We are reader-supported. Buying through any red colored link on our site may earn us commissions. Learn More.

Q&A: Advice on K Color Round 0.81 Carat Diamond

By Mike Fried,

First of all, great website, spent several hours gaining valuable unbiased information.

I am on a budget of about 2k for a round diamond and am curious about the below very nice cut that has K color but a faint fluorescent. I know its hard to tell through the picture and most local stores do not carry that low a color.

Is it safe to assume this will not be too overwhelming yellow?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317174.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks!

…….

Is it worth downgrading .04 for a higher clarity, again with color?

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VVS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1236430.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Thanks again

A K color stone isn’t going to be “overwhelmingly” yellow by any stretch. It’s just going to be a much warmer tone than a whiter stone. It’s going to show definite hints of yellow, but definitely not STRONG yellow.

As for your other question about dropping down to a 0.77, I think it’s a good idea, but not to the stone you suggested. This makes much more sense:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1317160.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

The reason is simple. Eye clean is eye clean. Once a stone has passed that test, there’s absolutely no benefit to going higher in clarity. So it’s really a waste of money. This stone, though, has everything else going for it and you get to save a couple hundred dollars. This stone and the VVS1 would look identical if they were on a table in front of you.

Thanks for the quick response and advice. I think we can live with a warmer K color but would you recommend going to a lower color if its against a pave ring with diamonds in it: https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/pave/ring/item_412-3713.asp. The side diamonds are much smaller, but I want to make sure it does not make the large stone look standout as off in color.

Going slightly above the 2k, any thoughts on these

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1330997.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 (I emailed them to get the GIA)

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Premium-Cut-Round-Diamond-1199867.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/K-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1197539.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

As I am sure is true with 95% of the nervous boyfriends, looking for the most carats for my money at eye clean. Truly appreciate the help!

I honestly think the K color on platinum with G/H side stones is pushing it. It’s going to look obviously yellowish. You’re MUCH better off going for a lower clarity and raising the color. You might have to settle for an 0.80, but I really think that’s your best option.

Here’s a couple:

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1344078.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Got it, thanks Ira. Do you think these will both be eye clean? I really like the first: https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357 and the fact that it is an Excellent cut, which is one area I was not trying to compromise. One thing I have noticed as you pointed out in your ‘cut’ section is that JA will list stones as Ideal when the GIA report lists them as Very Good .

One last question, would you recommend upgrading to a .90 for another 500 dollars? https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/J-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1343120.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357

Yes, I definitely think that the I SI2 will be eye clean.

I don’t think the upgrade to the J SI1 is worth it. The difference in actual size is really negligible. Just BARELY noticeable. Since you’ll have to go down in color and go up in $500, I don’t see it as being worth it.

Alright my friend, well I just put in the order for the I SI2, https://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1339655.asp?a_aid=dmnd1357, with https://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/settings-with-sidestones/ring/item_58-1175.asp as the ring.

I will let you know when I receive it and if it is eye clean. Any idea of the average shipping time for JA in the states?

Congrats! I look forward to hearing your face to face impressions! As far as shipping times, I think it varies based on the complexity of the setting. I’m guess in your case a couple of weeks.

Just wanted to let you know the ring arrived and looks great…and she loved it. I truly appreciate your advice. Anyway, thanks again and have a safe holidays.

Thanks again! And congratulations!

I wish you and your fiance a long life together filled with health, happiness, and love!

Best Wishes,

Ira

James Allen James Allen is the leader in online diamond sales. Their imaging technology is the same as inspecting a diamond with a jeweler's loupe. They have the largest exclusive loose diamond inventory online and fantastic prices. They also have the nicest collection of lab-created diamonds online. Get 30% off lab-grown diamonds during a limited time sale.
What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. James Allen will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free International Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisals
  • One free resizing within 60 days of purchase
  • Free ring inscriptions
  • Best-in-class high quality imagery of all diamonds in stock
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Best-in-class packaging
Arrow down
Arrow up
Blue Nile Blue Nile is the largest and most well-known internet jewelry seller. They have a very large exclusive online inventory. Their high-quality images are catching up to James Allens' and their prices are amazing. Save 25% on settings at Blue Nile!

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

What we love about them:
  • No questions asked returns within 30 days of shipment. Blue Nile will send you a paid shipping label to return the ring.
  • Lifetime Warranty
  • Free Shipping
  • Free prong tightening, repolishing, rhodium plating and cleaning every 6 months
  • Provide insurance appraisal
  • One free resizing within the first year of purchase
  • High quality images of about half of their diamonds
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • 100% credit towards future upgrades (must be at least double in value)
  • Best in class fulfillment
Arrow down
Arrow up

Still afraid of getting ripped off?

Before you buy a diamond, get personal buying advice from industry veterans. We'll help you get the best diamond for the money.

Ask your diamond purchase question here

  • Hidden
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

DISCLAIMER: We don't use your email for marketing. Period.

Please enter your email address to receive your 25% off coupon code:

Here is your coupon code: GFDSF3GF