What is more important in a RB: color or clarity?

[jpace2044]

I have started leaning toward a round brilliant. I originally thought I wanted a G-H VS2, but now I'm leaning towards a D-E SI1. both ideal cut and in the 1.75-2 ct range. I want it set in a pave solitaire setting. So if you had to choose, which would you go with and why?

 

[slg47]

well I would go E SI1 but that's because to me as long as the stone is eye-clean, it's eye clean. Some people prefer knowing that there are no inclusions even if they cannot see them. Also I like the iciness of the higher colors, but other people might prefer G, H, I, J, K...other color. I would go look in a store and decide. Also if you are OK with SI1 clarity then why not get a 2+ carat G/H SI1?

 

[jpace2044]

Thanks for the reply you have a good point, my thoughts were kind of evolving as I wrote my original post lol. Ill go research some g/h SI1. For now these are the stones I was considering:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2507889.htm

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2133624.htm

 

[slg47]

first one is virtual stone, meaning WF does not have it in-house, not enough information (I didn't see GIA report to get HCA score?) to know if it is worth calling in. 2nd one looks nice but is I color, may be too tinted for you, matter of personal preference

both of these are H SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230007
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2275583.htm

 

[Cehrabehra]

subjective really - but I think clarity is more important... but of course there's a cut off where it becomes irrelevant. I would NOT choose an IF over a VS2 but VS2 is my sweet spot... pretty much a guarantee clean. But I would consider SI1 or 2, especially for earrings - easy. Finger it would have to be super eye clean. Color though - I like ALL of the colors that diamonds come in... if cut is in place I look at clarity and if that's in place I look at the biggest one that I can find that I can afford - color? who cares! lol

 

[IceExplorer]

color? who cares! lol

LOL

Cehrabehra is right - it is really subjective.

Personally, I prefer colorless diamonds. E, F or G - provided they are all Ideal Cut.
Clarity - I'm good with eye clean - VS1, SI1 or SI2.

Eye Clean is Eye Clean. I haven't had anyone ask my fiance to loop her diamond in 7 months.



Someone has a signature on their posts that says something like: It's better to have a "mind clean" diamond
If you're going to regret your purchase because you compromised on a particular aspect of the 4 C's - it might not be worth it to you.

You might want to consider visiting an appraiser and have them show you a master color set. That might help you find out how color sensitive you are.
Also, consider trying to get multiple diamonds at a B&M of comparable cut and color with different clarity levels to find your personal sweet spot.

Pricescope will help arm you with the knowledge to pick the right specs for your diamond. Don't discount the value of shopping and seeing many diamonds first hand. Ultimately, it's eye candy so educate your eyes.

Good luck with your quest!

 

[Imdanny]

G-H VS2

This because I like clarity and don't really care about color.

 

[luv2sparkle]

I also would rather have a higher clarity than color. Partly a 'mind clean' thing, but I dont want to be able to see anything
from a side view either. My diamond is a I VS2 and that is pretty much my sweet spot. I wouldn't mind having a higher color,
but the price point for the I VS2 fit perfectly in my comfort level.

 

[Imdanny]

I haven't had anyone ask my fiance to loop her diamond in 7 months.

That's good because that would be very rude.

 

[Siamese Kitty]

I have started leaning toward a round brilliant. I originally thought I wanted a G-H VS2, but now I'm leaning towards a D-E SI1. both ideal cut and in the 1.75-2 ct range. I want it set in a pave solitaire setting. So if you had to choose, which would you go with and why?

I don't think you could go wrong either way, and an even larger G SI1 sounds tempting! I'm in the camp, if the SI1's eye-clean, then it's not a big deal. VS2 and SI1 are not worlds apart.

For me personally, I think it depends. If it's between a G VS2 or E-F SI1, I'd be tempted to get the G because of the VS clarity. If it's between a D SI1 and G VS2, well, then I'd want the D. Actually, F SI1 costs a *bit* less than G VS2, if I'm not mistaken, so that could be an option. That said, although I really prefer high colors, I couldn't find a thing wrong with the 1.2ish G VS2 I had. And I adore the D SI1 pear in my avatar, and have had people ask me if it's a D IF (probably because of the color). Sorry, this is really no help at all, huh? I guess the point I'm trying to get at in a very convoluted way, is that there are obviously going to be trade-offs and sometimes your criteria will not be absolutes. Consider each stone individually on a case by case basis with an open mind, and I think you'll find that one will "speak" to you.

As you go bigger in carat size, color will be more obvious, though we're not talking serious color at the G-H range. You may want to consider the color of your pave diamonds, too. The smaller diamonds will already look brighter than the center stone because of their size alone.

I second IceExplorer's advice to go see the colors in person. You may not notice the slight tint of an I, or you may fall in love with the warmth of a J. All colors can be lovely when cut well.

Good luck!

