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Will this cavity be an issue?

llyamah

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Hello

I am a complete novice when it comes to buying diamonds, and am about to take delivery of this stone for an engagement ring.



My question: should the cavity have put me off buying this stone? I was told by someone that I trust that it is a good stone, but I have now noticed and taken stock of the cavity, and am wondering if it will be an issue / whether I should have moved on from this one.
 

sledge

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I personally do not like cavaties and it would deter me from purchasing.

By chance, have you received the stone yet? There can be two types. One is a defect that basically comes out during polishing and creates a void in the surface of your diamond. Another is internally formed inside the diamond.

I ask because the cavity is located on the pavilion and those voids can fill with dirt and oil which obviously affect light performance. Consequently being on the pavilion it may be difficult to clean.

Do you have a return policy available?

More info:
 

sledge

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FYI, for ease of others....

printimages.jpeg
 

MissGotRocks

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I would just find another diamond. There are lots of great diamonds in your size range without cavities and lots of folks here that would help you find great candidates. I am not a fan of cavities either and would simply say no to a stone that had one.
 

rockysalamander

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I'd avoid it. I found two others in the same price range.



If you are open to a G color, this would save you some money at the weight of the ones above.

You could also get a super-ideal with a better upgrade program and excellent customer service (but check that I did my pounds to dollars conversion correctly)
 
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llyamah

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Thank you all for the replies.

I personally do not like cavaties and it would deter me from purchasing.

By chance, have you received the stone yet? There can be two types. One is a defect that basically comes out during polishing and creates a void in the surface of your diamond. Another is internally formed inside the diamond.

I ask because the cavity is located on the pavilion and those voids can fill with dirt and oil which obviously affect light performance. Consequently being on the pavilion it may be difficult to clean.

Do you have a return policy available?

More info:

I have actually already received the stone. So I could return it (though not in time for the engagement). I don't know which type of cavity it is.

Is this cavity definitely located on the pavilion? Someone else told me it was located in the girdle (which I understand is less problematic).

I don't know what to do.
 

PreRaphaelite

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Return it, as quickly as you can. PS experts will help you find a much better stone and it will absolutely be worth any amount of inconvenience as you’ll wind up getting a better stone and a better value for money. You certainly came to the right place for advice!
 

llyamah

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I'd avoid it. I found two others in the same price range.



If you are open to a G color, this would save you some money at the weight of the ones above.

You could also get a super-ideal with a better upgrade program and excellent customer service (but check that I did my pounds to dollars conversion correctly)


I like the second one. Grateful for other people's thoughts on this. The super-ideal looks really good but I would rather stick with Blue Nile as I am in the UK (the setting is from blue nile).

Edit: I note the second one has med blue flourescence. Isn't this a bad thing in a colourless diamond?
 
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sledge

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Is this cavity definitely located on the pavilion? Someone else told me it was located in the girdle (which I understand is less problematic).

Yes, the cavity is definitely located on the pavilion.

I've taken the GIA cert image you provided and made my own notes. The pavilion view is on the right, and the top/table view is on the left. You can see the cavity is located around the 8pm position on the pavilion.

Additionally, this particular stones has numerous naturals and indented naturals located around the girdle area. The difference being an indented natural has a slight depression to it.


Inkedprintimages_LI.jpg

Anatomy of a Diamond:

GIA List of Inclusions w/ Pics:

Another List of Inclusions w/ Pics and More Details:
 

rockysalamander

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I like the second one. Grateful for other people's thoughts on this. The super-ideal looks really good but I would rather stick with Blue Nile as I am in the UK (the setting is from blue nile).

Edit: I note the second one has med blue flourescence. Isn't this a bad thing in a colourless diamond?
Medium blue is not something I personally worry about.
 

llyamah

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I appreciate the responses to this. This diamond was actually picked for me by someone (who has a website explaining diamonds). They of course provided me with their affiliate link for it, even though I had already identified it and sent it.

Their rationale is that it is a very good cut and the inclusions are relatively "benign" (they have also said that the cavity is at the "girdle area and part of the cavity is found on the crown, pavilion and girdle").

Am I being taken for a ride?

