question about color

[mr polo]

My gf prefers a gold band over platinum. When looking for a diamond, can I sacrifice color and try to get a better clarity, and/or cut? In other words, would there be any noticable difference in a diamond I in color set in 18K gold and opposed to a similar diamond F or G in color?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

In my opinion yes.
Stay above H in white settings

 

[mr polo]

so with a princess cut diamond set in gold there is a noticable difference in color to the naked eye between F and G to something in H and I?

 

[quaeritur]

A princess will generally show more color than the equivalent quality cut in a round brilliant. Personally, I tend to agree with Garry -if you're setting a colorless stone, set it in platinum (at least a plat. head, even if the band is white gold). My e-ring is a D set in a yellow gold head, and sadly, it sometimes makes it look like a lower color from the reflection of the prongs on the stone. I've seen some beautifully cut I color stones set in plat or white gold that have looked lovely, but I think they would also look great in yellow gold. In any case, for the whitest looking stone, concentrate on getting the best possible cut -it will have more effect than clarity on how the stone performs! Just my humble opinion.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 7/16/2004 11:41:14 PM Garry H (Cut Nut) wrote:

In my opinion yes.
Stay above H in white settings----------------

Garry, as a consumer I have to respectfully disagree. My 3c I is set in platinum w/ *no* discernable difference in color to the f/g side baguettes.

I have seen a few J's (in the one carat) range that face up plenty white in a white setting.

So, I'm not sure the H is the treshold for a well cut properly graded stone. But, in the end, it must be your eye that determines this.

To the original poster, sometimes the gold setting can make the diamond appear more "yellow" - but many times the setting masks some color. What type of setting are you looking for.

Q - if you like a gold band but want to retain the stone as icey - have you thought about a white head?

 

[moremoremore]

I do agree with Gary. In a princess cut, I can CLEARLY see the difference in color...I can even see a difference between an F and G....In rounds, that may not be the case. I wore an F princess (was it was larger...about 2 carats so it showed more color) with my smaller diamond band which had G & H stones...the difference was not that noticeable, but I could tell they were SLIGHTLY off...but a lot of that was because those stones were much smaller than the center...like side stones....but if you are comparing two 1 carat princess stones...one is an F or G and the other is an I....you can tell the difference....there is no doubt about it.

But I'm waiting for researcher to post now!!!

...she has an AMAZING I color

and says she can't see any color...I think that is mostly do to the fact that her stone is about as good a cut as you can get.and everyone's eyes are different!!!

So my advice is to see some I stones and see some F or G stones or H stones and see what YOU think!!

 

[pearcrazy]

Most jewelers will recommend that you set the head in platinum or white gold even if the band is yellow gold. My ring is yellow gold with a white gold head. It is a pear shape and an I color. I think it looks great. If you do choose I color make sure you are getting a GIA stone. I was told EGL stones are commonly 1 color grade off so that your I color might really be more of a J graded color in GIA. Go over to the "show me the ring" gallery and check out all rings there in the "eye candy folder" There's a huge range from D to K. Better yet would be a trip to the jewelry store (avoid the mall stores, they rarely have anything whiter than an H) to see the different colors in person.

 

[mr polo]

I appreciate everyone's input in helping me decide on what diamond to buy. I am suppose to go look at a bunch of loose diamonds at Bailey Banks, and Biddle tomorrow. Maybe I'll see something there.

I took my gf to Fink's Jewelers today and we saw a 1.01 carat princess cut ring with .5 carat princess cut side stones. The center stone was a H VS2. The associate at Fink's was stressing how the cut can make or break the diamond. See seemed to have some idea as to what she was talking about. My gf seemed to like the ring a lot. Has anyone dealt with Fink's Jewelers, and if so, how was their service. Thanks.