Should I buy an L-color for an E-Ring?

[x95878]

Hi. I''m a newbie to the forums, but I''ve been using Pricescope for about a month now, and I''d first like to say that I really appreciate the education I''ve received here. I know way more about diamonds now than I ever wanted to...

I am considering purchasing a RB .61ct L VVS2 for an engagement ring, but I''m nervous about the color. The setting needs to be a solitaire belcher setting in white gold. I tried this a couple of months ago, but I was relatively ignorant and bought a stone without a certificate from a local B&M store. When I got it appraised I realized that they had lied to me about the diamond''s clarity, so I returned the ring.

At any rate, I had put a G colored stone in that first ring, and it looked WAY whiter than the white gold that it was set in, which I thought looked a little strange. I''m thinking I may be one of those people I hear about who prefer a little "warmth" in their diamond. The stone I''m looking at is an AGS0 and scores triple "very highs" on the Gemex BrilliancScope. It also gets a great HCA score. So I''m thinking it would face up pretty white anyway, especially in white gold.

Does anybody out there actually prefer an L color stone, at least in a white gold setting? I''m just curious if what I hear is true. I''ve seen some good pictures of K''s on Pricesope and I think they look great. I''m trying to surprise my gf, so I can''t ask her. She''s not a big jewelry wearer anyway (only owns one ring) so I think getting a preference out of her would be tough...

Also, I''ve heard two different stories about whether to put a low-color stone in white gold or not. Some say white gold would make the stone look whiter, and thus hide the color. Others say that it will reveal the color more, and that yellow gold compliments a low color stone better. Which is true?

If anyone has pictures of an L-color round brilliant cut that would be awesome, especially if it was in white gold

Thanks very much in advance. And sorry for the long post. Any help will be appreciated. You guys are great!

Jim

 

[vespergirl]

If you like a slightly warmer stone, I would go down to a J, but not an L. I think that in a WG setting, an I or J would be great, but still keep you from going into the obviously tinted category. However, I prefer whiter rather than warmer stones, so that''s just MHO.

 

[kimmyintexas]

Check out the thread below...there are MANY drop dead gorgeous diamonds that are L or lower! Everyone has there own preferences so it''s hard to get advice on this. Most people seem to say, "Don''t go lower than a J for an ering.", or "Lower colors look better in yellow gold.", or "Only go that low if it is an antique stone.", but just look at the diamonds in that thread and you will see L diamonds in white metals that look awesome and modern cut stones that are warm and look fabulous. I have an L and it is beautiful. It will be set in white metal and most likely with whiter melee. It faces up very white in most lighting and every person who has seen it in real life has thought it was gorgeous (and huge since I was able to buy a much bigger stone because I preferred the lower colors). But, I will admit that most people I know are not obsessed with diamonds the way people on here are (in a good way of course

) and this is the only one I own so I''m not constantly comparing it to other diamonds of higher colors. Anyway, all of this is just to say that I for one am extremely happy in every way to have my L diamond.

(It is for my engagement ring btw.)

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/warm-diamonds-l-and-lower.123090/

 

[elle_chris]

Well cut or not, the color''s going to show in an L. So unless you know for sure your girlfriend is fine with the lower colors, I wouldn''t chance it. After all, she''s the one that''s going to be wearing it.

 

[Amethyste]

Lower color diamonds are in my opinion just as a good choice as a colorless one. It depends how you set it and the wearer's preference and color sensitivity. - the possibilities are endless! I am totally biased on the lower color diamonds. I love them so much, I got myself a W-X color one. I am certianly not disapointed!

 

[glitterata]

I''m a huge fan of lower color diamonds (and higher color--I love them both). If you could consult your girlfriend and she said she liked lower colors, I would say go for the L.

But because of the way diamonds are marketed, most people associate low colors with "dirty" and "cheap." Those are not associations you want your girlfriend to have with her engagement ring. Since you can''t ask her opinion, I don''t think you should risk it.

One more thing: Most women have a strong preference for white colored metal or yellow gold. I think you should try to find out which she prefers for her wedding set. What color is popular with her friends & family? If she wears any jewelry, what color is it?

