Fall Proposal Ideas 2023
With its crisp air and vibrant foliage, autumn creates the perfect backdrop for a romantic proposal. The season of falling leaves and cozy sweaters is synonymous with warmth, making it…
There are several threads discussing the definition of “eye clean.” On the surface, it seems like a fairly straightforward concept, but what constitutes eye clean varies for both consumers and vendors. Rather than try to define the subjective, Pricescope has asked contributing vendors, appraisers, and experts to give us their company definitions of eye clean in an effort to improve communication from vendor to consumer.
They were asked to include these three factors:
1) Distance and orientation
2) Type of lighting
3) Vision type
Each vendor/appraiser/expert has a different definition, but the general consensus is:
No inclusions visible to the unaided eye when viewed from the face-up position in daylight equivalent or fluorescent lighting from approximately 6-12 inches from the eye using 20/20 vision.
Now, what is your definition?
Forget the lab report and the loupe. Hold a diamond in your hand from your preferred focal distance and look into the stone in natural light. What do you see? Or rather, what don’t you see?
If you’re shopping at your local jewelry store, you can look at loose stones or diamonds set in rings to gauge your tolerance for inclusions. If you are shopping online, however, it’s a bit tricky, because you will often see blown-up photos of diamonds, which purposefully show inclusions; a 6.5mm diamond may appear 10 times larger on your monitor. Eye clean is determined by seeing the stone in person, but it’s good to keep the actual size in perspective. Reducing the diamond image size may help you visualize.
Vendor Definitions(in alphabetical order)
1. Abazias
Approximately 5-6″ from eye from all top angles. Includes identifications of inclusions from side and bottom to locate and attempt to find from a top angle, using fluorescent white lighting and20/20 vision.
2. Engagement Rings Direct
A. Basically the distance I would place the diamond would be about 10inches. It is important to know that GIA and AGS grade clarity from the crown or top side of the diamond. Clarity is not based on the pavilion side. Thus, if you have a very white diamond and a center carbon spot even a VS2 may be seen by the viewer. After placing the diamond approximately 10 inches from your eye if you do not see the inclusion then the diamond can be considered eye-clean. Certain inclusions are better for eye-clean such as clouds over crystals. The reason is that clouds are a little more scattered in the diamond than a single crystal. Of the 3 main inclusions in the SI- clarity(clouds/crystals and feathers), I would rate the feather the easiest followed by the crystal and then the cloud. There are times that the diamond may have twinning wisps, which are groups of clouds that are scattered throughout the diamond. It is rare to find this inclusion but this type of inclusion would be rated eye-clean. It is when the inclusion is on the borderline line of SI1/SI2 (even though many SI2diamonds are also eye-clean.) that the eye clean issue comes into play. Thus again, all diamonds must be viewed prior to stating an opinion.
Editors note: Diamonds of SI and lower with clouds as the main ‘grade maker’ can suffer a loss of brilliance and fire.
B. The trade uses fluorescent lighting as the default for grading diamonds. I don’t think LED lights are very effective and I personally do not use them.
C. This is tricky, because my eyes are 20/15 and have been trained to look at diamonds for 33 years, so my answer is really based on the viewers vision and understanding of the clarity SI1/2 as it pertains to “Eye clean.” trained to look at diamonds for 33 years, so my answer is really based on the viewer’s vision and understanding of the clarity SI1/2 as it pertains to“Eye clean.”
Half an arm’s length in distance or roughly 15” using diffuse/ambient/office lighting and direct/spotlighting and 20/20 vision. We listen to our clients to learn what they want in clarity. We explain that diamonds which are considered “eye clean” by the trade may not necessarily be “eye clean” to them. Some people want “eye clean” when observing the diamond from the bottom as well.
4. Wink Jones—High Performance Diamonds
No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision
5. Icestore
Eye-visible has much more to do with the nature and location of the inclusion in any given diamond, regardless of size or what can or cannot be seen at arm’s length. This philosophy also reduces the error created by variations in any single individual’s visual acuity. Each diamond is examined in a variety of lighting conditions including fluorescent lamps, sunlight simulating light, and also sunlight, both direct and indirect using 20/20 vision. Every diamond is examined microscopically, with a loupe and then of course by the naked eye. In terms of orientation, it is from the top of the stone. In terms of distance, there is no specific number I can give you, because the distance required to see eye-visible inclusions increases as the size of the diamond increases. In other words, you are forced to look very closely at small stones because of their petite nature while larger stones may have visible inclusions at an arm’s length.
6. I.D. Jewelry
I’ll give you the same definition I acquired during my time studying at the Gemological Institute of America. When we were taught how to grade diamonds for clarity, the words that were repeated over and over again were to “grade clarity based on first glance”. First and foremost is your light source. It should be daylight or its equivalent such as a fluorescent light. Also, don’t forget that your decision should not be made after hours of inspecting the stone…it must be at first glance. That is not to say that you look at it for a second and say I’ll take it. It is, however, to say that you, yourself make a realistic judgment. After that point, you can further inspect the diamond, but keep in mind that the clarity grade has already HONESTLYbeen given by yourself. Lastly, the distance at which you should look at the diamond should be what is comfortable for your vision in order to get a clear view of what you need to judge. And, a small insider tip: If you really want to see if the diamond is eye clean, put the diamond in your hands and get as much grim on it as you can. This will make inclusions, if any, much more visible. It will also give a good idea of what your diamond will look days after your purchase
7. James Allen
Face-up from a distance of 10 inches using standard overhead fluorescent lighting (office environment)and20/20 vision. If an inclusion is visible under these conditions then we would not consider it eye-clean, regardless of its clarity rating.
