Clarity question

[MattK]

Hi everyone,

I''m fairly new to PS--used it as part of my research, and spent the last couple days perusing the boards. Seems like you have a nice community going.

I''m looking to buy an engagement ring, probably in the next few days. I was pretty set on using Blue Nile or Mondera, but you''ve encouraged me to expand my search. I used your Obtain a Quote form earlier today, and received my first response within an hour--so far so good!

My first question for your forum is about Clarity. I saw on a GIA cert under Clarity -> Characteristics the notations "Cloud, Crystal". Would someone elaborate what these mean for me? The ''cloud'' part sounds especially scary.

Thanks!

--Matt

Looking for: a .43-.55, Ideal and/or H&A, D-E, IF-VS2, Ex/Ex Polish/Symmetry, little or no flouresence diamond in a 6-prong, simple platinum (size 4) solitaire setting, in my hands by 5/14/04. Total price (NY) under $2,000, lower the better of course, lol. Must make girlfriend say Yes--bonus points if PS forum members go ooh and ahh

 

[hoorray]

The Goodoldgold web site has a good description of different inclusion types in their tutorial -- check it out.

At the clarity levels you are looking at it shouldn't matter. What really matters with inclusions is whether you can see them with a naked eye, whether they create an integrity risk to the stone by breaking the surface, and whether they impact the performance of the stone. Typically these are only relevant at SI1 and below levels. (Visible with a naked eye is what people call eye-clean. They typically mean this from a face up position of the stone, not from the sides.)

 

[wallace]

Although the inclusions are very hard to see in VS2 and up (if at all), you might want to pay attention to how they are placed. I have only seen this in an SI1 but I presume it can happen at any clarity... It was the only inclusion but it became an SI1 becuase it was smack dab in the center of the stone! The not-very-good jeweler who tried to sell it to me (I would love to mention the name - but do not worry unless you are in DC). It was black.
It actually turned out to be two right on top of each other which was very viz. when the stone was viewed from the side. This was not reflected in the cert b/c it is mapped only from a Bird'eye view. This qualified it for SI1!

Do not get all neurotic or anything, but I just wanted to add that.

1) look for placement of the inclusion in the stone (e.g. dark ones are better at the edges)-
2) loose stones - be sure to check it out from al angles
3) be aware but do not obsess!

Being one of the high-clarity fans - I wish you god firtune in your search and hope to hear more about it.

 

[MattK]

Thank you everyone for your help so far. Between revisiting GOG's site, your posts, and a little more Googling, I'm more aware than I was.

If there are developments or questions along the way, I'll post an update under a new topic heading, and in any event I'll post a summary of my shopping experience at the end.

Oh, and since 'the girlfriend' is now reading (we're a team, how could I not point her to this forum?)...

Hey everyone, I found this really good deal from a guy I met in a bar! $200 for a 1.5 carat, and he says it's really clean! I bought it right away of course! I'm going to leave the ring in a measuring cup in the kitchen, so she'll associate marriage with cooking for me

 

[bling]

inclusions can be a tricky thing...i had a vs2 diamond that had a really clean plot..however, there was a small crystal in it..and after staring at it for a while..i tend to do that with my diamonds..hehe..i was able to see it from the the pavillion side and also from the table..with no loupe...and it was black. i do think i have pretty good close up vision, so i dont think everyone would have seen it, table side up with no loupe and technically, it was "eye-clean". i eventually traded up..but not because of the inclusion. so if you have a plot that says crystal, just make sure to talk to your vendor and make them aware of your comfort level. i have a stone now, again, vs2, with a cloud in the table. i have yet to find it! even with the loupe! so look around..and have fun with it!