 

[Phoenix]

I too do not think that you should risk buying an L-colour diamond for an ering, unless you know *for sure* that your GF prefers warmer colours. Some prefer just LOVE warmer colours and some prefer their diamonds in the D-E-F category, nothing wrong with either, just personal preference.

I have J coloured stones and had K coloured stones and although in most lightings, they *face up* very very white, in some lightlings you can detect a teeny weensy tinge however. Also, these are/ were in my earrings and don't think I'd have them in a ring. It's just *my* own preference.

if I were you, unless you could find out for certain that yr GF would prefer warmer colours, I'd go for a safer option like a J or even an I in the ering.

My 0.02.

 

[oneandahalfrock]

I tend to think it really depends on your fiances tastes.
Let her see both colors and decide herself... An L is going to look quite warm in most lighting, and not fit in with your stereotypical e-rings, BUT if she likes it, then great...
By the way, are you going to get a plain band or one with diamonds or other stones....? It will be challenging to match the color of an L diamond with the band.
That said, here is my L in a white gold setting with G color accent stones.
Enjoy and hope it helps!

 

[CBL]

I would agree with the excellent advice you''ve gotten thus far--if you can''t consult your girlfriend you may want to stick with something ''safer'' like H/I/J.

That said, I wore my L for a long while and never even thought about the ''color'' (hello, it''s a DIAMOND, AWESOME!) until I joined this forum. Even now, I would happily purchase an L, or even a lower color, because I like the warmth, and because my priorities would be cut and size.

BUT, we don''t really have any idea about your girlfriend''s preferences or expectations, so my opinion on color is kind of a null point. Thus I revert to the ''safer'' route.

 

[x95878]

Date: 9/14/2009 9:12:50 AM
Author: glitterata
Most women have a strong preference for white colored metal or yellow gold. I think you should try to find out which she prefers for her wedding set. What color is popular with her friends & family? If she wears any jewelry, what color is it?

Thanks! Great advice. She wears a white gold purity ring currently. That''s it. She has expressed a preference for white gold and also for a ring that evokes the look of a flower, which is why I''ve decided to go with the belcher setting (looks like a flower from the top). That''s really all the hints I''ve gotten from her.

I truly appreciate the advice from everyone here. It is really making me consider going with a higher color. The L-color pics look great, and I like the way stones of that color seem to change appearances in different lighting. I know my gf is the one who''s going to wear the ring, and it''s not necessarily about what I like; but really, without spoiling the surprise, most of the style and character of this ring are going to come from my best guess at what she''ll like plus plenty of personal thought put into it by me (which will probably mean the most to her). I just wish I could see an L in real life - I''ve called a few B&M stores, but none seem to actually carry a stone in that color grade.

Thanks again to everyone for their replies. I''m starting to see a consensus forming about H-I-J being a safer bet...

 

[nkarma]

Antique jewelry stores in your area may have lower color stones K ,L, M, etc..., but they will be a different cut.

I too am thinking about an L colored e-ring.

Question for K/L/M owners, x9878 brings up the point that these colored stones tend bounce and reflect more colors than stones with higher colors. Have you noticed this as well? I think that is so pretty and valuable if they are reflecting rainbowy colors like the pics of AJ's and other poster's rings. Or do all well cut diamonds no matter the color reflect the same way?

 

[Amethyste]

Date: 9/14/2009 3:46:48 PM
Author: x95878

Date: 9/14/2009 9:12:50 AM
Author: glitterata
Most women have a strong preference for white colored metal or yellow gold. I think you should try to find out which she prefers for her wedding set. What color is popular with her friends & family? If she wears any jewelry, what color is it?

Thanks! Great advice. She wears a white gold purity ring currently. That''s it. She has expressed a preference for white gold and also for a ring that evokes the look of a flower, which is why I''ve decided to go with the belcher setting (looks like a flower from the top). That''s really all the hints I''ve gotten from her.

