Hi there!
I have a question related to diamond color. I am considering a setting from James Allen that incorporates 6 marquise stones in the band: Platinum East-West Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
I’ve been budgeting for a 1.2ct princess cut for the center and have been looking closer to the colorless range (D or E) but my concern now is if the side marquise stones may show off some color in comparison. The product specs say the side stones range from G to H color grade…
Are these small enough that their color would not be noticeable? Or would a completely colorless center stone look a little off? I am wondering if I should intentionally go down to maybe an F grade to get a better match. But if you don’t think the side stones would show, I’d rather have a more colorless center stone.
The side stones wouldn’t make a color difference, they are too small for that. But is there a reason you’re aiming for such high color grades? Even an F would be way more than what’s necessary to have a beautiful ring. You could put a G/H into the setting and it would look identical to the higher grades. This way you could either save some money or get a larger diamond.
Thank you for helping me rest assured on the noticeable color (or lack thereof) in the “side” stones of the band. You know, I am not really sure why I’m so hung up on such a high color grade… I really just want to avoid any hints of yellow, and I feel like James Allen’s imaging technology is SO good that I can notice the slight yellow tinge in some of the “lower” grade diamonds… But it could be my mind and eyes playing tricks on me.
Once I started thinking about the stones in the band, I began to consider intentionally going down to an F grade for a better match between the center and side stones. I might stick with that strategy given your recommendation and maybe go a little bigger. I don’t think I’d want to go any lower than F just for my own peace of mind…
I understand that going with lower grades would make you feel a little uneasy so let’s stick to F (or higher). You can be sure that this color grade is going to look absolutely colorless in the setting you’ve chosen and there wouldn’t be any yellowness. Just a note though, you don’t base the color choice on the pictures on the website, there’re various factors that can affect how the diamond looks (especially the lightning in the room where the video was recorded). But it’s of course possible that you are more color sensitive and in that case, going with higher grades makes perfect sense.
I found this gorgeous 1.22ct option:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.22-carat-f-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9035802?a_aid=dmnd1357
It has a beautiful cut and no inclusions that would be noticeable in person. It’ll be very bright and brilliant.
This is great! The diamond you linked is within my budget and crosses off all my marks.
You are making me feel more confident in an F grade, and I think I will go for it…
…
What do you think about this diamond:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.29-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9726561?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.29-carat-d-color-vs1-clarity-sku-9726561?a_aid=dmnd1357
This one has inclusions in the top corners. Even though those are not feathers or other really worrisome types of imperfections, it might be an issue in the long run. Corners are a very delicate part of princess cut diamonds because any inclusions in them might increase the risk of chipping. That’s probably why the price is so low.
WOW, I would have never thought about or noticed, but that would definitely be a concern for me… Right now I think the first 1.22ct F seems like an ideal option.
I’m your second pair of eyes 🙂
The 1.22ct is definitely a champion.
What do you think about this:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9444704?a_aid=dmnd1357
I just really like the numbers on this one.
Also, I’m feeling adventurous today and looked at the G’s. I’m still very wary about going to a G color grade, but the argument I give myself is it would be closer to a perfect match to the side stones…
Thoughts on this G:
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9790109?a_aid=dmnd1357
~$300 less than the F (doesn’t matter much to me), slightly larger, also near perfect symmetry.
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.20-carat-f-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9444704?a_aid=dmnd1357
www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/1.25-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-sku-9790109?a_aid=dmnd1357
These two diamonds are absolutely stunning. Personally, I like the G one better as it has a slightly nicer cut, but that’s just paper quality, it’s not a difference that would be noticeable in real life. Both are excellent options.
Great to hear from you! Perfect timing because I just made my purchase!!! I went for the G (you are right, I am now convinced it will look virtually colorless, and the cut and clarity just look amazing)! Thank you again for all your help.
That’s fantastic news! The G VVS2 was perfect in every single detail, I’m really happy you got such a wonderful diamond for yourself.
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