Increase in size worth dropping 2 grades in colour?

[Teckie]

Hi...

It''s me again. I''m sorry if this sounds real stupid but I''m in a dilemma deciding between 2 stones.

Although Size is what matters actually but I''m not sure if it is worth dropping 2 (G to J)grades down the colour clarity.

What are your opinions? Is a 0.4mm difference in diameter (for a 5.6mm 0.65ca G stone vs 6.0mm J stone) noticable? Is the larger size worth a couple of hundred dollars and a drop in 2 colour grades? The clarity in the larger stone (although in the same grade) under high magnification looks like it has more inclusions as well.

Both are ideal H&A. both stones look great but i''m in a dilemma. What do you all experts think?

1) G SI1 0.664ca 5.61-5.63mm $1771 inclusions is 2 small crystals and some pinpoints
2) J SI1 0.792ca 6.03-6.05mm $2080 inclusions is a nest of black crystals under table

Thanks

 

[valeria101]

Sure.
The relatively small size and great cut should make these two (G and J notwithstanding) look as white as one may wish. Regardless of what those inclusions are, do you see them? If not, both stones are just as good, I would say

 

[Stephan]

----------------
On 2/20/2004 12:23:59 AM valeria101 wrote:





Sure.
The relatively small size and great cut should make these two (G and J notwithstanding) look as white as one may wish. Regardless of what those inclusions are, do you see them? If not, both stones are just as good, I would say

----------------

I agree with Valeria: both stones are just as good, if the 2 diamonds are eyeclean and have the same quality of cut. I would choose the J, because I already own one and it's white enough in white gold for me AND because in some countries, like in Asia, a lot of people doesn't calculate in carat weight but in mm. By buying the J, you will have a 6mm diamond, what in Asia would be much more expensive than a 5.95mm.

 

[pqcollectibles]

I previewed a 0.85 carat, J, ACA from White Flash last spring that looked great set against white gold and platinum. I currently have a 1.25 carat, J ACA, set in platinum that looks fabulous. If the stone is well cut, you should be fine setting it in white gold. Ask for pics, tho, you don't want the dark crystals under the table showing. Make sure it is eye clean.

 

[diamondsman]

It really all depends on what kind of metal you are going to use,white metals I would go with the GSI1 ,But than ,Since there is not that much of a difference visually between these sizes, and I like the descriprion on the gsi1 better the the J color stone ,I would probably pick the GSI1 anyway.

There is usually a visuall difference in sizes when the stone is about 15+ pts. larger.

good luck

 

[Teckie]

Oh I forgot to add, the HCA scoring (on this website)for the respective stones

G SI1 0.664 is Ex VG VG Spread: VG Total visual performance 2.1-VG
J SI1 0.792 is Ex Ex Ex Spread: VG Total visual performance 1.3-EX

What is this HCA all about anyway?

Linda told me that both diamonds are eye clean.

 

[Teckie]

Thanks PQ for your reply.

Linda is really nice and patient too. I'm like very fickle in deciding about things but will certainly make one today. its just a matter of which one. Everything points to the larger stone actually, except the fact that it has a nest of black crystals under the table (which i'm unsure of)

Have a look and compare J SI1

 

[Teckie]

compared to this G SI1

 

[tomatoe]

mark, i like the look of the diamond in the 2nd pic, not so yellowish and cleaner .... even though it is almost 0.1ct smaller

 

[Patty]

Just want to point out that going from a G to a J is dropping 3 colors, not two.

 

[Hest88]

The size does make a significant-enough visual difference so that I'd go for the larger one. J is when you start getting that iffiness in terms of color, though in a well-cut stone set in a solitaire it may not be noticable to a normal person.

I guess we have no othe choice but these two?

 

[Nicrez]

I would go with the G as well. Normally a J is just as good, but the G really looks white and sparkly...Even if it's smaller, it seems it would attract more attention and all those wanted oohs and ahhs....

 

[Teckie]

Herst88... well unfortunately my budget allows for these 2 stones only. There is an I SI2 stone that's 0.795 but theres too many inclusions for my liking.

Oh well... so the poll is on

3(G) vs 3(J)

Sigh...all your comments reflect my dilemma really... (sharper, clearer vs bigger) How about the HCA figures? do they mean anything at all?

