Need advice on ''I'' color Lucida

[MrT]

Hi, I'm trying to decide on a ring... I'm pretty sure I want to go with a Tiffany Lucida (I'm well aware of the huge price premium for the blue box...). What do you think about the two following options:

.73 F VVS1
1.05 I VS1

(The 1.05 is almost $2k more than the .73, and is at the max limit of my budget...).

So the decision is better quality vs. smaller carat size, or worse quality & larger carat size. Would most women appreciate smaller & better quality, or would most opt for larger with worse (but still very acceptable) specs?

The color is what concerns me about the larger one... is "I" too much of a compromise? I could see the color difference when the two were side by side -- but I guess on a day-to-day basis it'll probalby be unnoticeable?

 

[vintagelover229]

I''d get the I VS2. You wont be able to see the color outside of comparing it right to the F and there isnt any reason to pay for the VVS quality when you can''t see the difference with your eyes. She''ll be thrilled with the size, and it will face up white!

Its a beautiful ring!

Congrats!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/20/2009 6:32:53 PM
Author:MrT
Hi, I'm trying to decide on a ring... I'm pretty sure I want to go with a Tiffany Lucida (I'm well aware of the huge price premium for the blue box...). What do you think about the two following options:

.73 F VVS1
1.05 I VS1

(The 1.05 is almost $2k more than the .73, and is at the max limit of my budget...).

So the decision is better quality vs. smaller carat size, or worse quality & larger carat size. Would most women appreciate smaller & better quality, or would most opt for larger with worse (but still very acceptable) specs?

The color is what concerns me about the larger one... is 'I' too much of a compromise? I could see the color difference when the two were side by side -- but I guess on a day-to-day basis it'll probalby be unnoticeable?

Yes. But they aren't bad specs on the I, at all. Cut is most important.

What are the diameters, do you know? It could be, not a ton of difference in face up size.

The I "could" show some color/warmth, but it wouldn't be horrible.

Is there nothing inbetween?

 

[tyty333]

Larger I VS1 would be my choice!

 

[MrT]

So that''s 3 votes for the ''I'', any against?

Ellen, I don''t know the diameters (you mean depth % etc, right?). To answer your question, those are the only two options at my price range at the local Tiffany''s, though I suppose I could have them check their other stores & see if they could find something a little bit smaller than the 1.05 with a bit of a better color grade.

 

[the tree sees]

MrT,

I wouldn''t think in terms of what a "better" color grade is. Color is a matter of preference, and is largely unnoticeable face-up, particularly on well-cut diamonds. Watch the video tutorials prepared by Jonathan ("Rhino" on this forum); they are extremely helpful and helped undo the prejudice instilled in me about this of "the 4 Cs"--right now I''m waiting on an incredibly beautiful color I stone from Brian Gavin! (My thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/proposal-alert-my-turn.118107/).

What diamond color isn''t:
http://www.vimeo.com/917255

What diamond color is:
http://www.vimeo.com/3288695

Lastly, take a look at this stone posted by a fellow PSer. Ignore the blue that appears in some of the photos--that''s just a reflection of her t-shirt! Then check out the diamond''s color, in her last post.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/forgive-me-i-cant-resist-posting-some-pics-usin-my-new-cam.117658/

Best,

Jason

 

[jstarfireb]

I would definitely get the larger stone, and I think most women would agree (particularly considering that the larger one is above the "magic" 1ct mark). Also keep in mind that Lucidas, like princesses, Asschers, and other square fancies, tend to face up small. As for color, I have an I color princess (not of course a Lucida, but similar because fancy shapes tend to show more color than round). The color is only perceptible in certain lighting environments, and even then only from the sides rather than face up. From the top I can''t tell that it''s not colorless, even when comparing it to a colorless stone. Part of this depends on how color-sensitive you are, but I color is really a good bargain. Love the Lucida cut BTW!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/21/2009 12:23:38 AM
Author: jstarfireb
I would definitely get the larger stone, and I think most women would agree (particularly considering that the larger one is above the ''magic'' 1ct mark). Also keep in mind that Lucidas, like princesses, Asschers, and other square fancies, tend to face up small. As for color, I have an I color princess (not of course a Lucida, but similar because fancy shapes tend to show more color than round). The color is only perceptible in certain lighting environments, and even then only from the sides rather than face up. From the top I can''t tell that it''s not colorless, even when comparing it to a colorless stone. Part of this depends on how color-sensitive you are, but I color is really a good bargain. Love the Lucida cut BTW!

Ditto, also I think Bee has an I colour Lucida and is delighted with how white it is.

 

[vespergirl]

Definitely go with the larger I color.

 

[D&T]

Go larger I gets my vote!

 

[MrT]

Thanks for all the responses! I guess I feel better about the ''I'' now... & thanks for the link to the videos, Jason.

The ''D'' does look really awesome in the video, but I guess like the guy said, & showed, in the video, you''re not going to be able to tell unless the diamond is upside down, in lab conditions, etc. Meanwhile, the size difference between a 0.7 to a 1 carat *is* noticeable...

 

[neatfreak]

Honestly I would have them do an inventory search for you and see if you can get something in a .9-.99 sweet spot. That way you could get a bigger size AND be more comfortable with the color because you could go a bit higher.

 

[jstarfireb]

Date: 6/21/2009 10:28:18 PM
Author: neatfreak
Honestly I would have them do an inventory search for you and see if you can get something in a .9-.99 sweet spot. That way you could get a bigger size AND be more comfortable with the color because you could go a bit higher.

Good idea...not to mention, look for something with lower clarity if possible. Tiffany now sells SI1s. But VS2 would also be less expensive.