugly. I tend to be quite color sensitive and am naturally drawn to the D and E stones, so comparing those to an H I'd definitely notice a difference. It still wouldn't make the H ugly OR cheap, it just makes it less likely that it'll jump out at me.

Even saying that, if a D or E stone isn't cut well it too could look like a frozen piece of spit, albeit a very white one. LOL

 

[purrfectpear]

Visually you will be able to tell a stone that is cut too shallow, or too deep because both affect the looks of the diamond if extreme.

 

[Hera]

I was at a restaurant and a woman walked in the room and her diamond was practically blinding me. When I looked at mine to admire it in the obvious good lighting, I noticed mine wasn''t sparkling near as much. Turns out my diamond had a nasty fish eye and it was clearly noticable when compared to other rings. That being said, everyone had always complimented me on the diamond, but I had to change it out because I noticed the difference.

 

[Fly Girl]

What I notice is how dirty most diamonds are.

How can you tell cut, color or inclusions when they are covered with lotion???

Keep yours clean, and you are waaaaay ahead of the game!!

 

[scarleta]

Very good question.I have no clue at all, but always manage to pick the most expensive stone to look at.Don''t know how it happens but it always does happen that way..

 

[choro72]

Thanks for bringing this up! I thought I was the only ps''er that couldn''t tell. I can only tell unless it''s sitting side by side to an excellent cut stone. But then, I can''t even tell between Soda and Diet Soda unless I do a comparison tasting.

 

[Lauren8211]

Date: 7/18/2008 3:41:25 PM
Author: choro72
Thanks for bringing this up! I thought I was the only ps''er that couldn''t tell. I can only tell unless it''s sitting side by side to an excellent cut stone. But then, I can''t even tell between Soda and Diet Soda unless I do a comparison tasting.

Ditto.

Well not so much the soda thing. I can sense diet a MILE away. GROSS!

 

[joflier]

Date: 7/18/2008 2:23:34 PM
Author: Fly Girl
What I notice is how dirty most diamonds are.

How can you tell cut, color or inclusions when they are covered with lotion???

Keep yours clean, and you are waaaaay ahead of the game!!

This drives me nuts!!!! I can''t understand how someone doesn''t notice that their diamond looks like it just got pulled out of the garbage can. I just want to ask them if i can take it home and clean it. I''ll bring it right back......promise!

 

[Tuckins1]

I think that the most important things to look for when "eye balling" a stone is 1. Are there visible inclusions/chunks? and 2. Does it sparkle? I don''t even care that much about color- I like icy white and warmer colors. As long as the stone sparkles and has "fire" (little rainbows) It would be ok with me!!!