Whiteflash aca upgrade

[Blueberry11]

Hello everyone

I found this forum many years ago and because of all the amazing advice found here I am the happy owner of an amazing Whiteflash diamond ring. I still find myself admiring the brilliance and sparkle of my diamond many times a day and love it just as much today and I did 9 years ago when my (now husband) proposed.

I have been thinking of taking advantage of the lifetime upgrade policy from Whiteflash. My current diamond is just over .70 carats, F color and either VS1 or VS2, and looks niceon my 4.5 size finger. However I’m starting to wonder how beautiful a larger stone might look, somewhere in the 1-1.5 carat range.

I was hoping to get some advice on upgrading my diamond. Besides getting a larger stone, what else is important to consider? Would it still feel like an upgrade if I go down in clarity and/or color? I found some diamonds in my price range with the same color and clarity of my current diamond, and it would put me in the1.12- 1.361 carat range.
Would this look significantly larger than my .70 carat diamond?

In order to get closer to the 1.5 carat size I would have to go down in color/clarity but I’m wondering if that size difference between 1.361 and 1.5 would be visible and worth sacrificing color/clarity.

I’d appreciate any insight and opinions!
Thank you.

 

[molinePDG]

Here's a post I made on a similar thread that I think has some good merits to it here as well:

Whether a color is "too low" or not is an entirely subjective question that we can't really help with here. Some colors would be perfectly acceptable to some and absolutely unacceptable to others.

There's also the matter of "seeing the difference" and "being bothered by the difference." You may well be able to see a stone's tint, but whether it's enough to bother you is another question entirely.

As diamonds get larger, their color/tint is, of course, easier to notice.

Best suggestion - go look at some variously colored GIA/whatever cert you're buying stones in person at the size you're considering. Only this way will you be able to know for sure what your personal "sweet spot" on diamond color may be. This is especially true for you because you have been used to looking at a colorless stone for a long time. "They" say the difference in visual size is about .2mm -- that is, you need a size difference of at least that to easily notice. 1.12-1.3 will definitely look larger than your current stone. 1.3 - 1.5 may be noticeable, but not as much as the previous jump.

 

[ac117]

Hello everyone

I found this forum many years ago and because of all the amazing advice found here I am the happy owner of an amazing Whiteflash diamond ring. I still find myself admiring the brilliance and sparkle of my diamond many times a day and love it just as much today and I did 9 years ago when my (now husband) proposed.

I have been thinking of taking advantage of the lifetime upgrade policy from Whiteflash. My current diamond is just over .70 carats, F color and either VS1 or VS2, and looks niceon my 4.5 size finger. However I’m starting to wonder how beautiful a larger stone might look, somewhere in the 1-1.5 carat range.

I was hoping to get some advice on upgrading my diamond. Besides getting a larger stone, what else is important to consider? Would it still feel like an upgrade if I go down in clarity and/or color? I found some diamonds in my price range with the same color and clarity of my current diamond, and it would put me in the1.12- 1.361 carat range.
Would this look significantly larger than my .70 carat diamond?

In order to get closer to the 1.5 carat size I would have to go down in color/clarity but I’m wondering if that size difference between 1.361 and 1.5 would be visible and worth sacrificing color/clarity.

I’d appreciate any insight and opinions!
Thank you.

Exciting! I don't think you should go down too much in color or clarity but I personally went from a 1.8 E to a 3.24 G and it was totally worth the difference to me. As far as clarity, I am ok with anything eye clean but some people prefer "mind clean". I don't think VS1 is necessary and would be totally fine with VS2/SI1 for my ering. The great thing about Whiteflash is that the stones are in house and the reps are excellent so they could pull the stones you're interested in and evaluate them - besides the "eye clean" mark on their website, the reps could give you more detail as to the distance/angle at which they are eye clean. There won't be a huge difference btw ideal cut 1.36 and 1.5 stones, but it may be noticeable depending on the actual dimensions (most people see differences of .2mm and more but I can see less than that and maybe you can too). You should play around with this site to view how different sizes would look on your ring size https://www.diamdb.com/

 

[Fancygems]

If you could go to a 1.3 and stay at the same color/clarity combo..

