Returning. need help with new Diamond(long)

[ssteigs]

I purchased a 1.50 Princess cut diamond from a family friend who is a dealer( doesnt sell to the public) It was graded an SI1 I color by EGL isreal(I know I know). When I had it appraised it was graded as an SI1(correct) but the color was a K and the diamond had med. Blu flouresence. He offered to take the diamond back then and he had told me previously that EGL was loose on their grades so he wasnt trying to rip me off. Even with the lower color grade the appraiser said I got a great deal and the fact that I coudnt see any color face up I kept it. The good news is my Girlfriend said yes!!! But ever since I had it mounted I started to notice the color. When we recently went to look at wedding rings the tint became obvious. So even after 4 months my friend is letting me exchange it.

My fiance and looked at 2 GIA stones graded I color over 2 carat diamonds and I couldn't see any color. They looked very white. Im just afraid that they wont look white in other lighting.

Would you guys buy an I color Princess or should I stick to H and above. Just dont want to make a mistake twice.

 

[icekid]

Date: 12/5/2005 7:00:55 PM
Author:ssteigs

My fiance and looked at 2 GIA stones graded I color over 2 carat diaomnds and I couldnt see any color. They looked very white. Im just afraid that they wont look white in other lighting.

Would you guys buy an I color Princess or should I stick to H and above. Just dont want to make a mistake twice.

I do think most princess cuts tend to show more color than ideal cut rounds. You said you''re worried about seeing color in other lightings, so your best bet would be to see the prospective stones under lots of lighting conditions to see if you are comfortable with I color.

Good luck!

 

[SeaOats]

In a well cut RB, I wouldn''t hesitate to get an I colored stone. However, since princess cuts do show more color, I would want to know whether these are well cut princess stones. And you really should see the stones in all types of light to make sure the color will not be too much for you and your fiance.

 

[ssteigs]

The first stone was very well cut although it didnt fall in the ideal proportions according to some. It was a fiery stone which helped mask the color. Does anyone have large princess cut diamonds in the I through H range that can comment.

Thanks!!

 

[pebbles]

My cousin has a well cut I colored 1.25ct princess cut in a white gold setting. You can only see a tint of color in the side if she holds it at certain angles and in certain lighting (in other words, it isn''t noticable all the time). When she first showed me her ring, I couldn''t believe it was an I. Her now-husband did a great job of finding the stone (well, I should say his jeweler did

) so there are stones out there like that.

 

[oldminer]

Unless compared side by side to a much more colorless stone, an I color will look colorless, or nearly so, in almost any lighting. Don''t get hung up on a letter of the alphabet, but look closely at the individual diamond before approving it. Stones of the same color can appear quite different from one another.

 

[ssteigs]

Oldminer,

Many on these boards have stated (including Gary) that An I color may appear to have some tint if set in Platinum. Especially in a Princess cut that is a 1.5 ct. Do you agree? The diamonds I saw recently that were GIA I color seemed colorless to me. I realize every diamond is different but I will only be able to see the diamond in probably a couple of different lightings before I get it. And given the fact that the previous diamond didn't look tinted until it was mounted I don't want make a mistake again. Keep in mind the diamond is going to be mounted in an open setting that sits fairly high.

Thanks Again for your help!!

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 12/6/2005 12:13:29 PM
Author: oldminer

...Stones of the same color can appear quite different from one another.

Isn't that the truth, especially in fancies. One PS jedi-master often says 'buy the stone not the paper.' You have the advantage of having the new prospect in hand, and it sounds like your friend is accomodating. You say you noted the color when you went to look at wedding rings. Perhaps your friend will let you take the new prospect to the 'scene of the crime'

to see if the tint bothers you as much? Now hearing your tale, I would just caution you that in jewelry stores you should be realistic about how an I will face up if you are comparing it to colorless diamonds, especially if there are well cut rounds in the case. If it bothers you next to other Is - then perhaps you should consider a more colorless selection. Ultimately it's up to personal preference and sensitivity, and the 'eyes' have it (we'll see if the "I"s have it)... You are in the best position to answer your own question.

 

[ssteigs]

My friend is in NY and Im in Boston so it could pose a problem. The funny thing is everyone cautions against trusting Jewlery store lights. The funny thing is that is the one place that her diamond looks the most tinted. Outdoors(sunshine or cloudy it looked white). At home white. I thought at first it was the stores lights making it look yellow so I asked the guy to show me an I color princess(GIA) already set. Sure enough it wasn''t the lights ...it was the diamond. And the jewler even cleaned it for me so that wasnt a factor.
But I get what you guys are saying about trusting your eyes and not the paper...unfortunately my eyes is what got me in trouble the first time!

 

[ssteigs]

Anyone else have opinions on I colored Princess''?

 

[Rhino]

"I" color princess cuts are just fine. If you want to play safe with an I color make sure you''re getting a stone with pristine optics as that help neautralize color (as well as fluorescence).

Peace,

 

[perry]

Buy an idealscope to check the diamonds out. Select one with great light return and the color will be minimized. Selecting one with poor light return allows the color to show more.

Perry