Which diamond would you rather have?

[FancyDiamond]

Which would you choose, a 2.3 ct, H color VS2 or a 3.0 ct, J color, SI1 (eye clean)? Both have comparable price and cut (same great idealscope, ASET, and ideal cut dimensions). Please explain your choice.

 

[Lorelei]

3ct J SI1 all the way!

 

[jstarfireb]

2.3 H/VS2. To me, either diamond would be huge, so the size increase from 2.3 to 3 wouldn''t be impressive enough to justify going 2 color grades down. In that size I also think the J color would be visible enough to bother me. If you posed the question as 1.3 to 2, it would be a much more difficult call for me.

 

[Ellen]

2.3 for me, because I''m not a huge size gal. (though I am a few pounds overweight)

And I too would prefer a slightly less colored stone in a bigger size, but that''s just me.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 9:00:03 AM
Author: Ellen
2.3 for me, because I''m not a huge size gal. (though I am a few pounds overweight)

And I too would prefer a slightly less colored stone in a bigger size, but that''s just me.

 

[Ellen]

Date: 7/12/2009 9:02:26 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 7/12/2009 9:00:03 AM
Author: Ellen
2.3 for me, because I''m not a huge size gal. (though I am a few pounds overweight)

And I too would prefer a slightly less colored stone in a bigger size, but that''s just me.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 9:03:07 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 7/12/2009 9:02:26 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 7/12/2009 9:00:03 AM
Author: Ellen
2.3 for me, because I''m not a huge size gal. (though I am a few pounds overweight)

And I too would prefer a slightly less colored stone in a bigger size, but that''s just me.

 

[bgray]

H color is perfectly fine with me--J is not. As someone else said the size differential is not enormous enough to sway me toward a lower color. Plus I would prefer the vs2 as well. I think H vs2 is a better "investment" as well. People dither over J''s and si''s but H vs2............the sweet spot.

 

[Lorelei]

Also to add, to me and some others the mindclean aspect of having 3 carats can be important, if that is how you feel and you would aspire to 3 cts anyway one day, go for the larger one.

 

[ckrickett]

I would go for the J... I''m also not color sensitive so it would not bother me.
Altho when you get into that size I can see how someone who was color sensitive might not like it.

 

[FancyDiamond]

Date: 7/12/2009 8:52:28 AM
Author: jstarfireb
2.3 H/VS2. To me, either diamond would be huge, so the size increase from 2.3 to 3 wouldn''t be impressive enough to justify going 2 color grades down. In that size I also think the J color would be visible enough to bother me. If you posed the question as 1.3 to 2, it would be a much more difficult call for me.

Thanks to all for your responses. I am posting this question because I am facing a real dilemma. I do not mind about SI1 grade, but I worry about another color downgrade by two additional grades. As is now, I am downgrading from F to H (in order to afford a bigger stone), and I can already notice the slight yellowish tint of H. Going down to I may be debatable, but going down further to J makes me think twice. I am afraid I shall constantly be bothered by the more noticeable yellowish tint.

jstarfired, thanks for pointing out that "the size increase from 2.3 to 3 cw would not be impressive enough to justify going 2 color grades down". This is a convincing argument to me. However, I am still tempted by the size of a 3 carat stone, especially that so many PSers also perfer the larger carat size over whiter color. Would more PSers give me input and vote, so I can better make up my mind?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 12:41:39 PM
Author: FancyDiamond

Date: 7/12/2009 8:52:28 AM
Author: jstarfireb
2.3 H/VS2. To me, either diamond would be huge, so the size increase from 2.3 to 3 wouldn't be impressive enough to justify going 2 color grades down. In that size I also think the J color would be visible enough to bother me. If you posed the question as 1.3 to 2, it would be a much more difficult call for me.

Thanks to all for your responses. I am posting this question because I am facing a real dilemma. I do not mind about SI1 grade, but I worry about another color downgrade by two additional grades. As is now, I am downgrading from F to H (in order to afford a bigger stone), and I can already notice the slight yellowish tint of H. Going down to I may be debatable, but going down further to J makes me think twice. I am afraid I shall constantly be bothered by the more noticeable yellowish tint.

jstarfired, thanks for pointing out that 'the size increase from 2.3 to 3 cw would not be impressive enough to justify going 2 color grades down'. This is a convincing argument to me. However, I am still tempted by the size of a 3 carat stone, especially that so many PSers also perfer the larger carat size over whiter color. Would more PSers give me input and vote, so I can better make up my mind?

In that case if you are colour sensitive, although a J won't be yellow, you might notice some warmth from the side view particularly, maybe a higher colour might be best for you, especially going from an F colour.

