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What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Clarity

DrBranDo

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 17, 2010
Messages
15
Hi everyone,

Just wondering if all other characteristics (HCA, price, size ect...) are the same except the color and clarity. Which one would you recommend and why?

Diamond 1:
Color: F
Clarity: IF

Diamond 2:
Color: E
Clarity: VVS2

Thanks.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Personally, at that level of internal clarity, I would definitely choose color over clarity. In fact, in most cases I would be apt to choose color over clarity assuming that all factors pertaining to Cut Performance and Cut Precision were equal.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

At VVS2, I would choose Color because I would think the unaided eye can see differences in color more than inclusions.
I wonder how different it is if you put a D and F side by side versus a D and E side by side.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I would also pick the color over the inclusions. Though personally I'd be willing to go even lower in clarity though not much more in color (unless going very low)
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

clgwli said:
I would also pick the color over the inclusions. Though personally I'd be willing to go even lower in clarity though not much more in color (unless going very low)

Agreed, like why not D, VS-1? Or E, VS-1 and pick up a little size? Of course, I'm kind of sensitive to color and tend to prefer the higher color grades... That said, I've seen some absolutely phenomenal looking diamonds in the warmer color tones, it really is a matter of personal preference. I actually sat down with a client the other day who wanted to meet "just to look at diamonds and try to figure out what he could see with his eyes" and he was able to separate G/H/I from a top down perspective in normal lighting right off the bat! He liked the look of "G" and could see (what he called) yellow in the "I" color diamond; I've sat down with a lot of people and very few of them have been this color sensitive! It was pretty cool.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

E & VVS2
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I would pick the E and VVS2
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I would not select either ;)) But it does not matter what I would pick here since there is not right or wrong answer and any distinction people make between these stones is completely based on their preconceived preferences. The two diamonds, if truly equivalent on all other dimensions, will be utterly indistinguishable.

When looking at E/F and IF/VVS color and clarity, the choice is a completely subjective, "mind clean" issue. So which do you like knowing you own, E color or IF clarity? You are paying a premium for an idiosyncratic preference, so decide your own preference and go for it.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

F IF...that would be sweet.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

My first reaction would be to choose the F IF just because it would be a neat "mind clean" thing to have an IF diamond.

However, I have an E SI1 which even with a very scrutinizing eagle eye could not tell the difference (without a loupe of course) in most clarity grades. I second some other posters and say why not go down in clarity a bit and go for a bigger size? You will not see the clarity difference, but size you will notice.

Good luck!
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Thanks for all the comment.

Peace of mind with the IF clarity is true but then again changing color from F to E might be good as pointed out by some of you.

Bigger stone..... hmmm time for more search. :)
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I think you can have peace of mind with VS1 clarity, so I would not go higher than VS1. You could also go with VS2 and have plenty of peace of mind!!! I'd go for the larger rock but it really depends on your preferences
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Without a doubt the E & VVS2 diamond. I can't say categorically but from the reading I've apart if you look very carefully through a loupe you will not notice the difference between the VVS2 and IF but the E and F might be more noticable.

I also wanted a VVS2 or higher clarity but from a lot of reading here and some soul searching I decided there is no point investing in something which simply can't be seen and go for a better colour or bigger size.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Thanks for all your input guys. I finally went with the E VVS2. A little less clarity in the balance but better color.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I think that was the wise choice.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Agreed. Let's see pix of the ring when it's done!
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Congratulations on your new stone, I'm sure it is very beautiful. But i am going to need to see pics to know for sure! :tongue:
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Dear all,

I know it's been a long time.

Please find below 2 pictures. Obviously the pictures will never do justice unless you are a pro.

Cheers

P.S She said yes btw. :D

IMG_0010.jpg

IMG_0017.jpg
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Beautiful!!!

Is that a tension setting from Steven Kretchmer?
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

congrats :)
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I got it from James Allen.

kenny said:
Beautiful!!!

Is that a tension setting from Steven Kretchmer?
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

That is awesome! Congrats!

What are the stats of your diamond? If you don't mind.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

I don't mind at all. Stats is on this link around the middle of the page.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/re-quick-appraisal-of-this-1ct-diamond.144952//

Here it is one more time.

HCA score is 1.1

Details of specs from GIA are:

Shape & Cut: Round Brilliant

Carat Weight: 1.07 carat
Color Grade: E
Clarity Grade: VVS2
Cut Grade: Ideal

Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent

Measurements: 6.57 * 6.59 * 4.02
Table: 57.0%
Crown Angle: 34
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Girdle Thickness: Medium
Cutlet: None
Depth: 61.2
Polish: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

IceExplorer said:
That is awesome! Congrats!

What are the stats of your diamond? If you don't mind.
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Hi DrBranDo. :wavey: That is a beautiful stone and I love the way you set it! :love: Congratulations!!

What kind of wedding band were you thinking of getting to go with that?
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Congratulations! Its beautiful!!!
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Congrats!
how the tension setting feels compared to other setups?
I mean any noticeable difference in the light show the diamond puts, is the diamond secured enough?
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

What a rock! Gorgeous! Congratulations!
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Thanks. As regards to your question, it is a tricky one and thought about it when buying it. I will let James Allen design one for me. :)

starryeyed said:
Hi DrBranDo. :wavey: That is a beautiful stone and I love the way you set it! :love: Congratulations!!

What kind of wedding band were you thinking of getting to go with that?
 
Re: What's better Color F & IF Clarity or Color E & VVS2 Cla

Well one thing for sure, it makes some head turns. But the one thing I gathered from my fiancee is that it has a weight to it and makes you "feel" it. :)

As for your second question, it does sparkle a lot but does it sparkle more compare to other setting, i can't answer cause I only bought one diamond ring. :)

I hope so about the secured part or else I will cry. I'll trust James Allen on that.

Doc_1 said:
Congrats!
how the tension setting feels compared to other setups?
I mean any noticeable difference in the light show the diamond puts, is the diamond secured enough?
 
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