8. Leon Mege
Eye clean – VS2 or higher
9. Old World Diamonds
Diamonds are “eye clean” when examined with the naked eye, in good lighting, by someone with normal 20/20 vision from approximately 6-12 inches and appear to have no noticeable imperfections.
10. Pearlman’s Fine Jewelers
Eye clean, although not a standard term of grading, refers to a stone that when viewed without enhancement (ex. a loupe or microscope) under natural light and at an average distance, appears to be free of inclusion or blemish. Most times it is in fact not free of defect, they are just too small to see without assistance.
11. Solomon Brothers
Twelve inches from your eye using north daylight and 20/20 vision
12. Union Diamond
When asked by a customer if a diamond is “Eye-Clean,” a diamond expert will inspect the diamond in three types of lighting: natural, fluorescent, and halogen. The expert will look at the diamond prior to referring to its certification so that their eye is not drawn to a specific area. The premise is to see the diamond as either the purchaser or the wearer would, so each stone is viewed at roughly 9 to 12 inches (23 – 31cm) from the naked eye. The majority of our customers want to know if the diamond is “clean” from the top. We will often let a customer know that there is a distinct difference between seeing an inclusion with the naked eye and finding an inclusion with the naked eye. Chances are, people may be able to find an inclusion on a weaker clarity stone after turning the diamond several different ways and looking at it against the plotting on the grading report. The question we try to answer is, “Can the customer actually see the inclusions without doing these things?” If the answer is no, then in the opinion of the diamond expert the diamond may be considered clean to the unaided eye, based on 20/20 vision.
13. Whiteflash
No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision..
14. Angara added on 10-12-2009
At Angara, “Eye Clean” means that there are no flaws that are visible to the unaided eye through the face of the stone (sometimes called topdown). This would include all types of inclusions, both surface and internal, of any type. We assume normal vision (20/20 or corrected if off) and diffused lighting. Generally, we use bright white lights since clarity and color grading is done in the same room.
Appraisers and Experts
Dave Atlas
Eye-clean means that at a distance of about 10 inches, an expert is unable to see or “virtually” unable to see any inclusions in the diamond being examined. This would be under grading lights, such as fluorescent tubes accompanied by normal diffused fluorescent room lighting. This is a “face-up” only term and does not apply at all to the pavilion or side viewing of a diamond. “Virtually eye-clean” means the dealer can “barely” see it, or thinks you’ll be able to sell it to a customer as “eye-clean,” although there is a certain BS factor one must just smile about. If you have other than20/20 corrected vision, the whole deal is off. You MUST have a proper vision to make this call.
Richard Sherwood
I define a stone as eye-clean when you cannot spot the inclusions face up while rocking the stone under adequate lighting at a distance of about 12 inches. This is with the caveat that you have not louped the diamond first to locate any inclusions and unfairly “hone in” on them, nor do you have intense transmitted light coming in through the side of the diamond to “light up” inclusions. Just normal viewing faceup with an alert naked eye search.
This would be with a person having normal 20/20 vision. Some people have astigmatism which gives a slight natural magnification to their eyesight. They might be able to see an inclusion in a stone, which most people would consider eye-clean.
Fluorescent lighting or north daylight coming in through a window would work for “adequate lighting”.
Karl K (aka strmrdr)
Face up- No eye-visible inclusions from 8 inches face up for someone with 20/20 vision.
Total from all sides: No eye-visible inclusions from all sides from 8 inches for someone with 20/20 vision
Soft diffused lighting.
Garry Holloway
“What Clarity diamond should I buy to get the biggest diamond but without seeing any nasties?”
The big question: “at what Clarity grade could I see inclusions?” Unfortunately, that is not how lab grading systems work. The answer from a consumer point of view depends on:
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read how some Pricescope vendors define eye clean, you can further modify their definitions to suit your own preferences. For example, eyesight, lighting, and other subjective factors will influence whether a diamond appears to be eye-clean. If you are concerned about eye-visible inclusions, please discuss your preferences with a vendor who can help you identify a stone that will meet your needs.
Thank You
Special thanks to the participating Pricescope vendors. We appreciate your contributions!
Addendum
Many vendors and grading institutions consider a diamond to be eye-clean based solely on how it appears from the face-up view. However, some enthusiasts may prefer a diamond to be eye-clean from the pavilion viewing angle as well. Certain settings expose a diamond’s pavilion, and many enjoy the pavilion/culet view. Be aware that some vendors may give a buyer eye clean approval from the face-up view only. So if you require a diamond to be eye-clean from all angles, please discuss it with your chosen vendor.
Bezel setting with exposed pavilion. Comparison of Face-up vs. Pavilion view. This strictly graded SI1 inclusion is close to the table. The center and right photos were taken by focusing deeper into the diamond making it harder to see the inclusion. In the four smaller photos below, the inclusion is easily eye visible.
Click here to discuss this article on the forum
Other Eye-clean Related Threads
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/whats-your-definition-of-eye-clean.74091/