 

[tyty333]

Here is the generic size difference between a .7 and a 1.3. Quite a difference. You can play with that tool and see what size difference is enough for
you. No one knows how sensitive to color you are. Try to go see some well-cut G/H/Is.

0.7ct Round (5.77×5.77×3.48) vs 1.3ct Round (7.09×7.09×4.28)

Compare 0.7 carat Round (5.77×5.77×3.48mm) vs 1.3 carat Round (7.09×7.09×4.28mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (26.15mm² vs 39.48mm²)

www.diamdb.com

 

[Big Fat Facets]

some upgrade for carat weight while others upgrade for color. its all very personal. i think it will still feel like an upgrade to you, if it is carat weight, you are yearning for and monetary constraints may not allow you to stay in the f color range.

have you seen well cut round brilliants with different color designations together, side by side?? that might be helpful to determine if you can see color differences and more important if you mind it.

i think a 1.12-1.36 will look significantly larger than .70

i do think that a 1.5 will look larger than a 1.36

only you know if it is worth going down in color to achieve 1.5 from 1.36

 

[Blueberry11]

Here's a post I made on a similar thread that I think has some good merits to it here as well:

Whether a color is "too low" or not is an entirely subjective question that we can't really help with here. Some colors would be perfectly acceptable to some and absolutely unacceptable to others.

There's also the matter of "seeing the difference" and "being bothered by the difference." You may well be able to see a stone's tint, but whether it's enough to bother you is another question entirely.

As diamonds get larger, their color/tint is, of course, easier to notice.

Best suggestion - go look at some variously colored GIA/whatever cert you're buying stones in person at the size you're considering. Only this way will you be able to know for sure what your personal "sweet spot" on diamond color may be. This is especially true for you because you have been used to looking at a colorless stone for a long time. "They" say the difference in visual size is about .2mm -- that is, you need a size difference of at least that to easily notice. 1.12-1.3 will definitely look larger than your current stone. 1.3 - 1.5 may be noticeable, but not as much as the previous jump.

Great suggestion! I have been gazing at an F for so long and I’m definitely used to it. But seeing colors at the 1.3-1.5 carat range would be very helpful. Also I’ve never seen that size stone on my finger so it’s a great idea to try some on, too.

 

[Blueberry11]

Exciting! I don't think you should go down too much in color or clarity but I personally went from a 1.8 E to a 3.24 G and it was totally worth the difference to me. As far as clarity, I am ok with anything eye clean but some people prefer "mind clean". I don't think VS1 is necessary and would be totally fine with VS2/SI1 for my ering. The great thing about Whiteflash is that the stones are in house and the reps are excellent so they could pull the stones you're interested in and evaluate them - besides the "eye clean" mark on their website, the reps could give you more detail as to the distance/angle at which they are eye clean. There won't be a huge difference btw ideal cut 1.36 and 1.5 stones, but it may be noticeable depending on the actual dimensions (most people see differences of .2mm and more but I can see less than that and maybe you can too). You should play around with this site to view how different sizes would look on your ring size https://www.diamdb.com/

Great tips. Could you see the difference going from an E to a G given the size increase? Honestly my husband picked out my diamond and went with the F and VS1. The only thing I asked was for him not to spend too much money. We weren’t as financially sound as we are now. I actually talked him down from a 1 carat because I learned from pricescope that staying just below typical markers could save a lot of money.

 

[Blueberry11]

If you could go to a 1.3 and stay at the same color/clarity combo..

That’s kind of what I was thinking but wasn’t sure if going to down in color or clarity would be visible in a well-cut diamond.

 

[ac117]

Great tips. Could you see the difference going from an E to a G given the size increase? Honestly my husband picked out my diamond and went with the F and VS1. The only thing I asked was for him not to spend too much money. We weren’t as financially sound as we are now. I actually talked him down from a 1 carat because I learned from pricescope that staying just below typical markers could save a lot of money.

Funny, my husband also picked out my original diamond himself and went with an E. I would've gone for a G then and hit the 2ct mark but I loved what he picked I'm color sensitive and while I saw a sliiight difference side by side, my G is plenty white and I have no regrets. I saw F/G/H/I color stones and knew an I was too tinted for me, an H was the lowest I'd go for my ering (but I have H and I color studs and they are plenty white for me). I don't think you'd see much of a difference going to a G but I do agree you should look at stones before committing to an H/I sight unseen and in different lighting.