 

[Dreamer1116]

I am color sensitive. I can start seeing hints of color around the ''H'' area, so a ''J'' colored diamond, especially in that size would not work for me (everyone is different though). An ''H'' color diamond is my limit, and as others have said, the size difference between a 2.3 and a 3.0 is not drastic enough for me to go down to a ''J'' color to get the 3.0 carat.

Good Luck!

 

[glitterata]

Three carats would be way too big for me (even two carats would probably be too big for me), and I really like high colors. Though warmer colors are lovely in their own way, too.

But that''s me. You have your own set of preferences.

 

[elle_chris]

Toughie. Any way you can view both stones side by side?

 

[Lorelei]

Are these from the same vendor by any chance?

 

[FancyDiamond]

Yes, they are from the same vendor. I am tempted to ask the vendor to send me both stones, so I can see them side by side. The only disadvantage is mailing them back and forth for fear of loss.

Would you look at the spec for me and comment on which one is better? One of them is AGS-10362503 (you gave thumbs up on this one). You can guess the other one. I am not comfortable giving the details here.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 2:02:57 PM
Author: FancyDiamond
Yes, they are from the same vendor. I am tempted to ask the vendor to send me both stones, so I can see them side by side. The only disadvantage is mailing them back and forth for fear of loss.

Would you look at the spec for me and comment on which one is better? One of them is AGS-10362503 (you gave thumbs up on this one). You can guess the other one. I am not comfortable giving the details here.

No problem FD, the bigger diamond is a definite winner, just check the grade making cloud is not an issue that it impacts brilliance, it shouldn't be. Would it be possible to have both shipped to an appraiser near you? That would be the ideal way to choose.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx appraiser tool.

Also with shipping, the vendors request you use USPS Registered Mail to send gems to them, this can be a slow method but it is considered to be safe.

 

[FancyDiamond]

Date: 7/12/2009 2:22:25 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 7/12/2009 2:02:57 PM
Author: FancyDiamond
Yes, they are from the same vendor. I am tempted to ask the vendor to send me both stones, so I can see them side by side. The only disadvantage is mailing them back and forth for fear of loss.

Would you look at the spec for me and comment on which one is better? One of them is AGS-10362503 (you gave thumbs up on this one). You can guess the other one. I am not comfortable giving the details here.

No problem FD, the bigger diamond is a definite winner, just check the grade making cloud is not an issue that it impacts brilliance, it shouldn''t be. Would it be possible to have both shipped to an appraiser near you? That would be the ideal way to choose.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx appraiser tool.

Also with shipping, the vendors request you use USPS Registered Mail to send gems to them, this can be a slow method but it is considered to be safe.

Forgive me for my ignorance. What additional benefits an appraiser would provide, if the ASET, idealscope, AGS, Sarin report are already done and are available for judgement? The vendor who is reputable has confirmed eyeclean. I thought both stones are sound (I am already paying a premium price for their quality), and the final decision is only a matter of personal preference. Am I missing something? Lorelei, I value your expert opinon. Unfortunately, I know nothing about buying diamonds and especially bying online. Forgive me if I ask too many questions. Should I exercise more caution?

Based on the available information, you think the bigger diamond is the winner. Is it based on bigger size with less noticeable difference in color?

 

[DiamondFlame]

0.7 is nearly a third of a 2.3 so the size superiority of a 3 carat may be more perceptible to some of us. I welcome well cut diamonds of all colors so a 3 carat J SI wd find a ready home anytime. But whether my lady would pick carat over color is another matter altogether...

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 2:53:47 PM
Author: FancyDiamond

Date: 7/12/2009 2:22:25 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 7/12/2009 2:02:57 PM
Author: FancyDiamond
Yes, they are from the same vendor. I am tempted to ask the vendor to send me both stones, so I can see them side by side. The only disadvantage is mailing them back and forth for fear of loss.

Would you look at the spec for me and comment on which one is better? One of them is AGS-10362503 (you gave thumbs up on this one). You can guess the other one. I am not comfortable giving the details here.

No problem FD, the bigger diamond is a definite winner, just check the grade making cloud is not an issue that it impacts brilliance, it shouldn't be. Would it be possible to have both shipped to an appraiser near you? That would be the ideal way to choose.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx appraiser tool.

Also with shipping, the vendors request you use USPS Registered Mail to send gems to them, this can be a slow method but it is considered to be safe.

