I color stone and HW band - should I upgrade the color?

[jiessica]

Hi PSers,

I just got my wedding band from Harry Winston yesterday, and sadly I noticed that it makes the center stone of my e-ring look yellow under some lighting conditions.

The center stone is 1.4 ct / I / SI1 from Blue Nile. I posted here earlier when picking the stone: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/opinions-needed-on-this-1-4-si1-stone-from-bn.261045/ . It has the right stats and does look beautiful in real life. Wearing it alone, it has a warm undertone under some lightings, but I won't say it is too yellow.

However, when stacking two rings, because the little diamonds on the band are whiter and cooler (they are D-F colors), the center stone on the e-ring appears a little yellow by comparison. It is more obvious under indoor lightings than under the sunlight.

You can see the yellow tint from this photo:




under the sunlight:




What do you think of the stone from the photos (I'll attach more later)? If it does look yellow to you, what would you suggest me to do in this case?

Option 1: return the e-ring and get one with better color. I probably need a G+ to match the band.

Option 2: return the band / wear it separately. Not sure if I can return though, since I heard hw has strict return policy. I've always wanted to get this band because I like the design, but I never thought it can overshadow the e-ring. Besides, I now feel a pave band can be inconvenient when doing housework or washing hands. I may just wear it on another hand occasionally.

Not sure if changing the setting of the stone can help. That could also be an option.

Your suggestions will be appreciated! I would like to hear your honest opinions. Thank you!

 

[jiessica]

More photos of the e-ring:

 

[diamondsR4eVR]

Did you give it a good clean?
I is such a personal preference. I don’t have problems with an I at all, but I’m not color sensitive.

May I ask why your band has DEF color if your center is I?

Personally tho, I don’t see a difference, but my eyes are old.
Lol

I just see a stone that may need to be cleaned especially in the 2nd photo.

Your set is lovely and I really like your ER!

 

[elizat]

I'm wondering what colors are around you when you are taking the photos. Diamonds pick up and refract what's around you. If you are in a room that has beige or yellow undertones or browns, your stone is going to pick those up. If your lighting is yellow toned that's not going to help either.

I only really see a difference in the first picture. If you like the band I would swap it to a color that is the same grade as your center.

 

[nala]

I don’t know if budget is a concern but it seems more cost effective to return the band. I want to add that you appear to be color sensitive and intolerant of the difference—so at least you know that much. I think you should ask yourself if you will be happy with an I color. I wore an I for a number of years and I didn’t pair it with super colorless bands for that reason. You can always have a vendor custom make you a similar band to match your stone if you are happy with an I.

 

[AprilBaby]

It looks gorgeous to me.

 

[monipod]

Unfortunately larger stones will show tint more whereas the side stones and the HW pave will look extra bright being smaller and higher in colour. I don't see enough of a difference to make me want to swap out the stone, but you're the one that has to look at it in real life everyday. Is it perhaps less noticeable outdoors? I have to say that once you see the tint (like inclusions), it's hard to unsee it tho.

 

[Polabowla]

I have the same issue with my HW band vs center stone. My center stone is an H & yes the band makes it look a touch yellow but i quickly got used to it.
If it really bugs you, trade up the center stone & keep the band. There is something so special about a HW band!

 

[jiessica]

Did you give it a good clean?
I is such a personal preference. I don’t have problems with an I at all, but I’m not color sensitive.

May I ask why your band has DEF color if your center is I?

Personally tho, I don’t see a difference, but my eyes are old.
Lol

I just see a stone that may need to be cleaned especially in the 2nd photo.

Your set is lovely and I really like your ER!

I cleaned the diamond a few days ago. Yes I notice the diamond gets dirty easily.

The band has DEF color because the brand only sell high color diamonds. Never thought this could be an issue before buying it

 

[jiessica]

I'm wondering what colors are around you when you are taking the photos. Diamonds pick up and refract what's around you. If you are in a room that has beige or yellow undertones or browns, your stone is going to pick those up. If your lighting is yellow toned that's not going to help either.

I only really see a difference in the first picture. If you like the band I would swap it to a color that is the same grade as your center.