I truly appreciate the advice from everyone here. It is really making me consider going with a higher color. The L-color pics look great, and I like the way stones of that color seem to change appearances in different lighting. I know my gf is the one who''s going to wear the ring, and it''s not necessarily about what I like; but really, without spoiling the surprise, most of the style and character of this ring are going to come from my best guess at what she''ll like plus plenty of personal thought put into it by me (which will probably mean the most to her). I just wish I could see an L in real life - I''ve called a few B&M stores, but none seem to actually carry a stone in that color grade.

Thanks again to everyone for their replies. I''m starting to see a consensus forming about H-I-J being a safer bet...

What it could also be is a "ballerina" style setting, like Princess Diana had. It has the look of a flower as well. A belcher type of ring needs to be done well for a woman to wear it, as it can be a little more bulky/substantial as a setting. I only saw men wearing this type of setting. I am sure there must be more delicate ( or for female ) belcher setting, I just have not seen them in real life. They are much more popular in Europe - England precisely

 

[kimmyintexas]

You could always buy it and as long as they have a good return policy you can see what you think of it. That''s what I did.

 

[swingirl]

Have you looked at stones with higher color and lower clarity? You might want to swap around your specs. Color is more noticeable from any distance whereas inclusions are only noticeable upon close inspection.

I don't know what your budget is or where you are looking to buy from but just for comparison sake here is one to consider. 0.58ct J SI2

 

[Lynn B]

I love warmer colored (well-cut) diamonds, and especially the rich fire and dispersion that they show.

My diamond is a "J" and set in platinum, and looks beautiful (if I do say so myself!)

(But, here, see for yourself

: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/finally-gorgeous-new-fishtail-pave-set-from-wf.46129/ )

Anyway, that being said... I would think twice before I would buy an "L" colored diamond as a *surprise* engagement ring. If it were a stone that you two picked out together, or if you knew that she liked the look of warmer stones, then I would say GO FOR IT! But I just feel terrible when newly engaged girls come here saying, "LOVE THE GUY... but the ring? Um, not so much!"

Personally (and this is just me), while I can deeply appreciate the romance and appeal factor of a *surprise!* engagement ring, I often think that unless the guy knows precisely what his girl is gonna LOVE, a wonderful proposal and an IOU in a ring box is NOT a bad idea!!! I think alot of women (myself included!) would really like to choose the diamond and the setting that they are gonna wear on their finger every day for years!!!

 

[DiamanteBlu]

If it is well cut you should be fine with an L color. I would not, however look for such a high clarity [VVS2]. I would go lower in clarity [as long as the stone is eye clean] and go up in size [or color] - and, of course, focus on a killer cut.

BTW, here is my L emerald cut diamond next to my emerald and diamond RHR [with D FL diamonds] so you can have a comparison in color.

 

[Black Jade]

Agree that Belcher setting may not be what she means. It''s possible, of course, but for women''s rings that''s a very Victorian sort of style, somewhat heavy.
A ballerina ring BTW is not what Princess Diana had. A ballerina ring has a round center but has baguette diamonds framing it, not little round ones and the baguettes are not evenly set but sort of ''ruffle'' like a ballerina''s skirt. I think that sort of ring that Princess Diana had was a cluster ring (but I could be wrong). It did look flower like, but the ballerina ring (which I personally like, but which is incredibly unstylish right now) really does not.

 

[winternight]

Well this is an individual choice, but personally I wouldn''t like an L ring. I prefer a ring that is a G-H as about the lower I''d go. To me diamonds are supposed to be ice white with flashes of color, I''m not a warm diamond girl.

 

[x95878]

Thank you, my friends, for all your very helpful advice. This is one man whom you have save from his own ignorance. "Clearly", a near-colorless stone is the safest bet, and the only way to go.

On another note, I was very interested in the input on the belcher setting I chose. I created another thread Here with pics of the setting. I would really appreciate feedback.

Thanks for everything!!!

 

[swingirl]

The Belcher setting is not to my liking. It looks like a claw holding up the diamond. It's an antique style and in my opinion looks like the jewelers of that era weren't able to make very delicate strong prongs. So by today's standards it is masculine looking. I also think it does not highlight the stone. But that's just my take on it.

