size opinion

[maria]

I don''t know how to set up a real poll, but how big does a diamond have to get before is just starts looking a little tacky, in your opinion? I know it depends on finger size, taste, etc., but if you had to say, where do you draw the line? I may be asking the wrong crowd this but here goes...

 

[pqcollectibles]

Mara ran a poll on size of diamonds a while back. You might do a search and check out the results there.

 

[Bing Chow]

a friend of mine just got a 1.6c. I think if i didn't know her, I would have questioned its authenticity.

personal opinion: too big is too eye-catching, as if the woman is saying "hey, look at me!" Desperate for attention is tacky/hootchie. Subtlely has far more class. I think an e-ring should compliment the hand, add a noticeable sparkle to it, not overwhelm it so as to be the focus of all attention. For a size 7 finger, I think a 1-1.2c solitaire is nice (6.5-7mm in diamater for ideal cut)

Brilliance is more impressive anyways.

 

[Mara]

Hehehe that'd be an interesting poll...how big is too big. Maybe I will do it tomorrow if no one else does.




I tried on a 5c and it was too big for my finger.

I have seen 3c's and LOVE the size.




So I would say probably about 3c is my sweet spot for around the largest. Anything over 3.5c and I'd probably have to say too gaudy.




Desperate for attention with a large stone? Some could say the same with an expensive car. Everyone has their own way of expressing their tastes...I personally think a big diamond is better than overexposing one's assets, which could be construed by many more as 'desperate for attention' than just sporting a sparkly large bauble.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 2:03:04 AM Bing Chow wrote:

personal opinion: too big is too eye-catching, as if the woman is saying 'hey, look at me!' Desperate for attention is tacky/hootchie. Subtlely has far more class. -------------

If you think subtlely has far more class, then re-read your response. I think your response is tacky/hootchie.

Edited to add: It's only too big if you're *not* the one wearing it. I have seen women wear 10c & carry it off beautifully.

 

[maria]

Well, I do think there is a "too big" size no matter who is wearing it, although I can see your point. I think some people can carry it off better than others, though. For me, I think 1.5 would be about my personal limit. I also think it's different when someone wears a very large stone just for the sheer pleasure of wearing something that they are really interested and love (like most people around here, or because someone they love gave it to them. When women wear it soley as a status symbol is when it gets obnoxious for me.

 

[hoorray]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 10:59:53 AM maria wrote:

I also think it's different when someone wears a very large stone just for the sheer pleasure of wearing something that they are really interested and love (like most people around here, or because someone they love gave it to them. When women wear it soley as a status symbol is when it gets obnoxious for me. ----------------

But as the observer, how do you know which it is when you see a woman with a large stone?

 

[maria]

I think it's the 'tude that does it! hehe

 

[Nicrez]

Me personally, I top out at 2 right now. This of course is not accounting for "shrinkage" of diamonds as one gets older. Also I have a 5.5 size so fairly small fingers can't carry much more...




I am fairly slender, fairly young (too young for over 2Cts) and frankly, I would not think of wearing anything that attention getting daily, as I like to dress conservatively in general, and stick to basic colors, rarely any patterns (except pinstripe) and RARELY wear any logos and brand names BLATANTLY emblazoned on anything I wear. Just me, but I'm a simple gal, and 2ct is my tacky threshold.

First of all, Bing Chow, the term "hoochie" alone is tacky...But everyone's taste, social circles and finances are different. "Hoochie" to me is someone who most likely CAN'T afford a BIG ring, but wears one from a cheap teen chain clothing store!

 

[alexah]

I guess there are people that will judge you on anything that catches their eye...
Is your hair color too blonde/pink/short/whatever, if you have designer clothes/shoes/handbag, etc, etc, etc.
So diamond size/color is yet another way for people to judge your life/style.
I chose the size & color that's right for me, given our budget priorities. Whether I'm judged on it or not, whether people like it or not, doesn't matter to me, it had nothing to do with my decision.
It's simply a choice, like any other fashion choice.
Different strokes make the world go round!

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I think this is an impossible to answer question because what looks tacky on one person, may look fabulous on another. A two carat round is far too big for my 4.5 size finger, but looks fabulous on a number of woman I've seen wearing such a size. I think along the lines of a ring being far too big when it becomes awkward and uncomfortable to wear. Jessica Simpson's rings look this way too me. Too big and bulky.

Michelle

 

[Robyn12]

Hello,

I think 2 cts is very big, without being too big. For me, two cts is the biggest I would go. I tried on a 2.5 and for me, it looked so HUGE that I thought it looked fake on my finger. I think it depends on what you and your crowd are use to looking at, as well as your age, etc.

If you can, try some large stones on -- I think you'll know right away when you get one on your finger that looks too big to you.

Good luck!

 

[Nicrez]

Michelle, totally agree...Obsessed recently got his sweetie a 1ct or so Lucida, which I thought was HUGE! I think each finger and each budget determines the tackiness...Maria, what's your finger size? Just curious!