I am open to changing it still (Rocky, I appreciate your help though I'd rather go for one without fluorescence). If there are any other suggestions I am grateful for them.
 

rockysalamander

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I appreciate the responses to this. This diamond was actually picked for me by someone (who has a website explaining diamonds). They of course provided me with their affiliate link for it, even though I had already identified it and sent it.

Their rationale is that it is a very good cut and the inclusions are relatively "benign" (they have also said that the cavity is at the "girdle area and part of the cavity is found on the crown, pavilion and girdle").

Am I being taken for a ride?

I am open to changing it still (Rocky, I appreciate your help though I'd rather go for one without fluorescence). If there are any other suggestions I am grateful for them.

In the end, you have to choose whom to take counsel from.

A number of long-time members have posted cautions about cavities. They are small holes in the surface that will capture and hold dirt, grime and oils. They will always do so. That can cause that dark spot to be visible and may then reflect around the stone. But, you won't really know until the stone acquires dirt and grime. It may never be an issue. It may drive the wearer crazy. In my mind, the difference with fluoresce is that with the stone in hand, you can go outside in strong sunlight and see if it has any impact on the stone (which is rare, but not zero). So, you can test for one kind of problem, but not the other. But, in the end, you do you.

Some more options.



I will say that with what you've said in this post, I'd consider WF or HPD. Its a sure thing. They have the stones in hand, whereas all the others are with the supplier. WF and HPD will compare and contrast among stones and have a solid reputation for honesty. They often suggest the less expensive option. They will send you supplemental photos and videos.They have no objection to you posting those here and getting PS members review and questions.

In the end, its about your personal risk tolerance. We can't decide that for you.
 

llyamah

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Rocky, I really appreciate your help. I've decided I am going to change it. What do you think of the Astor ideal that I posted above? Thanks.
 

rockysalamander

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0.90-Carat Round Cut Diamond | Blue Nile | Stock Number LD13034581

www.bluenile.com
www.bluenile.com


It scores a 0.90 on the HCA scale, which by PS standards would eliminate it. Stones under a 1.0 on the HCA have a risk of obstruction. Basically, as your face gets closer, the reflection of that face makes the diamond look dark. Have a look at the others I posted and give some feedback. I used a wider criteria to pull in a wider pool of options. But, what do you not like about them? The more feedback you give, the more likely we can land on a stone you will love.

Here's my method for you. You can repeat as you like and its a good learning experience. I think new PS member only get 30 HCA check for free.

Step 1
Color: D, E, F, G
Clarity: down to VS2
Table: 55-58 (prefer up to 57.5)
Depth. 60-62.3
CA: 34-37.5
PA: 40.6-40.8

Step 2
  • Eliminate cavities and knots; eliminate "clouds" not shown on VS2 or below, eliminate any black crystals.
  • Florescence: up to the poster. I like it and don't worry if I work with a good vendor that can screen for it. But, you asked for zero or faint a bit lower in this thread.
  • Eliminate if don't have a 3D view or photo on VS2 and below

Step 3
HCA tool between 1.0 and 2.0

There is some subtlety at the edges of a lot of this that would lead me to post something outside these criteria. But, I'll usually add some narrative. Different PS members also might allow slightly different angles. There is science, but also judgement.

BUT, superideals from HPD and WF don't need to go through this method. This method is trying to weed through the tons of bad stones to those worthy of a IS or ASET. HPD and WF actually just give you the ASET.
 

llyamah

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Thanks Rocky. I haven't had a chance to properly consider the diamonds that you picked (i.e. I wasn't asking about the one I picked because I discounted yours, was just keen on your views).

These are the proportions I have been limiting myself to (I'm not wedded to this, it's just based on my reading):

Table: 54-57
Depth: 61-62.5
CA: 34-35
PA: 40.6-41
Colour: D/E (perhaps I should be widening this)
Clarity: Down to SI (perhaps should be more restrictive and go to VS)
 

llyamah

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PS.... My only issue with going to WF/HPD/JA is I wanted somewhere with an EU/UK presence (I didn't want to have to have problems with tax/customs duties etc.)
 

llyamah

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llyamah

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Edit to my last post above, not sure if two of these violate the 'eliminate black crystals'
 
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