Newbie: SI1/F or VS2/G,H

[knowverylittle]

Assuming both stones are ideal H&A cut, 1.1 ct what would everyone choose between:

SI1 with an F color
OR
VS2 with a G or H color?

My gut feeling is to go with the F color since VS2 and SI1 are indistinguishable without magnification.

 

[pqcollectibles]

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On 11/5/2003 9:16:44 AM knowverylittle wrote:


My gut feeling is to go with the F color since VS2 and SI1 are indistinguishable without magnification.----------------

Maybe in this particular case, but not always so. While SI1's tend to be "eye clean", they aren't always. Eye clean depends on size, type, color, and location of the inclusion(s).

Just to be on the safe side, why don't you post detailed info on the diamonds for input. Something in the details might jump out at folk here on the Forum to help in guiding you.

Personally, if all things are equal, and the SI1 is eye clean, I'd go for the best price and get the biggest bang for my buck. If that happens to be the H color diamond, no need to worry. An H color H&A will face up white even when set in white gold or platinum.

 

[bling]

If the SI is eye clean, it can be very nice..however for me, i just liked the security of the VS stone. but its a very personal choice...just as the color difference between F and G. I used to never ever think i would get anything less than a F...must have colorless...but once i started loooking at the difference from an F to a G, especially in well cut stones, i found i could have pretty much the same color..or lack there of..with a larger stone..so maybe you can even think of going G and getting something slightly larger...IMHO...

 

[aljdewey]

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On 11/5/2003 9:16:44 AM knowverylittle wrote:





My gut feeling is to go with the F color since VS2 and SI1 are indistinguishable without magnification.
----------------

To be honest, the difference between an F and a G is indistinguishable, too, and that's even in the face-down position against white paper. When set.....? NO WAY you can see the difference.

This is truly a toss-up. I'd tell you that there's typically more of a price difference to move up in clarity than in color, but in these ranges, it's a tough call. I think I'd go with the G if price was equal.

 

[canadiangrrl]

I'd go for the F SI1.

 

[magna2]

Since a person will generally not be able to distinguish a G from a F, I would choose the G VS2. If you choose a SI1, you need to really ensure that it is eye clean. With a VS2, inclusions are less noticeable so you have less to worry about.

But note that the premium between a VS2 and SI1 is greater than the premium between a F and G stone. So if you want bang for teh buck, the F/SI1 is the better bargain.

 

[knowverylittle]

Thanks for the replies.

Based on your replies it will be likely be a VS2 just for the security of knowing 100% there are no visible inclusions. The color will probably depend on what is available in January and how flush I feel.

Paying the premium for a H&A is well worth it, right? From my little research it seemed the most important factor assuming size and color were at least in the right ballpark. There is little point having a larger rock if does not sparkle, yes?

Nearer January I'll be back posting details on specific diamonds. Looking at past postings there are some clued up people here. Thanks for the assistance.

 

[aljdewey]

I think it's important to get a very well cut stone.....I'm not sure that means that it HAS to be an H&A. If you can afford H&A, then great. There are some stones that fall just outside the H&A parameters but are still beautiful stones and represent a great buy for the more budget conscious. It honestly depends on what your priorities are.




In any event, we'd love to help you as things get closer. Let us know when you're ready! When you have an idea of where you'd like to start, I'm sure you'll get great feedback on alternatives, etc.

 

[canadiangrrl]

I think that's an excellent piece of advice, Aljdewey. There are well cut stones that are not true H&A's that might just fit the bill.

Know, you said that you are likely going to be making a purchase in January. If I can offer you a little piece of advice - go and see some diamonds in person in the next few months, if you haven't already. Check out Tiffany's, check out a vendor that carries Hearts on Fire (branded Hearts & Arrows), check out some AGS0's, and just for comparison's sake, check out the crap in the mall. Make sure you see all kinds of colours/clarities. Come January, you'll have a better idea in your head of what you're looking for, and you can safely make a terrific online purchase, and save yourself a ton of dough.

 

[Caratz]

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On 11/5/2003 11:44:44 AM knowverylittle wrote:

Thanks for the replies.

Based on your replies it will be likely be a VS2 just for the security of knowing 100% there are no visible inclusions. The color will probably depend on what is available in January and how flush I feel.

