Are there any types of inclusions you avoid?

[alleycat]

Are there any inclusions that you stay completely away from, or should you only be concerned with their visibility?

Thanks again all.

 

[Skippy123]

White inclusions are better than dark ones

 

[chrono]

I would stay away from inclusions that break the surface and (a single) grade making inclusion. If the dark inclusion is very small (rated as VS and better stone), I most likely am all right with it.

 

[MrNyceGuy]

Date: 10/18/2007 8:44:23 AM
Author:alleycat
Are there any inclusions that you stay completely away from, or should you only be concerned with their visibility?


Thanks again all.

Honestly, I''m considering an I, SI1 diamond with one dark inclusion in the pavilion right now. I think what really matters is if the diamond faces up "eye clean". From what other''s have been advising me, it seems as if after the diamond is mounted you wont see much of the bottom/sides anyway (assuming you''re using a 6 prong setting or something similar rather than a tension setting). To me, it all depends on whether or not you''ll be able to see the inclusion from about 10 inches away in a realistic setting. If not...... why not go for it? To me that''s all that really matters. Hope that helps.

 

[LadyAmythyst69]

I agree with Chrono. Also, I would add that in step cut stones I avoid clouds in the pavillion or any feathers. They seem to be the most disruptive to the look of the stone.

 

[FireGoddess]

There is also the mind clean factor. If an inclusion is not seen from the top, but can be seen from the side, would that bother you, or her? While it''s not a durability issue, it is something to consider.

 

[TravelingGal]

Date: 10/18/2007 12:42:38 PM
Author: Chrono
I would stay away from inclusions that break the surface and (a single) grade making inclusion. If the dark inclusion is very small (rated as VS and better stone), I most likely am all right with it.

On the whole, I''d agree with this. However my SI1 cushion does have a dark inclusion that was probably grade making and it''s right under the table. The stone is "classified" (by WF) as eye clean and I would agree. Under nearly all regular viewing conditions, I cannot see it and I know my stone well. Under the right one, I can see it, but it truly doesn''t bother me. The stone is gorgeous and very well price IMHO, so depending on what your level of mind clean is, don''t rule it out until you see it.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 10/18/2007 8:44:23 AM
Author:alleycat
Are there any inclusions that you stay completely away from, or should you only be concerned with their visibility?

Thanks again all.

Inclusions that impact durability are not always visible and there is no single inclusion to avoid. Breaks in a stone can be completely harmless - or may pose a problem. Clouds can be sparse and invisible or thick, dark pinpoints that you can see. One tiny crystal may be a garnet or olivine that's eye visible. A larger crystal may be completely transparent... SI1 is supposed to be eye-clean by GIA standards but we never advertise it as such because, again, no two stones are alike. We've seen SI1s that are as clean as the average VS2 and SI1s worse than the average SI2.

With durability you're typically ok in SI+ grades. Serious durability/visibility issues are supposed to be relegated to the I1 and I2 grades...and an I3 needs to be both ugly and ready to crumble in your hand (slight exaggeration). Nevertheless, careful gemologists inspect every diamond for both durability and visibility regardless of grade. In every case the characteristics must be considered together. If there are questions consult a trusted expert with the diamond in-hand.