Question on color

[Laura27]

Hey guys! So, I''ve recently decided that for the e-ring I''m going to try to find an excellent cut I. I''ve looked at the color comparison pics on GOG''s website and decided that I can''t tell much difference between an I and H (which I was previously going for). My question is if it is an excellent cut will it face up whiter? I definitely don''t want anything that is too warm. The diamond I''m looking at has medium fluoresence which I think I read will affect the color positively. Am I correct in this? Also, was wondering if I view it from the side am I going to see a noticable tint of color? (Noticeable enough that someone else would notice too?) I don''t want anything that looks "dirty". And finally for all of you experts that have looked at tons of diamonds, is there a huge color difference between an I and H? Or is this something that I can sacrifice on to get a bigger diamond. The one I''m looking at is quite bigger than any of the H''s in my price range. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks in advance!

 

[Laura27]

While I''m at it can I get some thoughts on this one? This isn''t the one I was talking about originally...it has sold dangit! But I just found this one and would appreciate some input. I''m trying to see if my "hunting" skills are improving.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2080406.htm#

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/3/2009 3:25:06 AM
Author:Laura27
Hey guys! So, I've recently decided that for the e-ring I'm going to try to find an excellent cut I. I've looked at the color comparison pics on GOG's website and decided that I can't tell much difference between an I and H (which I was previously going for). My question is if it is an excellent cut will it face up whiter? I definitely don't want anything that is too warm. The diamond I'm looking at has medium fluoresence which I think I read will affect the color positively. Am I correct in this? Also, was wondering if I view it from the side am I going to see a noticable tint of color? (Noticeable enough that someone else would notice too?) I don't want anything that looks 'dirty'. And finally for all of you experts that have looked at tons of diamonds, is there a huge color difference between an I and H? Or is this something that I can sacrifice on to get a bigger diamond. The one I'm looking at is quite bigger than any of the H's in my price range. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks in advance!

Laura, I would recommend you see some diamonds in person if you aren't sure, the video is a guide and colour can vary according to the computer monitor so I wouldn't use it as a reliable indicator of your personal tastes and tolerances as it is meant to give an idea only. See if you can view some H and I colour AGS0 from Jareds if there is one near you in a similar size to the diamond you are considering, or Hearts on Fire brand.

An I is still white but where some in the industry believe the average person begins to detect a hint of warmth in some cases - it could be absolutely fine for you but try to look in person.

Yes a great cut will help a diamond make the best of its colour grade and medium fluorescence is a bonus in H and I colour. Also an I colour won't look ' dirty' it will still be white, you might just notice the barest hint of warmth especially from the side in some lights but it will be a white diamond.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/3/2009 3:36:16 AM
Author: Laura27
While I'm at it can I get some thoughts on this one? This isn't the one I was talking about originally...it has sold dangit! But I just found this one and would appreciate some input. I'm trying to see if my 'hunting' skills are improving.

http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-2080406.htm#

Yes this is a nice diamond, borderline steep deep angles with a small amount of leakage which shows in Idealscope and ASET, however I doubt this would be perceivable in real life so it could be a contender. Check with WF that this diamond is eyeclean to your standards if you want to pursue it.

 

[Laura27]

Thanks so much Lorelei! Sadly there are no Jared''s where I''m currently at. Only a Kays and family owned stores. Perhaps I''ll call a them up and see if they have any loose stones that I could view. I''ve still been looking and came across this one. I think it''s a lot better than the last one I linked. I know I need to look at size in person but is there going to be that much of a difference in size between a 1.11 and the 1.21?

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466990.htm#

 

[Indira-London]

Date: 6/3/2009 4:33:50 AM
Author: Laura27

Thanks so much Lorelei! Sadly there are no Jared''s where I''m currently at. Only a Kays and family owned stores. Perhaps I''ll call a them up and see if they have any loose stones that I could view. I''ve still been looking and came across this one. I think it''s a lot better than the last one I linked. I know I need to look at size in person but is there going to be that much of a difference in size between a 1.11 and the 1.21?

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466990.htm#

Totally agree with Lorelei re. colour: I does look white from top and side to most people (in fact Tiffany sells diamonds in D to I range but Cartier sells only D-H) but the only way to be sure that it meets yuor tolerance for looking white is to see some diamonds whether loose or set in a ring. To appreciate colour, its best to see the diamonds in natural daylight (graders use a natural daylight lamp and the loose diamond from the side to grade colour) rather than in the halogen or bright-bluish-lights of a jewellery store.

