Which is more important: color or clarity?

[SparklyRing]

Date: 10/26/2009 1:19:50 PM
Author: sphenequeen
Since your first priority is a well proportioned RBC, and size is a close second, I would really consider color over clarity- You are not sacrificing beauty if you go for an eye clean SI stone and you may be able to bump up the size of your stone, depending on your budget if you go this route. What people notice first is how that diamond sparkles from across the room (cut), then how large that stone is (carat). When they get closer to your hand, they will notice if the stone has any warmth to it, and IF they have bionic vision

, they will see the inclusions on an SI stone.

I never thought about it this way, thanks sphenequeen!

 

[ct-appr]

Date: 10/24/2009 1:44:37 PM
Author: FB.

Date: 10/24/2009 11:42:40 AM

Author: ct-appr

A lot of this depends on the ''5th C'', cost. My diamond priorities are ideal or excellent cut, H or better color, SI1 or better clarity, with faint or no fluorescence and a lab report from GIA or AGS. Then the biggest you want and/or can afford. Most ''real'' SI1''s are eye clean when viewed face up.


The ideal cut will mask clarity characteristics and lower color. I would stay away from strong fluorescence but faint will pick up the UV in the sunshine. GIA and AGS reports are credible, other reports sometimes vary in grading accuracy.

I agree with everything that you say - and I also agree that people should make sure that they understand how fluorescent stones may ''look'' before buying.


I know that diamonds are a personal thing and most owners will not agree on what is best

, but I''d very much like to hear why you recommend avoiding stones with strong fluorescence.

Regards,

I like a little fluorescence, I think it can add to the appeal of most stones. Strong fluorescence can be distracting. Think of someone wearing a 3ct, strongly fluorescent, ideal cut diamond to a night club. It would light up the room.

 

[ct-appr]

Date: 10/24/2009 1:47:12 PM
Author: Gleam
Clarity was the least important C to me.

I agree, if a stone is well cut, the cut will mask clarity features.

 

[ct-appr]

Date: 10/24/2009 4:23:14 PM
Author: glitterata
I have no interest in diamonds with clarity higher than SI (my sweet spot is I1, but I have to like the inclusions).


I put the Cs in this order:


1. Cut

2. Cost

3. Color (I like very white diamonds and very yellowish ones more than ones in the middle)

4. Carat

5. Clarity (Actually, I''m picky about clarity--I like it low)


(Edited to clarify: I have no interest in OWNING high-clarity diamonds. I''m delighted to admire everyone else''s, though!)

If this is your preference, you will save $$. Putting cut first is a wise choice, cut will mask the clarity characteristics. On another note, some inclusions are very interesting and can make the stone collectible.

 

[ct-appr]

Date: 10/26/2009 8:32:22 PM
Author: SparklyRing

Date: 10/26/2009 1:19:50 PM

Author: sphenequeen

Since your first priority is a well proportioned RBC, and size is a close second, I would really consider color over clarity- You are not sacrificing beauty if you go for an eye clean SI stone and you may be able to bump up the size of your stone, depending on your budget if you go this route. What people notice first is how that diamond sparkles from across the room (cut), then how large that stone is (carat). When they get closer to your hand, they will notice if the stone has any warmth to it, and IF they have bionic vision

, they will see the inclusions on an SI stone.

I never thought about it this way, thanks sphenequeen!

I agree. Good advice.

 

[Ms. Raptor]

Color, most definitely!

My eyes are very color sensitive, and I have always been able to easily spot a diamond with a color grade below G (at least when set in a white metal like white gold or plat.). I can''t easily spot inclusions, but I still prefer a clarity of eye-clean SI1 or better.
My preferences, I think, are:
1. cost
2. cut
3. color
4. carat
5. clarity

 

[Dancing Fire]

G-H color, VS2-SI1,even if i had a lot money F-VS1 will do.

 

[BAM54321]

For me it was color although I did search for a balance. My wife liked them all and couldn''t tell the difference between most of them.

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

I would sure have a good balance on both. An E color I3 would be a clarity disaster. Going G-I and SI1 - SI2 would seem to be a good middle compromise on both. That will you save half on both ends, instead of all on one end. It evens itself out financially. I have an H SI1 and love it. Too dark or too included will drive you crazy. Remember you will be staring at this stone ALL the time, so don''t short yourself too much on color OR clarity.

 

[clgwli]

For me it is color but in a different way. I don''t like white diamonds except as accent stones on rings. I can''t explain it, but for me "settling" would be a K color and not something lower. Clarity is important to me to a certain extent. I have some SI-I stones on a ring and honestly they are all set in a way where the inclusions don''t get in the way of the beauty. I refuse to go beneath I1 though. There is such thing as a good I1 IMO.

I have different set of requirements for my earrings though. I want both high color and clarity and have paid just to get them. So it all depends on what type of piece I am looking at.