Diamond Clarity grading...? VS1/2 vs. SI1

As I understand it, the clarity grade is based upon how easily/quickly a diamond grader can find inclusions and under what magnification. It's difficult to estimate clarity by looking at the plot of inclusions on a grading report. Anything VS2 or above basically requires at least 10x magnification to see, so it's a pretty safe choice if you're buying online. Lots of SI stones, particularly SI1, can be free of visible inclusions to your eye, as well, and are more affordable.

I see you're looking at Blue Nile. Even though BN does not have diamonds in-house (except for their signature line), you can call and request that they have the diamond examined to determine if it is eye-clean (no visible inclusions from a reasonable viewing distance, maybe 6-12 inches close to your eye). Now, I can't say for sure that the vendor who actually has the diamond (a third party from whom BN sourced the diamonds) has integrity and will give an honest response, but there is a 30-day return policy at BN, extended now until Jan. 14 for the holidays. I believe, but have not checked recently, that BN will ship you the loose stone, let you look at it, and then let you ship it back to be set in one of their settings if you want one of their settings (I'd verify this is true, that's just the best of my recollection).

Now, all of that being said, the map of inclusions is not easy for a newbie to understand. It's prepared viewing the stone under magnification (which you won't see), and even the width of the grader's pen or pencil tip can make the inclusions seem scarier. Plus, even though you get a top and bottom map, it's not 3D, so it can be hard to tell if the flaw is deeper in the stone or near the surface. Most inclusions are basically clear flecks or whitish areas. I tend to feel safer with inclusions that aren't right under the table, the center of the diamond. Otherwise, I'd go to VS2 or higher, or rely upon someone's review to determine if the stone is eyeclean and make sure there's a good return policy.

Here''s a nice explanation on clarity with pictures. SI1''s will vary a lot. The only way you can know for sure is to see the stone.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=13

Date: 12/8/2007 1:24:18 PM
Author:bauermj

Is it wise to browse SI1 for diamond that appears and has been grading with the seeming quality of VVS-VS?

There have been some cautions against this...

Example:
SI1: http://www.bluenile.com/pop_int_cert_view.asp?pid=LD01180897

The best explanation I can think of for that look on the GIA report...is a bad print job showing up through BN.

But...I would be after BN to explain/understand the cause for the SI 1.


It''s been described here that a nastyish looking cert for SI 1 may be after the fact more favorable looking that you''d imagine, and perhaps the best bet.

Hi,

i would recommend looking at SI1 stones, a GIA triple X,    F-G colour will be stunning and if you are looking for as big as poss this is a great option. But dont just search by weight Cut is vital as you get the correct spread for the weight and the diamond will have great brilliance.

Kind Regards

Paul

Date: 12/8/2007 1:24:18 PM
Author:bauermj
Can anyone help me better understand the clarity rating of a diamond. I understand there are different types of inclusions and blemishes on a diamond. But often times I can find diamonds with certificates (GIA, AGSL) of SI1 that appear to be quite clean. Their report has less elements or inclusions on the table than diamonds that I see in VS1 or VS2 when browsing there.


Is it wise to browse SI1 for diamond that appears and has been grading with the seeming quality of VVS-VS?


Example:

SI1: http://www.bluenile.com/pop_int_cert_view.asp?pid=LD01180897


VS2: http://www.bluenile.com/pop_int_cert_view.asp?pid=LD01072835


Thanks! I''m trying to get as much size as I can for my minimum requirements in clarity and color. Round cut with excellent/ideal only :)

I will try to explain the reason that some reports for SI stones appear to have less inclusions than VS stones. According to GIA standards, wether it be a full Diamond Grading Cert or a Dossier Cert, the number or amount of inclusions do not count to an extent. It is the grade setting inclusion that does set the final clarity grade. If you have 3 feathers that are VS size surrounding the table, the stone is still a VS quality stone and will be graded final as a VS. If the stone has 1 feather that is an SI, the stone will be graded final as an SI versus the 3 VS feathers that may possibly be more visible than the 1 SI feathered stone. The extent is that if there are, lets say, a VVS2 stone that has a pinpoint on the table vs a VS2 stone with 100 pinpoints on the table. The 100 pinpoints will now be known as a cloud on the table of VS2 quality and give the stone a final clarity VS2. After all, a cloud is made up of many pinpoints and that many pinpoints known now as a cloud does effect the clarity grade.