Question about Color vs. Clarity

[Daddywags]

HI, I am looking in the 8k price range and a 1.5ct size. I have done some research and have decided that I need to have one more question answered before I purchase a diamond. I know I want a round, ideal cut, with vg to ex on both sym and pol. I am having trouble deciding if I want a higher quality color with lower quality clarity or just the opposite. Provided the diamonds are eye clean, should I go for H color and SI2 or J color and VS1-2? The diamond will be set in yellow gold with baguettes on each side. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/28/2007 1:10:38 PM
Author:Daddywags
HI, I am looking in the 8k price range and a 1.5ct size. I have done some research and have decided that I need to have one more question answered before I purchase a diamond. I know I want a round, ideal cut, with vg to ex on both sym and pol. I am having trouble deciding if I want a higher quality color with lower quality clarity or just the opposite. Provided the diamonds are eye clean, should I go for H color and SI2 or J color and VS1-2? The diamond will be set in yellow gold with baguettes on each side. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

It would depend with the scenario you describe as to how well the diamonds were cut. If both were cut equally well, same size and the SI was eyeclean it is a matter of preference if you want the H and a clean lower clarity, or the J VS. It would depend on how each is cut in reality for me, if the above are actual diamonds you are considering, then you could post the proportions and info on each then we can help further. We need to know which lab graded these diamonds too which needs to be considered when choosing diamonds and colour/ clarity - are they GIA or AGS graded?

Also a word of caution - because a diamond may be described as an Ideal cut, doesn't necessarily mean it is. Each needs evaluating on it's own merits.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Providing it is eye clean, my vote is for color!

because that is what will be visible to the eye as opposed to any inclusions that you cannot see since, as you stated, it is eye clean.

 

[Daddywags]

Date: 11/28/2007 1:14:28 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/28/2007 1:10:38 PM
Author:Daddywags
HI, I am looking in the 8k price range and a 1.5ct size. I have done some research and have decided that I need to have one more question answered before I purchase a diamond. I know I want a round, ideal cut, with vg to ex on both sym and pol. I am having trouble deciding if I want a higher quality color with lower quality clarity or just the opposite. Provided the diamonds are eye clean, should I go for H color and SI2 or J color and VS1-2? The diamond will be set in yellow gold with baguettes on each side. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

It would depend with the scenario you describe as to how well the diamonds were cut. If both were cut equally well, same size and the SI was eyeclean it is a matter of preference if you want the H and a clean lower clarity, or the J VS. It would depend on how each is cut in reality for me, if the above are actual diamonds you are considering, then you could post the proportions and info on each then we can help further. We need to know which lab graded these diamonds too which needs to be considered when choosing diamonds and colour/ clarity - are they GIA or AGS graded?

Also a word of caution - because a diamond may be described as an Ideal cut, doesn''t necessarily mean it is. Each needs evaluating on it''s own merits.

Thanks for that timely response. I am familiar with the HCA and will plug in some numbers or post them here. I guess, hypothetically speaking, if both diamonds were cut equally, should I be more concerned with color in the H vs. J or clarity in VS1-VS2 vs. SI1-SI2 provided I was assured they were eye clean? Which diamond would have more clean eye appeal or is the color difference between H and J negligable?

Thanks again.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/28/2007 1:23:57 PM
Author: Daddywags

Date: 11/28/2007 1:14:28 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/28/2007 1:10:38 PM
Author:Daddywags
HI, I am looking in the 8k price range and a 1.5ct size. I have done some research and have decided that I need to have one more question answered before I purchase a diamond. I know I want a round, ideal cut, with vg to ex on both sym and pol. I am having trouble deciding if I want a higher quality color with lower quality clarity or just the opposite. Provided the diamonds are eye clean, should I go for H color and SI2 or J color and VS1-2? The diamond will be set in yellow gold with baguettes on each side. Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thanks

It would depend with the scenario you describe as to how well the diamonds were cut. If both were cut equally well, same size and the SI was eyeclean it is a matter of preference if you want the H and a clean lower clarity, or the J VS. It would depend on how each is cut in reality for me, if the above are actual diamonds you are considering, then you could post the proportions and info on each then we can help further. We need to know which lab graded these diamonds too which needs to be considered when choosing diamonds and colour/ clarity - are they GIA or AGS graded?

