Cause for concern? (re: feather)

[stermag]

One of the diamonds I am considering (a 1.5c F SI2 talked about in this thread, is said to have a feather as its main clarity setting inclusion. The feather itself, starts in the pavilion and appears to run close to the girdle but not directly touching it, thus it doesn''t break the surface. As such, the diamond is 100% eye clean, or at least that''s the way it has been represented to me thus far. The vendor will examine the stone for me, and compare it side by side with another one we''re considering. I''m also expecting some magnified photos.

The general question, however, is this: while the feather does not break the surface, being that it is the main clarity setting inclusion, should I be concerned? I realize this question is slightly premature, as we haven''t any photos to look at, but is this something I should generally stay away from or is this no reason to rule it out this early in the game?

Thanks!

 

[moremoremore]

Wait to hear what the vendor examining the actual stone says. Then get it appraised if it makes you feel better.

 

[skphotoimages]

This really is just my two cents worth, I am sure some or most here wouldn't agree with me, but I avoid feathers at all costs. I think they show up more, or make a diamond look whiter or foggier more quickly as the diamond gets dirty. I'm not sure if that makes sense. My friend had a diamond that was a very nice cut (not perfect, just nice) and as it got a little dirt on it, it looked foggier and less sparkly on the side with the feather. She got a slightly larger diamond with nearly the same cut with three small black specks in it, and you could never see them as they blended into the flashes of light and dark. So it's just my opinion, but I avoid them. But maybe when you see the photos it won't be such a big deal. It looks very nice otherwise!

 

[SeaOats]

Feathers are fine as long as they do not pose a risk to the integrity of the diamond. My first diamond had a small feather near the girdle, and when it was being set, the diamond was actually chipped right there. But as long as the vendor (and/or even an independent appraiser) say it''s fine, then don''t worry

 

[DiamondExpert]

I hear you - I get spooked by inclusions too. Just make sure you have a good appraiser look at it for you to put you at ease or put the misery behind you.

Just don''t buy an SI2 with VS1 expectations or you''ll be second guessing yourself until you can''t stand it!

SI2 clarity grades are graded SI2 for a reason, and often there is a big bad bugger which makes the call...you can''t make a silk purse out of a sow''s ear.

 

[Rhino]

"big bad bugger"!

I can''t believe how many PS junkies are here posting after midnight!

FYI, feathers happen to be the most common imperfections found within diamond. In SI2 clarities you can find quite a variety of personalities. Some are just fine and others can be very loosely graded and I''ve seen both types from some very conservative labs. Darkfield illumination pictures is what you want to see taken under a microscope. This will show the details you want to see for clarity. Post em here and you''re sure to get plenty of opinion.

 

[just_looking!]

Mine''s an SI2 because of the feather and it was a bit of a worry when we bought. However, SI2s are often great buys so it might be worth taking a chance and sending off to an appraiser for their expert opinion? We managed to get an F SI2 when our budget was more of a H SI1.

I also asked the vendor for a lot of microscope photo''s and sent those off to the appraiser we used as a primary check before ordering the diamond and shipping it out to him for the hands on look.

I don''t see the feather at all under normal conditions as it''s under a double prong, but if I get out the 10x loupe and squint I can just about make it out.

Hope that helps!!

 

[just_looking!]

This are the sort of pics we received and you can see that the feather doesn''t appear to break the surface.

The quality is much better on those received but I shrank them down to make a collage.

I think it''s worth looking at, but you need to feel comfortable with your choice and the type of setting may also have an influence. Mine is set in a 3 stone setting with the feather under a prong at about 45 degrees if you treat the diamond as having 360 degrees of circle i.e. in a fairly protected area. If you were planning on putting it in a tension setting or one that is very exposed then you may choose to err on the side of caution?

 

[skphotoimages]

Yeah, that feather wouldn''t bother me, and like I said, I''m pretty anti feather. Looks like you found a great one!