Diamond for halo ring - slight cloud okay?

[Nickie]

Help making a decision!

Buying my diamond online for a custom job. Designer offered a round brilliant diamond from GSL (details below). Requested K color for replica. Wondering how reliable GS laboratories grading is... Does the description match what's considered "eye clean" and is this a good deal?? I have a video but wasn't able to upload it.

Total is $5500 for diamond, 13 tiny halo stones, and custom design.

Her Description:
There are no inclusions visible to the naked eye or cameras lens so I wouldn't be able to show you. But under a microscope you would see a slight cloud throughout. In person this is not noticeable.

GS certificate:
6.94x6.9x4.35
Cloud throughout, slightly abraded at culet
Weight: 1.29ct
Clarity SI2
Colour K
Cut: very good

 

[foxinsox]

I would worry about a stone whose main grading defect is a diffuse cloud throughout the stone when the point of a cut diamond is to reflect light as best as possible. If the cloud is enough to grade the stone SI2, it seems like it would be enough to affect light return.
Additionally the grading is from lab which is not one of the two main grading labs used in North America - GIA and AGS. That makes the stated K SI2 grade itself suspect.
You may well be getting something that is closer to a GIA/AGS M or I1/2 grading and in an industry where products are priced according to their specs, you have a product whose value you truly cannot determine because it's not graded using the standard. Chances are that you are being overcharged.
Have a look on James Allen or Good Old Gold to see what a GIA/AGS K SI2 is likely to cost.

 

[Nickie]

thanks @foxinsox -
I looked at 1.2-1.3ct stones ($3350 - $4500) and lower grade stones, good cut / K color / I-1, ($3350 - $3800). Looking at that pic zoomed in again, I think I can make out a ton of cloudy spots!

Did some research on pricescope and found out about David Klass customization (I'm in LA) - would you recommend a diamond from JA and getting customization locally?

 

[ringo865]

Yes. And not positive, but I think David can source stones as well. Let him know you're on pricescope so he'll know the cut specs you will want.