 

[Fancygems]

That’s kind of what I was thinking but wasn’t sure if going to down in color or clarity would be visible in a well-cut diamond.

I think it would be different if you were not coming from a F color so you most likely will see the difference if you go lower but it’s personal like what others have said if the noticeable difference will be bothersome to your eye.

 

[MamaBee]

That’s kind of what I was thinking but wasn’t sure if going to down in color or clarity would be visible in a well-cut diamond.

It wouldn’t be noticeable when you are looking at it from the top. If you tilt it or look at it from the side you may notice it. It depends on how color sensitive you are.

 

[Blueberry11]

Here is the generic size difference between a .7 and a 1.3. Quite a difference. You can play with that tool and see what size difference is enough for
you. No one knows how sensitive to color you are. Try to go see some well-cut G/H/Is.

0.7ct Round (5.77×5.77×3.48) vs 1.3ct Round (7.09×7.09×4.28)

Compare 0.7 carat Round (5.77×5.77×3.48mm) vs 1.3 carat Round (7.09×7.09×4.28mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (26.15mm² vs 39.48mm²)

www.diamdb.com

Thank you! Yes I need to see them in person. Also I’m curious how a 1.3 looks on my finger. I should go try some on.

 

[Blueberry11]

some upgrade for carat weight while others upgrade for color. its all very personal. i think it will still feel like an upgrade to you, if it is carat weight, you are yearning for and monetary constraints may not allow you to stay in the f color range.

have you seen well cut round brilliants with different color designations together, side by side?? that might be helpful to determine if you can see color differences and more important if you mind it.

i think a 1.12-1.36 will look significantly larger than .70

i do think that a 1.5 will look larger than a 1.36

only you know if it is worth going down in color to achieve 1.5 from 1.36

No I haven’t seen well cut rounds of different color grades side by side. This is a good idea and would help me decide for sure. I am mainly upgrading for size but I don’t want to compromise on color/clarity too much.

 

[Blueberry11]

This is the diamond we are considering upgrading to. I’d love to get your thoughts!

Diamond | 1.361 ct F VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4293568

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.361 carat F color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4293568

www.whiteflash.com

 

[pearaffair]

It’s so personal. If I had your budget I’d get the biggest stone I could. Have you heard the expression, why pay for a difference you can’t see?

Diamond | 1.812 ct I SI2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4312115

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.812 carat I color SI2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4312115

www.whiteflash.com

I’m a size whore though

 

[pearaffair]

0.7ct Round (5.77×5.77×3.48) vs 1.8ct Round (7.91×7.91×4.77)

Compare 0.7 carat Round (5.77×5.77×3.48mm) vs 1.8 carat Round (7.91×7.91×4.77mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (26.15mm² vs 49.14mm²)

www.diamdb.com

 

[Blueberry11]

It’s so personal. If I had your budget I’d get the biggest stone I could. Have you heard the expression, why pay for a difference you can’t see?

Diamond | 1.812 ct I SI2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4312115

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.812 carat I color SI2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4312115

www.whiteflash.com

I’m a size whore though

I definitely see your point. Before I make a decision I need to try on actual rings with different size diamonds. I realize how personal it is.

 

[Blueberry11]

0.7ct Round (5.77×5.77×3.48) vs 1.8ct Round (7.91×7.91×4.77)

Compare 0.7 carat Round (5.77×5.77×3.48mm) vs 1.8 carat Round (7.91×7.91×4.77mm) on actual diamond size and finger coverage (26.15mm² vs 49.14mm²)

www.diamdb.com

Thanks! This visual is great. That 1.8 carat looks so big when I change the ring size to 4.5. It gives great finger coverage.

 

[pearaffair]

I definitely see your point. Before I make a decision I need to try on actual rings with different size diamonds. I realize how personal it is.

Good idea. FYI Costco might have some I colour diamonds if you want to test your colour sensitivity

 

[KristinTech]

When I went from a .90 to a 1.23 CBI, the increase in appearance was delightful! Can’t wait to see what you end up with!

 

[Blueberry11]

When I went from a .90 to a 1.23 CBI, the increase in appearance was delightful! Can’t wait to see what you end up with!

So glad to hear!

