negating yellow hue in I color emerald cut

[London]

I am currently debating on buying a 4crt I VS1 emerald cut diamond. I love everything about it. The only thing I am very slightly concerned about is the very slight hue of yellow I see in some lights. However, I've tried on H emerald and felt they were too white on my hand (sort of medium tan/olivey) so I think I may actually like the very slight yellow hue once the diamond is set. So in other words I don't necessarily want the diamond to look whiter but I do want it to look less yellow... not sure if that makes sense

Now the question is what is the best setting to negate the yellow?

I've thought maybe I would do a plat basket with yellow band. And then I read somewhere on PS that you can do an entirely yellow setting where only the inside of the prongs are white so the diamond doesn't reflect the yellow gold. And then I was debating a yellow gold bezel with white inside again so the diamond doesn't reflect the yellow.

If the inside of the setting is white and outside yellow do you think the diamond will still reflect the yellow?

Any other ideas's on what would be the best setting to make an I color emerald diamond look not as yellow? Thoughts/comment/pics would be greatly appreciated

 

[Lorelei]

I am currently debating on buying a 4crt I VS1 emerald cut diamond. I love everything about it. The only thing I am very slightly concerned about is the very slight hue of yellow I see in some lights. However, I've tried on H emerald and felt they were too white on my hand (sort of medium tan/olivey) so I think I may actually like the very slight yellow hue once the diamond is set. So in other words I don't necessarily want the diamond to look whiter but I do want it to look less yellow... not sure if that makes sense

Now the question is what is the best setting to negate the yellow?

I've thought maybe I would do a plat basket with yellow band. And then I read somewhere on PS that you can do an entirely yellow setting where only the inside of the prongs are white so the diamond doesn't reflect the yellow gold. And then I was debating a yellow gold bezel with white inside again so the diamond doesn't reflect the yellow.

If the inside of the setting is white and outside yellow do you think the diamond will still reflect the yellow?

Any other ideas's on what would be the best setting to make an I color emerald diamond look not as yellow? Thoughts/comment/pics would be greatly appreciated

Hi London,

Just popping in to try to give you some assistance, bear with me though, it's been a while....

First, some thoughts. That's a pretty major stone ...yum...., but the first thing we need to know is, which lab graded it, GIA or other? This can make a difference as some labs are believed to be less strict on grading a diamond than GIA or AGS. So this info is important. When you compared it to an H colour EC, which lab graded that diamond too? Again, this is important to try as far as you can with these highly variable shapes, to grade apples to apples as near as possible. You wouldn't really be able to get a decent comparison when comparing two similar size and cut quality EC's if the grading labs differ. Also, step cuts do show more warmth than more brilliant cuts and in a honker of that size , the effect could be more noticeable, it comes with the territory of a huge rock that unless you go for colourless GIA or AGS/ HRD graded, you might see a little candle glow as I think of it and bear in mind to check the sides of the stone as any warmth you see face up could be more apparent from the side views.

Also the cut quality is so important but depending on where and how you might be buying it, we would normally request a reflector image of the stone, an ASET image which can be so helpful in analysing the cut quality. The cut has a huge influence on beauty and an ASET image gives a lot of information, but that depends how in depth you want to go and if an image is available even. If this diamond is with a brick and mortar store then ASET images can be hard to procure, with one of the online vendors, often an ASET is readily available on request. Cut quality can also influence how face up colour will show, a ' busy' sparkly diamond will hide body warmth more effectively than a rubbish cut lazy diamond that doesn't do much. If you had images then our strmrider could check them out and advise and although I am in touch with him I am so out of things I don't know if he is posting anymore...

Also, be that as it may, although an unset stone will normally look whiter when set, do remember when you get the diamond home on your finger , that you will be viewing it in all kinds of light and it will look whiter in some than others. You don't want to be playing that crazy game of dashing around inside and out '' oh blast, it looks a bit yellow in this light...''* runs outside...* '' phew! No its ok, not yellow...'' * goes back in house to bedroom*...''does it look slightly yellow in here...??* NO! And so on. Been there, done that...T shirt...along with many many others. So ask if you can check the stone out away from bright jewellery store lights that can make even the most pathetic specimen of frozen spit look tempting. Then you will have a better idea of how the diamond will look if you buy it.