You seem pretty set on it, though. Hopefully your GF will be too.

 

[Amethyste]

Date: 9/15/2009 1:29:00 PM
Author: swingirl
The Belcher setting is not to my liking. It looks like a claw holding up the diamond. It''s an antique style and in my opinion looks like the jewelers of that era weren''t able to make very delicate strong prongs. So by today''s standards it is masculine looking. I also think it does not highlight the stone. But that''s just my take on it.

You seem pretty set on it, though. Hopefully your GF will be too.

ditto on that.

I think belchers setting are more suited for a man than a woman, the type of setting seems that is overpowering the stone and is not very feminine in my opinion. I really am not liking belchers settings at all, there are so many other possibilities out there with more personnality and definite pizzazz for your future wife to be.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Date: 9/14/2009 4:20:17 PM
Author: nkarma
Antique jewelry stores in your area may have lower color stones K ,L, M, etc..., but they will be a different cut.

I too am thinking about an L colored e-ring.

Question for K/L/M owners, x9878 brings up the point that these colored stones tend bounce and reflect more colors than stones with higher colors. Have you noticed this as well? I think that is so pretty and valuable if they are reflecting rainbowy colors like the pics of AJ''s and other poster''s rings. Or do all well cut diamonds no matter the color reflect the same way?

Not trying to thread jack, but I wondered if anyone had some thoughts regarding nkarma''s question for K/L/M owners. I, myself, own a K and it''s is never the same color. It''s reflects every color in the room, in addition to flashes of fire. Under over-hanging trees it''s a kaleidescope of green, red, blue, white and yellow flecks - not fire but reflections. In the car it reflects beige, the color of my interior. At work, it has tons of fire and brilliance from the fluorescent lighting, but in between the spikes of fire and brilliance, it''s a soft gray, the color of the wall/celiing panels. It literally takes on the environment. I have seen the same phenomenon in pictures that other PS members with lower color diamonds have taken. Is this more common with lower color diamonds? Would a D color diamond do this? If not, why not? To me, reflection of color seems like it would be more of a cut issue than a color issue, but I''m no expert.

 

[glitterata]

There''s something called a buttercup setting that was popular a century ago. It looks like a feminine version of the belcher setting.

Like this or this. It''s a standard jewelry part, so a jeweler shouldn''t have trouble making you a ring with this kind of head.

 

[Black Jade]

Yes, the buttercup setting is lovely, I''d look for that. They weren''t only made a century ago--I have buttercup style earrings from the 80''s. Unless she said she wants Belcher, I''d check that.

 

[tarator]

Go in look at stones in person, and choose the color based on what you see and like. Before I went out I thought I was going to get an I, but I have settled on getting an L because I love its warmth.

 

[elle_chris]

Date: 9/15/2009 2:50:34 PM
Author: Snicklefritz

Date: 9/14/2009 4:20:17 PM
Author: nkarma
Antique jewelry stores in your area may have lower color stones K ,L, M, etc..., but they will be a different cut.

I too am thinking about an L colored e-ring.

Question for K/L/M owners, x9878 brings up the point that these colored stones tend bounce and reflect more colors than stones with higher colors. Have you noticed this as well? I think that is so pretty and valuable if they are reflecting rainbowy colors like the pics of AJ''s and other poster''s rings. Or do all well cut diamonds no matter the color reflect the same way?

Not trying to thread jack, but I wondered if anyone had some thoughts regarding nkarma''s question for K/L/M owners. I, myself, own a K and it''s is never the same color. It''s reflects every color in the room, in addition to flashes of fire. Under over-hanging trees it''s a kaleidescope of green, red, blue, white and yellow flecks - not fire but reflections. In the car it reflects beige, the color of my interior. At work, it has tons of fire and brilliance from the fluorescent lighting, but in between the spikes of fire and brilliance, it''s a soft gray, the color of the wall/celiing panels. It literally takes on the environment. I have seen the same phenomenon in pictures that other PS members with lower color diamonds have taken. Is this more common with lower color diamonds? Would a D color diamond do this? If not, why not? To me, reflection of color seems like it would be more of a cut issue than a color issue, but I''m no expert.

