Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what to do

[Dancing Fire]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

[quote="Wink|

So why does cutting, which has tremendous influence on appearance and flavor receive little attention other than in weird places like Pricescope, where we actually care? I honestly do not know, but I suspect it is partially because the cutters make more money on selling you a steep deep that keeps a magic price range, such as 1.00 or 1.50 rather than being the smaller size it would be if cut for maximum beauty, and it is NOT in their best interests to educate you to know the difference.


Wink[/quote]


That's the reason why I'll stay away from these magical weight stones, b/c most cutters will leave some "extra fats" on the girdle and/or the pavil. Purchasing an overweight diamond is like buying a piece of rib eye steak with extra fats that you can't eat...

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

DS, Wink, you guys are awesome.
In case no-one else has said as much recently

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Cinnamon - I hope your trip to NYC is productive! I think it will be Do consider making appointments before you head out, to ensure vendors have time blocked out for you to examine the stones. And I think any vendor would want you to be happy! Particular customers are harder to please but those transactions can be the most rewarding - future sales, recommendations to friends and family... Definitely reach out and see what your vendor thinks before worrying that you're pushing too far, or that it's a lost cause

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Good morning everyone! Thank you all for taking the time to reflect and provide information help. I second you ALL are awesome!!

Juggling purchasing two diamonds at the same time (to compare side by side) makes my husband feel uncomfortable. A lot of $$. More than we have. I will need to simply swap out the H. It's definitely a stunning diamond, there is no question about that. There is a little part of me that is worried I'll spend more $ and not like the next diamond as much, or like it equally. The other part of me believes this will not be the case based on how I felt w/ the appearance of the "J" (minus color grade) coupled w my hesitation w/ the H. Follow the gut. It usually isn't wrong. Followed my gut w/ the J, even though I was MADLY in love with the stone. No regrets.

Yesterday's discussion w Wink, as well as others, helped me to pinpoint several things. The J had much more of a rainbow sparkle. Colorful flashes. Loved it! The H sparkles very, very well, but it's more of a "white sparkle" of sorts. Also, to my eye, the H H/A partern is unidentifiable. In the videos of the two diamonds, I see a pretty distinct difference with the H/A lines (the J was not labeled H/A). Only making a general comment about the differences.

I'm crossing my fingers I can describe my desires accurately for one last attempt for success by mail. If not, I will need to plan a trip to New York City later in the year. Complicated with young children.

This has been a pleasurable experience for me even w/ the hiccups. I feel the vendor has been listening to what I am saying thus far. I was open to a "J", but that particilar J was much too warm for my eyes (decided not to consider Js at all after returning). Next diamond, I was focused on color and being "eyeclear" since I dropped to a SI2. The H is both of those.

Put it all together now

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Will you be able to post any stats on future contenders before they are shipped to you? Might be helpful in trying to garner some info from folks here before you go through the time and expense of having something else shipped to you. Just a thought and best wishes in finding your stone!!

 

[baroque]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I fully understand what you are going through and so glad you are getting a ton of input and education here! It's fascinating all around.
I just wanted to comment that you may thing about an I stone as part of the mix...I could really see the difference between a J and an I and not as much difference between an I and an H side by side. Considering an I may satisfy some of that carat sensitivity

Earlier this year, I was looking for 2c (and hopeful for more) and wanted to use all of my budget for the best bang and largest sparkliest diamond I could get. I tried a J for a short time, and like you have described, it was super sparkly and full of life, but I just couldn't get over the tint. If I had been given it without options, I probably wouldn't have noticed it as much and been perfectly happy with it (like if DH had presented to me as a surprise).

Anywho...I am perfectly happy with the I stone and was able to afford a 2.5c VS2 for a similar price to a smaller H. I guess what I'm saying is that I don't think you have to go all the way to an H to be happier with color than the J. My two cents.

It would be great if you could swing going in person, if not more than to see many stones and decide how your eyes feel about them.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Hello Mrsgotrocks & Baroque,

I think I have officially crossed over in the frustration level.