The stone may well appear to be less warm when set, as far as I am aware, the best way to set to minimize warmth could be to go for white metal prongs with a YG band, but other's opinions may differ as some believe a bezel might be preferable or that yellow metal against the stone might offer contrast to the body warmth of the stone. Individual eyes and mileages can vary.

You might find a stone with blue fluorescence of medium or strong might reduce warmth in a stone, but this effect is normally only visible in the right viewing conditions.

So to sum up, there are definitely factors to consider that might slightly improve the look of this big rock to your satisfaction but I wonder if this diamond is going to please you in the long run...I have seen this hundreds of times and it is a concern regarding colour, make sure this diamond is what you want by checking it out in everyday viewing conditions and also check you have a guaranteed return policy if you pull the trigger. Some vendors will let you have the stone on approval, see if this particular one offers that. If you decide against this particular diamond keep looking, nicely cut EC's in this size can be scarce but certainly not impossible to find.

If you could give us some more info on the lab that graded this diamond etc, then we have a place to start from. But bear in mind, this lovely big stone is what it is, in some lights and circumstances, you might see a bit of warmth, I would expect that in an I colour of that size, even one GIA or AGS graded. That wouldn't bother me as I don't need an Icy White Diamond ( bit of old PS history ) but your mileage may vary.

I hope this post isn't too rubbish and you get some help from it, but it's been a long time!

When you get your ring, please post some pics, I love EC's, especially big ones....yum.

 

[JulieN]

Lorelei!

 

[Lorelei]

Lorelei!

JULIE!!!!!!!!!!!! Hello my love, how are you??? xoxoxoxoxo

 

[JulieN]

Doing good, but we have missed you!

 

[Andelain]

Lorelei! You've been missed!

 

[Lorelei]

I am so glad you are well Julie, I missed you too and your maths wizardry! It's so good to see you!

Ande, it's brilliant to see you too , I missed you all so much and never forgot any of you, we had such good times didn't we....* sniff*

 

[Gypsy]

Ok, so... are you going to take the stone to the appraiser or have it sent there like I recommended in your other thread?

What made you decide on the EC versus the Asscher?

I still think you should get more information than an lab report and a photo before spending all that money, and would again recommend taking the stone to an appraiser and getting an ASET or looking at it through and ASET. Not to mention getting their in person assessment of the stone.

And Patrick Davis is close to you. And from all reports he's very good and affordable too.

You can take it there yourself in your return window too. But please, make sure you do your due diligence.


Now about the setting and metal colors.

Here's my experience. Fancies have personalities. Some fancy stones really shine in platinum, some don't. Some really love pave. Others prefer baguettes next to them.

I KNOW from your other threads you are burned out on BMs. BUT, I would strongly advise you take the stone, once you have it to Singlestone, Mark Broumand, and 23rd street (all relatively close to you) and put the stone into as many settings as possible (they'll just take the tweezers and put it in the prongs or hold it over the settings) and that way you can see what your stone prefers and looks best in.

I really think fancies just need to be experimented with to see what they, as individuals, look best with. Once have you the stone (and it has been appraised and you are sure you are keeping it), take a weekend and just go to the stores above and see how it performs next to platinum, yellow gold, pave, engraving... whatever.

That way you'll know for yourself what YOUR stone looks best with. Since that's what we're trying to maximize. Plus you'll get an idea of what looks best on your hands, and what doesn't. Which is very important as well. I love shopping online. But really, there are just some things you have to do in reality not virtually, and one of them is trying on settings to see what compliments both your hands and your stone.