Forgive me for my ignorance. What additional benefits an appraiser would provide, if the ASET, idealscope, AGS, Sarin report are already done and are available for judgement? The vendor who is reputable has confirmed eyeclean. I thought both stones are sound (I am already paying a premium price for their quality), and the final decision is only a matter of personal preference. Am I missing something? Lorelei, I value your expert opinon. Unfortunately, I know nothing about buying diamonds and especially bying online. Forgive me if I ask too many questions. Should I exercise more caution?

Based on the available information, you think the bigger diamond is the winner. Is it based on bigger size with less noticeable difference in color?

An appraiser's office could be a good place for viewing the diamonds as some vendors are agreeable to shipping stones to one they know and trust. An appraiser can also give you an impartial opinion on each diamond, discuss the pros and cons of each with you and help you make an informed choice. The vendor you are using is a well known and trusted one so no concerns there, using an appraiser is just another method of doing this, especially as this is a large purchase, a ' disinterested' professional opinion can be valuable. The 2.3 is also superbly cut, as to which to choose...Difficult decision....I would discuss each with the vendor you have been dealing with and express your concerns on the colour, they should be able to advise you which one would be best, they will be truthful with you. Ideally being able to view and compare both would be the best scenario, if not I would probably be inclined to choose the H colour and keep an eye out for a higher colour which is larger in the future, then you could pounce and upgrade if you want 3 carats as the vendor offers an upgrade policy ( subject to their terms and conditions).

Also you are not asking too many questions, ask away!

 

[Dancing Fire]

i love the H VS2 combo.

 

[Brown.Eyed.Girl]

I would personally go for the 2.3, but that''s because I can''t go bigger with my finger size. BUT if I could pull it off, and the J color didn''t bother me, heck yeah I''d go for the 3

 

[D&T]

Date: 7/12/2009 3:33:12 PM
Author: Brown.Eyed.Girl
I would personally go for the 2.3, but that''s because I can''t go bigger with my finger size. BUT if I could pull it off, and the J color didn''t bother me, heck yeah I''d go for the 3

2nd this!

 

[FancyDiamond]

Thank you all for giving your opion and for voting. As the poll results so far are 50%-50%, I am still undecided.

The only consolation is that I know I am not crazy flipfloping between the two.

indeed, the choice is not as clear cut as I thought. I shall wait for additional votes, as some people may not be around on Sunday.

Two very important points I take away are:
1. The actual size difference (8.5mm vs 9.4 mm diameter) is not much compared to two colors lower in grade (based on some opinions here).
2. The size difference between a 2.3 carat and a 3.0 carat is more noticeable than the color difference (H vs J) (per vendor''s comment).

Hmmm ....

 

[SilverLily]

I went from a 1.4 carat F colored RB to a 3.10 carat J color cushion and I do not regret it in the least. Maybe I am not color sensitive, but the color difference really doesn't bother me. My cushion is not yellow in the least...it is slightly warm in some lights but unless you are looking for the warmth, you wouldn't really see it. Most people just see size and sparkle.

So, if it were me, I would pick the one that has the better cut and sparkles the most. You might be surprised at how white the J colored diamond is, especially if the cut is ideal.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/12/2009 4:30:20 PM
Author: FancyDiamond
Thank you all for giving your opion and for voting. As the poll results so far are 50%-50%, I am still undecided.

The only consolation is that I know I am not crazy flipfloping between the two.

indeed, the choice is not as clear cut as I thought. I shall wait for additional votes, as some people may not be around on Sunday.

Two very important points I take away are:
1. The actual size difference (8.5mm vs 9.4 mm diameter) is not much compared to two colors lower in grade (based on some opinions here).
2. The size difference between a 2.3 carat and a 3.0 carat is more noticeable than the color difference (H vs J) (per vendor''s comment).

Hmmm ....

Actually in diamonds that is a fair size difference to further complicate the issue!

 

[icekid]

Date: 7/12/2009 2:02:57 PM
Author: FancyDiamond
Yes, they are from the same vendor. I am tempted to ask the vendor to send me both stones, so I can see them side by side. The only disadvantage is mailing them back and forth for fear of loss.

.

If they will allow you, this is really the best plan by far. We can all tell you that one person would prefer color and another size. But you need to figure out what matters most to you! And truly, the best way to do this would be to see which stone grabs you in person.

 

[atroop711]

the 3ct has my vote. I''m a big diamond lover and would LOVE a 3ct some day. The J doesn''t bother me...if it had strong blue fluour would be icing on the cake for me[

 

[atroop711]

the 3ct has my vote. I''m a big diamond lover and would LOVE a 3ct some day. The J doesn''t bother me...if it had strong blue fluour would be icing on the cake for me