 

[Hest88]

Well, I *do* think there is such a thing as too big to be tasteful, but as you said it's hard without taking into account personal circumstances. I think 2 carats is as far as a woman can go before she has to start factoring in her age, status, size, etc. Oh yes, and setting. A larger diamond in a sleek modern setting is going to look elegant when the same diamond in an 80s style setting is going to look very bling-bling.

Of course, I once saw a 2 carat on a young, petite, innocent-looking blonde creature and no matter how often I saw her ring it always looked too big for her.

 

[Obsessed]

Did I hear my name? Yes, the 1 carat diamond looks beautiful and just right on my fiancee's hand. She is rather of small physical stature. However, if I had more money, I probably would have gone for about 1.25 to 1.5 carat! Beyond that size, I think it would have been funny looking for "her". I say this because it really depends on the person. I think big diamonds and jewelry look fabulous on Lil'Kim and PDiddy. When you have millions of disposable dollars, you gots to get some 'bling bling', right? Being truly rich doesn't necessarily mean you can always carry off huge diamonds... remember princess Diana? Other than in ceremonial events, I don't remember noticing any eyecatchers adorning her. I tend to believe that occassion dicatates what is too big or not! Even a regular person like my fiancee would probably look good with a 3 carat diamond if she was attending the oscar or a swanky soiree. Conversely, I DON't think a 3carat diamond looked good even on Audrey Hepburn when she was lending a hand at the homeless shelter.(btw, she never wore big jewelry when she did philanthropy

) However, I do agree the bigger diamonds ARE impressive... and those who criticize may be jealous.

 

[fire&ice]

Well, then if this is an opinion on size then when is a diamond too small? I think 1/2 carat is tiny. I think someone is tacky for wearing such a small diamond.

I simply can not understand why diamonds seem to be fair game for such harsh judgements in many ways. I like to be opinionated just like the next person; but, I don't understand the open season on diamonds.

 

[Mara]

Honestly I think it's plain and simple jealousy F&I.




I am jealous when I see other people with bigger diamonds.Sure, I may tell a friend, wow that ring is soo big I think it's tacky...but inside I am jealous that I couldn't afford something like that. EVEN IF I WOULDN'T WANT TO WEAR IT....I am jealous that I don't have the means to have it.




Green-eyed monster rears its ugly head in all of us, whether we want to admit it or not.

 

[katbadness]

F&I, I'm probably the only one here that thinks 1/2 carat diamond is not tiny and in fact I think it's just 'right'(my bf should feel so lucky!).

It may have something to do with what I saw growing up in SE Asia.

I tried on a 0.75ct one time and it looks huge on my finger (then again shrinkage probably hasn't set in, yet).

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:36:22 PM katbadness wrote:

F&I, I'm probably the only one here that thinks 1/2 carat diamond is not tiny and in fact I think it's just 'right'(my bf should feel so lucky!).

It may have something to do with what I saw growing up in SE Asia.

I tried on a 0.75ct one time and it looks huge on my finger (then again shrinkage probably hasn't set in, yet).


----------------

I hope everyone realizes I am playing the devil's advocate. I had my horns up. But really, why are we discussing size in terms of too large instead of too small?

 

[Mara]

Why are we discussing large OR small. Who cares?

Everyone wear their diamonds happily!




Ooh thats right, I was going to do a poll.

 

[katbadness]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:42:14 PM Mara wrote:


Why are we discussing large OR small. Who cares?

Everyone wear their diamonds happily!


Ooh thats right, I was going to do a poll.

----------------

I second that opinion!

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:42:14 PM Mara wrote:


Why are we discussing large OR small. Who cares?

Everyone wear their diamonds happily!


Ooh thats right, I was going to do a poll.

----------------

I really don't care. I just simply do not understand why the size issue is always an issue of what's too big. ALWAYS! I am comfortable wearing what I have. I just don't hear discussion so casually bantered about like I think her house is too big. It seems like the house is always too small.

 

[valeria101]

What are women around you wearing, Maria ?

Here's one example:
Any diamond at all would be "tacky" in Bucharest (my hometown in Romania) where virtually no one wears them. The "tacky diamond" effect is so strong, locally, that the wife of the US ambassador had to pull down her every-day diamond jewelry for official meetings - no joke ! The jewelry around was by no means cheaper, just no diamonds included

I a sure she is wearing her ring (I would guess it was an 1.7cts RBC) happily in Washington though.

Same curse afflicts most larger diamond rings going from the US in Western Europe, just not as hard. Given that, locally, jewelry design seems to be the most appreciated mark of value, an off-the rack setting with a huge rock would be simply odd

Having to survive fashion in all these places, I am wearing a sapphire cab...


So, what is the "diamond standard" in your circle?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

----------------


I hope everyone realizes I am playing the devil's advocate. I had my horns up. But really, why are we discussing size in terms of too large instead of too small?
----------------

Because it's more fitting that we pick on those who "have it all," versus those who are theoretically too broke to purchase a larger stone. FWIW, I have a smaller diamond and although I'd love a larger diamond and money ISN'T truely the issue (so don't attack me, anyone, for my first sentence here as this MAY NOT BE YOUR reason) since my husband and I have other priorities like me not working a miserable cubicle job but instead raising ourkids, I wear my 1/2 carat AS IS and I'm happy with it!