Also, since if you do buy the I step cut. I really hope you learn to love the color instead of fighting against it and wishing it wasn't there. Because if you are going to have that experience, I think it's better that you just pass on this stone and get a higher color one (I know what a long road this has been but still, it's a LOT of money for something that makes you wince when it flashes warmth at you once in a while). I just would hate to have you back here in a year with a thread that says, "upgrade to H color on 4 carat EC worth it?" There is nothing wrong with an I. I love I stones. The slight tint itself is warm and inviting to me. But an I is not an F or a G... and if that's what you REALLY want, there's just no point in getting an I, IMO.

So if you DO have a generous return window (hopefully at least two weeks!), maybe spring for a 300 dollar temp setting for it for now and wear it for a short time (during the return window) to make sure you love the WHOLE STONE, including the I color, before the time runs out and you are stuck with a purchase you regret.

 

[Gypsy]

Oh, And I have to post this for you.

My current obsession for a never-going-to-happen honking huge EC.

(From Singlestone, seriously you need to go there and to the others I mentioned!).

 

[tyty333]

I am so glad you are well Julie, I missed you too and your maths wizardry! It's so good to see you!

Ande, it's brilliant to see you too , I missed you all so much and never forgot any of you, we had such good times didn't we....* sniff*

Lorelei...we really miss you around here! Please stay...

 

[Lorelei]

I am so glad you are well Julie, I missed you too and your maths wizardry! It's so good to see you!

Ande, it's brilliant to see you too , I missed you all so much and never forgot any of you, we had such good times didn't we....* sniff*

Lorelei...we really miss you around here! Please stay...

Oh Ty, you are such a darling....Looks like you all have been doing a bang up job though!!!!! I am so pleased to see you and all my lovely PSers I missed so much!!!!

Gypsy just hit an important nail squarely on the head and I would like to quote ''I know what a long road this has been but still, it's a LOT of money for something that makes you wince when it flashes warmth at you once in a while...'' BINGO! That's the crux of it. Would this stone's warmth make you wince or can you embrace that as part of the diamond's appeal once there is no going back and the only way to upgrade is to throw a lot more money towards another diamond if this vendor does not offer 100% upgrade policy? An important point to ponder...

 

[yssie]

Lorelei!!!!

Oh my goodness it's been a long time!! It's GOOD to see you back

 

[London]

All the help here is invaluable, seriously.

Lorelei, it is GIA and measurements are 72% table with 61% depth so its cut a little funny but it has really nice step patterning. My favorite is the length to with of 1.22. The H I tried on was GIA at tiffanys.

Gypsy, I am taking it to Patrick today! I can't wait to hear his thoughts. I'm also going to drop into a few local jewelers and get there thoughts. I haven't seen the asscher but if I'm going to be honest with myself I like EC cut more.

I actually have this diamond in hand for today only. Also I need to decide on it today and there wont be any return policy. I'm getting it through someone who can get it for me at about 2.5% better than on-line but I need to make a decision today... Im pretty sure I love it and have jitters but just have to be 100% sure. I'm running around the house looking at it in every single light...

 

[Lorelei]

All the help here is invaluable, seriously.

Lorelei, it is GIA and measurements are 72% table with 61% depth so its cut a little funny but it has really nice step patterning. My favorite is the length to with of 1.22. The H I tried on was GIA at tiffanys.

Gypsy, I am taking it to Patrick today! I can't wait to hear his thoughts. I'm also going to drop into a few local jewelers and get there thoughts. I haven't seen the asscher but if I'm going to be honest with myself I like EC cut more.

I actually have this diamond in hand for today only. Also I need to decide on it today and there wont be any return policy. I'm getting it through someone who can get it for me at about 2.5% better than on-line but I need to make a decision today... Im pretty sure I love it and have jitters but just have to be 100% sure. I'm running around the house looking at it in every single light...

If you have looked at a selection of EC shapes and this one stands out, then that's really important and it's definitely worth an appraiser's opinion. I can imagine you running around the house checking it out frantically, I have burnt a few calories myself doing that! but it's a good way to get a better feel for how the stone will behave in everyday life. The proportions might work well together but I am only guessing without images but having a skilled appraiser that is cut oriented giving their view is worth a lot, plus the L/W ratio is what you want, you are aware of patterning and how it affects the stone, you like what you see there, so it sounds as if this stone is a contender. See what the appraiser says and how you feel once you get the lowdown. It's hard to be 100% sure with a purchase of this magnitude I think, but try to get as close as you can. See what Gypsy says when she comes back and reads your later posts, it sounds as if she has walked with you on this journey and she will have some good insights for you!

