- Joined
- Jun 16, 2009
- Messages
- 1,062
I have been monitoring diamond prices since 1/1/11, as I have been looking for a larger diamond than my 2.4ct. As diamond prices keep increasing (another 5% or more jump in May), finding ideal cut, large diamonds has been difficult. Whenever I founnd suitable candidates, either they got snatched or the seller bumped up the price before I had a chance to reserve them. The experience has been frustrating. Lowering my spec from VS2 minimum to SI1 "eye-clean" (difficult for 3ct or larger) and/or reducing color grade from H minimum to I/J so as to stay within budget does not help. If I want to insist on ideal-cut and maintain my budget (that has already been bumped up several times by 33% total), the only choice left is to lower the color spec below J. Recently, I had a chance to view some low color diamonds down to X, and surprisingly found that the warm color did not bother me at the time of viewing in the jewelry store. I did try to view the stones near the store window, but did not see anything very bad (just tint). The great optics were what held my attention. Never thought that I would consider going for low color diamonds. Wonder how many of you would accept low color diamonds? Please take a poll.