Re. size: a well-cut 1.21 will look slighly larger than a well-cut 1.11 e.g.:
0.9 carat is ca. 6.3mm diameter, 1 carat is ca. 6.5mm diameter, 1.5 carat is ca. 7.4mm diameter, 2 carat is ca. 8.2mm diameter.
A 1.2+ carat is ca. 7mm so starts looking more like 1.5 carats so is usually more in demand than 1.11 carat. Its very tiny differences in size but there tiny diffrences make a big difference to price: after 1 carat the price nearly doubles at 1.5 carats

I know its hard but if you can, its best to see some diamonds and decide for yourself what is significant for you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/3/2009 4:33:50 AM
Author: Laura27

Thanks so much Lorelei! Sadly there are no Jared''s where I''m currently at. Only a Kays and family owned stores. Perhaps I''ll call a them up and see if they have any loose stones that I could view. I''ve still been looking and came across this one. I think it''s a lot better than the last one I linked. I know I need to look at size in person but is there going to be that much of a difference in size between a 1.11 and the 1.21?

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466990.htm#

Most welcome!

You could try Kays and check out some GIA graded diamonds of similar size and colour, that would give you an idea. Thats a lovely diamond you posted above and Indira has you covered on size!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/3/2009 5:30:23 AM
Author: Lorelei

Most welcome!

You could try Kays and check out some GIA graded diamonds of similar size and colour, that would give you an idea. Thats a lovely diamond you posted above and Indira has you covered on size!

Ditto.

Just make sure if you go looking at diamonds that you are comparing apples to apples. Many stores carry mostly less than ideal cut diamonds, and the less welll cut a stone is, the more it will show color/warmth. So unless you know you''re looking at really well cut stones, you won''t get the total picture. So just keep that in mind.

Here''s one more I found for you, a little bit bigger. You might have already seen it and if so please ignore!

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982327.htm#

 

[soocool]

I have a 1.5 ct J color stone that faces up beautifully white. I really have to stare to notice the teeny tiniest bit of warmth on the side of the diamond. Anyone who has seen my ring doesn''t notice it at all and look quite confused when I tell them it is there. I first saw some H and I color stones in a jewelers near me that were poorly cut and looked "dirty". Then I visited a more reputable jeweler and saw how beautiful the H, I, and J color stones looked not only in the store, but in real daylight! (The store security guard escorted me outside so I could get a better look in natural light!)

So if you go with the I color in an excellent cut, don''t worry. All you will see is a beautifully white stone that will be stared at by many!

 

[Todd Gray]

It is not that easy for most people to distinguish between "H" and "I" color diamonds, or other color grades one grade apart from each other, without a great deal of coaching and specific lighting conditions... Well cut diamonds will often face up whiter than poorly cut diamonds of the same color grade simply because of the increased visual performance of the diamond.

I will say that if you are "looking" for color, you''ll find it... Even in a "D" color diamond. But if you handed the average person two diamonds of the same carat weight, clarity and cut grade, separated by one color grade, in a solitaire style setting and didn''t ask them to tell you which diamond is an ''H'' and which is an ''I'' that they wouldn''t say "this diamond looks dingier than this one" because it wouldn''t occur to them that there was a distinct difference.

A few years ago I was sitting at the table with a customer who insisted he needed a "D" color, VVS-1 clarity, one carat diamond for his bride, yet his budget wasn''t conducive to that combination of color and clarity - so while showing him what he requested, I tossed in an F color, VS-2 clarity diamond and let him play with the diamonds for awhile... After awhile, I asked him to tell me which of the three diamonds on the table appealed to him and he told me that they looked all the same (not surprising since they were all center range zero ideal cut rounds of the same carat weight) and then I told him that one of the stones was an F, VS-2 and he was shocked - that''s a spread of D - F. I think you''re fine jumping from "H" to "I".