Also a word of caution - because a diamond may be described as an Ideal cut, doesn't necessarily mean it is. Each needs evaluating on it's own merits.

Thanks for that timely response. I am familiar with the HCA and will plug in some numbers or post them here. I guess, hypothetically speaking, if both diamonds were cut equally, should I be more concerned with color in the H vs. J or clarity in VS1-VS2 vs. SI1-SI2 provided I was assured they were eye clean? Which diamond would have more clean eye appeal or is the color difference between H and J negligable?

Thanks again.

It depends on the individual eyes, plenty here have fab J stones and they face up very white, but my opinion is that if the cut is equal and you want an idea of what might be a popular choice, I think many people would choose the H colour. You could probably notice a difference with direct comparison between reliable lab graded H and J, not so much apart. Also the slight hint of tint that may be perceived with a J colour is often noticed more from the side, not so much face up.

I would say though, as these are larger diamonds you are considering, make sure that the vendor understands your definition and comfort level of ' eyecleanliness.' See this thread for more info.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Before deciding, is there any way you can compare H and J stones in person to see if you can tell the difference in colors and determine what your comfort level is? It''s best to compare stones under natural lighting rather than jewelry store lighting (as the latter tends to make all stones look a bit better)!

Everyone is so different with color preferences and *personally* I''m not a fan of a person deciding, based on what others on the internet say, which color would be better. Some would be very happy with a J stone, but you really need to take a look at the colors in person to see if you are one of those people.

Good luck!

 

[galleygal]

Well, if it is set in yellow gold the J won''t be as noticable. It will probably face up white if it is ideal cut. I have an I and there is so much sparkle you can''t even tell. I can see a hint of color from the side in certain lights but it doesn''t bother me b/c I like the little bit of warmth. I also care more about clarity, but that''s up to you to decide which is more important to you. The other day my FI asked me with I wanted a whiter stone and I said no!

 

[pauly1]

It''s really a matter of personal choice, but I would definitely favor color of clarity, to a point. My specs sounded very similar to yours while I was looking, except that I bought a cushion. Mine was an SI2 with an H color. The stone is completely eye clean, and the color is perfect for me. I''m not saying get an SI, each needs to be seen on a case by case basis, but if you find the right one it can save a lot of money, which you can spend in other areas. My stone https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/proud-new-owner-of-a-1-55ct-8-pavilion-cushion-pictures-inside.73191/

 

[Jenna51580gr]

I am just going to put my 2 cents in I think you shoud go for the H color, if the Cut is Ideal and clarity is Eye-clean. Have you talked to your girlfriend if you should want a hint of yellow in the diamond? Most girls I know would not want that. But there are some people in the forum that like that bit of warmth J colored diamond has.

 

[Lynn B]

Date: 11/28/2007 5:15:41 PM
Author: Jenna51580gr
I am just going to put my 2 cents in I think you shoud go for the H color, if the Cut is Ideal and clarity is Eye-clean. Have you talked to your girlfriend if you should want a hint of yellow in the diamond? Most girls I know would not want that. But there are some people in the forum that like that bit of warmth J colored diamond has.

That's a common misconception about J (and even K) colored stones. When well cut, and graded by a reputable lab, there will likely not be any *yellow* at all. I have an AGS 2.36 H&A RB in color J, that shows a HINT of creaminess (warmth) to it, at close scrutiny from the side only, in certain lighting environments and against a white background (and when facing east during a full moon). (Just kidding about the facing east and full moon part!

-- but hopefully you get my drift!)

I also have a .45 J colored stud, and two .73 and .74 K colored studs, all AGS-0 and NONE of them show any YELLOW at all, ever. Nada, zero, zip. Again, some slight, slight "creaminess", (along with a to die for depth and richness of fire!) but no yellow.

I would not like ANY yellow in my diamonds, believe me... but I am *S-O-L-D* on these well-cut, KILLER J and K stones.