I stand by my words, some look good in larger stones and some look downright silly! If you (as in any of the ladies here, none one specific person) don't have the confidence to wear a larger stone or you're wearing it for the wrong reasons, you're likely to fit in the later category

If anyone is truley offended by any of this discussion, they need to find a better outlet in life as this IS a diamond board. Superficial and FUN, but not to be taken TOO seriously

Michelle

 

[Mara]

I was actually thinking earlier this morning re this post Val...




I know alot of gals where at least 1.5c is the norm around here.




My friend works at Cisco and she says all the girls in her Channel Marketing department had at least 2c engagement rings. She thinks mine is big and she says they make mine look small.

So for this area, larger is not unheard of. Though I also have a few coworkers who have extremely tiny diamonds in their engagement rings. Three gals in my group have diamonds that are something like .15c in their e-ring..YES that is the center stone. You have to squint to see them. I am like a gaudy goose with my 1.35 diameter stone, which is too small for me.

I would say that 1c is the minimum size for me..mentally.




Ideal...I wish that we had gotten me something like a 1.75c. At the time anything over 1c was the requirement. But now..diamond shrinkage and all!

 

[aljdewey]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:39:15 PM fire&ice wrote:





But really, why are we discussing size in terms of too large instead of too small?
----------------

Because the original question was "at what point does a diamond become too big?". She didn't ask about when it becomes too small; hence, that's not the discussion.

 

[aljdewey]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:47:59 PM fire&ice wrote:





I really don't care. I just simply do not understand why the size issue is always an issue of what's too big. ALWAYS! I am comfortable wearing what I have. I just don't hear discussion so casually bantered about like I think her house is too big. It seems like the house is always too small.

----------------

I think perhaps you're sensitive on this issue. I DO hear people discussion bantered about casually about MANY other things besides diamonds......cars come to mind.....(people make assumptions based on car your drive, how many times you go out to eat a week, etc.) Hell, people make assumptions all the time just based on whether or not someone is single....if you're married, you MUST be settled down, and if you're single, you must live the "fast-paced" life. Honestly, people make assumptions about things every day.

Keep in mind, too, F&I, that wearing a big stone is an outward sign.....it's easy to spot. It's not always easy to spot other things unless you SEE someone getting into their little $100K sports car or see them walking into a very swanky department store. Hence, it tends to get more notice/discussion.

 

[DavidEmslie]

depends on the finger/hand, depends on the look, depends what your going for. For insecure people I recomend big, bigger is always better right...at least as far as falicies go. Its a commonly known sales trick to make someone like that feel uncomfortable with them selves unless they "live on the edge" and go with the flash. I cant belive some of the posts in respose too this question! but anyway, the best answer to the question is...Do what you feel comfortable with and what you feel is right, trust your instincts, They have gotten you this far in life right? Make an educated discision.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 2:15:32 PM aljdewey wrote:

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:39:15 PM fire&ice wrote:



But really, why are we discussing size in terms of too large instead of too small?
----------------

Because the original question was 'at what point does a diamond become too big?'. She didn't ask about when it becomes too small; hence, that's not the discussion.
----------------

But that is what is *always* discussed. ALWAYS. And the topic header said "size opinion" not how big is too big. Silly me for thinking someone actually wanted an opinion on size. Oh, that's right. It's always too big.

 

[fire&ice]

----------------
On 3/3/2004 2:18:55 PM aljdewey wrote:

----------------
On 3/3/2004 1:47:59 PM fire&ice wrote:



I really don't care. I just simply do not understand why the size issue is always an issue of what's too big. ALWAYS! I am comfortable wearing what I have. I just don't hear discussion so casually bantered about like I think her house is too big. It seems like the house is always too small.

----------------

I think perhaps you're sensitive on this issue. I DO hear people discussion bantered about casually about MANY other things besides diamonds......cars come to mind.....(people make assumptions based on car your drive, how many times you go out to eat a week, etc.) Hell, people make assumptions all the time just based on whether or not someone is single....if you're married, you MUST be settled down, and if you're single, you must live the 'fast-paced' life. Honestly, people make assumptions about things every day.

Keep in mind, too, F&I, that wearing a big stone is an outward sign.....it's easy to spot. It's not always easy to spot other things unless you SEE someone getting into their little $100K sports car or see them walking into a very swanky department store. Hence, it tends to get more notice/discussion.
----------------

Thing is I really don't make value judgements about cars. I couldn't really tell you what car is 100k except maybe a rolls, lamborgini, etc. And, I had a very good friend tell me our second home was too small for her tastes. Keep in mind, I'm very comfortable with what I have big & small, I answered back to her that her house was too big for me. She took offense. I responded, "then why shouldn't I be offended by your comment of being too small?" She couldn't understand that concept.