one more question

[question girl]

hello to all you diamond experts (or at least more expert than I)
i just sent in a question but forgot to ask another as well. my fiance and i were told to only buy a diamond that is no less than H SI. we are interested in purchasing one that is I VS2. in your opinion is the color or the clarity more important when purchasing a diamond? would it be better to find one that is at least H?

 

[niceice]

We both wear "I" color diamonds and sell quite a few of them as well, color is a personal preference. Take a look at a few H / I color diamonds and see whether you like the color or not and purchase accordingly from there.

 

[researcher]

I just bought a BEAUTIFUL "I" color diamond and I couldn't be happier! I'm very picky about color, but this one faced up so white I saw no reason to pay more when I didn't see a difference between it and a "G". As long as an "I" faces up white I say go for it!!!

 

[limey]

Color is very much personal taste. I would like to stress the importance of Cut which is the one C oft ignored and very misunderstood. I am a customer and thanks to PS I learned this. Simply put a diamond isn't just a pretty gem, it is a prism and a mirror. The better it is cut (and not polish/symmetry) the better it will "perform." Ideal cut diamonds will give off rainbows and fire and brilliant sparkles as light bounces off the facets and is returned to the eye. It doesn't mattr if it is an I or a D.

I think the advice is best put a different way, it is not you need at least an H SI, but you need an eye-clean diamond where any body color does not distract you and one that returns light very well. As I learned thru experience, a well cut diamond ends up looking bigger too - when the light performance is good and extends all the way to the edge of the diamond it simpler looks bigger.

Happy hunting!

limey

 

[glitz&glam]

An “I” color in an Ideal cut diamond will face up really white. Since the face is what you will see when mounted in a ring or other jewelry, why not save yourself a bit of money? Many of our customers have set “I” and even “J” color Ideal cuts in platinum.

 

[GlitterGal]

Hi Kara,

The human eye picks up cut and color (assuming an eye clean stone). As limey noted, if you have a well cut diamond, the color will not be as much of an issue. I would say focus first on getting a fabulous cut and then consider the color with the clarity (again assuming eye clean) being the next factor.

You may even want to think about dropping down to a J if you have a terrific cut, but here you really need to take a good look at the stone. I've seen a few beautifully cut J stones that still manage to show some color (albeit not as much as if they were poorly cut).

Good luck in your search and please keep us posted!

Kindest regards always,
Linda

 

[Skybluewater]

Cut is definately the key. Get a well cut stone and H SI is not problem at all. Hopefully you can find an eye clean SI1!

 

[pearcrazy]

I just purchased an I color VS2 stone after many months of browsing and studying online. I replaced my old stone that was graded G to H. I was very hesitant to go yellower than what I already had but the stone I settled on was graded an "ideal" cut by the vendor so I took a chance. It is absolutely beautiful and very sparklie. Faces up very white with no trace of yellow visible at all.

 

[GlitterGal]

Hi Kara,

Thanks for your PM yesterday. I replied last night. Please check your account.

Hope it helps.

Kindest regards always,
Linda

 

[bling]

do you think I colored stones work well for earrings as well? what clarity is the lowest you would consider for earrings? thanks for anyones opinions!

 

[headlight]

I know that it is often said that "you can go lower in color and clarity with earrings" but I dont subscribe to that. I think that each person has their accepted "standard" of what a minimum color and clarity should be and why would they wear anything less on any part of their body. In all honesty, people notice my earrings before they notice my ring (and my ring is larger -- earrings are 2.5 carats EACH, and ring is 3.29 carats, all RBs). Also, whose to say that you won't ever use the stones from your ears in a ring, perhaps as side stones, down the road? I like to keep my options open, so if it isn't something I'd be proud to wear on my hand, then I wouldn't wear it in my ears, either.

 

[GlitterGal]

Hi bling,

I think I colored stones are great for earrings!!

With the stones resting in your ears, color and clarity is less of an issue than with a ring. Always, remember though, cut is king!

What ct. weight are you considering? The larger the stones, the greater the color and clarity factors weigh into the decision.

I would add that you may want to consider an SI2 clarity grade, if the stones are, at worst, relatively eye clean (relatively meaning IF the inclusions are visible but are located on the edge of the stone and can be covered with prongs or if you can see the inclusion when you are really trying your damndest). Again, since they are sitting on your ears, no one will be performing a close-up inspection of your beauties. With a lower clarity grade you can then go up a bit in size while staying within your budget.

You may also want to consider looking at J colored stones (assuming beautifully cut), as this will also provide you with the ability to move up a bit in size and remain in your designated price target. Since the human eye picks up cut and color, though, with a J you would need the close scrutiny of your vendor's eyes to tell you how warm the stones would be (a great cut will counteract most color in a J, but, as I said before, I've seen some beautifully cut J's that still manage to give off some color).

Finally, as always, however, there is the caveat that color and clarity can ultimately come down to a matter of personal preference.

Hope this helps.

Kindest regards always,
Linda

 

[10X]

Hi Bling,

I think Ideal cut "I" diamonds would be fine for earrings. Because Ideal cuts are designed to maximize brilliance and scintillation they also tend to mask subtle color differences better than less than Ideal diamonds. Before Ideal cuts came along H was the lowest recommended color for white metal settings. Going with an I may also allow you to get a little more in weight and spread and still stick to your budget. As for clarity, I would normally say that there is a little more leeway in earrings than in rings b/c you can't scrutinize the clarity when they are in your ears and they are generally viewed from a distance by others. I imagine not many people are going to be examining your ears and earrings close enough to look for clarity characteristics. However, I have to say that "headlight" brought up an excellent point about the possibility of them being used for sidestones in the future. The final decision is ultimately yours.

 

[bling]

thanks for all the thoughts..headlight..you make a good point...definitely something to consider. I was looking to get close to the 0.60 ct each- range, but dont know if thats possible in my budget. its a project in the making and dont think it will happen for a few months anyway, so i will think about it. i did see some 4 ctw studs the other day at a jewelry store in the bay area..and they were massive! there were acutally two pairs of the same size...one was..ideal cuts, D SI1's. they were fantastic...i couldnt see any of the inclusions with my naked eye (i obviously wasnt going to buy them so i didnt ask the gentleman working there for a loupe..

). The second pair, was the same size..H/I in color, good cut, I1! and honestly, i couldnt see too much..but i could see some inclusions. hmmm..more thinking to do... thanks all!

 

[GlitterGal]

Hi bling,

Further to headlight’s suggestion, you may also want to consider going for lower color/clarity ideal cut stones to get larger sized earrings now and then upgrade with one of the online vendors’ lifetime upgrade policies if you decide on sidestones for a ring later. That way you get the best of both worlds – larger earrings that are within your budget and higher color/clarity stones for a ring at a later date. Just something for you to consider.

Kindest regards always,
Linda