"Clouds not shown" on SI1 diamond

[Keggerpecks]

Hello all,

Diamond noob here, but I am doing some research on a particular round diamond that I am looking at right now.

Round Brilliant Measurements: 6.79 - 6.83 x 4.22 mm
Carat Weight: 1.20 carat
Color Grade: F
Clarity Grade: SI1
Cut Grade: Excellent
Polish Grade: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Table %: 56%
Crown Angle: 35.5
Pavilion Angle: 40.6

Under the clarity diagram, there are:
-Crystal
-Feather
-Needle
-Indented Natural (very small on the edge of the underside)

Then under the "comments" section, it shows "Clouds not shown".

I am wondering based on the expertise of you guys, would the clouds be an issue for a diamond like this? Some google suggests that this wont be much of an issue and most likely won't make the diamond "milky" as it doesn't say "Clarity grade based on clouds not shown" or "Additional clouds not shown".

Want to get some more info for you guys to see if this diamond will most likely be cloudy or not. I appreciate the help!

 

[lovedogs]

As long as it doesn't say "clarity grade based on clouds not shown" (especially in an SI2 and lower) you should be fine. In this case, it just means there is a cloud that isn't shown on the plot, but it's not why the diamond got the SI1 grade.

 

[Serg]

Has the diamond any milkiness ?

 

[Keggerpecks]

Has the diamond any milkiness ?

I haven't seen the actual diamond yet, but am contemplating to order it. I do have a return period and just wanted some expert opinion from what says from the Cert.

 

[bmfang]

See if the vendor can provide you with images and video of that stone prior to laying down the big bucks.

 

[doberman]

I'm not a fan of "clarity based on clouds not shown" on SI1 diamonds, although SI diamonds can be great.

 

[sledge]

Under the clarity diagram, there are:
-Crystal
-Feather
-Needle
-Indented Natural (very small on the edge of the underside)

Then under the "comments" section, it shows "Clouds not shown".

I am wondering based on the expertise of you guys, would the clouds be an issue for a diamond like this? Some google suggests that this wont be much of an issue and most likely won't make the diamond "milky" as it doesn't say "Clarity grade based on clouds not shown" or "Additional clouds not shown".

Want to get some more info for you guys to see if this diamond will most likely be cloudy or not. I appreciate the help!

The first inclusion listed is what we call the "grade setting" inclusion. Based on what you are saying, it appears the crystal is the grade setting inclusion. The second worst is a feather. The third worst is a needle and the fourth worst is the indented natural.

Although not plotted, there are additional clouds according to the note.

No one can guarantee the clouds won't be a problem. And this is where it would be nice if the vendor selling you the stone had it in their possession and had a trusted and reputable gemologist to review the stone, view it under different lighting conditions and twist/tilt/rotate it to ensure the clouds are not problematic.

Unfortunately, it does not sound like that is the case. So the second best case is you inspect the diamond loose and ensure you have a solid return policy in case the stone disappoints.

In comparison, if clouds were the grade setting inclusion and it had this same note, I'd be very leery of the stone as this particular combination can be a problem in VS2 and lower clarity stones. And if this stone had the dreadful, "clarity is based on additional clouds not shown" note as indicated by others I'd personally reject and start the search over as this won't bode well for an SI1 clarity stone, or lower.

But you are lucky in the sense, that no clouds are plotted and the additional note is the most favorable of the other options. Again, I'd proceed with caution but it sounds like the stone has a decent shot of being okay.

Once you have the stone reserved, can you post a video link for us to look at? It may or may not be helpful but it may allow us draw some further conclusions.

 

[Keggerpecks]

The first inclusion listed is what we call the "grade setting" inclusion. Based on what you are saying, it appears the crystal is the grade setting inclusion. The second worst is a feather. The third worst is a needle and the fourth worst is the indented natural.

Although not plotted, there are additional clouds according to the note.

No one can guarantee the clouds won't be a problem. And this is where it would be nice if the vendor selling you the stone had it in their possession and had a trusted and reputable gemologist to review the stone, view it under different lighting conditions and twist/tilt/rotate it to ensure the clouds are not problematic.

Unfortunately, it does not sound like that is the case. So the second best case is you inspect the diamond loose and ensure you have a solid return policy in case the stone disappoints.

In comparison, if clouds were the grade setting inclusion and it had this same note, I'd be very leery of the stone as this particular combination can be a problem in VS2 and lower clarity stones. And if this stone had the dreadful, "clarity is based on additional clouds not shown" note as indicated by others I'd personally reject and start the search over as this won't bode well for an SI1 clarity stone, or lower.

But you are lucky in the sense, that no clouds are plotted and the additional note is the most favorable of the other options. Again, I'd proceed with caution but it sounds like the stone has a decent shot of being okay.

Once you have the stone reserved, can you post a video link for us to look at? It may or may not be helpful but it may allow us draw some further conclusions.

Thank you so much for your help. I am deciding between this and another diamond that I am currently looking at, but if I do get this one I will for sure post videos on here.

 

[WinkHPD]

The first inclusion listed is what we call the "grade setting" inclusion. Based on what you are saying, it appears the crystal is the grade setting inclusion. The second worst is a feather. The third worst is a needle and the fourth worst is the indented natural. Although not plotted, there are additional clouds according to the note.

No one can guarantee the clouds won't be a problem. And this is where it would be nice if the vendor selling you the stone had it in their possession and had a trusted and reputable gemologist to review the stone, view it under different lighting conditions and twist/tilt/rotate it to ensure the clouds are not problematic.

Unfortunately, it does not sound like that is the case. So the second best case is you inspect the diamond loose and ensure you have a solid return policy in case the stone disappoints. In comparison, if clouds were the grade setting inclusion and it had this same note, I'd be very leery of the stone as this particular combination can be a problem in VS2 and lower clarity stones. And if this stone had the dreadful, "clarity is based on additional clouds not shown" note as indicated by others I'd personally reject and start the search over as this won't bode well for an SI1 clarity stone, or lower.

@sledge makes several well-expressed points.

Something else to be aware of is that clarity grading is limited to 10X magnification. This means characteristics beyond that magnification can go unreported. Mostly this isn’t a problem, but sometimes there are diamonds which seem off. Just a bit dull or hazy. This is what we pros call a “sleepy stone” and there may be nothing on the grading report to explains it. A common culprit can be the presence of characteristics (like clouds) just beyond 10X and just present enough to influence transparency. I’m told more of these come to market as some historic mines deplete, so would encourage you to be sure you have a nice return period or, better yet, a pro on your side who you can trust to assist you.

Wink

 

[AV_]

SI "clarity based on clouds not shown" means fog - but some clouds along with other characteristics have little chance of being noticeable (grade = plotted characteristics + the "not shown"). Of course, diamonds need to be seen.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

No one can guarantee the clouds won't be a problem.

Having seen a few million diamonds and many thousands with GIA reports, I can tell you that this stone is even unlikely to have a naughty nasty crystal inclusion unless you can focus from less than 8 inches.
If GIA plotted the cloud it may stop people buying the diamonds cause it could have a big circle that looks BAD.
If clouds are the first or second (or worse, only) grade maker it is or can be a problem. But with 4 grade makers and no clouds in the list the clouds are there as an identifier for them if the stone ever comes back for recertification - but not an issue for you.