Size vs. Color

[pelical]

First of all, thanks to everyone on the forum. This has been a great resource ever since I started my search. I have been looking to buy a diamond around $18,000 and have been mostly searching an RB around 2.0 cts, G-H, VS2-SI1. For example, maybe something like this one:

2.00, G, SI1

However, I just realized that if I were to go down a few grades in color to J, I can afford something half a carat larger that''s guaranteed to be eyeclean. For example:

2.54, J, VS1

If it makes a difference, there''s even one with strong blue floro to help counteract the yellow tinge

2.57, J, VS1

All of these diamonds have HCA < 2.0

My questions are:

1) Is the size difference between 2.0 and 2.5 noticeable to the average observer?

2) Is the color difference between G and J readily apparent when mounted in yellow gold? Obviously J looks worse put right next to G but about in average situations? (haven''t decided whether to get white or yellow prongs yet)

3) With regard to a yellow gold setting, some say that you should get white prongs so that the diamond doesn''t pick up the yellow color while others say that you should get yellow prongs so that your diamond looks more white in comparison. Where is the line drawn if the two choices both look equally pleasing? Should I get white prongs with a G and yellow prongs with a J?

4) If I do decide for the more yellowish color, should I get the one with no floro or the one with strong floro?

Thanks again for all of your help.

 

[JulieN]

IMO, 2 ct G is kind of a sweet spot.

 

[SpareMyWallet]

I''d go with the G.

 

[stone-cold11]

1) compare the diameter. the 2c is 8.1-8.2mm, which is quite a large variation, weird, compare that to a 2.5c which has a diameter of about 8.8mm. I think that is quite noticeable, almost a 9% increase in diameter.

2) Maybe maybe not, depends on you/your gf''s color sensitivity and preference, size or color?

3) No comments. heard arguments for both sides.

4) Not really that much difference as unless you are always in the presence of UV rays, the fluor will not be active in all viewing conditions.

 

[EHR2009]

I''d go with the G as well. In my opinion, color is one of the most noticeable aspects of a diamond, and there is a big difference between a G and a J. This is also just my opinion, but I think better color makes a diamond appear larger (others may disagree with me on that point

 

[elle_chris]

I went from a 2ct to a 2.50 and yes there''s a diference, but it''s not huge. I also don''t think it''s enough of one to drop to a J color. I''d stick to a G. But, you may not really notice any color in a J.
Your best bet would be to see these colors in person.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would pick the G. Eye clean is eye clean so the clarity doesn''t matter to me. Color makes a big difference to my daily enjoyment of my diamond -- I have owned a J, a K, and now a G. The G is by far my favourite.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/18/2010 6:31:56 PM
Author:pelical
First of all, thanks to everyone on the forum. This has been a great resource ever since I started my search. I have been looking to buy a diamond around $18,000 and have been mostly searching an RB around 2.0 cts, G-H, VS2-SI1. For example, maybe something like this one:

2.00, G, SI1

However, I just realized that if I were to go down a few grades in color to J, I can afford something half a carat larger that's guaranteed to be eyeclean. For example:

2.54, J, VS1

If it makes a difference, there's even one with strong blue floro to help counteract the yellow tinge

2.57, J, VS1

All of these diamonds have HCA < 2.0

My questions are:

1) Is the size difference between 2.0 and 2.5 noticeable to the average observer? Usually it is with well cut stones with the right diameter range.

2) Is the color difference between G and J readily apparent when mounted in yellow gold? Obviously J looks worse put right next to G but about in average situations? (haven't decided whether to get white or yellow prongs yet) Some might be able to tell the difference but it depends on colour sensitivity and preference, type of lab grade, cut quality, shape and size of the diamond. If you are unsure, see if you can view some AGS0 Peerless from Jareds if there is a store locally, so you can look at a G and J in person of known cut quality.

3) With regard to a yellow gold setting, some say that you should get white prongs so that the diamond doesn't pick up the yellow color while others say that you should get yellow prongs so that your diamond looks more white in comparison. Where is the line drawn if the two choices both look equally pleasing? Should I get white prongs with a G and yellow prongs with a J? Two schools of thought here, some say YG makes a stone look whiter by contrast, others say WG makes a stone look whiter, I would definitely get WG prongs whichever band metal you decide.I would go for white gold prongs in any case.

4) If I do decide for the more yellowish color, should I get the one with no floro or the one with strong floro? As SC said fluorescence isn't active in all viewing conditions and you need medium or strong to make any visual difference.

Thanks again for all of your help.

All of your selections have potential, an Idealscope image for each would be the next step. See further thoughts above.

 

[Rockit]

I''m quite tolerant of faint color, so, lower-color stones, especially well-cut Js do not bother me. However, this is something that is quite controversial. Try to know your GF''s preference and tolerance for tint.

That being said, in this case, it is the fluorescence that concerns me. I would much prefer a stone with a slight tint that has no fluorescence to almost ANY stone with "strong" fluorescence (at least if I do not see the strongly fluorescing stone IRL before purchase). For me, a little fluorescence is fine. However, strong fluorescence can be bothersome in some lighting... it can give off almost an aura, if you will – kind of foggy or hazy looking at times. Especially in colorless and near-colorless diamonds, sometimes it can interfere with the beautiful crystal, or transparency, that I expect to see when I look at a pretty diamond. I realize there is a school of thought that says fluorescence can "counteract" and "whiten" the appearance of a tinted stone. However, for me, heavy fluorescence can take-away from a diamond''s ability to look bright and crystalline – qualities which are extremely important to me. Comparing strong fluorescence to non-fluorescence can be a little bit like looking through everyday glasswear and then fine crystal.

