Clarity dilema

[sbray]

I need help. I have been considering a diamond purchase now for a couple of months. I have done quite a bit of research including going to a local dealer and looking at the different diamond colors and clarities in person. I looked at quite a few SI2 graded diamonds without magnification and I usually could not find the inclusions. Because of this, I decided to go for a larger diamond (1.5 carats or more) with an SI2 clarity. Here''s my dilema, I have contaced about four different internet dealers and they all tell me to stay away from SI2. A couple of them even said they wouldn''t even sell one to me. I could use the local dealer but he is way to expensive. Is this the opinion of most who know about diamonds. I don''t want to make a bad decision but I honestly could not see inclusions in the diamonds I looked at. Are SI2 diamonds that bad of a purchase? Any help would be appreciated. Also, if anyone knows of a internet dealer that would help me find an eye clean SI2 I would appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[valeria101]

I could probably imagine why some sellers dislike this grade. Tiffany does not sell it... After all, there is allot of publicity trying to pull buyers away from the "eye clean" concept into more expensive buys.

I totally agree that SI2 is a good choice. There should be plenty of eye clean stones with no durability issue or whatever in this cathegory - and they make good buys. It may help to reassure sellers that you "know" what you are asking for. I would suspect many would not want to sell an SI2 sight-unseen believing that the stone may end up dissapointing you, the buyer. No one wants that!

There were a couple of I1 ideal cuts purchased some time ago with PS comments posted. One impression resulting from those posts would be that stones with lower clarity and great cut parameters take more patience to find but are totally worth it. Could not agree more!

BTW: what color are you looking for? I am quite sure some stones can be found as you wish.

 

[moremoremore]

I am actively looking for an si1 or good si2. If I can't see it....I don't care!

 

[valeria101]

Soooo... two SIs. How about the HCA search here? No luck? Usually PS posters come up with 'finds' if enough details are known. Even if the stones are not exactly want you want, the resulting 'list' makes a good starting point

There were 12 stones SI1-Si2, D to J color, 1.3-1.6cts, Ideal cut, listed 5seconds ago. And there are more if one looks at seller's sites and errs a bit beyond the 'ideal' cut range. I supose all the sellers posting such stones would also respond to inquiries...

 

[icelady]

Sbray,

Have you checked any vendors here on Pricescope in your search for an SI2? I know I have seen people posting that have gotten SI2 diamonds that are eye clean, I thought from vendors on Pricescope.

I have an I1 (because I chipped it) that I love and it is very hard to see the chip, so I now wear it as a pendant.

Keep searching, and good luck!

 

[trichrome]

May I ask : how did you ended up with a chip on your diamond ?

Trichrome.

 

[icelady]

Trichrome,

I am not sure but I know I hit it on a piece of equipment at my studio. It even left a bruise on my finger. I think that is when it happened.

 

[sbray]

Thanks for the responses. I am actually looking for an H or an I color grade. If the price was right I would go higher. As far as vendors on this site, all but two of the vendors I was referring to were from this site. They informed me that because most of their stones are not in house, they felt it would be too time consuming and problematic to request the stone be sent to them, check if it is eye clean, then send it back if it does not meet their standards. They said that although there are eye clean SI2 stones, more than half of the stones have visible inclusions. I am just looking for a vendor that is willing to the extra leg work and help me find one of the eye clean stones. If anyone knows of a vendor like this please let me know.

Thanks in advance

 

[phoenixgirl]

Ok, it's a race to post you some ideas!

1.50 I SI2 H&A for $7300

1.54 I SI1 H&A for $9372 (Price discounted to what I listed when you mention finding it via PriceScope)

1.65 H SI1 H&A (or very close) for $10237

1.74 H SI1 H&A for $11,170

1.68 H SI1 H&A for $11,600

1.53 I SI1 H&A for $8K (Not sure about discount)

Good Old Gold H&A stones
You'll have to call up the search engine yourself:
1.54 H SI2 for $8606
1.62 I SI1 for $9348
1.72 H SI2 for $9611

And a 1.61 I SI1 H&A whose info & price isn't posted yet