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Considering an I1, Help!

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Ava15

Rough_Rock
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Apr 29, 2008
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Hello,
My husband has said "yes" to an upgrade of my original engagagement ring. The only problem is I need to go through a "mall jeweler" so I can trade in my current ring for a credit.

This past weekend I picked out a .81 carat princess cut I1 clarity, e color.

I know the prices at the mall jewelers aren''t that great. (That''s a given) But my husband is not willing to buy a diamond from the internet.

I like the diamond I picked out, however, when I examine it closely in bright light I can see several black inclusions.

After reading these boards, I feel like I am making an "unwise choice" by selecting an I1.

My husband says the certification is just a piece of paper, and if I''m happy with what the stone I see, that is what counts.

I''m happy with my stone, I can''t see the black inclusions from 12 inches away. But if I''m "eye to eye" with the stone I can, here and there.

Does that mean the stone is eye-clean? Should I return it for a small stone in an SI1 or SI2?

I''m on a budget, and really don''t want to pay a lot more for a tinier stone.

I''m trying to figure out if all those black inclusions are affecting my sparkle!!

Thanks so much for your input!
 
It is only "unwise" if it bothers you. If you have an VS1 and you can see something and it bothers you than that is not a wise choice either. I have an I1 but the inclusion can only be seen from the side so I didn''t care.
 
I think even mall stores can bring you in a few stones to look at. Tell them you aren''t happy with the inclusions you can see and ask them to suggest some more stones. FYI, I realize your husband is set on not accepting the cert as proof, but there is something to be said for good cut. If the stone is cut well, it will sparkle more, and look larger because the face up measurements will be larger.

Also, I don''t think that all I1''s are bad, it really depends on the type of inclusions and the location of them in the stone. Bottom line, if you ugrade, you want it to be to something you are happy with. I''d circle back to the store and have them give you some more options.
 
will the setting obscure the inclusions?
 
Inclusions that you *can* see now turn into *all* you can see later. Make sure you truly are totally OK with the stone or you will end up regretting it...
 
The black inclusions I see when I''m nose to nose with my stone are throughout the stone. (Even in the center.) It looks likeit has been peppered.

I am surprised the stone looks so good from a distance (ie sparkly) with the inclusions there. Maybe I''m not good at judging stones.
 
Date: 4/29/2008 9:19:42 PM
Author: Dee*Jay
Inclusions that you *can* see now turn into *all* you can see later. Make sure you truly are totally OK with the stone or you will end up regretting it...
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Agreed.

And as for sparkle, it isn't the inclusions that will hinder sparkle, but the CUT. Unfortunately unless it is GIA or AGS certified it is likely to have a poor cut, making it much less sparkly than it could be.

Have you SEEN an ideal cut stone? Go to Jareds or Kays and ask to see the Peerless or Leo diamonds. THEY are well cut (albeit waaaay overpriced) stones. Those stones are the same things that can be had from a good dealer for much less. So compare the new stone you want to one of THOSE stones and see if it still is appealing.
 
When you say inclusions you see now will be all you see later, what do you mean?

If I go with the jewelry store''s premium cut, I will end up in an SI1 for the same money. But down in karat size from .81 to .50.

hmmm

I am also so embarrased about going back and "facing the jeweler." It''s like I can''t make up my mind. But those jewelry store lights hide so much.

I really want to like my ring. My husband says I''m never satisfied!!
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Don''t ever be embarrased to get what you want. When you are paying money you have every right to be TOTALLY satisfied!
 
Are you just looking at it in the jewelry store lighting? Try examining it under different lighting like soft fluorescent lighting (office lighting).
 
Date: 4/29/2008 9:35:25 PM
Author: Ava15
When you say inclusions you see now will be all you see later, what do you mean?

If I go with the jewelry store''s premium cut, I will end up in an SI1 for the same money. But down in karat size from .81 to .50.

hmmm

I am also so embarrased about going back and ''facing the jeweler.'' It''s like I can''t make up my mind. But those jewelry store lights hide so much.

