Last Updated on 24th March 2025
| Anonymous Reader
Hello,
What are your thoughts on this M colored diamond for a 18k yellow gold setting? I can go with 1.4 carats as opposed to 1.3 if I drop down from an L or K to an M, but I’m concerned the yellow may be noticeable. Do you agree?
SKU-4936625 – 1.40 CARAT M-VVS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
SKU-4350757 – 1.30 CARAT L-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Thank you for your inquiry in the comment section of my website. I am happy to help. I thought it would be easier to respond through email. I much prefer the below diamond, sku 4350757.
SKU-4350757 – 1.30 CARAT L-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND The L color is quite white for an L color diamond. It could pass for a J color. I say you can confidently purchase this diamond. It will also provide the sparkle you want a diamond to have with its excellent cut. As far as carat weight size, you will not see the difference between the two. Take a look at the millimeter measurements listed for the both and you will see that they are practically the same. Please let me know if you have additional questions. |
| Anonymous Reader
Thank you so much, Sebastian. Is the only pitfall of going with the M color in this case the color? I thought the cut was the same on both and the clarity of the M colored diamond was better.
Thanks again!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Yes, it is really the M color that is the detraction. As far as the clarity, the main objective is to have an eye-clean diamond, where the inclusions do not detract from the diamonds sparkle and beauty.
This can be achieved in any of the clarity grades. Truth be told there is no need to pay more for a higher clarity grade when the end result can be the same. And, just for the record, a VS1 clarity will always be eye-clean and never impede the diamonds light performance. |
| Anonymous Reader
Great to know. Thank you, Sebastian. What should one strive for as far as florescence?
Faint or strong blue? Also, what do clouds and pinpoints mean when the GIA certificate says they’re not shown? Lastly, may I ask your thoughts on one more diamond? Many thanks!
SKU-5093607 – 1.33 CARAT L-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
Your Diamond Teacher |
| When a diamond has fluorescence, it means that it will glow blue under strong UV light. The stronger the fluorescence, the stronger the blue glow.
Also, the stronger the fluorescence, there is a chance it can make a diamond appear hazy. The positive thing is, fluorescence can make a more yellow diamond appear whiter and diamonds with fluorescence are priced less. The below diamond is very nice! Just note, it does have strong fluorescence, which isn’t necessarily a negative attribute.
SKU-5093607 – 1.33 CARAT L-VS1 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND |
| Anonymous Reader
Got it! Thank you so much! You’re incredibly knowledgeable and I appreciate your opinions and thoughts!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| You are very welcome! Happy to help! |
| Anonymous Reader
Hi Sebastian,
In your experience, do you find an online retailer like James Allen to be priced better than stores in the Jewelry District in Downtown Los Angeles? Thanks!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Typically, yes. Since online retailers don’t have the overhead costs that brick and mortar stores have, that savings gets passed onto the customer. Also, the volume that online retailers sell, enables them to have lower prices, as well. |
| Anonymous Reader
Good to know. Thanks again!
| Anonymous Reader
Hello again,
I went to two stores downtown today and they really confused me. One lady told me I should definitely not go lower than an H or I in color for a yellow diamond setting otherwise the yellow will show. Is that true? I know you previously mentioned one can spend less on clarity without compromising a ring. Is SI1 still acceptable? Thanks!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Thanks for writing back. The woman at the store has provided misinformation. A warmer color diamond, which is a diamond color lower than an H in color will appear whiter in a yellow gold ring setting.
If a warmer color diamond is set into a white gold setting, there is more of a noticeably contrast, which makes the diamond appear more yellow/warmer. I hope this make sense. Please let me know if you need further clarification. And yes, an SI1 clarity is perfectly acceptable, as long as the diamond is eye-clean to the unaided eye. Meaning you can’t see any of the diamonds inclusions and the inclusions don’t impede the diamonds ability to reflect light. Please let me know if you have any additional questions. |
| Anonymous Reader
Thanks, Sebastian. That was my understanding as well from my research online. I don’t like how these jewelers try to pull a fast one on people, which is why I prefer James Allen at this point. I shouldn’t however go lower than an L for a yellow gold setting, correct?
Understood regarding clarity. That helps a bit as far as price goes. Thanks again!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| I would say it is probably best not to go lower than a K. Please let me know if you have more questions. |
| Anonymous Reader
Thank you, Sebastian. Is the one you shared considered eye clean? Also, I was doing some research last night and read that on a K colored diamond, medium blue fluorescence is ok. Is that true? This is a very exhausting process!
Your Diamond Teacher |
| Yes, the diamond is eye-clean. Medium fluorescence is okay, as long as it doesn’t make the diamond appear hazy.
And as long as you don’t mind that the diamond may glow blue under strong UV light. The benefit of fluorescence is that it can make a warmer color diamond appear whiter. It can be exhausting! |
| Anonymous Reader
Ok, so I don’t necessarily need a whiter looking diamond since my setting is yellow, correct? This is the one I am currently leaning toward! What do you think? Many thanks!
SKU-2208712 – 1.32 CARAT K-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND
Your Diamond Teacher |
| You are correct. Since the setting is yellow gold, you can definitely get a warmer color diamond. The below diamond you selected from JamesAllen.com is an excellent choice! I say you can lean right into this one!
SKU-2208712 – 1.32 CARAT K-VS2 EXCELLENT CUT ROUND DIAMOND |
| Anonymous Reader
Thank you! Unfortunately, this diamond went up $120 in price since I sent you the link. Hoping it goes back down soon.
Your Diamond Teacher |
| I guarantee if you speak to a rep at JamesAllen they will honor the original price. And if not ask to speak to the manager. |
| Anonymous Reader
Good to know! Thank you!