 

[stonehunter20]

imho, the size difference between 1.361 and 1.5 would not be noticeable. if you go for aca, i'd go big! as for color and clarify, it depends on if you are color sensitive or not and whiteflash can help ensure it's eye clean. good luck!

 

[Blueberry11]

imho, the size difference between 1.361 and 1.5 would not be noticeable. if you go for aca, i'd go big! as for color and clarify, it depends on if you are color sensitive or not and whiteflash can help ensure it's eye clean. good luck!

Thanks for your input. What in your opinion is big? 2 carats? I did a quick search and I could afford a 2.008 carat diamond but it would be K SI1

 

[CareBear]

If you are used to a F, the tint in a K might bother you. I would suggested upgrading to a 1.5 H.

 

[Blueberry11]

If you are used to a F, the tint in a K might bother you. I would suggested upgrading to a 1.5 H.

Thanks! I’ve been working with Whiteflash and they are sending me photos of various diamonds I like to compare size and color. I also have a white gold setting so I was hoping to stay in the F-H range.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I think 1.36 at 7.1mm and going to 1.5 a 7.4mm would be noticeable. I did a small upgrade of my studs last time and I regret not going to 1.5 cts.

Here is a picture with two diamonds right at 7mm and the ones on the right are 7.4mm. (none of these are my stones.)



While no one can guess whether a drop in size would bother you, I think G color would be the lowest I'd consider after having F. But it looks like there are plenty of G VS1s in the 1.4 range but you'd need a VS2 to get the price closer to the range of the 1.36 F. If you can raise the budget to $15k, there are some nice 1.5 G VS2s. This one would be my favorite.

Diamond | 1.518 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4313999

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.518 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4313999

www.whiteflash.com

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I can post some pictures which will show you some actual size differences.

1.44 on size 5.5 finger

 

[Kya]

I think 1.36 at 7.1mm and going to 1.5 a 7.4mm would be noticeable. I did a small upgrade of my studs last time and I regret not going to 1.5 cts.

Here is a picture with two diamonds right at 7mm and the ones on the right are 7.4mm. (none of these are my stones.)



While no one can guess whether a drop in size would bother you, I think G color would be the lowest I'd consider after having F. But it looks like there are plenty of G VS1s in the 1.4 range but you'd need a VS2 to get the price closer to the range of the 1.36 F. If you can raise the budget to $15k, there are some nice 1.5 G VS2s. This one would be my favorite.

Diamond | 1.518 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4313999

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.518 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4313999

www.whiteflash.com

@diamondseeker’s advice is golden.

From experience, I second her advice regarding color.
My initial e ring was an F, I2 clarity... was sold to my husband as an SI and he didn't know better When we upgraded, I went with much better genuine VS clarity, but H in color.
Though many people are okay with I and J, I guess being used to an F made the H somewhat of a disappointment.
Yet in the meantime my studs are H and it doesn’t bother me as much tho I would like to upgrade one day. Different people are more color sensitive though, I did the pantone test and everything made sense lol.

 

[Blueberry11]

I think 1.36 at 7.1mm and going to 1.5 a 7.4mm would be noticeable. I did a small upgrade of my studs last time and I regret not going to 1.5 cts.

Here is a picture with two diamonds right at 7mm and the ones on the right are 7.4mm. (none of these are my stones.)



While no one can guess whether a drop in size would bother you, I think G color would be the lowest I'd consider after having F. But it looks like there are plenty of G VS1s in the 1.4 range but you'd need a VS2 to get the price closer to the range of the 1.36 F. If you can raise the budget to $15k, there are some nice 1.5 G VS2s. This one would be my favorite.

Diamond | 1.518 ct G VS2 A CUT ABOVE® Hearts and Arrows Super Ideal Round Cut Loose Diamond AGS Certified | 4313999

This Whiteflash A CUT ABOVE® super ideal cut hearts and arrows 1.518 carat G color VS2 clarity loose diamond is graded by the American Gem Society (AGS) Laboratories. | 4313999

www.whiteflash.com

Thank you so much! I’ve been messaging back and fourth with Whiteflash and I really want to keep my current ring and just set the new diamond in it. Unfortunately they don’t think my current ring based on housing my current .71 carat could accommodate a 1.5 carat diamond. However they won’t know for sure until they see the ring.