Good luck and please report back!

 

[Lorelei]

Lorelei!!!!

Oh my goodness it's been a long time!! It's GOOD to see you back

YISSERS!!!!!

It's so lovely to see you too, how are you m'dear??? I saw your little kitters in his sweet little hat, so pleased to see you! xoxo

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Goodness, Lorelei!!! What a happy surprise to see you here!!!

I am going to start a thread in Hangout so as not to further derail this thread! I hope you will catch us up on what you've been up to!

To the OP...please use a platinum head. I am not fond of 72 tables, so be careful to be sure you compare a lot of stones before buying this one.

 

[London]

Goodness, Lorelei!!! What a happy surprise to see you here!!!

I am going to start a thread in Hangout so as not to further derail this thread! I hope you will catch us up on what you've been up to!

To the OP...please use a platinum head. I am not fond of 72 tables, so be careful to be sure you compare a lot of stones before buying this one.

72 tables?

 

[Lorelei]

Goodness, Lorelei!!! What a happy surprise to see you here!!!

I am going to start a thread in Hangout so as not to further derail this thread!

Hey 'Seekies, I was hoping to find you!!! I am trying to see the names match the avatars as the names aren't showing up for me, but it's so lovely to see you! Hugs! I will be over in Hangout and try to catch up, I also will need an update on how the forum works now too please if you wouldn't mind, I am really out of the loop! xoxoxo

 

[Gypsy]

(Happy snoopy dance that Lorelei is here).


London,
As DS pointed out the table is in the larger side on that stone and the picture you had didn't have the crown visible, and the depth is well... shallow for an EC. None of that means that it might not still be a winner, you can't buy fancies from the numbers. But it is a bit worrying (did you maybe reverse the table and depth numbers?). So I am VERY happy you are going to Patrick Davis today. Whether it is a "yay" or a "nay" you are doing the right thing by having that stone evaluated professionally before you buy. That's a load off my mind.

I would be SO stressed if I only had the stone for day. OMG. Like Lorelei I can see you running frantically about trying to see it in as much light as possible.

I think it's important to get the shape you want. So I totally get picking one over the other.

So everyone on this thread understands what we are talking about... here are the stone's stats from your other thread.
em cut:
4.22
10.40x8.50x5.18
I VS1 none
61% depth 72% table
9.5% crown height 49.3% pavillion
medium girdle
culet none
ex ex
AGA class tool: 2B




I hope you'll update us on what Patrick says when you get back from your day of frantic diamond evaluation.

 

[London]

Thank you everyone for your input!! I love all the advice!

And a big thank you to Gypsy for pointing me towards Patrick! He was a huge help!

So I decided on ordering the asscher. Although I dont have an ASET of it, I simply couldn't get its amazing picture out of my mind. Also the fact that I am talking about slight yellow in the emerald that bothers me tells me it's a no go. The asscher is 14% smaller than the emerald but I would rather have 14% smaller of amazing than 14% bigger of so-so Also worst comes to worst the asscher is returnable but I am preying that I wont have to go through that process.

I will have the asscher in hand tomorrow morning. No sleeping for me tonight!! I'm scared and so excited!!

specs on whats coming:
sq em cut:
3.70 crt
8.99x8.99x5.76
G VS1 faint
64.1% depth 58%table
13.5% crown height
48% pavilion depth
slightly thick to thick girdle
culet none
ex ex
AGA class tool: 1B

 

[London]

All the help here is invaluable, seriously.

Lorelei, it is GIA and measurements are 72% table with 61% depth so its cut a little funny but it has really nice step patterning. My favorite is the length to with of 1.22. The H I tried on was GIA at tiffanys.