 

[mamong]

Date: 6/3/2009 3:25:06 AM
Author:Laura27
Hey guys! So, I''ve recently decided that for the e-ring I''m going to try to find an excellent cut I. I''ve looked at the color comparison pics on GOG''s website and decided that I can''t tell much difference between an I and H (which I was previously going for). My question is if it is an excellent cut will it face up whiter? I definitely don''t want anything that is too warm. The diamond I''m looking at has medium fluoresence which I think I read will affect the color positively. Am I correct in this? Also, was wondering if I view it from the side am I going to see a noticable tint of color? (Noticeable enough that someone else would notice too?) I don''t want anything that looks ''dirty''. And finally for all of you experts that have looked at tons of diamonds, is there a huge color difference between an I and H? Or is this something that I can sacrifice on to get a bigger diamond. The one I''m looking at is quite bigger than any of the H''s in my price range. Just wanted some opinions. Thanks in advance!

Laura, from my own experience I can''t really see the color difference between H and I of the same cut quality diamonds even when comparing them next to each other. However, diamonds of same color but with different cut quality differ in appearance; well cut diamonds face up whiter. For the side view, I have to put my I stone against the light and compared it next to much whiter color to see its warmth and it doesn''t look dirty at all. You need to compare diamonds IRL to set your comfort zone in term of color and clarity and this, imho, couldn''t be done solely based on video comparison. Once you know your preference, then video comparison is great to help you decide between the stones when purchasing online. Enjoy your hunting

 

[Laura27]

Thank you all for the excellent advice! I think I will be making a trip to a B&M store soon. Hopefully I can find some well cut diamonds so I can get the best idea of what to expect.

Indira- Thank you so much for posting that link. I had not yet seen that one and it looks like it could be a contender! Now if I could only convince the future Mr. that we really don''t need to wait another month LOL.

 

[Laura27]

Oh one more thing I forgot to ask. What is the discount whiteflash gives to pricescope members? I noticed they do 2% if you do a bankwire but I was wondering if PS members got something else.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

I don''t mind "warmer" diamonds at all (JKLM color), but in your case I think "I" color or better will work fine for you.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Remember when you go into the store to look at the diamond that diamond pick up colors around them! I have noticed that is many..maybe even most...maul stores they have yellow walls or ceilings, or brown or taupe. All of these colors make diamonds look warm or yellow. I think they do it to help convince people to buy higher color stones

Here is a thread comparing an F and a K color diamond. It may help you as well as seeing diamonds in person. It is perhaps surprising how little difference there is between color grades, even the six grade difference shown in the photo shoot.

And FWIW, I can''t tell a difference between an H and and I at all!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/3/2009 8:16:12 PM
Author: Laura27
Oh one more thing I forgot to ask. What is the discount whiteflash gives to pricescope members? I noticed they do 2% if you do a bankwire but I was wondering if PS members got something else.

There isn''t actually a PS discount. There is a 2% bankwire discount and an additional 3% discoutn on the ACA stones. If you can afford it, buy an ACA if you go with WF. I have owned an ideal ES and an ACA and the latter diamond is so much better. The ACAs really are amazing in my opinion.

 

[Laura27]

Ok, so when I go in and look should I ask them to place the stones on piece of white paper or a white business card? Isn''t that the best way to see the color?

So, if I was to go with Whiteflash and get an ACA and do a bankwire does that mean I''ll get a 5% discount or is it one ore the other?

 

[Indira-London]

Date: 6/3/2009 8:11:09 PM
Author: Laura27
Thank you all for the excellent advice! I think I will be making a trip to a B&M store soon. Hopefully I can find some well cut diamonds so I can get the best idea of what to expect.

Indira- Thank you so much for posting that link. I had not yet seen that one and it looks like it could be a contender! Now if I could only convince the future Mr. that we really don''t need to wait another month LOL.

oops I know you mean to thank Ellen and not me for posting the link for you.

Enjoy your trip to look at diamonds and keep us posted.

 

[Laura27]

Oops! You''re right. Thanks Ellen! My bad lol. And I''ll definitely let ya''ll know how the browsing goes. So glad I''ve got all these great tips from everyone! If it wasn''t for this website I''d probably would have went into a store and picked the first thing I liked...which probably would''ve ended up being a dud.

