RB vs. Princess Cut and Color Differences

[lakai]

I''ve been looking to upgrade my wife''s ring with a RB with the same qualities.

Her current ring is a 1.5 ct/VVS1/D/XXX Princess Cut.

Now I understand the price difference between a 1.5ct/VVS1/D Princess and RB is significant, so I have decided to lower my standards down to a minimum of VS2 and H color when it comes to what I am looking for. I would like to avoid going any lower than a G if possible.

We''ve been to a few local diamond dealers and have seen some excellent stones. The ones that were shown to me were 1.5-1.7/VVS2-VS1/E-F/EX EX EX stones and they were exactly what I had in mind except for one thing. The price range of these were from 34K-27K. The price is not really my main concern and am willing to go at most 5k over my original budget if I find something worth it, but these were out of my extended budget.

I decide to look around on-line and found a few from GOG that are within my price range and met my minimum requirements. They were from 1.3ct-1.7ct VS1-VS2 E-H. I asked for pictures of them compared next to each other and while I am satisfied with three of the 4C''s, I am having a hard time dealing with the difference between the color of a RB and a Princess.

Is it just me or are Princess Cuts tend to be visually whiter than a RB of the same color grade? I noticed that even a D color graded RB would have hints of yellow/brown/blue while a Princess would not. I looked at pictures from WF and GOG and noticed that almost all of the RB''s show either hints of yellow, brown or blue while stil being graded D-F. The blue is ok, but I''m having problems with the brown.

I know that pictures might not be the best way to tell but these hints of color were noticeable even in the extra pictures sent to me (face down, face up) and I noticed this in a few loose stones from another dealer that I''ve visited as well. The only exception was the first dealer I mentioned where those stones were Icy White even when viewed with a loupe.

So I''m wondering if this is normal in RBs ? I''m thinking the way princess stones are cut seem to mask the hints of color making them visually whiter than a RB. Thanks for any input.

 

[Lorelei]

Generally well cut RB''s are thought to show less colour than Princess or other fancy shapes. I think the best way is to see diamonds in person, as it is so hard to tell from pics, but I would have thought with a G colour Princess in the size you are considering should look very white and not be a problem. If you can, see if a store near you carries AGS0 cut grade Princess, then take a look at some of those in the colour grades and sizes you are considering, to see where your preferences lie. Of course should you decide to buy from GOG, Jon will be pleased to help you and will be honest concerning each diamond as to it''s suitability for you.

 

[lakai]

I actually want to get a Round Brilliant not another princess

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/22/2008 7:55:17 AM
Author: lakai
I actually want to get a Round Brilliant not another princess

Ok I must have read the post wrongly, my apologies. Then I would suggest looking at some AGS0 cut grade rounds or Hearts on Fire branded round diamonds, in the size you are considering, to get a feel for where your colour preferences lie. Then you should be able to purchase with relative confidence knowing that your colour choices should be appropriate.