Going down in color one notch to go up in clarity?

[soontomarry]

In a stone size range of 1.4 to 1.7 carats, which is more noticeable, color or clarity? More specifically, I am chosing between two diamonds, both with great cut values and similar prices:

1. SI1 clarity with I color, or
2. VS2 clarity with J color

I will be purchasing these stones online and sight-unseen. Currently I am leading towards the second choice because both my soon-to-be and I have great vision and I am afraid that we will notice an internal imperfection and then try to find it every time either of us look into the stone.

For those who have made similar online purchases, which way would you learn towards?

As always, thanks for your help.

 

[stone-cold11]

Depends. Some SI1 are eye-clean while some VS2 might not be. I would ask the vendor to check them out to your requirement.

 

[kenny]

Date: 2/28/2010 11:51:25 AM
Author:soontomarry
In a stone size range of 1.4 to 1.7 carats, which is more noticeable, color or clarity? More specifically, I am chosing between two diamonds, both with great cut values and similar prices:


1. SI1 clarity with I color, or

2. VS2 clarity with J color

The answer is, it depends on:
1. The stones
2. You

There are SI1s that are eye clean, others are not.
There are people who don't want the warmth of a J, others who don't mind, and others who prefer it.

With good cut body color is less noticeable face up, but in real life we see our diamonds from all angles unless it is in a full bezel setting.

Go out to see rounds in this size range of colors I and J so you can discover YOUR color comfort zone.

Ask the vendor if the SI1 is eyeclean and discuss and try to agree on what eye clean means.

 

[bgray]

I personally bought an emerald cut vs2 that is far cleaner than a vs1 I was also considering. The cut of the stone is a big factor--step cuts need to be cleaner in my opinion. they dont camouflage things as well as brilliant cuts. I could probably not live with a J color so I would rather an I si1.

 

[FB.]

Colour is slightly more noticeable than clarity.
The quality of the cut can slightly mask the colour.
The type and location of inclusions can make a difference between eye clean or not.

Do you have a link to the certificates?

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 2/28/2010 11:51:25 AM
Author:soontomarry
In a stone size range of 1.4 to 1.7 carats, which is more noticeable, color or clarity? More specifically, I am chosing between two diamonds, both with great cut values and similar prices:

1. SI1 clarity with I color, or
2. VS2 clarity with J color

I will be purchasing these stones online and sight-unseen. Currently I am leading towards the second choice because both my soon-to-be and I have great vision and I am afraid that we will notice an internal imperfection and then try to find it every time either of us look into the stone.

For those who have made similar online purchases, which way would you learn towards?

As always, thanks for your help.

I personally would not buy "sight-unseen".

(1) Body color is more apparent in larger stones. Based on cut qaulity face up side to side if the stones are in a great cut class (hypothetical)
Body color is not going to be a huge issue, especially if set in yellow gold.

There are some great si-1's. I would look at both stones and pick the one with the better cut quality if the inclusion in the si-1 is not a huge issue J's are not a problem.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

Have you viewed I-J colored diamonds in the size you''re interested in person? Look around a bit and ask sales associates to show you their best cut diamonds in those colors/sizes so you have a better idea of how much color will impact your choice.

 

[Dreamer_D]

As long as the SI1 was totally eye clean, I would choose color any day of the week. In fact, I would go higher to an H color.

 

[Allison D.]

It sounds as though you''re probably considering round stones based on your comments, and if so, I''d suggest going to a local fine jeweler and looking at stones in that size/clarity range to see which you notice more - color or clarity. If you know your clarity sensitive, it sounds like the J VS2 option might be the best fit for you.

If you''re considering other than round, I''d tell you it''s even more important to look the stones. Fancies show body color more than rounds, and step cuts show inclusions more readily. If you''re buying a fancy long-distance, go with a trusted vendor that offers a solid return policy. This will allow you to see the stone in person and return it if it''s not precisely pleasing to you.

Best of luck!

 

[doctranod]

I once owned a SI1 that had nothing more than a needle along the girdle--eyeclean. I recently purchased (and returned) an SI1 that had multiple dark crystal inclusions under the table--definitely not eyeclean. I have learned to ask the vendor to describe the inclusions to me before purchasing and comparing it to the certificate if available. If the vendor has a good return policy, you could buy both, compare them and send back the one you don''t like (that is what one vendor suggested to me).

Good luck!

 

[lucyandroger]

We got a 1.3 J VS2 and I love those specs.

I got to spend a week or so with my diamond unset and I loved the color from every angle. In fact, I specifically designed a setting which would make sure the side of the diamond was visible and ordered side stones that were also J VS2s.