eek - did we get ripped off? SI1 Excellent cut with (clearly) visible inclusion!

[archrunnergirl]

My fiancee proposed a few weeks back. My center stone is .8-ish carats, SI1, round brilliant, ideal cut, color J. It''s very fiery, lots of sparkle, BUT...

A few days ago in a normal daylit room I was really looking at it for several minutes (the first time I had really done that), and I noticed a very definite black spot towards the outer edge of the table, clearly visible from the top. I can see it from 12+ inches away. Obviously not so noticeable in bright light, direct sunlight, etc. but it is pretty easy to see in most any other condition. Also visible from the side, about 1/3 down on the pavilion (nearer to the top of the stone than the bottom). It''s definitely in the diamond and not a dirty spot. It is the only visible flaw, but it is pretty noticable.

It was purchased from a very well established and reputable local jeweler, and their own website says the SI1 and SI2 diamonds they sell do not have inclusions visible to the naked eye. What would you do? I feel terrible even mentioning it to my fiancee because he picked it out himself, and am not even sure there is really an issue - from what I can find online, there''s no good line between whether SI1 stones must be eye clean (or not). I know they did not show it to him under a loupe (and he didn''t ask, either).

Then there''s also the fact that it is a very attractive stone, with a beautiful cut and tons of sparkle - so maybe that means the inclusion is less important? The main thing is that I feel like we maybe have not gotten what we (he) paid for. And, I know the inclusion is there. My eye always goes to it when I look at the stone....and I can almost always find it right away from even a foot or more distance. I would think another layperson would have to really look at it for a few minutes (like I did the first time) to notice it.

I do have the GIA report, which indicates the SI1 grading and all the rest, but it''s one of the newer shortened reports they do for diamonds less than 1 carat and doesn''t contain the visual chart which shows what imperfections appear where on the stone.

Any insight is much appreciated...and thanks if you stayed with me through this whole rant.

Thank you!

 

[CharmyPoo]

As you mentioned, there are no guarantees that SI1 are eye clean. Further, the definition of eye clean will vary from person to person. I wouldn''t say you got wripped off.

 

[Lauren Q]

Congrats on your engagement!

If you send us the specifics on your stone from the report we can help you determine if you paid a fair price. With regards to the inclusion, it seems to be bothering you, so you''ll need to decide if this is something you can look at everyday and not be bothered by it. A different way of looking at inclusions.......All inclusions make a diamond unique like fingerprints to a person. This inclusion makes your diamond unique to you and only you. If removed from the ring and placed with other stones you would be able to pick it out right away. If it really bothers you I would discuss it with your fiance and jeweler.

 

[John P]

Date: 8/17/2009 7:17:39 PM
Author:archrunnergirl

I know the inclusion is there. My eye always goes to it when I look at the stone....and I can almost always find it right away from even a foot or more distance. I would think another layperson would have to really look at it for a few minutes (like I did the first time) to notice it.

This can happen, especially if you have good eyesight. It's like seeing a tiny ding on your car for the first time - now that you know it's there your eye is constantly drawn to it.

I would think another layperson would have to really look at it for a few minutes (like I did the first time) to notice it.

This sounds like a reasonable SI1 by today's standards.

Two things are important here. You said that the seller's website said >[/i] Unless more specifically definied you must decide what that implied to you... Here is a thread with some discussion about how to communicate this, but ultimately the only interpretation that is important is the customer's. If you interpreted their use of "not visible" literally it's fair and you have every right to bring that up with them.

The other important thing, and more meaningful to me, is that you seem to really like the diamond. If this is the case Lauren's comment is a good one; the inclusion is a tiny birthmark which makes the diamond unique and identifiable. Paired with the fact that another layperson would have to look hard - that might be enough to soften your mental acceptance (?) especially if the seller responds in a way you like to your discussion about the inclusion.

I hope this helps. Clarity is a very personal choice with no right or wrong answers. It's all about long-term comfort. Do remember you're in the short term.

Finally,

I do have the GIA report, which indicates the SI1 grading and all the rest, but it's one of the newer shortened reports they do for diamonds less than 1 carat and doesn't contain the visual chart which shows what imperfections appear where on the stone.

Wouldn't it be funny if you took the diamond back and it turns out to be a reflection of polishing rouge or sediment trapped on the stone? Either way it's worth a good steam-cleaning in your jeweler's shop. There is no such thing as an overclean diamond.

 

[FB.]

Assuming that it really is an inclusion and not a speck/reflection of dust, I don't think that you were ripped off.
The stone sounds as if it's borderline eye clean (as expected for many SI's) - it's taken you a few weeks and a very thorough inspection to find the inclusion and now you know where it is, you're drawn to it. As you say; the stone needs to be in the correct light and from the correct angle to see the inclusion.

 

[Lorelei]

It isn't unusual to be able to see something in SI clarity stones, the thing is if it bothers you. I don't mind a subtle inclusion as to me it is a birthmark which is unique to the diamond, but if you think this will continually bug you maybe see about changing the stone to one of VS clarity or higher.

 

[FB.]

Lorelei

I agree that it''s nice to have a small and usually unique birthmark in the diamond.
It allows matching-up with the plot of inclusions on lab reports (to help verify that you have the actual diamond that you paid for) and also provides identifying markings if the stone should ever be stolen.