JohnQuixote
Ideal_Rock
- Joined
- Sep 9, 2004
- Messages
- 5,212
Clarity is a person-sensitive issue, much like color. Interpretation and taste come into play for each person. Individuals differ in their level of clarity comfort and needs.
Definitions of Eye-Clean
With internet purchases, the most common clarity question: 'Is it eye clean?' A PS search turns up many discussions. There are no industry definitions, so each person or institution must set his/her own and communicate the definition accordingly.
We believe lighting, vision and distance are critical elements when arriving at a working definition. AGS chose their close observation point or "distance of most distinct vision" at 25cm (9.8 inches). It is the near point of accomodation - the distance at which focus is attained without strain - for a majority of humans. In very young people and in those with nearsightedness this distance is less. This near point recedes with age, possibly causing farsighted condition.
Our own working definition of eye-clean is 'No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision.'
This is a logical and reasonable judgment for our purposes. We respect the right for others to arrive at their own definitions. However you define it though, a working understanding and communication between buyers, sellers and appraisers is critical.
Interpretations Vary by Distance, Study & Eyesight
Unless you carry a grading report with you or stand posturing your diamond a few inches from peoples' eyes the normal viewing distance is a few feet - closer when you show it on request. Diamonds other than earrings are rarely closer than 25cm from viewers' eyes.
When searching for the 'eye-clean SI deal,' know that every SI diamond varies, as do 'eye-clean' definitions. Ultimately the shopper's interpretation is the one that matters. When purchasing without having seen the diamond, know both your interp and the seller's interp. It also helps to keep the grade in perspective. Bargains may be found, but remember that ultimately there's a reason it was graded SI and not VS. Someone who wants the diamond to pass every distance, eyesight and study test offered should probably focus on VS goods or better to be certain it meets his own 'eye-clean' interpretation.
Taste
Just as taste runs differently with peoples' color perceptions (some like the crisp, cold look of a D, while others prefer more warmth) there is clarity perception defined by individual taste. While many people seek eye-clean, others will shoot above and below that line of judgment, and should not be criticized for having a different flavour in mind:
Some individuals place high personal value on a flawless diamond and will not consider anything else due to religious or personal beliefs. Others find that the security and pedigree of VVS/VS suits them, and are not comfortable considering SI goods. One of our Pricescopers, Dancing Fire, alludes to finding a 'mind-clean' diamond. What a great term.
Of course no one except the purchaser can determine what that means. The clean SI 'deal' is attractive, price-wise, but if you find yourself obsessing on clarity pureness (or just nervous about SI in general) consider that VS could be a better fit for you, personally.
Along those lines there is another inclusion point I rarely voice here (by and large Pricescopers don't embrace this notion). For some people an inclusion makes a diamond more distinctive. It can serve to identify or even 'romance the stone.' Just as taste runs differently with color, we field requests for diamonds with distinctive inclusions sometimes.
Internet Shopping and Clarity
When Internet shopping, you will likely be looking at high quality magnified photos. Remember that no one ever sees a diamond at 40x mag when they walk into a jewelry store, unless they are permitted to see it under a microscope. A large computer monitor makes that 40x photo even more revealing.
If you’re going photo-happy (have viewed so many you may be losing perspective) try this: Take a mm ruler and place it on your screen. Measure the picture on the monitor and then consider the actual size of your diamond, from the documentation. This will give an idea of the virtual compared to the reality.
Definitions of Eye-Clean
With internet purchases, the most common clarity question: 'Is it eye clean?' A PS search turns up many discussions. There are no industry definitions, so each person or institution must set his/her own and communicate the definition accordingly.
We believe lighting, vision and distance are critical elements when arriving at a working definition. AGS chose their close observation point or "distance of most distinct vision" at 25cm (9.8 inches). It is the near point of accomodation - the distance at which focus is attained without strain - for a majority of humans. In very young people and in those with nearsightedness this distance is less. This near point recedes with age, possibly causing farsighted condition.
Our own working definition of eye-clean is 'No inclusions visible face-up at a distance of 8-10 inches in natural lighting to a person with 20/20 vision.'
This is a logical and reasonable judgment for our purposes. We respect the right for others to arrive at their own definitions. However you define it though, a working understanding and communication between buyers, sellers and appraisers is critical.
Interpretations Vary by Distance, Study & Eyesight
These are good examples of dissembling interpretations. Scrutiny after studying an inclusions plot, or prolonged close study can be revealing (even with VS), but these are not normal viewing conditions. Someone who is nearsighted or has 'radar vision' may see more than others. That's okay. Give them a few years to age
Unless you carry a grading report with you or stand posturing your diamond a few inches from peoples' eyes the normal viewing distance is a few feet - closer when you show it on request. Diamonds other than earrings are rarely closer than 25cm from viewers' eyes.
When searching for the 'eye-clean SI deal,' know that every SI diamond varies, as do 'eye-clean' definitions. Ultimately the shopper's interpretation is the one that matters. When purchasing without having seen the diamond, know both your interp and the seller's interp. It also helps to keep the grade in perspective. Bargains may be found, but remember that ultimately there's a reason it was graded SI and not VS. Someone who wants the diamond to pass every distance, eyesight and study test offered should probably focus on VS goods or better to be certain it meets his own 'eye-clean' interpretation.
Taste
Just as taste runs differently with peoples' color perceptions (some like the crisp, cold look of a D, while others prefer more warmth) there is clarity perception defined by individual taste. While many people seek eye-clean, others will shoot above and below that line of judgment, and should not be criticized for having a different flavour in mind:
Some individuals place high personal value on a flawless diamond and will not consider anything else due to religious or personal beliefs. Others find that the security and pedigree of VVS/VS suits them, and are not comfortable considering SI goods. One of our Pricescopers, Dancing Fire, alludes to finding a 'mind-clean' diamond. What a great term.
Along those lines there is another inclusion point I rarely voice here (by and large Pricescopers don't embrace this notion). For some people an inclusion makes a diamond more distinctive. It can serve to identify or even 'romance the stone.' Just as taste runs differently with color, we field requests for diamonds with distinctive inclusions sometimes.
Internet Shopping and Clarity
When Internet shopping, you will likely be looking at high quality magnified photos. Remember that no one ever sees a diamond at 40x mag when they walk into a jewelry store, unless they are permitted to see it under a microscope. A large computer monitor makes that 40x photo even more revealing.
If you’re going photo-happy (have viewed so many you may be losing perspective) try this: Take a mm ruler and place it on your screen. Measure the picture on the monitor and then consider the actual size of your diamond, from the documentation. This will give an idea of the virtual compared to the reality.
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