To reply to both of your suggestions/comments.... I am open to a "high/strong I" color, but the vendor would like to keep me in the "H" range. I suspect bc it is safe. My e-ring is a GIA "I". I never had an issue with the color of my e-ring, even side by side with the "H". I have been told my e-ring is a strong "I". There is a visual difference in color between the two. H being brighter for sure! My e-ring is a bit "dark" from being a shallow cut, maybe only a "good GIA cut". Really should not even be held up to any of the diamonds I am considering.

I can also fairly make the same comment as Baroque. I saw this "H" first, there would probably be no questioning. That mixes my mind up and makes me lean toward the concept maybe I am being over critical.

The vendor actually just called. I shared some thoughts with him and he has given me his professional opinion. I'm more confused than ever. LOL! He feels I may be recalling the "J" incorrectly and has suggested I see the "J" beside the "H" either in NYC or at my home (shipping) to compare sparkle, etc. He feels I will be pleasantly surprised with the "H" beside the "J". He also feels some of the rainbow colors in the "J" are due to the warmth. There are some rainbow reflections in the "H", but a lot more white in general. BUT the "H" is much, much more white of a diamond. I think this could be a good "H" color (not sure) and the "J" was definitely a middle "J". He felt the diamond specs were close in numbers and that the "H" should be performing better in person than the "J". IDK. Maybe recalling the "J" wrong. I cant rule that out

I offered to go up $3k to expand my purchase options. He did a quick search and said there is nothing out there that is better than this diamond for the money, even for $3 more. There was one @ 22k. I cant go up $6k. Not even an option. LOL!!

I am more confused than ever.

 

[baroque]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Analysis Paralysis, someone here said on another thread and I totally got that!

I obsessed every possible moment about all the factors and on where to compromise because I wanted a big and sparkly stone.
I actually started out looking for a G or H and realized very quickly that I wasn't going to get the size I wanted, even with my increased budget, unless I loosened up my criteria and compromise somewhere. I also was going from a 1.5 to a 2+ carat and wanted to really be able to see the size difference. I'll bet you could tell a difference between the size in the H and the J.

I was actually surprised when I went to my previous (lost) diamond that I was replacing and found out that it was an I color! I had no idea...however, it was poorly cut and so didn't have that sparkle that I craved.

I well cut stone because of the better light performance, can seem lighter and brighter, and I can see that! My I stone has so much life and does pick up colors in different environments and I love that. It's super hard to capture in photos. I also like that the clarity is VS2 and that I can see exactly the inclusions that make it so. Being comfortable with that is so important.

This is the time to obsess over every detail, and then be satisfied with your choice and then relax and enjoy it!
Then you will have time to obsess next about setting!

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Analysis Paralysis, someone here said on another thread and I totally got that!!

TOO FUNNY!!!

I can pick up the difference between the "J" and "H" even with out having them side by side. It is, what it is. I could not do the "J"s warmth so something else had to give. Hence, the SI2 and slight size reduction.

Makes sense about the better cut helping the "I" color. That is the same thing I was told about the "J". RB and excellent cut will help it. The "J" also had faint fluro. but did read faint doesn't really do much of anything to help color. I saw the warmth before I even pulled the J out of the box.
I will talk to the vender more and try to figure this out. I am running out of time for the return (two weeks yet I think). Nothing like a little pressure to raise anxiety.


Here is where I am. When I look at the videos of the "J" vs the "H", the H seems to not be as clear as the "J". Like the glass is foggy.
In person, bright light and defused, looks clear and great. Dim light, mushy (?). I do not see any of the definition of the facet cuts. No dark lines. Looks (a bit) like one big white stone. White is good though. I like white. This is bugging me. I need to see a diamond that looks like the "clear" diamonds in the videos to see if this is a sticking point for me.


IE below: (diamond sold) --note how CLEAR this SI1 is and pretty black arrow lines (4k more also, just saying):
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.21-carat-h-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-634712

My "H" --see how it is not as clear:
http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.09-carat-h-color-si2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-468329

This may be what is tugging at me. Is it the just the video? But when I shrink down the "H" video to show a small diamond, I can see how there are no black arrows to define the cuts. I like the black.

Bad example bc 20K and a larger diamond. I just mean in general terms for the clarity quesrion i am asking.

