Someone needs to buy this stone - PSA!

[mrs-b]

ETA And just so you can see how this can happen - *here's* the cushion I was trying to buy last year that the sales person ASSURED me was not eye clean. In retrospect, I should have trusted my own gut and bought it. It was a stunning stone, inclusions or no. I still get REALLY upset when I look at this stone!

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08363814

 

[sledge]

I suspect someone let it go because they thought it wasn't eye clean - and there's a very good reason why, if that's *not* true, that mistake can still be made.

Blue Nile holds set paperwork on all their diamonds. They're filled out to a pre-standing template. There is a question on the template - "Is this stone eye clean?" The computer AUTOMATICALLY fills in 'no' if the diamond hasn't been specifically checked and the box filled out in the affirmative. The box is never left blank.

I wanted to buy a 5ct cushion from BN a while back. It was an AMAZING stone. I called and asked if it was eye clean, and unfortunately spoke to a newbie person unfamiliar with the way their software works. They told me it wasn't eye clean. Some months later, I was speaking to a BN rep I'd worked with before, and we were chatting about various projects. She said "Ooooohhhh! I see you let that gorgeous cushion go!" I said - "Yes. It wasn't eye clean." She said "Oh, yes it was! And I'm looking at the email confirming it was clean even as we speak!" This matched my own estimation of the stone, and it had looked AMAZINGLY clean for an SI2, and I had been quite sure it was going to come back as eye clean. Apparently the person after me, who *did* buy it, received better service than me from someone who knew how to work the template, and BN had followed through with the dealer, who confirmed it was eye clean. When I spoke to them about it months beforehand, it had never been checked, so it was automatically listed as not eye clean.

So all that to say, make certain someone has actually checked! And good luck - I'm so jealous!

Excellent information to know. Thank you for sharing!

Outside of clerical issues like you noted -- has it been your experience that their "eye clean vetting process" is accurate? Meaning have you ever assessed differently than BN?

You mentioned BN following through with a dealer above so I have to assume their reliability is directly tied with their various dealers/vendors/suppliers they utilize to source stones as I know they don't own everything they sell.

 

[pearaffair]

I’m just waiting to see if it’s eye clean! If it is I’m buying it! I wonder why the other person gave it up! Maybe it’s not eye clean...

Good luck! Can’t wait for your update!!

@mrs-b thanks for all be insider info about blue Nile. Hugs to you- I think we all have a mental list of “the ones that got away”!

 

[MamaBee]

Excellent information to know. Thank you for sharing!

Outside of clerical issues like you noted -- has it been your experience that their "eye clean vetting process" is accurate? Meaning have you ever assessed differently than BN?

You mentioned BN following through with a dealer above so I have to assume their reliability is directly tied with their various dealers/vendors/suppliers they utilize to source stones as I know they don't own everything they sell.

When I spoke to the person at Blue Nile she said they have to have the diamond pulled from the vault..but I’m sure it’s at their vendor/suppliers. I’ve been waiting since this morning. I’m glad at least that human eyes are looking at it. I will have to ask Blue Nile to confirm when it gets to them. I’m nervous like I’m waiting for the result of a blood test!

 

[MamaBee]

@Mamabean! How wonderful!

I used to own an H SI2 cushion, and I couldn't see a single mark in it. Keep in mind, due to the cut, it's hard to see inclusions in a cushion cut. Either way, I do hope this comes back to your liking - it's a STELLAR stone. And - what a find!

Any ideas on how you'd like to set it?

I suspect someone let it go because they thought it wasn't eye clean - and there's a very good reason why, if that's *not* true, that mistake can still be made.

Blue Nile holds set paperwork on all their diamonds. They're filled out to a pre-standing template. There is a question on the template - "Is this stone eye clean?" The computer AUTOMATICALLY fills in 'no' if the diamond hasn't been specifically checked and the box filled out in the affirmative. The box is never left blank.

I wanted to buy a 5ct cushion from BN a while back. It was an AMAZING stone. I called and asked if it was eye clean, and unfortunately spoke to a newbie person unfamiliar with the way their software works. They told me it wasn't eye clean. Some months later, I was speaking to a BN rep I'd worked with before, and we were chatting about various projects. She said "Ooooohhhh! I see you let that gorgeous cushion go!" I said - "Yes. It wasn't eye clean." She said "Oh, yes it was! And I'm looking at the email confirming it was clean even as we speak!" This matched my own estimation of the stone, and it had looked AMAZINGLY clean for an SI2, and I had been quite sure it was going to come back as eye clean. Apparently the person after me, who *did* buy it, received better service than me from someone who knew how to work the template, and BN had followed through with the dealer, who confirmed it was eye clean. When I spoke to them about it months beforehand, it had never been checked, so it was automatically listed as not eye clean.

