.7ct, F SI1 - Cloud issues

[jadedpanther]

Hello,

I''m new to the forum but have read all of the info posted here and really appreciate the knowledge. I recently found a .7 ct F/Si1 princess cut diamond for a good price, but now I''m starting to wonder if it''s too good to be true. The GIA report on it shows a huge cloud (diagram is attached). Now, I have read many posts going both ways on clouds and how they affect brilliance, but I''ve never seen a cloud as large as this one

. What do you all think. Is this diamond worth 1500? Other specs: 1.02:1 ratio/ Good polish and symmetry/med-thick girdle.

Thanks for the assistance!

Jade

 

[JulieN]

I guess it looks scary, but it shouldn''t be a problem in an SI1

 

[Lorelei]

I would proceed with caution here, ask the vendor if this cloud is the clarity grade making inclusion, or if it does affect brilliance in any way, is it an in house diamond? If the clarity grade is based on clouds, then it is possible there could be an issue. Is this diamond with an online vendor, or with a jewellery store?

 

[kcoursolle]

Ditto L, does it say that clarity grade is based on clouds? If so, I''d choose another diamond. Do you have any other information about the stone like images? Just making sure the stone is well-cut anyways, it may not be worth the hassle if it isn''t. The girdle and polish don''t say much about this, do you have information on the table, depth, and an ideal scope or asset image?

 

[jadedpanther]

Well, I found this diamond online. The depth and table are 70.9% and 70% respectively. If you put the specs in on pricescope.com, you'll see that it used to be listed on james allen and i.d. jewelery, but I have it on hold. And yes, I did see a picture of it thru a loupe...but honestly, I didn't really know what I was looking for. The only reason I was really looking at this one was because I found a setting I liked and the jeweler (wonderjewelers.com) was willing to upgrade the diamonds in that setting to F/SI1 for like 75 dollars (see the setting here http://www.wonderjewelers.com/170ct-channel-style-bridal-p-25013.html )

Do you all think I should just look for a lower color diamond with a VS2 or SI1 clarity? I'm really trying to stay under 3500 dollars for this purchase.

Thanks for all the help.

Jade

 

[Lorelei]

We are taught here to be wary of SI grades if the grade making inclusion are clouds, so I would want a trusted vendor or appraiser's opinion that the cloud isn't having a negative effect on the stone. Also as KC says, we can't tell how well this diamond is cut, to know if this diamond is worth pursuing, as it is cut which gives a diamond it's beauty. SI1 can be an excellent choice in many instances, and they can be eyeclean, but if clouds are what has caused the diamond to be an SI clarity, then it could be an issue. Other SI clarities may be a safer choice depending on various factors and the types of inclusions, you could perhaps look for F G and even H colour and VS2 to SI, and some SI2 can be eyeclean. If you really want this particular diamond, perhaps you could make the sale final on it checking out with an independant appraiser.

Here is an example of a well cut Princess - http://www.whiteflash.com/aca_princess/A-Cut-Above-Princess-cut-diamond-912077.htm#

 

[jadedpanther]

I had planned on ordering the bridal set and then taking them to a trusted appraiser. So I guess I''ll just do that and hope everything goes well. Otherwise, I''ll send it back and start all over with the search.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/2/2008 3:16:34 PM
Author: jadedpanther
I had planned on ordering the bridal set and then taking them to a trusted appraiser. So I guess I''ll just do that and hope everything goes well. Otherwise, I''ll send it back and start all over with the search.

That sounds like a good plan, hopefully there won''t be a problem with this diamond, but it is best to check with an independant expert to be sure, please let us know how you get on!

 

[mercury]

Hello,

I also have the same question. The only inclusion you can see is one cloud in the picture. its rated G SI1. Judging by the size of the cloud and considering there''s only one flaw in the photo, will this affect brilliance and be eye-clean?

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Mercury,

I would again recommend checking with the vendor if the cloud is an issue, we can't tell from the plotting diagram unfortunately and it is always prudent where clouds are concerned with SI clarity grades, to check with someone who knows diamonds and can actually see the stone - especially if clouds are the grade setting inclusion.

 

[mercury]

Here''s the attached pic with a 8x magnification.
I dont understand why the cloud looks dark instead of the defined hazy look. Are clouds by definition a group of pinpoints instead of crystals?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/3/2008 7:32:57 AM
Author: mercury
Here''s the attached pic with a 8x magnification.
I dont understand why the cloud looks dark instead of the defined hazy look. Are clouds by definition a group of pinpoints instead of crystals?

To the best of my knowledge, clouds are grouped pinpoints. I would definitely want an expert opinion on whether the cloud is a possible issue with this diamond, especially as the plotting diagram appears to be free of any other inclusions. Hopefully it is fine, but I would really want an expert eye to check out the diamond.

 

[mercury]

I checked with the vendor and they said it was "eye-clean"
when i received it in the mail, at first glance it looks eye-clean, but after looking at it with sunlight at a 45 degree angle from the face, i can slightly see the inclusion.

Technically speaking, I read somewhere confirmations of a cloud containing small crystals and pinpoints?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/8/2008 8:56:29 AM
Author: mercury
I checked with the vendor and they said it was ''eye-clean''
when i received it in the mail, at first glance it looks eye-clean, but after looking at it with sunlight at a 45 degree angle from the face, i can slightly see the inclusion.

Technically speaking, I read somewhere confirmations of a cloud containing small crystals and pinpoints?

It isn''t uncommon to be able to see something from an angle with SI clarity, but it depends on your comfort level. If you would rather not see any inclusions whatsoever, then maybe VS might be a better fit for you, although it is possible you might be able to find another SI which is '' cleaner.'' But if you can slightly see the inclusion at a tilted angle only in some lights, then that sounds as if the diamond is eyeclean to me - whether it is eyeclean enough for YOU then that is the important thing.