Thanks though for them...

 

[Chas_T]

Comparing the two stones, I'd go for the G SI1. There is a vast noticable difference in color grades and when you place them side by side, the G SI1 just looks much better.

However, unless you are in a hurry and you may be, would it be prudent to extend yourself to do more online shopping or wait until this vendor acquires more inventory??

I've been caught up in the buyers excitement and focused on the event of the purchase, rather then be patient and wait for the right product. My point is, these are not the only diamonds in the world that will match your criteria and budget. With limited experience in the world of diamonds, it appears every stone is different. After speaking with numerous people in the trade and reading extensively, each stone is very individual and displays unique characteristics. Tomorrow is another day and something else may come your way. Just some thoughts on this end.

Gun to the head, I'd choose the G SI1.

Much Luck,
Charles

 

[Giangi]

Tough call. Normally I would advise to for the larger J color one, but in this case the G looks cleaner, whiter and with a slightly better make. I guess my choice would be related to how I was planning to set it... White gold? Solitaire or elaborate?

Just FYI, I checked with some nice and reputable websites and found some interesting stones:
0.70 SUPERBcert Round VVS1 J $2,308.60
0.71 SUPERBcert Round SI2 G $2,495.65
0.71 SUPERBcert Round SI1 H $2,495.65

 

[Patty]

I normally would go for size over color and I love pq's "J" stone, but when I compare the two pictures you posted the G looks so much prettier.

 

[pqcollectibles]

I would find it hard to say there is a noticible color difference since the back light is so different on each pic. The whole pic of the J is darker, and the whole pic of the G is whiter, backgrounds included.

I do see the inclusions in the J tho. They are in the 6-7 o'clock position. These are magnified pics, so it would be hard to say the inclusions will be noticible in regular viewing.

 

[Patty]

pq...Good point on the background being darker on the J picture. The pictures probably do not reflect the true colors of the stones.

 

[Giangi]

Could you ask for a side by side comparison shot? It would be interesting to see color, size and cut difference in the same light and background conditions.

 

[Teckie]

Giangi, i intend to set it in a 4 prong white gold solitaire.

The pics are sent to me by Linda so I'm not sure about the lighting and stuff. I don't think I would want to trouble Linda for a side by side comparison shot. I think i've been enough of a bother.

It the difference in the 2 magnified pictures that makes me wanna pick the smaller stone but the HCA scores are well different for the 2 as well. one is excellent and the other (smaller) is just very good.

 

[pqcollectibles]

Teckie~

Linda is known for her level of customer service. We all know this is a HUGE decision. Linda knows it too. If a side by side pic will help you decide, I'm sure Linda will gladly provide it for you. She would much rather take a few pics for you and have you completely satisfied than you choose a stone and continue to wonder.

 

[Teckie]

PQ,
All I have to say is Wow, Linda is great in terms of customer service. Nothing is too troublesome for her. We're having this conversation on the forum and there they are busy taking photos of the 2 diamonds side by side for me to compare.... and i'd never even asked them to do so!!

Here are the pics...

 

[Teckie]

another

 

[Teckie]

another

 

[Giangi]

No doubts about that... Get the J hands down! There's a noticeable color difference, but the difference in size is much more obvious!

Beautiful stones, BTW!

 

[pqcollectibles]

WOW!! Those are some great pics!! The J is definitely eye clean there. And, against the white background,.... The size is much more obvious to me than the color. Yes I see the J is warmer, but not 3 grades warmer looking. IMHO the J would look fine in white metal. It is not yuck yellow or dingy brown. Coupled with the great cut, the J looks like a good choice to get more size. If the J is out of your comfort zone, that G looks like it will be a real dazzler!! You can't loose here. Either way you go.

 

[glitterata]

They're both beautiful. Based on those pictures, I'd go for the J. It looks eye clean, very similar in color face up, and a whole lot bigger.

 

[mercerdnky]

Based on the side by side pictures, both are beautiful. My preference would be the J - more romantic looking (and it's bigger

)

 

[Jennifer5973]

Definitely the J...I couldn't even SEE the color change until I stared at the monitor for 5 min.

 

[pauls girl]

I'd say go for the J too...It's definitely noticeably larger. They are both really pretty stones!