 

[Laura27]

Hey guys! So I went down to one of the local jewelery stores today to look at stones. They didn''t carry AGS stones but they did have some GIAs. I compared a H and an I under a true light and I honestly couldn''t tell a difference. I wanted to look at a J but they didn''t have a round and she showed me a small pear. I could tell that it was a bit warmer but I also don''t think it was that high of quality either. Would a J in a round look better? Anyways, I don''t think they were excellent cuts because I took one outside and it didn''t seem to have that much fire and sparkle. But, I think that if an I in a decent cut looks good then an I in an excellent cut will look fabulous. I also tried on different bands to get a size of what I wanted and rings with different center stone weights. So, I think I would be more than happy with an I somewhere in the 1.15 to 1.25 range. I tried on a 1.15 and a 1.25 and they each looked like a great fit for my finger size. Not too big and overwhelming but big enough that you notice it. Sidenote....she tried telling me that the GIA H SI1 that they have for over 8,000 was a great deal because they had just put it on sale from 11,000. LOL I was thinking yeah right, discount my arse. I know I can get a way better stone for cheaper than that. Oh, and they don''t deal with AGS stones because they think GIA is at the top....then she showed me an EGL stone. WTF They''ll carry an EGL stone but not an AGS? I''m so thankful for all of the advice that everyone has given me on this site. I truly feel like I''m a well informed buyer now.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Laura that is great that you could go to a store and look!

AT WF you get 2% for using bankwire on any stone, and an additional 3% on ACAs, so 5% off for ACAs paid my bankwire.

A J pear is NOT the same as a J RB, the pear will show much more color than an ideal RB.

Although I can''t guarantee it, I suspect that if you were not bothered by an I color stone then you would not be bothered by a J color stone. Face up they will look identical and if you look at them from the side you may *just* be able to notice the slightest difference, but I highly doubt it. If you are okay with J color you can really really get more diamond for your dollar. It seems to me that the savings for a J are larger at the larger carat weights, so in the size you are interested in a J could be a really good way to go.

Would you like some help finding a diamond? If you tell us your budget we''d be happy to help.

Here is a nice J and a nice I from WF. Given their numbers, the J will be more firery whereas the I will probably be brighter in terms of optical performance.

1.15 J SI1, $5695 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-636629.htm

1.17 I SI1, $6227 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982327.htm


I don''t know your budget but I really like the small table on this one and the longer lower girdles on this one, it will be a fire ball. And the size is great:

1.30 I SI1, $6936 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466978.htm


There aren''t any Is of Js at GOG, but here is a nice H

1.16H SI1, $7312 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5942/



You can also call Brian Gavin Diamonds and see what they have in stock. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/

 

[Laura27]

Date: 6/6/2009 8:28:15 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie
Laura that is great that you could go to a store and look!

AT WF you get 2% for using bankwire on any stone, and an additional 3% on ACAs, so 5% off for ACAs paid my bankwire.

A J pear is NOT the same as a J RB, the pear will show much more color than an ideal RB.

Although I can''t guarantee it, I suspect that if you were not bothered by an I color stone then you would not be bothered by a J color stone. Face up they will look identical and if you look at them from the side you may *just* be able to notice the slightest difference, but I highly doubt it. If you are okay with J color you can really really get more diamond for your dollar. It seems to me that the savings for a J are larger at the larger carat weights, so in the size you are interested in a J could be a really good way to go.

Would you like some help finding a diamond? If you tell us your budget we''d be happy to help.

Here is a nice J and a nice I from WF. Given their numbers, the J will be more firery whereas the I will probably be brighter in terms of optical performance.

1.15 J SI1, $5695 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-636629.htm

1.17 I SI1, $6227 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1982327.htm


I don''t know your budget but I really like the small table on this one and the longer lower girdles on this one, it will be a fire ball. And the size is great:

1.30 I SI1, $6936 http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-1466978.htm


There aren''t any Is of Js at GOG, but here is a nice H

1.16H SI1, $7312 http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/5942/



You can also call Brian Gavin Diamonds and see what they have in stock. http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/

Dreamer I figured that a J would look much better in a round than a pear. The main place where I could see the color in the pear was at the point. So I was really hoping that wouldn''t be a problem in a round. And since I couldn''t tell the difference between the H and I, I figured it would be the same with the J IF it was an ideal cut. I guess I''m just not that color sensitive. The I stone from WF that you linked is one that I have been looking at the past couple of days. Could you explain what you mean by saying it will be brighter as far optical perfromance. Will it not be as fiery as the J? I did the HCA score on both of them and the I comes to a .7 and the J is a 1.1. Another question. I looked at the pics of the diamonds side by side and the I appears to be brighter. Could this just be from the lighting? I did notice the I is set against a completely black background whereas the J isn''t.