So all that to say, make certain someone has actually checked! And good luck - I'm so jealous!

Thank you @mrs-b Its been taking all day so I know they are checking it out. I’ve been looking for cushions and I decided to go back and look at this one even though it was taken..or so I thought..I got so excited I jumped on the phone and called!
I have an idea of what I want..I was going to do a cluster ring but I probably won’t now..maybe later..There were a few ideas I had saved that I can incorporate into the design of this one. One is to have square emerald cuts on the sides..I was thinking no diamond halo but I may want a bezel milgrain set halo with the two square cut emeralds on the sides. Here are a few pics that I would take parts from..

I like this one for the halo but it needs something so though I would add the square emeralds on either side.

I like the shape of this one and am leaning towards this but still not sure..just no air line..I want it solid.

These are the square ones..but not the rest of the ring style..I would have done this for a cluster ring..
If this stone doesn’t come through I’m going to have to buy another cushion! I’m getting so nervous..I didn’t know I wanted this.. The love dart hit!

 

[MamaBee]

ETA And just so you can see how this can happen - *here's* the cushion I was trying to buy last year that the sales person ASSURED me was not eye clean. In retrospect, I should have trusted my own gut and bought it. It was a stunning stone, inclusions or no. I still get REALLY upset when I look at this stone!

https://www.bluenile.com/diamond-details/LD08363814

Wow! That diamond is spectacular! The inclusion is white and clear..I would have thought it was eye clean and I don’t know much! Mine has a black carbon spot somewhat close to the surface so a little worried..I have all my fingers and toes crossed..

 

[sledge]

When I spoke to the person at Blue Nile she said they have to have the diamond pulled from the vault..but I’m sure it’s at their vendor/suppliers. I’ve been waiting since this morning. I’m glad at least that human eyes are looking at it. I will have to ask Blue Nile to confirm when it gets to them. I’m nervous like I’m waiting for the result of a blood test!

LOL, you crack me up. Thanks for clarifying. Fingers crossed for you.

Now about spending your money....let's see. Love this one. Would need modified to work with cushion but that'd be easy I think.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-dahlia-halo-with-round-center-stone

Another good one, but bezel set which you may not like.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/art-deco-solitaire-with-octagonal-pave-edge-frame

Again, would need slight mods for a cushion but quite lovely (and no air gaps ):

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-monique-halo-solitaire

 

[MamaBee]

LOL, you crack me up. Thanks for clarifying. Fingers crossed for you.

Now about spending your money....let's see. Love this one. Would need modified to work with cushion but that'd be easy I think.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-dahlia-halo-with-round-center-stone

Another good one, but bezel set which you may not like.

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/art-deco-solitaire-with-octagonal-pave-edge-frame

Again, would need slight mods for a cushion but quite lovely (and no air gaps ):

https://www.victorcanera.com/rings/engagement/the-monique-halo-solitaire

Thanks! I actually was looking for something similiar in style like the second one and couldn’t find it! That’s when I veered off to a diamond halo! I LOVE the second one minus anything on the shank..I copied one similiar in my post above..If this diamond doesn’t come through I’m going to need help finding another unicorn!

 

[sp3]

Don’t mean to rain the parade or anything. I’m trying to learn more about diamonds and just wondering what folks think about the large feather running parallel and very close to the left edge on the GIA certificate of this stone? Hope it works out for you Mamabean.

 

[MamaBee]

Don’t mean to rain the parade or anything. I’m trying to learn more about diamonds and just wondering what folks think about the large feather running parallel and very close to the left edge on the GIA certificate of this stone? Hope it works out for you Mamabean.

I noticed the same thing and was wondering about it..Can someone look and see if you think it’s a problem? @sledge?

 

[LinSF]

The first hold after you posted was me, @mrs-b . I couldn't decide though if I wanted to take on that project or if I would focus on my left-hand-ring-finger ring.

I've been corresponding with Layla at HPD, that'll likely be project #1.

 

[MamaBee]

The first hold after you posted was me, @mrs-b . I couldn't decide though if I wanted to take on that project or if I would focus on my left-hand-ring-finger ring.

I've been corresponding with Layla at HPD, that'll likely be project #1.

