Clarity Question

[mikey71497]

If you can see inclusions within the diamond with the naked eye, does that mean you have an imperfect diamond? I can clearely see a feather and a big cloud in this diamond, and was just wondering is this an imperfect diamond, or just a bad SI2?

Thanks

 

[HollyGo-Lightly]

Almost ALL diamonds have imperfections....that's why VERY FEW are graded IF...All SI gradings should have visible imperfections, as that is what their clarity suggests...

If you can see these inclusions and it doesn't bother you, then great! It's just a characteristic of your stone to distiguish it from others, so it can never be switched...

If you can see it and it bothers you, then maybe you should consider getting a higher clarity like a VS2, which should only have imprefections visible with a 10X power loupe...

 

[valeria101]

... it just means some inclusions are visible without magnification. Whether those are "imperfections" or not, it's up to you.

The clarity grades are not meant to predict exactly wether a stone has inclusions visible with the unaided eye or not. You may find visible "stuff" in a vS2 too, for all that matters. Those grades depend mostly on the number and size of inclusions identified at 10x magnification. What shows without magnification is not the primary concern. Too bad the precise definition of those grades is so arcane - if a "eye clean" SI stone is what you are after, than visual impression (the seller's and ultimately yours) is the only judge.

 

[oldminer]

In a round diamond of less than 1 carat weight, if you can see inclusions with the naked eye, it is VERY likely not better than I1 clarity.

You might see inclusions in a stone with less brilliancy and scintillation, such as in an emerald cut of less than 1 carat and it might be better clarity than I1.

This tells you that weight does not set the grade. Inclusion size does not set the grade. Visibility does not set the grade.

What does set the grade? A combination of inclusion and stone size, visibility, relief and location. It is easy enough to grade clarity pretty well using subjective rules and experience. We just learn that we don't always agree, but we come very close most times.

 

[researcher]

HGL~
I have to disagree with you--not all SI gradings have visible inclusions (in fact, most shouldn't when the stone is face up). I have an SI1 graded stone, and even after HOURS of looking at the stone at all angles (and having my B/F, mom, dad, brother, and appraiser do the same), and there is not one even somewhat visible inclusion (and we were using the plot to try and find them!). Whether inclusions are visible in the SI clarity range really depends on the type of inclusions and their location (as well as the size and shape of the stone to some degree). Another thing to consider is who certified the stone. If it was the AGS, GIA, etc., you probably will have a better chance finding a stone that's SI and 100% eye clean. Labs such as EGL, IGI, etc. may have been more lenient in their grading, so you may be looking at a stone that would be considered an I1 or lower by another lab.

 

[mikey71497]

this stone is uncertified. There is no paperwork on it, the guy went with the reputation of the Jewler.

 

[pqcollectibles]

----------------
On 6/14/2004 12:32:55 PM mikey71497 wrote:

this stone is uncertified. There is no paperwork on it, the guy went with the reputation of the Jewler.----------------

The jeweler has everything to gain, and nothing to loose by "over grading" the diamond. For example, in a quick check of Price Stats:

0.50-0.69 carat, H color, Cut Class 1A

SI2 trades at $1873/carat
I1 trades at $1493/carat

0.70-0.89 carat, H color, Cut Class 1A

SI2 trades at $2850/carat
I1 trades at $2175/carat
I2 trades at $1228/carat

Those figures are the average asking prices for diamonds currently available for sale. If the jeweler is off by a grade or 2 in the clarity, it can make a significant difference in the actual value of the diamond.

 

[mikey71497]

Is it possible to get a 2.0ct RB stone "D" color, including setting, which is just under 1ct, for 12,500?? The stone is un-certified, but can buying un-certified save you this much money? I would have thought that a stone that size and a "D" color, would cost about 14-18k, just for the diamond.

 

[researcher]

mikey71497~
Thanks for the clarification, although I wasn't really responding to the stone you mentioned. Rather, I wanted to make a point in saying that an SI grading, if legit, should be eye clean when face up and that many are 100% eye clean no matter which way you turn it

It's possible that it could be an SI2, but my guess is if the inclusions are as bad as they sound, it would be considered an I1 or worse by the GIA.

 

[researcher]

Buying uncertified can save you money, but I don't think very much. Usually, the person selling the stone is off in their assessment, so you're not actually getting what you're paying for. My guess is there are always exceptions, but unless you're buying from someone who's extremely reputable (or someone you know personally and trust), I wouldn't take the chance. Keep in mind that it's the CUT that determines the price to a large degree, so size and color can be great but the stone can look horrid.

 

[mikey71497]

The stone has brilliance, i dont know much about cuts and what not, but the stone is sparkly. Wether or not that means the cut is good, i have no clue, nor do I have the actual speck on the diamond. All i know is that its a D color 2.0ct RB. Like i mentioned above, i thought that a 2.0ct D color would run you about 14k-18k just for the stone. I didnt think that an un-certified stone would save you that much. I know your basically going on the reputation of the jewler, but to me thats BS. I would rather have a certified stone, so i know what it is, and 3 different jewlers dont give me 3 different answers.

 

[Rank Amateur]

The nuance between an E and a D is so slight that I'd NEVER buy a D as a D without GIA or AGS or HRD (or maybe someone like Rich Sherwood) telling me so. I certainly can't make that judgemnet with my own eyes.

 

[researcher]

You can always get the stone certified yourself (if there's a 30-day guarantee period), or offer to pay for the certification if you can still get the same price for the stone once the certification process is complete. You can also ask about getting something in writing that states you can return the stone for a full refund if the stone is not certified as stated by the jeweler (my friend did this).