Total budget for the ring is going to be no more than $8,000. I was originally thinking that I''d like to spend no more than 6500 on the stone because the setting that I''ve found is 1400. However, after adding up the price of the setting and the price of the 1.30 I and then deducting the 5% discount that would come in just under budget. I was trying to be good and come under budget more than that, but now I''m not sure that''s going to happen!

Thanks so much for all of your great advice and taking the time to help me out!

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/4/2009 1:44:25 AM
Author: Laura27
Oops! You''re right. Thanks Ellen! My bad lol. And I''ll definitely let ya''ll know how the browsing goes. So glad I''ve got all these great tips from everyone! If it wasn''t for this website I''d probably would have went into a store and picked the first thing I liked...which probably would''ve ended up being a dud.

You are welcome, no problem!

I''m so glad you went and looked at stones, even if they weren''t exceptional cut, it at least gave you an idea. In a really well cut stone, I am thinking you''d be fine with a J.

 

[soocool]

Date: 6/6/2009 7:35:17 PM
Author: Laura27
Hey guys! So I went down to one of the local jewelery stores today to look at stones. They didn't carry AGS stones but they did have some GIAs. I compared a H and an I under a true light and I honestly couldn't tell a difference. I wanted to look at a J but they didn't have a round and she showed me a small pear. I could tell that it was a bit warmer but I also don't think it was that high of quality either. Would a J in a round look better? Anyways, I don't think they were excellent cuts because I took one outside and it didn't seem to have that much fire and sparkle. But, I think that if an I in a decent cut looks good then an I in an excellent cut will look fabulous. I also tried on different bands to get a size of what I wanted and rings with different center stone weights. So, I think I would be more than happy with an I somewhere in the 1.15 to 1.25 range. I tried on a 1.15 and a 1.25 and they each looked like a great fit for my finger size. Not too big and overwhelming but big enough that you notice it. Sidenote....she tried telling me that the GIA H SI1 that they have for over 8,000 was a great deal because they had just put it on sale from 11,000. LOL I was thinking yeah right, discount my arse. I know I can get a way better stone for cheaper than that. Oh, and they don't deal with AGS stones because they think GIA is at the top....then she showed me an EGL stone. WTF They'll carry an EGL stone but not an AGS? I'm so thankful for all of the advice that everyone has given me on this site. I truly feel like I'm a well informed buyer now.

Laura,

Here is the link to my ring. link

The center stone is 1.51 ct J color diamond. It faces up beautifully white. hope that helps!

 

[Laura27]

Ah, ok, so I or J it is. Soocool your ring is absolutely gorgeous! And you''re right, it does face up very white. I never would have thought that was a J. I''m glad ya''ll have shared the info about color because I don''t think I would have even thought about going with a J. Thanks guys!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/7/2009 3:17:47 AM
Author: Laura27
... Could you explain what you mean by saying it will be brighter as far optical perfromance. Will it not be as fiery as the J?

I looked at the pics of the diamonds side by side and the I appears to be brighter. Could this just be from the lighting? I did notice the I is set against a completely black background whereas the J isn't.

Both are superideal cut diamonds and will look awesome, but there are cut nuances within the category of ideals that can cause two diamonds to perhaps perform a little differently. It is complex and I am myself just learning, but looking at the numbers for the two there are eatures that lead me to suspect that the I will excel more at bright white light return and the J perhaps more at fire... WF should be able to compare the two diamonds directly if you wanted to know how they may differ. But they will both be gorgeous.

I think the photo diff you saw is a trick of the lighting. Its unlikely you can see the diff in color in person, or much difference in brightness in most lighting conditions.

ETA I would DEFINITELY go with the 1.3ct and get a less expensive temporary setting if need be. WF has lots of lovely settings that are under $1000, some are only about $500, even with diamonds on them. If you are concerned about stretcing a little this can be a good option. But I'd put most of my money towards the diamond.

 

[Laura27]

Date: 6/7/2009 9:02:10 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 6/7/2009 3:17:47 AM
Author: Laura27
... Could you explain what you mean by saying it will be brighter as far optical perfromance. Will it not be as fiery as the J?