@LinSF Did you find out any information about the diamond? Did you ask about the feather?

 

[chanieish]

I’m not particularly fond of cushions but that stone might just make me change my mind!! I sure hope it’s eyeclean @Mamabean and I can’t wait to see what you do with it! Also please post 1000 photos for us to drool over.

 

[LinSF]

@LinSF Did you find out any information about the diamond? Did you ask about the feather?

No, I didn't get any additional information... I decided early to refocus.

 

[MamaBee]

No, I didn't get any additional information... I decided early to refocus.

Thanks! I usually go much better clarity and color but I couldn’t pass this up! I’m just hoping for the best!

 

[MamaBee]

I’m not particularly fond of cushions but that stone might just make me change my mind!! I sure hope it’s eyeclean @Mamabean and I can’t wait to see what you do with it! Also please post 1000 photos for us to drool over.

Thank you @chanieish! I need to learn how to do great photos. If it’s eyeclean I’m buying a camera!

 

[pearaffair]

Thank you @chanieish! I need to learn how to do great photos. If it’s eyeclean I’m buying a camera!

Check out olloclips! Might be cheaper. Macro lens that attaches to your phone

 

[Corely]

Paging @Corely!

Just got back in country. Seeing this now for the first time. Is it still available? Looks very nice I will have to pass it on to Rachel.

 

[MamaBee]

Just got back in country. Seeing this now for the first time. Is it still available? Looks very nice I will have to pass it on to Rachel.

I have it on hold waiting for them to tell me if it’s eye clean.

 

[sledge]

I noticed the same thing and was wondering about it..Can someone look and see if you think it’s a problem? @sledge?

I think seeing the stone in-person would tell us more. That said, here are a few of my thoughts.




1. The area in blue is the feather that prompted this conversation. My concern here is that due to placement & length that under duress the feather continues to grow and extend to the other edge of the stone creating a small chip. Perhaps setting a certain way would help alleviate potential stresses?

2. The feathers in green are interesting to me as well. Some of it depends how we interpret/visualize the clarity plot. Obviously the crown view is looking down on the stone. Consequently you would also think that when grading, the diamond would be turned over and the pavilion view is also looking down. The key part there is it's FLIPPED over.

If that's true, envision the blue dotted line as a hinge point. The pavilion would then mirror/rotate and the feather in the pavilion view would then be in near proximity to the crown feather.

See the mirrored image below to see what I am talking about. Notice how the feathers are in near alignment to each other? Even if this assumption is true they aren't running the same direction, but it creates worry they may be potentially be on top of one another.



3. There are quite a few feathers in this stone. Also, I see that as the grade setting inclusion. Is it because of the number of feathers, or the severity of the ones I've mentioned or possibly that larger one in the middle of the pavilion?

4. Smaller feathers are around the edges that may also need to be considered when setting.

While you may be up in the air on the setting type, do you know who will likely do the work? It may be worthwhile to send this clarity plot to them and ask their opinion as well.

Recently @Rockdiamond and myself got into a debate over another SI1 stone with a knot. I was more critical them he was, and he felt I created some panic. I don't want to do that. But I think you are wise to address these concerns earlier rather than later so you can take advantage of a 30-day return, if needed.

In addition to David (rockdiamond), I'd be interested to hear some other opinions and thoughts as well. @rockysalamander @farrahlyn @Karl_K

 

[mrs-b]

@Mamabean - it's time for a follow-up call.

 

[Karl_K]

I slopped worrying about feathers other than in the corners of princess cuts when a relatives diamond with a large i1 feather was dropped in a sink,
1/2 the stone was chunks and dust. The 1/2 with the feather was in perfect shape.

 

[MamaBee]

@Mamabean - it's time for a follow-up call.

Definitely..I’m out to lunch with friends so plan to do that when I get home. I’m now worried about the feathers. I may send the GIA report to David to take a look..because he would be the one setting it.

 

[MamaBee]

I slopped worrying about feathers other than in the corners of princess cuts when a relatives diamond with a large i1 feather was dropped in a sink,
1/2 the stone was chunks and dust. The 1/2 with the feather was in perfect shape.

 

[MamaBee]

I think seeing the stone in-person would tell us more. That said, here are a few of my thoughts.




1. The area in blue is the feather that prompted this conversation. My concern here is that due to placement & length that under duress the feather continues to grow and extend to the other edge of the stone creating a small chip. Perhaps setting a certain way would help alleviate potential stresses?

