Thoughts on 1.86 K S1

[Gator15]

The bf and I were out looking at diamonds this weekend and were very surprised to be so intrigued by this K, since we were originally in the market for a smaller diamond (in the 1.5ct range) with a better color grade. While I could definitely see a color difference when the diamonds were laying cutlet-up on a white background, I was hard-pressed to distinguish the color of this K from a 1.51 H VS2 when they were placed side by side, face up in e-ring settings. It was particularly surprising b/c I looked at J''s that for some reason (I assume something to do with the cut) appeared to have much more color.

SO...since everyone here has been so informative in our pre-shopping/lurking days, I thought I would run it by others with more expertise. Let us know what you think!

Here are the stats:

1.86 K SI1
GIA very good cut
Depth: 60.5%
Table: 56%
Crown: 32.5%
Pavillion: 40.6%
Girdle: med to sl thick
Cutlet: none
Fluorescence: none
Price is $9247

I''m wondering if the Crown angle is too steep. I also ran the stone''s info in the HCA which graded it 0.9 with excellent in light return, fire and scintillation and very good on spread.

I would love thoughts and input!

 

[arjunajane]

Hi Gator15,
I will let the resident "cut gurus" assess the specs for you - but I will just say that, if you are looking at a good make of diamond, than the lower colour grades like J-M represent great value.
I already own a K in an H&A round, and will soon be changing to an L in a precision cut cushion.
Both of these diamonds (to me at least) look white, but with a pleasant hint of "warmth" you can see in some lighting. Some ppl may think it odd, but for these reasons I will take a K over a D anyday

If you are not overly colour sensitive (which it sounds like it from your comments), than I think a K is a great option !

May I just ask though, is this diamond from a B&M or online vendor, and what lab was it graded by?
I should mention that my comments above are based on accurately graded (GIA or AGS) warmer colour grades

 

[stone-cold11]

If you are using it for a e-ring, might be a little too shallow in the pavilion angle for that crown angle. There might be obstruction issue where the stone goes dark when you view it closely, closer than 10 inch from the stone, best if we can see an Idealscope image to confirm. Have you look at it outside of store lighting?

 

[Lorelei]

This is what we call a shallow shallow combo, both crown and pavilion angles are too shallow and obstruction is the usual result. This is where a diamond can darken visibly at close scrutiny due to the viewer's head blocking the light. This is why some believe such diamonds are better suited for pendants or earrings as they are not viewed in the same way as a ring. I think you can do better.

See obstruction in action, video lower right of the page

http://diamondscope.pricescope.com/

 

[Gator15]

Thanks for the input.
We saw the diamond at a B&M store where the closest I got to viewing it in natural light was standing at the window.
I did not notice the obstruction issue at the time but also wasn''t looking for it. I did notice that the pavillion and crown angles put it in danger for this on the HCA graph but was unsure if this remained a problem on a low (0.9)scoring stone. I am going back later this week to look at a setting so I will take another look with that in mind!

Also wondering...are there certain angle combo''s that make some ''warmer'' stones appear whiter when face-up? Although this one appeared pretty white to me, there were others in the I-J range that didn''t...which makes me a hesitant to buy one online without seeing it first.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 6/15/2009 6:04:39 AM
Author: Gator15
Thanks for the input.
We saw the diamond at a B&M store where the closest I got to viewing it in natural light was standing at the window.
I did not notice the obstruction issue at the time but also wasn't looking for it. I did notice that the pavillion and crown angles put it in danger for this on the HCA graph but was unsure if this remained a problem on a low (0.9)scoring stone. I am going back later this week to look at a setting so I will take another look with that in mind!

Also wondering...are there certain angle combo's that make some 'warmer' stones appear whiter when face-up? Although this one appeared pretty white to me, there were others in the I-J range that didn't...which makes me a hesitant to buy one online without seeing it first.

A steep pavilion angle can trap colour in some cases, so it is best to really keep this angle 41 degrees or lower, unless sold by a vendor who hand picks their diamonds for superior optics. A shallower crown angle can make a diamond look more brilliant in some cases but really it is best to find a well balanced and proportioned diamond in order to show any colour grade off to its best. Also some believe blue fluorescence of medium and above can help a diamond face up a little whiter.

With obstruction, just look at the diamond carefully, get into a position bending over the diamond on the hand as if you are going to admire it closely. If it darkens then that is the obstruction, pull it away from the head/ body shadow range and it will usually look bright and sparkly. If the diamond does not darken or if it does and it doesn't bother you then thats the main thing.