However, every stone is a product of nature and every stone has distinct, unique characteristics. Meaning, two similar stones with "strong fluorescence" may not perform similarly at all. That fact, coupled with your individual preference and way of seeing things, may make the fluorescence a non-issue for you. Just something to think about. This is where having the help, and eyes-on, of your trusted jeweler comes into play.

From the choices given, I''d go withe the G or the 2.54ct J. If it were me, I''d be thrilled with the J... the cut is killer, the size is to die for, and, of the bunch, the diamond is the closest to perfect round. However, again, someone who can evaluate both these stones IRL for you would be best to help here.

I don''t think there are any hard-and-fast rules to answer the four questions at the end of the initial post. However, I will add that I wear a ring with an 8+mm RB in the center. I would easily notice the difference if I bumped it up 1/2 a mm or more. That being said, would I be anything but thrilled to own the smaller stone you have selected here? Nope. If it is all it has the potential to be, I''d love it. How will you set the stone? As a solitaire? Part of a three-stone? Haloed? Are your GF''s hands small? Large? Fingers slender? Short? This may help to determine the most flattering size for her.

Also, I have another ring that features a J flanked by colored stones. The J is in platinum. The colored stones are in another color gold. I get compliments about this ring all the time, especially from jewelers. No one seems to notice or care about the J color.

One final thought: when I reread the initial post, the search was for a round brilliant, 2ct, G-H, VS2-SI1. If that is what you set out to find, it seems to me that, indeed, you have perfectly accomplished the task with the 2ct G SI1.

All lovely choices.

 

[iamgwar]

I would go with a larger Ideal cut J color.... my 2 cents. I literally just got an AGS Ideal J SI from James Allen delivered a few minutes ago it looks white and clear to me. Even with bright or defused light and a white background I see no yellow.

 

[pelical]

Thanks to all your guys for your comments. I agree that I should stay away from fluorescence, especially since I will be buying over the internet and don''t want to deal with any possible haziness. My plan for the diamond is to put it into a 18k yellow gold solitaire setting with white prongs, most likely something simple like the classic Tiffany''s. I think my GF has a 4 or 4.5 ring size if that makes any difference. I will definitely head out to Jared''s tomorrow to see some of these differences in person.

I have never even considered how "round" a round diamond should be. The 2.0 does have some variation 8.07x8.22 but it was rated at "excellent" symmetry. Are the dimensions something that I should be paying attention to?

 

[HVVS]

That's a pic that GOG sent me. 1.19ct G on left and I think it was a 1.48ct high J almost I color on the right. I decided that J was too much tint. I bought an F color and I have no regrets. I prefer white to most warmer diamonds. A G would be white enough for me. I also have H, I with strong blue fluor, and a large older diamond that's either a J or a K. The tine in the J/K really shows up in certain lighting. It can look really brownish-tinted in some office lighting, for example.

 

[yssie]

Date: 2/19/2010 1:54:35 PM
Author: pelical
Thanks to all your guys for your comments. I agree that I should stay away from fluorescence, especially since I will be buying over the internet and don''t want to deal with any possible haziness. My plan for the diamond is to put it into a 18k yellow gold solitaire setting with white prongs, most likely something simple like the classic Tiffany''s. I think my GF has a 4 or 4.5 ring size if that makes any difference. I will definitely head out to Jared''s tomorrow to see some of these differences in person.

I have never even considered how ''round'' a round diamond should be. The 2.0 does have some variation 8.07x8.22 but it was rated at ''excellent'' symmetry. Are the dimensions something that I should be paying attention to?

That''s a lot!!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/20/2010 2:06:05 AM
Author: yssie

Date: 2/19/2010 1:54:35 PM
Author: pelical
Thanks to all your guys for your comments. I agree that I should stay away from fluorescence, especially since I will be buying over the internet and don't want to deal with any possible haziness. My plan for the diamond is to put it into a 18k yellow gold solitaire setting with white prongs, most likely something simple like the classic Tiffany's. I think my GF has a 4 or 4.5 ring size if that makes any difference. I will definitely head out to Jared's tomorrow to see some of these differences in person.

I have never even considered how 'round' a round diamond should be. The 2.0 does have some variation 8.07x8.22 but it was rated at 'excellent' symmetry. Are the dimensions something that I should be paying attention to?

That's a lot!!

That was missed earlier, personally its too much variance for me. Also no need to stay away from medium or strong blue fluorescence, it is extremely rare that strong blue fluorescence will make a stone look cloudy, just check with the vendor to be sure if one comes up. Medium blue fluorescence should not present a problem.

Further reading on fluorescence from the Pricescope Tutorial.

 

[clgwli]

I admit I wouldn''t want a diamond with that much variance in size. Otherwise I would pick a G. I love warmer colors honestly, but J is a color I am not fond of for some reason. I think it is just not warm enough for me to appreciate it well. My sweet spot is L and below to X. If I want a white stone I need to stick to G and above.

So I would probably keep looking.

 

[CLEICS]

I think G! Having previously had an J which was nice but not super white I am now all about the colour! My current ring is an E which is perhaps slight overkill

but G sounds good or maybe even an F!!

 

[Dancing Fire]

i am in the G-H camp,if i had a lot of money then i''d go with an VS1 F color stone.

 

[LabRatPhD]

I would pick the G. You could probably go down to an H and it will look extremely white, which is what I ended up doing.

 

[Laila619]

I would take a J color bigger stone over a smaller G, but I''m not color sensitive at all.