While I don''t have a D, my G and my K (both well cut) reflect light the same way. Both have ''"rainbows". I think what you''re noticing is the color in the K that you''re mistaking for light return.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Date: 9/16/2009 10:10:58 AM
Author: elle_chris

Date: 9/15/2009 2:50:34 PM
Author: Snicklefritz

Date: 9/14/2009 4:20:17 PM
Author: nkarma
Antique jewelry stores in your area may have lower color stones K ,L, M, etc..., but they will be a different cut.

I too am thinking about an L colored e-ring.

Question for K/L/M owners, x9878 brings up the point that these colored stones tend bounce and reflect more colors than stones with higher colors. Have you noticed this as well? I think that is so pretty and valuable if they are reflecting rainbowy colors like the pics of AJ''s and other poster''s rings. Or do all well cut diamonds no matter the color reflect the same way?

Not trying to thread jack, but I wondered if anyone had some thoughts regarding nkarma''s question for K/L/M owners. I, myself, own a K and it''s is never the same color. It''s reflects every color in the room, in addition to flashes of fire. Under over-hanging trees it''s a kaleidescope of green, red, blue, white and yellow flecks - not fire but reflections. In the car it reflects beige, the color of my interior. At work, it has tons of fire and brilliance from the fluorescent lighting, but in between the spikes of fire and brilliance, it''s a soft gray, the color of the wall/celiing panels. It literally takes on the environment. I have seen the same phenomenon in pictures that other PS members with lower color diamonds have taken. Is this more common with lower color diamonds? Would a D color diamond do this? If not, why not? To me, reflection of color seems like it would be more of a cut issue than a color issue, but I''m no expert.

While I don''t have a D, my G and my K (both well cut) reflect light the same way. Both have ''''rainbows''. I think what you''re noticing is the color in the K that you''re mistaking for light return.

Well that''s just it elle, and thanks for responding, btw. When you say "rainbows" what are you referring to? Light reflection or color reflection. I don''t believe the colors I am talking about are light (fire or brilliance) or the off-white/yellowish color of the stone. They are the reflections of other colors in the room. Practically my whole diamond will turn red, or green, or brown, or blue, or white depending on what is in the environment. Let me see if I can find an example of what I''m talking about.
Here''s a few links:
Antique cushion
Another cushion
They both happen to be cushions but just look at how they reflect colors, not their body color or colored light flashes. It''s more of a mirror effect. Mine does exaclty that but it''s an RB. I''ll admit I haven''t had the privilege of looking at enough well cut diamonds to know if they all do this. I just have my own and have seen the same phenomenon in a couple pics of stones that also happen to have low colors. I''d just like to know if all well cut diamonds do this or not, simply for my own curiosity.

 

[elle_chris]

Hi Snicklefritz-

My G most definitely does this. It reflects the colors around it. My favorite is green, least favorite is grey (when i''m in a room with greyish wall).

The color of the stone really doesn''t have anything to do with it.

 

[Snicklefritz]

Date: 9/16/2009 12:58:09 PM
Author: elle_chris
Hi Snicklefritz-

My G most definitely does this. It reflects the colors around it. My favorite is green, least favorite is grey (when i''m in a room with greyish wall).

The color of the stone really doesn''t have anything to do with it.

THANK YOU SO MUCH! I have been wondering this for a long time (well two very long weeks) and I was certain that it couldn''t be the diamond''s color that caused it to reflect other colors; that just doesn''t make sense. But I was definitely confused. I guess I just happened to see more pictures of low color diamonds reflecting colors. Oh, and I so know what you mean about the gray reflections. I hate them too but my least favorite is brown. I was kinda freaking out thinking there was something wrong with my diamond when I saw it reflecting these colors. I''m so glad to know it''s just the result of a great cut. Whew....

 

[nkarma]

Thank you too Elle. I also had been wondering it because I have seen the phenomenon on a lot of lower color stones on PS.