Which would you pick? Whiteflash A Cut Above stones

[jtmann2013]

Hi folks!

My first post to the forum and looking forward to your insights into the following!

I'm going with a Round diamond and leaning towards Whiteflash "A Cut Above" cut, VS2 clarity and for the setting their "Broadway" solitaire in Platinum (http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/broadway-solitaire-engagement-ring-181.htm).

My questions are:

Q1). Do you think there would be a "noticeable" size difference between a stone of 1.0 'ish size and 1.2 ish carats? Cut/clarity/color and all other specs equal (table, star, etc). Yes I know the mm specs (roughly 6.5 vs 7.0?) but have never seen in person and curious on opinions. I have read in a few places that (paraphrasing): "1.0 is a common size. 1.2 is less common and to boot is 'noticeably' bigger looking to most people / 1.2 carat is where stones really start to seem 'big'".

Q2). I'm leaning towards the 1.2 ish carat stone (ACA cut, VS2). But having very tough time wrapping my newbie head around color for that stone (staying with Broadway platinum). I'm considering I, H and G. I'm willing to spend a few thousand more for the G (vs. I) if I have to, but have read quite a bit of stuff purporting that (paraphrasing): "Anything above H is hard to discern for most people". For a 1.2 carat stone as I have described, any thoughts on whether the G is worth the extra few thousand (especially given "cut is king" and I've already chosen A Cut Above)?

Thanks so much!

 

[AprilBaby]

Yes you can see the size difference, if you can afford it get the bigger stone.

 

[Sidius]

I've been researching diamond color for a while now. It really comes down to the person looking at it, from what I can tell. I've never bought a diamond (researching my e-ring purchase now, for a few months down the road), but that seems to be the general consensus. Some people notice an H or I and others see no difference even when holding them next to something in the colorless range. From what I've learned, a stone like WF's ACA stones will make the color less noticeable and I've heard that a bit of fluorescence can also make an "I" color stone appear much whiter. It really comes down to your choice and whether you are comfortable spending the extra money. If it's for an e-ring, I would say spend as much as you possibly can to get the best possible ring you can. She's going to wear it for the rest of her life, afterall. Even if she upgrades the stone, it's not likely to happen for a long time. What better investment?

 

[thediamondshopper]

If you have the mm girdle dimensions to compare this might help.
(I welcome any good hand lotion suggestions BTW )

 

[kenny]

Keep in mind good cut only helps hide body color when viewing the diamond face up.
When you look at a side view, which is actually the most-seen view, good cut does not help conceal body color.

Each color grade is worth what it costs, and I find F and G to be my sweet spot.
I don't want to see yellow in a side view but don't want to pay for a D or an E.
Other people say the like to see warmth in a diamond and would still pick a warm diamond even if all color grades were the same cost.
Others (probably the majority) would prefer a D, but go down in color to get a larger stone.

As you can see color is personal.
That's why you really need to get out and see diamonds live for yourself to find your sweet spot.
Look at the side view and get away from those flashy jewelry store lights.
Hold something over the diamond if they won't let you view it away from those spotlights.

Blue fluorescence only helps a diamond look more white when you are under a light source with good ultraviolet content like sunlight.