Paying the premium for a H&A is well worth it, right? From my little research it seemed the most important factor assuming size and color were at least in the right ballpark. There is little point having a larger rock if does not sparkle, yes?

Nearer January I'll be back posting details on specific diamonds. Looking at past postings there are some clued up people here. Thanks for the assistance.----------------

I suggest you check out the "Price Stats" link under the "Prices" menu on the home page. Ordinarily an F will cost more than a G, and a VS2 will cost more than an SI1. But not always. For example, if you click the price stats page for "H&A" and you look in the 0.70-0.89 carat range, you will notice that there are F VS2 stones available that are less expensive than G VS2 stones. The lesson is to figure out what your parameters are and then search within those parameters.

Is the premium for H&A worth it? Personally, I do not think it is worth paying more for perfect symmetry. I am happy with near-perfect symmetry. If I had to choose between a 1 ct stone with perfect H&A and a 1.1 ct stone that had a bent shaft on one of the arrows, with both stones the same price, I'd take the latter any day. Everything is a tradeoff. You figure out what you want, and try to find the best stone within those parameters.

 

[aljdewey]

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On 11/5/2003 12:06:36 PM canadiangrrl wrote:




If I can offer you a little piece of advice - go and see some diamonds in person in the next few months, if you haven't already----------------

Right back at you, Canadian.....this is an EXCELLENT piece of advice, especially right now!

Now is a *great* time to browse in person because the impending holidays are the busiest time of year and that means jewelers are most likely to have on hand the best variety of stock now.

 

[knowverylittle]

Good advice Canadian & aljdewey. If I can sneak away sometime I'll take a look in the stores. Annoyingly my firm just moved me from Atlanta to Raleigh, NC and there are not many good stores here. Atlanta had Tiffay, Cartier etc.

 

[canadiangrrl]

Anyone want to chime in as to where Dems Jewelers is located??

Know, SteveL owns Dems Jewelers, and he's a helpful member of this forum. I think his store is either in NC or SC, not sure which, and I believe he also does online sales. He's a very kind, knowledgeable guy, so it might be worth your while to look him up.

 

[Mara]

Hmm I would go G VS2 because I have a G VS1 and I love it. I am not sold on E or F color and would rather have something 'middle of the road' like a G VS2 than an F SI or I VVS *if* those were my only choices. But it really does depend on the stone as the others noted. Not all H&A's are cut the same. So the numbers really count too. That F SI1 may have a big ole inclusion in the middle. Or it may have a slightly steep pav angle. Or the same for the G VS2. So we'd need more info. But the differences between the F/G ....nil in my eyes. We didn't see a diff between E and G color...and the VS clarity is more of a 'comfort' factor if thats important to you.

 

[canadiangrrl]

www.demsjewelers.com

Dems is in Columbia, SC, which to my recollection is about three and a half hours outside of Raleigh. It would likely be worth the trip, though.

 

[fire&ice]

There are nice jewelry stores in Raleigh. Raleighites like big rocks. Just to name a few - Johnston's, Hayden & Co & an upscale jeweler in the Mall (crabtree)- having a senior moment & can't remember the name. Look in the phone book & visit Cameron Village.

Good luck. But, make sure you check the prices on the net. The jewelry stores usually have large markups.

 

[ccuheartnurse]

F&I,
There's a Baily, Banks & Biddle at Crabtree (did I get the names right?), & at Cameron Village there's Bailey's & right across from Bailey's is, I think its Goody's or some jewelery store that starts with a G.
I have bought from Baum Jewelers in Chapel Hill & I know they carry Lazare stones. Also, they're a small family business & are incredibly personal & attentive. You'll eventually hear the ads spoken by Walter Baum, which I think go like "the box says Baum, whats inside says love". LOL Its hokey, but I still remember it & its been years since I've been there. haha

Judy


Then on the other hand, if you're taking a road trip to Myrtle Beach, swing by Steve's place. I dont know about you, but I could get to Myrtle in 3.5hrs from Durham.

Dont be intimidated by the fake cop car sitting in the middle of the interstate in Lumberton.

There's even a dummy in uniform sitting in the drivers seat. LOL LOL