I really want to like my ring. My husband says I''m never satisfied!!
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Yes they do, and that is one of the very reasons they have them.
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Do not be affraid to say, once my stone got in normal lighting, I can see just how included it is, and I''m very unhappy. They should want to make you happy. Also, if they have, or can bring in AGS0 Princess stones, they will be a bit safer as far as performance, and maybe try SI1 and SI2''s for clarity.

And Dee meant, after a period of time, ALL you will ever see are those inclusions when you look at your stone, because they will most likely become more and more bothersome.
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Kind of like it they bother you now, they will always bother you. So have them bring in other stones, as was suggested by Ellen. No way would I t buy a peppered I1 stone. Also once they do bring in stones for you, have the manager accompany you outside so you can see it in natural light. If they won''t allow you to do that, then go to the nearest window outside of the store. I hope they can bring in some AGS 0 stones for you. Skip IGI, please!!
 
You have some wiggle room with an e color. Why not get an eye clean SI2 and drop down to even H or I in the color? You''ll always be staring at the inclusions and you''re the one who has to wear it.
 
Mind clean is just as important, if not more important than eyeclean. I agree with DeeJay, if it''s not right, it''s not right. It''s not a matter of the certificate, its a matter of those little black spots looming large in your mind.
 
You know what I''d recommend? Just keep your original stone and save to be able to order a well cut stone from one of the online vendors. You''ll get a better stone at a better price, and then you can set your old stone in a pendant. It really is not cost effective to trade in a small stone for an I1 stone that is probably overpriced.
 
Date: 4/29/2008 10:21:21 PM
Author: diamondseeker2006
You know what I'd recommend? Just keep your original stone and save to be able to order a well cut stone from one of the online vendors. You'll get a better stone at a better price, and then you can set your old stone in a pendant. It really is not cost effective to trade in a small stone for an I1 stone that is probably overpriced.
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Unfortunately the OP said her husband isn't willing to buy from the internet... But maybe with some education he might be? I mean, when he learns that you can get a better stone for less money with no risk (i.e., get a stone from a trusted vendor with a reasonable return policy) perhaps he'll open up to the idea. He certainly wouldn't be the first one who came here unwilling to buy on-line who ultimately did get the stone that way, it might just take a little patience and prodding.
 
Well, I would like to order online. But my husband does not trust it. I think my only option is to go back to the store and ask to see some more options. I know I will be losing money essentially, but I am really excited about the upgrade.

I just wish the jeweler would have let me know that the stone I liked was quite included. Makes me feel like he is bit of a snake.
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Date: 4/29/2008 10:41:36 PM
Author: Ava15
Well, I would like to order online. But my husband does not trust it. I think my only option is to go back to the store and ask to see some more options. I know I will be losing money essentially, but I am really excited about the upgrade.


I just wish the jeweler would have let me know that the stone I liked was quite included. Makes me feel like he is bit of a snake.
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Ava, two things for you.

1. Where are you? Many of our beloved PS vendors have storefronts you can visit in person if you are nearby, so that may be a way for you to get a great stone but for you to settle your husbands fears.

2. You don''t have to order the stone "off the internet". You can CALL someone like Mark at ERD or Jon at GOG, and they will personally work with you on the purchase. That also might help your hubby become more comfortable with it.

And if you think he is a snake, he proabably is. And please please at least go and check out some AGS and GIA graded *this is very important!!!* premium cut stones. There is an amazing difference in brilliance and sparkle from an ok cut stone to an ideal stone.
 
Also, is an I1 stone always peppered?


I know some folks on this board say some I1''s are just fine.
 
Date: 4/29/2008 10:46:05 PM
Author: Ava15
Also, is an I1 stone always peppered?



I know some folks on this board say some I1''s are just fine.
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VERY RARELY is an I1 not peppered and is somewhat eyeclean. And these stones are hand selected by PS vendors, not likely to be something you will see at most B&M stores.
 
How much is the stone you are looking at?

Because here is a BEAUTIFUL, ideal cut, princess stone, AGS certified (the best!), I SI2, and appears to be eyeclean for $1200.