 

[solgen]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Maybe it's worth getting the J back and doing a side by side to see how much difference there actually is. You could take pics or video to show the two in various lighting conditions to see what differences there are and then relay that to the vendor.

 

[Karl_K]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

The bottom line is do you love it?
If no send it back and start over don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

 

[baroque]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

The bottom line is do you love it?
If no send it back and start over don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

+1! Yes, you should definitely love it! You are going to be looking at it for a long time!
Remember...there are (nearly) unlimited amount of diamonds to choose from and the right one should make your heart sing!

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

My heart definitely sang with the J and it was incredible! Too warm.

My heart is excited with the H, yes, but its not standing on the hillside and screaming out "hallelujah".

I need the combination.

 

[baroque]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I think that you may know neither of these is the one then, you need to keep looking, you will find the Hallelujah diamond and you'll know it when you see it.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Sadly. I still am trying to put my finger on what is going on so I can use this knowledge for the next diamond, if I attempt w o seeing in person.

I have been watching YouTube videos (LOL). All the diamomds show a contrasting pattern, especially in diffuse light. It's virtually unidentifiable in the H (IMHO).

I'm not sure how accurate the info is in the below link, but assuming, I believe this is what is going on with the "H" (in the extreme sense). The Hs ASET looks way better then the example in the video! Not even close. Actually, somewhat close to the Js. I'm not sure what is going on but I see little to zero contrast pattern in person. MIA.

http://yourdiamondteacher.com/the-diamond-contrast-effect-on-brilliance

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

I remember telling another new customer he had a case of analysis paralysis a day or two ago here on RT, but... in your case, cinnamon, I have to agree with MGR, baroque, Karl, solgen - now is the time to be nitpicking, because it's entirely too much money to not make you want to scream from the hillsides

I'm so glad your vendor is working with you!! I definitely do think there's a very good possibility that he's completely right re. lower body colour having an effect on light output that you happen to like (even if you don't like the body colour itself), and the use of memories making for a difficult basis for comparison. If you could compare your current H to that original J in-person that would answer so many questions!

If temporarily putting another $15k into another diamond isn't something you're comfortable doing might your vendor be willing to ship to an appraiser local to you without full payment (perhaps you could cover shipping)?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Are you dealing with James Allen or just locating the stones on the JA site? James Allen is not like one of the jewelers who has a jewelry store like Wink, Jonathan, Whiteflash. JA is owned by a diamond supplier and they have thousands of stones listed, some located in NY and some at cutters in other parts of the world. You really do not call there and ask them to choose a stone. We could have been helping you all this time!!! You can list a few stones and then get opinions of which 3 to ask JA for idealscope or ASET images. I would never have a stone sent to me without that.

That H SI1 stone has a black inclusion right in the middle, so I would not have recommended it. You do not see black arrows in these diamonds in real life viewing. Sometimes the black is an indicator of obstruction, which in these pictures usually means reflecting the camera or it can just be your head. The H SI2 would be preferable as to cut, in my opinion.

I suggest you post the link for the J stone and let us see what it looks like (and it's numbers). Then we can maybe help you pick out other potential stones. Then you narrow it down to your three top choices and request the idealscope or ASET images. Then that is how you select the one that is the best (or at least eliminate any with leakage).

(thanks back to Yssie and Wink!)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Here is the J diamond you liked:

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/2.28-carat-j-color-si1-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-386902

table: 56

depth: 61.2

crown angle: 34

pav angle: 40.8

So you want H SI1 or would you consider I color?

 

[AdaBeta27]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Ah, I love this discussion. It's like the old PS days, back when I joined.

Cinnamom, Todd Gray has the NiceIce.com website and he used to sell diamonds on PS. Have you read 5 minutes to success? He gives a range of parameters that he used to quickly decide which diamonds were likely to be great performers. He gives a few pointers that may help you. Good Old Gold has an article on minor faceting that you might read, as well.
http://niceice.com/diamond-buying-secrets/5-minutes-diamond-buying-success/

Wink and others mentioned the 76% vs. 80% lgf. I found that I'm in the camp that prefers the small table / steeper crown / fatter arrows / nice contrast / lots of dispersion. Sometimes you just have to shell out more money than you planned on or drop to lower clarity to get what you wanted. There are some of us on here who have gotten over the need for 100% eyeclean. Honestly, that is the thing that I care about the least. When a diamond is brand new, I tend to stare at it and study it intently for a while. But then that wears off and I'm looking at it less often and mostly not up close. And I decided that cut, color, and size were the important things, and discretely not 100% eyeclean was completely acceptable. I'll only obsess over the details while picking a stone or working on a project or trying to get the most bang for my buck. But once it's purchased or built, it's time to just enjoy.