I looked at the pics of the diamonds side by side and the I appears to be brighter. Could this just be from the lighting? I did notice the I is set against a completely black background whereas the J isn''t.

Both are superideal cut diamonds and will look awesome, but there are cut nuances within the category of ideals that can cause two diamonds to perhaps perform a little differently. It is complex and I am myself just learning, but looking at the numbers for the two there are eatures that lead me to suspect that the I will excel more at bright white light return and the J perhaps more at fire... WF should be able to compare the two diamonds directly if you wanted to know how they may differ. But they will both be gorgeous.

I think the photo diff you saw is a trick of the lighting. Its unlikely you can see the diff in color in person, or much difference in brightness in most lighting conditions.

ETA I would DEFINITELY go with the 1.3ct and get a less expensive temporary setting if need be. WF has lots of lovely settings that are under $1000, some are only about $500, even with diamonds on them. If you are concerned about stretcing a little this can be a good option. But I''d put most of my money towards the diamond.

Ok I thought that might have been a trick with the lighting. I think you''re right about going with the bigger stone. The setting I had originally liked was the micro pave legato and it''s right under a 1,000. But even if I did go with the other setting I would still be under budget by about 50 bucks. I can''t wait until we finally get it! The mister has left all of this up to me so I know that I''m going to knock his socks off when he actually sees it. I''m hoping that it will exceed his expectations....and mine as well

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 6/8/2009 12:59:39 AM
Author: Laura27

Date: 6/7/2009 9:02:10 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 6/7/2009 3:17:47 AM
Author: Laura27
... Could you explain what you mean by saying it will be brighter as far optical perfromance. Will it not be as fiery as the J?

I looked at the pics of the diamonds side by side and the I appears to be brighter. Could this just be from the lighting? I did notice the I is set against a completely black background whereas the J isn''t.

Both are superideal cut diamonds and will look awesome, but there are cut nuances within the category of ideals that can cause two diamonds to perhaps perform a little differently. It is complex and I am myself just learning, but looking at the numbers for the two there are eatures that lead me to suspect that the I will excel more at bright white light return and the J perhaps more at fire... WF should be able to compare the two diamonds directly if you wanted to know how they may differ. But they will both be gorgeous.

I think the photo diff you saw is a trick of the lighting. Its unlikely you can see the diff in color in person, or much difference in brightness in most lighting conditions.

ETA I would DEFINITELY go with the 1.3ct and get a less expensive temporary setting if need be. WF has lots of lovely settings that are under $1000, some are only about $500, even with diamonds on them. If you are concerned about stretcing a little this can be a good option. But I''d put most of my money towards the diamond.

Ok I thought that might have been a trick with the lighting. I think you''re right about going with the bigger stone. The setting I had originally liked was the micro pave legato and it''s right under a 1,000. But even if I did go with the other setting I would still be under budget by about 50 bucks. I can''t wait until we finally get it! The mister has left all of this up to me so I know that I''m going to knock his socks off when he actually sees it. I''m hoping that it will exceed his expectations....and mine as well

I hope it exceeds his expectations too! But if he isn''t very knowledgeable about diamonds he may not actually know how much rings cost retail and how much you are saving him. I recommend taking him on a little shopping trip to Tiffany''s if you can. Then when he sees what you picked out for the budget he will be very impressed indeed! This is a better way of impressing him with your shopping than expecting a higher appraisal estimate.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 6/8/2009 9:19:25 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

I hope it exceeds his expectations too! But if he isn''t very knowledgeable about diamonds he may not actually know how much rings cost retail and how much you are saving him. I recommend taking him on a little shopping trip to Tiffany''s if you can. Then when he sees what you picked out for the budget he will be very impressed indeed! This is a better way of impressing him with your shopping than expecting a higher appraisal estimate.

dd is right!

 

[Clairitek]

I have an I/J color cushion (can''t recall the fluoro though) and I compared it side by side to my friend''s D color RB (with medium-strong fluoro) and to be honest, I didn''t see one iota of difference. My cushion is cut really nicely so I am sure that is what is saving it from looking warm. I can imagine that if we put her ring and my ring on their sides (to view through the side of the pavilion rather than through the table from the top) and put them on a white piece of paper you would see a difference but definitely not from the top down!