Just an example of what you can get for your $ online.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3421/

Here is a similar .82 princess, G SI2, ideal cut for only about $2500.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/3955/

How much does the B&M want to charge for the non-certified "I1" (which really could be more like an I2 or I3 because it isn't certed reliably) with probably a poor cut?
 
The cost was $2600, plus we got $1500 for our trade in.

We ended up spending about $1200. (That includes a white gold solitaire setting.)

The I1 diamond is certified by GSI. But it did not come with a full report showing the inclusions. Just a color and clarity rating along with the dimensions.

I don''t even know what they have done with my old ring!!
 
Date: 4/29/2008 11:01:37 PM
Author: Ava15
The cost was $2600, plus we got $1500 for our trade in.


We ended up spending about $1200. (That includes a white gold solitaire setting.)


The I1 diamond is certified by GSI. But it did not come with a full report showing the inclusions. Just a color and clarity rating along with the dimensions.


I don''t even know what they have done with my old ring!!
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Honestly, that is really really expensive for what you are getting...

Spending $1200 WITHOUT TRADING your old ring would get you that gorgeous ideal cut, AGS certified stone from Good Old Gold if we can convince your hubby to check it out. He can talk to Jon on the phone, and if you are near Long Island you could go to their store in person...
 
Well, we''re in Portland Oregon so visiting the storefront is out of the question!
 
Date: 4/29/2008 11:07:47 PM
Author: Ava15
Well, we''re in Portland Oregon so visiting the storefront is out of the question!
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Hmm that is too bad. Is there any way you can show your DH the prices of what you can get online with pictures and a real person to talk to? Even most men realize that they are getting shafted locally if you can get them to look online.
 
I would ask the store to bring in a few other stones for you to look at. If it is bothering now, it probably always will bother you. Good luck
 
I wish your husband would have a look at PS vendors. No risk, there is a return period, and some have upgrade policies. Have him look at www.whiteflash.com and www.goodoldgold.com I have bought from both, and have never been to either. The info they give on their stones is way more than the mall store. I am putting this as simply as possible not to overwhelm you with info. Plus they sell stones that come with AGS, GIA certs etc... Much more credible labs than the mall. It's a win win situation. But stick here a while and you'll see what I am talking about.
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I hate to see someone settle for less, and get a stone they won't love long term.
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Hi Ava!

I''m in Bend.
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Would using a vendor in an adjacent state be at all comforting to your hubby? I bought my gorgeous upgrade e-ring diamond from Wink Jones (www.winkjones.com) in Boise. He has incredible Infinity princess cuts and is a wonderful, trustworthy, incredible person to work with. I highly recommend him.

My husband was initially reluctant to buy online, too, and now is sold on it.

Good luck and let us know what you decide.
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Judith Arnell Jewelers is a high end jeweler in Portland. She carries Daniel K jewelry, estate pieces and specializes in asschers. But she also will be able to show you some well cut rounds and will have a much better selection on hand than a mall store. So that might be a good place to look and educate your eyes.


http://www.juditharnell.com/about/about.html

Some others that were from an old PS post.

ABC Jewelers 534 SW Third, Suite 596, Portland 97204 (on 5th floor of Willamette Building)

H&B Jewelry and Loan (killer pawn shop, in same building as ABC) 526 SW 3rd

Carl Greve 731 SW Morrison, Downtown Portland, 97205

Zell Brothers 800 SW Morrison , Portland, 97205(across the street from Carl Greve)

Maloy''s Jewelry Workshop 717 SW 10th

Gary Swank 840 SW Broadway. Portland OR

Jones and Jones, 609 SW Alder Street
 
Date: 4/29/2008 10:46:05 PM
Author: Ava15
Also, is an I1 stone always peppered?


I know some folks on this board say some I1's are just fine.
Click to expand...
I have 2 clean I1's, but it is important to remember I1 clarities are not created equal. Here is a guide to the industry definition of eyeclean.

"No inclusions visible at arms length, with normal vision in normal light." This doesn't necessarily mean a diamond will be eyeclean at very close scrutiny. But the bottom line is, you don't seem to be happy with the diamond? If so, then I would see about returning it if you can.

Here is a thread which may be useful too.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/
 
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