Wink has for years told stories of how he'd set a Crafted by Infinity next to some other diamond, and ask the buyer to choose. And the buyer chose the CBI, because of its cut. That H diamond just didn't have it. So you know you can't compromise on cut. If the H was white enough, I'd also say don't go below H. You current diamond is an I, but larger stones concentrate tint due to their greater mass, and you've already indicated that you have some color sensitivity. I have an I color diamond, and it has strong blue fluor that makes it face up white but I can clearly see the creamy I color from the side. I think the vendor is right to try to steer you to H or whiter.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Hi,
I am working with the vendor whose name has been tossed around on PS at times. Has is well liked. He locates diamonds which seem to match my needs through "open market" or whatever he has currently has in house. Its not JA. Just happens the two that he chose for me had videos on JA. He also gives the diamonds a once over in-hand.

I am open to an "I" color as long as it is a very, very strong "I". I feel like the "J" was not a "high J" as I was origionally seeking. I compared it to several local Js and they all were less warm than the "J" I had. For what it is worth, a local gemologist said the "J" was average (middle). Also, a PSer said it looked a little warmer than most Js in the video. After I viewed more "J" videos, I tend to agree. Gets complicated since colors have a range within a given grade. H is safe zone for sure. "I" will give more options, if a strong/high "I" can be located.

I do respect the importantance in seeing the J beside the H. Mind plays tricks. Warmth could also be a factor as mentioned. I do remember a TON of golden flash colors in addition to the rainbow shades. Maybe I like the warmer flash, but not body warmth as Yssie mentioned. If that is how color flashes "work" (tied to color/warmth a bit), I would still remain with a higher color grade than J.

Hummm...I do remember a lot of golden flashes of color in addition to rainbow shades in the J. Warmth? With that said, I have asked my husband numerous times if he thinks I have influence him to believe that J performed better. He said absolutely not (verification I am not crazy )

I'm going to take a trip after work tomorrow to a high end jewelry store about an hour + away. The store will have tripX, GIA, 2ct plus in hand. This may help in some way. Take it from there....

I have about two weeks left on the 30 day return.

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Atabeta27- thank you for your nice comment. We posted same time. I think I agree with a lot of what you said. I have visited niceice.com (Thanks to PS). Will definitely read the article that you have mentioned.


Not sure what camp I'm in but I did view an awesome video tonight on YouTube that was explaining the lower pavilion cuts. Showed a picture of the cuts as well as an actual diamond that had the cuts. My eye seem to like the 75 or 80 more than the 8O to 85 range in all the diamonds they showed. It was almost splitting hairs. I will add, I could clearly see a contrasting black/white pattern in those diamonds. I do not see this in the H unless I'm expecting to see them darker than they should be in reality. Tomorrow's visit to the jewelry store may help clarify this for me.

I dropped to the SI2 to range thinking that it would provide me with a diamond within my price point once I jumped up to H. I am still open to a SI2, as long as it is not interfering in any way shape or form with performance. I guess safest is SI1. Something needs to give. Or shell out more. I'm hoping to work out the balance in the end....

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

A couple of questions...

Is there some reason you are keeping the name of the vendor secret? It's just kind of strange not to name the vendor!

Does the vendor provide you with ASET or idealscope images before sending you a diamond? If not, I'd be changing vendors unless you are somehow obligated to buy from them, such as if you are working within an upgrade policy. You just have to have the images or else you could send for 10 diamonds and not be satisfied. There are lots of diamonds out there. You may have to adjust either the budget or size to get what you want.

Why are you not returning that diamond immediately? You know you don't love it! Be patient and get a better diamond!