Gypsy, I am taking it to Patrick today! I can't wait to hear his thoughts. I'm also going to drop into a few local jewelers and get there thoughts. I haven't seen the asscher but if I'm going to be honest with myself I like EC cut more.

I actually have this diamond in hand for today only. Also I need to decide on it today and there wont be any return policy. I'm getting it through someone who can get it for me at about 2.5% better than on-line but I need to make a decision today... Im pretty sure I love it and have jitters but just have to be 100% sure. I'm running around the house looking at it in every single light...

If you have looked at a selection of EC shapes and this one stands out, then that's really important and it's definitely worth an appraiser's opinion. I can imagine you running around the house checking it out frantically, I have burnt a few calories myself doing that! but it's a good way to get a better feel for how the stone will behave in everyday life. The proportions might work well together but I am only guessing without images but having a skilled appraiser that is cut oriented giving their view is worth a lot, plus the L/W ratio is what you want, you are aware of patterning and how it affects the stone, you like what you see there, so it sounds as if this stone is a contender. See what the appraiser says and how you feel once you get the lowdown. It's hard to be 100% sure with a purchase of this magnitude I think, but try to get as close as you can. See what Gypsy says when she comes back and reads your later posts, it sounds as if she has walked with you on this journey and she will have some good insights for you!

Good luck and please report back!

Oh it was quite funny! I ran around my entire house. Than I ran around at my parents house! I even took it out to look at it in a Starbucks bathroom!

I could be remembering wrong but I think what Patrick was telling me is that the type of L/W that I like 1.10-1.20 or short fat emeralds generally have a harder time performing as well as a more ideal L/w ratio. I think he also mentioned something about patterning. So this also lead me to thinking that maybe the asscher is a better choice for me. For me I would much prefer a square stone than a longer skinny one.

 

[momhappy]

My personal experience is that if you have a slight concern over a yellowish tint, it's not going to just go away over time. I love my diamond, but I am forever (slightly) bothered by the fact that it has a bit more warmth than I would prefer. I realize that everyone is different and you may not care about the warmth after a while, but please keep in mind the possibility that you will.

 

[Gypsy]

YAY! I am so happy that seeing Patrick worked out for you!

So you are passing on the EC due to the color.

I think that's a good choice, given your post.

I do hope you'll take the asscher over to Patrick as well.

 

[Lorelei]

YAY! I am so happy that seeing Patrick worked out for you!

So you are passing on the EC due to the color.

I think that's a good choice, given your post.

I do hope you'll take the asscher over to Patrick as well.

* shuffles over next to Gypsy*, I also think you have done the right thing, excuse me while I pick myself up off the floor, I swooned due to the gloriousness of that kicken Asscher.....

Hey, think of all the calories you burnt running around the house checking out the EC, that calls for some cake!

 

[Lorelei]

My personal experience is that if you have a slight concern over a yellowish tint, it's not going to just go away over time. I love my diamond, but I am forever (slightly) bothered by the fact that it has a bit more warmth than I would prefer. I realize that everyone is different and you may not care about the warmth after a while, but please keep in mind the possibility that you will.

MomH speaks truth, the stone might not have ever been ' mind clean' for you to quote my American BF DancingFire, London, due to the warmth.

I am so sorry you feel that way about your stone MomH, but I am sure it is gorgeous. Maybe in time you might be able to upgrade or reset it. I personally love warmth in diamonds, I find that candle glow so fascinating and appealing but different strokes and all that jazz.

 

[London]

Thank you Gypsy, Lorelei, Diamondseeker, Momhappy and PS for your guidance and advice! Couldn't have gone through with a purchase like this without you guys!

The asscher is perfect!! It's true

Gypsy, I will for sure be taking it to Patrick next week just to have a pair of expert eyes look at it too.

Weeeeee finally the stone of my dreams!!

Now I need to figure out I want to set it and who I'm going to trust with my new baby. I am petrified of damage during the setting process. I know it is very unlikely but the thought of anything happening to this beauty scares the out of me!

 

[Gypsy]

So you got it in person London, and am happy about it?