2. The feathers in green are interesting to me as well. Some of it depends how we interpret/visualize the clarity plot. Obviously the crown view is looking down on the stone. Consequently you would also think that when grading, the diamond would be turned over and the pavilion view is also looking down. The key part there is it's FLIPPED over.

If that's true, envision the blue dotted line as a hinge point. The pavilion would then mirror/rotate and the feather in the pavilion view would then be in near proximity to the crown feather.

See the mirrored image below to see what I am talking about. Notice how the feathers are in near alignment to each other? Even if this assumption is true they aren't running the same direction, but it creates worry they may be potentially be on top of one another.



3. There are quite a few feathers in this stone. Also, I see that as the grade setting inclusion. Is it because of the number of feathers, or the severity of the ones I've mentioned or possibly that larger one in the middle of the pavilion?

4. Smaller feathers are around the edges that may also need to be considered when setting.

While you may be up in the air on the setting type, do you know who will likely do the work? It may be worthwhile to send this clarity plot to them and ask their opinion as well.

Recently @Rockdiamond and myself got into a debate over another SI1 stone with a knot. I was more critical them he was, and he felt I created some panic. I don't want to do that. But I think you are wise to address these concerns earlier rather than later so you can take advantage of a 30-day return, if needed.

In addition to David (rockdiamond), I'd be interested to hear some other opinions and thoughts as well. @rockysalamander @farrahlyn @Karl_K

Thank you so much @sledge!

 

[sledge]

Definitely..I’m out to lunch with friends so plan to do that when I get home. I’m now worried about the feathers. I may send the GIA report to David to take a look..because he would be the one setting it.

Sorry @Mamabean, it was not my intention to worry you. But I think it's good protocol to have DK take a look. It may make more sense to do a bezel set like that VC setting I posted earlier that you loved.

This doesn't have to be a negative. Rather just know what you are getting into so you can make sure the price is right for the risk and you are able to work with the obstacles. Perception is everything. This could be a great opportunity. Obviously others let the worry/concern rob them of the opportunity that is now in your hands.

 

[SimoneDi]

I am usually not a fan of feathers near the girdle, I especially don’t like them in VS stones because I (personally) scrutinise those clarity grades more. Feathers can pose issues as DF said in princess cuts when near the edges and other shapes when near the corners. However, this is an SI2 stone, not I2 and I don’t consider that either of those feathers will pose issues when setting the stone. Also, DK has been around for a while to know how to instruct that stones be set. Lastly, that’s why insurance exist. To protect in case of damage.

@Mamabean I am sure that sledge’s comments come from a good place, but sometimes he tends to overanalyse scenarios and scare away the audience, as he, himself, mentioned. This is a lovely cushion that is obviously priced accordingly due to its clarity grade. It will still face up smaller than your current 2ct round so I agree with sledge that it might be best to bezel/halo it for added presence and protection.

 

[mrs-b]

@Mamabean - obviously I can't speak to this diamond as I haven't seen it and wouldn't be able to assess it, even if I had, being in no way an expert. But let me just say this....

There are a LOT of SI2 stones out there. If you go to the BN or JA sites, you'll find a huge percentage of their stones are SI2. Yet I have never seen, met, or heard of ANYONE who treated their diamond with a modicum of respect, whose SI2 fell apart due to a feather.

While I enjoy the enthusiasm of Sledge's posts, you need to go with the experience here. Listen to Karl, listen to Rockdiamond. And if you feel you need to, send it to DKJ to get a setter's opinion. But I can tell you one thing I *do* know; those inclusions would not have given me a moment's pause in buying this diamond, and I would have been thanking my lucky stars for them, and the work they're doing in putting this stone in the 10k range rather than the 15k range.

While being no diamond expert, I AM an expert consumer. I can shop like nobody's business, and I can bargain with vendors and hunt out good deals as well as anyone I know when I believe it's worth it. This diamond is a unicorn. And if it were me, even some tiny visible inclusions would make no difference to my buying it. It's the table and the large facets that I'm looking for, in a nice white clean-enough stone. They're my requirements, but you need to do what you feel you need to do.

But - please - listen to the experts here.

 

[sledge]

See @Mamabean. Even if my comments are worthless, they can garner the attention of the true experts who's opinions are valid.

Good luck on the cushion, I am sure it will be lovely. Again, sorry if I caused you doubt. That was never the intention and despite trying to be clear about that I failed.

 

[mrs-b]

Awww, @sledge - if there was a hug emoji I'd be sending it your way right now! Consider it sent - in the cyber sense.