 

[cinnamonstick]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Lol Diamondseeker2006.

I. D J provided ASETs and IS before purchase. Attached the images of J and the H early in the thread . No obligation w upgrade. He has been patient. We're doing the dance to find the diamond that I need. Maybe it's simply I need to move up in price. 16k? Ya think that would be enough! I offered to move to 19k today. No luck with his search. There was one he found at 22k. No way

19k is up there. Not exactly comfort zone. I need to figure out the trade off and keep more in the 17k max range. IDK if that is even reasonable for what I want (whatever that is!).

I will end up sending it back by Thursday, I'm sure. I just need to visit some diamonds tomorrow to confirm. My gut knows. I am in denial still. I didn't want another return.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Ah, well IDJ is great! I know they will try all they can to help a PS member!

I think your budget and wishlist don't line up. I think realistically you are looking at $20k+ for H SI1 over 2 cts. I would suggest I color which should give you more options.

Here's one prospect:

http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-7344518-2.05-carat-Round-diamond-I-color-SI1-Clarity.aspx?sku=7344518&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com (not sure about clarity because the report is not linked)

A super ideal cut from Whiteflash...very nice deal at 1.998 cts! This would be my choice hands down!

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3508578.htm?source=pricescope

 

[Sphene]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Do not let any vendor push you into a purchase no matter how much everyone loves them on PS its your money its your piece of mind

Your diamond is out there don't rush the search enjoy it

 

[drruby]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Color is so overrated in 'fire'.

One of the biggest sparklers I ever saw was almost K color, a dog right, yet it had only a minor inclusion close to the girdle so even though it was considered SI1, the rest of the stone was flawless, NOTHING at 10X, and I mean NOTHING.

So the rock was 5 carats and I knew the girl that had it, and honestly over 100 feet away the only ring you could see in any room was that ugly colored almost flawless ring with just 1 minor girdle spec.

Fire is fire and you can't see it in videos or photos, you need to see it in person IMO.

Everyone is looking more at paper today than the stones.

GIA says this and that.

SO WHAT.

What does the stone say?

Does it have life or is it an okay piece of rock with a degree from GIA and no fire?

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Color is so overrated in 'fire'.

One of the biggest sparklers I ever saw was almost K color, a dog right, yet it had only a minor inclusion close to the girdle so even though it was considered SI1, the rest of the stone was flawless, NOTHING at 10X, and I mean NOTHING.

So the rock was 5 carats and I knew the girl that had it, and honestly over 100 feet away the only ring you could see in any room was that ugly colored almost flawless ring with just 1 minor girdle spec.

Fire is fire and you can't see it in videos or photos, you need to see it in person IMO.

Everyone is looking more at paper today than the stones.

GIA says this and that.

SO WHAT.

What does the stone say?

Does it have life or is it an okay piece of rock with a degree from GIA and no fire?

I don't quite know where to begin decoding this post...

1. The discussion at hand relates to nuances of cut quality and the effects of inclusions - the merits of buying stones with reports over stones without, selecting grading authorities, etc. is pretty much completely irrelevant.

2. No-one is suggesting lower coloured stones are "dogs" - in fact, stick around RT for a while and you'll see exactly the opposite: different stones with different characteristics are recommended to suit different buyer priorities. In this case OP has owned a lower-coloured stone (J) and didn't like the body colour she saw, so your opinion, my opinion, and GIA's opinion on lower vs. higher colour are also completely irrelevant.

3. Fire is visible dispersion. Body colour and dispersion are intrinsically linked: dispersion is the result of incoming light refracting and separating into its component wavelengths; a more tinted material that absorbs more wavelengths will result in fewer outputted wavelengths - less colour. A colourless D has the potential to create more, higher-energy coloured outputs than a J of the same size and proportions in the same lighting environment (ignoring clarity considerations).
Now, what the viewer actually sees, and what the viewer prefers to see, are very different discussions. White output is higher-energy and will likely drown out adjacent coloured outputs, even without interference; in lighting that encourages fire a short-sighted person is going to see more colour at a given distance from the stone than someone with normal vision...