You have a good point about the surroundings. My room has yellow lightings, so that could be the reason the diamond appears yellow indoor. Outside when the weather is good, the diamond looks a little blue, which may be the reflection of the sky.

 

[SimoneDi]

OP, your ring and band look beautiful together. If you have always wanted that band, I wouldn’t change it. Enjoy it. I myself have an I coloured stone and wear it with bands that have colorless meleè. I see the difference sometimes, but it doesn’t bother me enough to change the band(s) or center stone. It’s a very personal decision and I am sure that you will figure out what works for you.

 

[MsCocoChanel]

I love your set and wouldn’t change a thing. You are obviously color sensitive but I think your wedding band is gorgeous ... give it some time and then make a decision. I don’t think anyone else will appreciate the very slight color difference.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Are you within the return period on your engagement ring diamond? Are you able to increase the budget for the diamond? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then I think your problem is solved. If the answer to both is yes, then I'd change the stone to a higher color while you can.

As far as wearing a diamond band goes, it is really best to always take your engagement ring and wedding band off before doing any cooking or other housework. So don't let that bother you about having a diamond wedding band, because any wedding band should be taken off to not cause extra wear and tear or damage.

 

[jiessica]

Are you within the return period on your engagement ring diamond? Are you able to increase the budget for the diamond? If the answer to either of these questions is no, then I think your problem is solved. If the answer to both is yes, then I'd change the stone to a higher color while you can.

As far as wearing a diamond band goes, it is really best to always take your engagement ring and wedding band off before doing any cooking or other housework. So don't let that bother you about having a diamond wedding band, because any wedding band should be taken off to not cause extra wear and tear or damage.

Thanks for your reply! I agree with everything you said

Yes I'm still within return period and e-ring, and we do have more budget. I think I'll return this diamond and get another one from Whiteflash, which have better upgrade policy compared to BL.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Thanks for your reply! I agree with everything you said

Yes I'm still within return period and e-ring, and we do have more budget. I think I'll return this diamond and get another one from Whiteflash, which have better upgrade policy compared to BL.

Fantastic!!!! Yes, truly it is great to have their upgrade policy as well as their diamonds!!!

 

[jiessica]

Thanks everyone for your reply! Really love this forum!

I decided to return the engagement ring and keep the pave band. Actually after knowing @Polabowla and @SimoneDi have similar issue but get used to it, I started to feel less bothered.

But there are some other considerations so I eventually decided to return this I color stone from Blue Nile, and I will get a H/I color one from Whiteflash.

1) Whiteflash has better upgrade policy and more inventory for high quality stones. In the short term, I'm still not sure whether I'll regret an I color stone. If I do, I can always upgrade to a higher color one. In the long term, I may want to upgrade to a larger stone like 2ct when we have more buying power, but Blue Nile has very limited selections for large, very well cut stones.

2) I don't love the settings from Blue Nile. The prongs too heavy and have too much metal. I'll be more happy to get a beautiful designer setting from Whiteflash.

I think the reason I hesitated for so long is that the stone is really a good deal. I spent a lot time finding a stone with all right specs on Blue Nile, but much cheaper than a premium one from HPD, WF, etc (This one costs $7800, and one with same 4Cs from Whiteflash costs ~$9600). But after thinking through the pros and cons, I think I'm willing to pay the premium for better setting and upgrade policy.

 

[Polabowla]

Can't wait to see your beautiful new ring with the band!

 

[headlight]

If you are going to now get a new diamond from a super ideal vendor, what about getting a band similar to the HW from them, as well... so you have your band in the super ideal cuts, as well? I would not assume the HW band is comprised of super ideal H & A stones. You are paying such a premium just for the HW stamp to be on it and the fancy box and their very pretty salon. I think it better to spend the $ for a much greater value at one of the super ideal vendors and get so much better quality. And then everything will match. I used to be all into a T&Co and how amazing it would be to have an e-ring from them, all the history, the eliteness, the pretty box... but the truth is that the super ideal vendor's diamonds are far superior. To me, now that I am so fortunate to own 2 BGD stones and 2 WF ACA stones, I feel those are the ultimate in luxury and excellence money can buy. Even though you decided to get a new e-ring, I still think you should return to HW and put your money into the state of the art cutting and not into someone's branding.