 

[Circe]

I actually *like* warmth, so I'm the wrong target audience for this question ... in a pinch, though, I'd say getting a color you love the look of is the most important thing. I used to be a clarity freak - no lower than VS! - until I got my first SI1. Never going back! I can see my inclusions under a loupe (comforting if I have to drop it off somewhere), but I can't see anything with my eyes except for the size. SI stones vary in quality, but if you find an eye-clean one, I'd say it's totally the way to go.

 

[Amys Bling]

I have started leaning toward a round brilliant. I originally thought I wanted a G-H VS2, but now I'm leaning towards a D-E SI1. both ideal cut and in the 1.75-2 ct range. I want it set in a pave solitaire setting. So if you had to choose, which would you go with and why?

Well it's all personal preference. I personally would go for the E SI1 if the stone is eyeclean. In my mind, if an SI2 or SI1 is eyeclean, it's no different to me than any higher clarity stone. I dont mind inclusions that are only seen with a 10x loop- as someone else coined the term- they are your diamond's birthmarks! Also, its nice to know you have multiple ways of ID=ing YOUR stone- (incusions under loop- laser inscription).

I have a D and I really do enjoy the bright whiteness of the stone. Maybe if I had always had an H I would feel differently, but I think my D has made me more color sensitive.


So another vote for the E SI1 as long as it's eyeclean- and the cut of the stone is ideal.

 

[kenny]

Everyone is different but I prefer if the clarity and color are similar.
IOW, I'd not get a D SI2, or a J VVS1.
I'd rather go for something like an F or G VS2.

I think you should go out and see what diamonds of these colors and clarity look like for yourself in person.
You may not like what I like.

 

[Amys Bling]

first one is virtual stone, meaning WF does not have it in-house, not enough information (I didn't see GIA report to get HCA score?) to know if it is worth calling in. 2nd one looks nice but is I color, may be too tinted for you, matter of personal preference

both of these are H SI1
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230007
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2275583.htm

If you can find an H SI1 that you like, that would be a great option- you could go for bigger and still have an eye clean whit looking stone.

 

[Andelain]

Well it's all personal preference. I personally would go for the E SI1 if the stone is eyeclean. In my mind, if an SI2 or SI1 is eyeclean, it's no different to me than any higher clarity stone. I dont mind inclusions that are only seen with a 10x loop- as someone else coined the term- they are your diamond's birthmarks! Also, its nice to know you have multiple ways of ID=ing YOUR stone- (incusions under loop- laser inscription).

I have a D and I really do enjoy the bright whiteness of the stone. Maybe if I had always had an H I would feel differently, but I think my D has made me more color sensitive.


So another vote for the E SI1 as long as it's eyeclean- and the cut of the stone is ideal.

I agree with Amy for the same reasons. I also wear a 'D' and am color sensitive, but only require eye-clean. Dropping the clarity a bit in a colorless stone really can drop the price, too.

 

[daysie]

I think the biggest issue here is what is MOST IMPORTANT to you? At the end of the day, both of these factors will impact price.

Alternatively, you can think of it as "which factor are you least likely to compromise on?"

Also, if you haven't already, you really should go and have a look at some stones to determine with your naked eye what appeals to you the most.

Like alot of people, I am colour sensitive in that I can detect faintest bit of colour difference. However, since getting my ER, I have now realised, it really doesn't bother me what the colour of the stone is, as long as it is in the 'white' range. In retrospect, I think I would be much happier if I went with a H stone (so that I can get a bigger size! evidently that is NOT something I am willing to compromise on after cut ) to save a bit of $. Also, I am ok with any clarity so long as it faces up eye-clean. I prefer the small inclusions from side-on view so that I have a way of identifying my stone more easily if it ever needs to be reworked on.

 

[daysie]

I have started leaning toward a round brilliant. I originally thought I wanted a G-H VS2, but now I'm leaning towards a D-E SI1. both ideal cut and in the 1.75-2 ct range. I want it set in a pave solitaire setting. So if you had to choose, which would you go with and why?

Well it's all personal preference. I personally would go for the E SI1 if the stone is eyeclean. In my mind, if an SI2 or SI1 is eyeclean, it's no different to me than any higher clarity stone. I dont mind inclusions that are only seen with a 10x loop- as someone else coined the term- they are your diamond's birthmarks! Also, its nice to know you have multiple ways of ID=ing YOUR stone- (incusions under loop- laser inscription).

I have a D and I really do enjoy the bright whiteness of the stone. Maybe if I had always had an H I would feel differently, but I think my D has made me more color sensitive.


So another vote for the E SI1 as long as it's eyeclean- and the cut of the stone is ideal.

I've taken on the exact opposite route to you AB! Because of my F, I am now less colour sensitive

Funny how things work out...also, I used to be a die-hard RB fan, but am now totally in love with cushions and EC...all thanks to PS. And unfortunately for me...DSS has set in way TOO early...

OP: sorry for small hijacking of your thread.