Mismatched diamonds-what to do?

[Selkie]

I am planning on having a sapphire and two diamonds set in a three stone ring. I had them appraised, and have detailed specs on all three. Here is one issue that has come up: the diamonds are both about .25 carat, one is IF, and one is VVS2. So far so good. However, the IF is an L color, while the other is G. I first noticed the color difference when I had them loose on a white background. Originally both were set in a pair of yellow gold earrings given to me by my grandmother, so they do have sentimental value.

I''m trying to decide how much the difference might bother me, once they are set in white metal on either side of the sapphire (which is 6mm). I''ve attached a pic of the setting. I think my options are:
1) Set them as they are. Nothing is perfect, right?

2) Ask the jeweler to find a match for the one with the better color. What are the chances he would take the L as a trade in? Obviously I would still have to pay something for it, but I''m wondering about the markup.

3) Try to sell the L on my own, and buy a replacement online. Looking at the PS diamond search feature, I''m finding many for around $350-400, which is just about what it appraised for. It doesn''t sound like a lot, but things are somewhat tight for us right now, with BF having bought the sapphire and the cost of the setting coming up.

What would YOU do?

 

[Lorelei]

Tricky....... in my personal experience, I have a ring jacket with L colour .25 diamonds which can be worn with my 1 carat G round, the head of the G is WG and the .25's are in YG. I can't see any difference in the colour between the small L's and the larger G. Unmounted you will see more colour on white paper, but if you set them in white gold - this has a very slight gold tint which might help. I wonder too if the blue of the sapphire would help offset any warmth in the L diamond as it is small too. Look at the diamonds in different lights as you won't see them against stark white anyway when set, you will see less colour when they are mounted and maybe face up you won't notice much difference. I don't know what to tell you, colour is so personal but it is possible that as you only noticed the colour difference against white paper, that once mounted it wouldn't be an issue. Small diamonds show far less colour than larger ones anyway. See what the experts advise as they would be able to advise you better, but I think if it was me I might risk it, especially as they have sentimental value and they would be flanking a sapphire which might neutralize the colour more. It wouldn't be too irrevocable anyway as if you hated the effect you could change the diamond and get another one later when your finances improve.

 

[sluke]

if they have sentimental value, I would not sell them. An L color and G color will be noticeable. Will this be an e-ring or a ring hand ring? If this is not a e-ring, I would just use both diamond if the difference in color will not bother you. The ring will have stones with individual personalities and sentimental value, and will be very unique and beautiful.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/17/2006 11:42:51 AM
Author: slukeif they have sentimental value, I would not sell them. An L color and G color will be noticeable.

It depends on the viewer, I can''t see any difference in mine as I said above, you might not notice much if anything, as you only realised when looking at the diamonds on a piece of white paper, it depends entirely on you and your comfort level. I wish I had a picture or could take one of my set so you could see there really isn''t any difference to me and my Husband anyway. Also clever setting might help to reduce the pavillion view of the diamonds as this is where you will see the most colour. Really look carefully at them in different lights, maybe your jeweller could just drop the sapphire and the diamonds into the setting for you before you commit - this might settle the question. It all depends on how " mind clean " using this diamond is for you, if it will bother you even if it looks good it''s a no go.

 

[firebirdgold]

Hi Selkie!
I think that having the sapphire separating the two will offset any perceived color difference. Also I''ve always thought that warmer diamonds look fab in antique style settings.
My advice is to go ahead with the two diamonds you have, and if it really bothers you, get one of the diamonds replaced in a couple of years. Maybe as an anniversary present you could put a new diamond in the ring and use the old as a pendant?
Also, ask the jeweler not to tell you which diamond is on which side. If you don''t know you may not notice, but if you do you might obsess about it and see more difference than there really is. JMHO.

Who, me, obsessive nature? nah.

 

[Selkie]

Thanks! Lorelei, I''m glad to hear you are happy with the match between your set. I did watch while the appraiser studied the stones, using natural white light, and I have checked them out in other lighting. While I can always pick out the L, it still seems to be a good match in terms of sparkle, and I think it might not be as noticeable in the setting. That''s a good point about the pavilion, too. The setting is pretty enclosed, as you can see from this link: triple victory.

 

[Selkie]

Date: 2/17/2006 1:38:59 PM
Author: Wren
Also, ask the jeweler not to tell you which diamond is on which side. If you don''t know you may not notice, but if you do you might obsess about it and see more difference than there really is. JMHO.


Who, me, obsessive nature? nah.

Oh, excellent idea about not having him tell me. Of course, with MY obsessive nature, I''ll probably try to figure it out myself the second I have it in hand.