4. I do very much agree with you re. needing to see a stone in-person to fully appreciate and fairly judge its personality - not just fire, everything about how that particular stone plays with light! CBI's "See It To Believe It" IMO epitomizes this belief, and I think the vast majority of PS vendors want to work with their customers to ensure that stones and owners are good fits.

5. Just gonna throw this out there... perhaps the fact that it was a five carat stone had some effect on how noticeable it was?

 

[drruby]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Carat size was not issue since in her family they all have large stones.

So out of 7 girls (sisters) and their mother who had a huge dead stone, the only stone you could see was the K 5 carat.

What I was trying to say to OP was look, LOOK at the stone and ignore the paperwork and a loupe, then after you start to LOOK at stones and not paperwork, maybe you start to realize that the beauty is still in the eye of the beholder and all this GIA paperwork is turning stones into a commodity like stock.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, not in a GIA report and once you start talking the lingo of GIA and graders, you are not looking at the beauty of a stone anymore, IMO.

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

Color is so overrated in 'fire'.

One of the biggest sparklers I ever saw was almost K color, a dog right, yet it had only a minor inclusion close to the girdle so even though it was considered SI1, the rest of the stone was flawless, NOTHING at 10X, and I mean NOTHING.

So the rock was 5 carats and I knew the girl that had it, and honestly over 100 feet away the only ring you could see in any room was that ugly colored almost flawless ring with just 1 minor girdle spec.

Fire is fire and you can't see it in videos or photos, you need to see it in person IMO.

Everyone is looking more at paper today than the stones.

GIA says this and that.

SO WHAT.

What does the stone say?

Does it have life or is it an okay piece of rock with a degree from GIA and no fire?

I don't quite know where to begin decoding this post...

1. The discussion at hand relates to nuances of cut quality and the effects of inclusions - the merits of buying stones with reports over stones without, selecting grading authorities, etc. is pretty much completely irrelevant.

2. No-one is suggesting lower coloured stones are "dogs" - in fact, stick around RT for a while and you'll see exactly the opposite: different stones with different characteristics are recommended to suit different buyer priorities. In this case OP has owned a lower-coloured stone (J) and didn't like the body colour she saw, so your opinion, my opinion, and GIA's opinion on lower vs. higher colour are also completely irrelevant.

3. Fire is visible dispersion. Body colour and dispersion are intrinsically linked: dispersion is the result of incoming light refracting and separating into its component wavelengths; a more tinted material that absorbs more wavelengths will result in fewer outputted wavelengths - less colour. A colourless D has the potential to create more, higher-energy coloured outputs than a J of the same size and proportions in the same lighting environment (ignoring clarity considerations).
Now, what the viewer actually sees, and what the viewer prefers to see, are very different discussions. White output is higher-energy and will likely drown out adjacent coloured outputs, even without interference; in lighting that encourages fire a short-sighted person is going to see more colour at a given distance from the stone than someone with normal vision...

4. I do very much agree with you re. needing to see a stone in-person to fully appreciate and fairly judge its personality - not just fire, everything about how that particular stone plays with light!

5. Just gonna throw this out there... perhaps the fact that it was a five carat stone had some effect on how noticeable it was?

Excellent, informative, and even-handed rebuttal Yssie.

I would also add that fire most definitely can be seen in photos and videos. A video captured in a fire-friendly lighting environment can impressively display a diamond's potential to exhibit this important component of light performance.

 

[yssie]

Re: Why is this diamond not sparkling as much? Unsure what t

What I was trying to say to OP was look, LOOK at the stone and ignore the paperwork and a loupe, then after you start to LOOK at stones and not paperwork, maybe you start to realize that the beauty is still in the eye of the beholder

Ah, drruby, I think we're on exactly the same page here: the paper serves a purpose (IMO it's of vital importance when choosing an MRB) but ultimately one should buy the stone, not the paper, since the paper can't hope to convey its personality in full.

In this case OP is trying to do exactly that - she's looked at stones, seen differences that she can't explain by the paper, and is trying to understand what they are and what causes them to finalise her selection. She's even planning a trip to see more stones in-person So, I think it's safe to say that she's on board with this philosophy as well!


Edit - thank you Bryan!! I think drruby, you, and I are arguing at least some of the same points, turns out