OK, First timer with a few questions

[clmsontigrs]

What does the "spread" percentage mean on the diamond search?

Also, all other aspects being equal, say for instance an AGS certified RB from WF, is an I color going to be noticeable as opposed to G or H? I feel like you can save some money on an I SI1 Hearts and Arrows as opposed to G or H SI1s but is it worth it? I know its a relative question but any opinions would be appreciated.

Take for instance this one - http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-51213.htm

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/23/2007 7:49:03 AM
Author:clmsontigrs
What does the 'spread' percentage mean on the diamond search?

Also, all other aspects being equal, say for instance an AGS certified RB from WF, is an I color going to be noticeable as opposed to G or H? I feel like you can save some money on an I SI1 Hearts and Arrows as opposed to G or H SI1s but is it worth it? I know its a relative question but any opinions would be appreciated.

Take for instance this one - http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-51213.htm

Here you go, Explanation of Spread

It depends on your own eyes whether you would be happy with an I colour, in a great ACA cut it will face up very white. An I is where the industry thinks the untrained eye begins to detect a hint of warmth, especially from the side. Might be best to go to your local jeweller and check out GIA or AGS graded I colour diamonds of similar size, but I am sure the diamond you propose will be stunning! WF also have a good return policy. I would absolutely go for an I colour, but this might not be the best thing for you, see if you can look at some I's in person. I just checked out your link, that diamond is PRIMO!!!

Are you going to reserve it PDQ?

 

[clmsontigrs]

so then if i read this correctly a higher positive spread is good? sorry, the explanation on the page you sent was a bit confusing for a newbie.

 

[Lorelei]

Sorry about that. Spread is the face up size of a diamond, for example, a 1 ct should have the diameter measurements of about 6.5 mm, that is the usual spread for a 1 ct weight, bearing in mind, weight doesn't necessarily equal size. Various things can affect spread, a diamond which is cut too deep which weights 1 ct might hide weight and have the spread of a .92 for example, it looks smaller for it's weight. Conversely a shallow cut diamond of 1 ct may spread larger for it's weight and have the face up size of a 1.10 ct. I hope this makes more sense and I have explained it better! Also a thick girdle can waste weight too. If you look at the page I posted, see the 2 diamonds in the top right corner? They look the same size? Actually one weighs 15 points less than the other, the .50 ct looks the same size face up as the .65 ct. That is a good example of spread. I will post a chart which may help further, you can refer to it to check any diamond has the face up size or spread that it should - you do this by checking the diameter measurements.

A larger spread for the weight isn't always a good thing, a shallow cut diamond may not be cut to the best proportions and may lose light performance ( sparkle) because of this. You want a diamond which spreads correctly for it's weight. As with people, some carry weight differently - you can have 2 guys weigh 200 pounds, but one who is tall will not necessarily look overweight at that, but a short guy may.

Here you go. https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/mm-to-carat-stone-conversion-chart.17578/

 

[kcoursolle]

I color will show a little warmth from the side, but most people think that a well cut round in an I color faces up very white and just fine. If you are getting a stone above 2 carats, you might want to stay in the H range.