Going to make a decision on an SI2 stone with fluoro - what should I look for?

[Minou]

I have been looking at a stone that I like a lot, however it is an SI2 (I''d prefer an VS2 or SI1) and has strong blue fluorescence (which I''ve read and read and read about - it sounds like it shouldn''t be an issue but there are such mixed opinions on this). The reason why I am seriously considering this stone is because it has an excellent cut, excellent optical performance and I like the look of it.

So what should I look for to help me decide whether the SI2 or strong blue fluoro should be an issue? It is pretty eye-clean - inclusions are on the edge and could be hidden by prongs.

Advice?...

Thank you!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/19/2007 11:50:40 PM
Author:Minou
I have been looking at a stone that I like a lot, however it is an SI2 (I''d prefer an VS2 or SI1) and has strong blue fluorescence (which I''ve read and read and read about - it sounds like it shouldn''t be an issue but there are such mixed opinions on this). The reason why I am seriously considering this stone is because it has an excellent cut, excellent optical performance and I like the look of it.

So what should I look for to help me decide whether the SI2 or strong blue fluoro should be an issue? It is pretty eye-clean - inclusions are on the edge and could be hidden by prongs.

Advice?...

Thank you!

Have you seen it in person already, Minou, or are you buying it online?
I was thinking that maybe if you saw it and felt an affinity for it, based on its appearance and sparkle, that maybe that would assist with your decision making process?

An eyeclean SI2 is a fantastic deal ... after all, why pay for more than you can actually see with the naked eye if you don''t have to? With regards to the fluourescence, you are right, opinions seem to vary quite a bit. I have not read anything that would necessarily stir me to seek out and buy a diamond with strong fluoresence in particular, however, many opinions also indicate that fluourescence might assist a lower color diamond appear "whiter" ... if this is the case, this might be a consideration? In rare cases, as far as it has been explained to me, the fluorescense might lend a milky appearance to the diamond under some lighting conditions.

Seeing the diamond in person and assessing it under varying lighting conditions might assist you with determining which "theory" best aligns with your particular diamond.

Or ... if everything else is a go and the fluorescense is your only concern ... why don''t you go for it?

Is there any other reason you might be concerned about the SI2 if it is eyeclean?

 

[Minou]

Thanks for the reply...

I have seen it in person and was taken with it, but I wasn''t really ''looking'' for the fluoro then, and have done my research on fluoro with the varying opinions on it since first having seen the stone. I guess another thing that I''m concerned about with regard to the fluoro is that the stone is an E color, so it''s not in the ''lower colors'' in which fluoro is generally desirable... Oh, this diamond stuff can be a confusing business!!

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 12/20/2007 12:10:52 AM
Author: Minou
Thanks for the reply...

I have seen it in person and was taken with it, but I wasn''t really ''looking'' for the fluoro then, and have done my research on fluoro with the varying opinions on it since first having seen the stone. I guess another thing that I''m concerned about with regard to the fluoro is that the stone is an E color, so it''s not in the ''lower colors'' in which fluoro is generally desirable... Oh, this diamond stuff can be a confusing business!!

You''re welcome!

I call it diamond discombobulation.

I think my head was doing full 360''s when I was trying to find my diamond. I had no idea it would be so difficult to find the perfect diamond for me and how many variables I would have to learn about and decide on.

Honestly, if you are at all worried about the fluoro ... check out other options. You don''t have to settle. There are a lot to choose from. If you aren''t worried about it and everything else is in order ... thsi may be the one! Don''t overthink it and stress yourself out.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 12/19/2007 11:50:40 PM
Author:Minou
I have been looking at a stone that I like a lot, however it is an SI2 (I''d prefer an VS2 or SI1) and has strong blue fluorescence (which I''ve read and read and read about - it sounds like it shouldn''t be an issue but there are such mixed opinions on this). The reason why I am seriously considering this stone is because it has an excellent cut, excellent optical performance and I like the look of it.

So what should I look for to help me decide whether the SI2 or strong blue fluoro should be an issue? It is pretty eye-clean - inclusions are on the edge and could be hidden by prongs.

Advice?...

Thank you!

Ask if the SI2 is eyeclean AND make sure there is a generous return policy on the stone if you''re not completely happy.

Re: fluor - as long as the stone doesn''t look milky or oily (which most don''t), it''s fine.

Don''t be afraid at ALL of either component; many shoppers know that there''s a TON of value in these stones.

 

[february2003bride]

I have a 1.33, J, SI2 with medium bue flour. and it''s colorless (not a hint of warmth that I can tell), totally eyeclean without the loupe, and so far I haven''t picked up on the flour. yet (but I''ve been looking for it!). My stone is an AGS000 H&A Ideal, which I''ve read several times hides color. My inclusions are off the table and colorless (no black spots), which I think helps. Good luck!

 

[Kaleigh]

The fluro doesn''t bother me, I have an asscher with stong blue and love it. What makes me pause is that you said it''s pretty eye clean.
That''s what has me a tad worried... But I error on the side of caution, so tell me is it eye clean to you, or are there inclusions so big they need to be covered with prongs?? If they are small and white, no biggie. Just asking...

 

[susi]

Date: 12/19/2007 11:50:40 PM
Author:Minou
I have been looking at a stone that I like a lot, however it is an SI2 (I''d prefer an VS2 or SI1) and has strong blue fluorescence (which I''ve read and read and read about - it sounds like it shouldn''t be an issue but there are such mixed opinions on this). The reason why I am seriously considering this stone is because it has an excellent cut, excellent optical performance and I like the look of it.

So what should I look for to help me decide whether the SI2 or strong blue fluoro should be an issue? It is pretty eye-clean - inclusions are on the edge and could be hidden by prongs.

Advice?...

Thank you!

......."it has an excellent cut, excellent optical performance and I LIKE THE LOOK OF IT"

Minou, I''m tempted to say you''ve answered your own question

but....I do understand your concern as fluoro has been discussed as a possible issue but it''s my understanding that if it ever is, it''s very rarely.

My stone is a strong blue, I color SI 1. Never, under any circumstances have I noticed any fluoro with this stone.....ever. I did look at first for it, because I was curious....but, I''ve never seen it in the 4 + years I''ve had it.

GIA did a study on perception of fluorescence in diamonds....I wish I could point you in the direction of this study as I feel it would ease your concern.

Can anyone provide a link to this GIA study?

 

[Lorelei]

I don't know if this will help ease your mind, but I will take a stab at it! We have a vendor here who has been in the business for many years, in that time he has sold thousands of diamonds. He has noted that out of the many which have had strong blue fluorescence, that only very few have shown any negative effects. It does seem to be rare that there is an adverse effect.

As we have no cut info, and you have seen the diamond and love it, then that is the most important thing! As Alj says also, see if the vendor has a return policy, to make sure you are completely happy.

Susi, is this the GIA study on fluorescence you were thinking of here?

 

[pauly1]

I can''t really comment on the Fluor. When it comes to that subject I''ve read so much data going both ways.

I will comment on the SI2 though. You mentioned that your inclusions were along the "edge". What type of inclusions are they? I only ask because I was very nervous with my stone until I had it looked at by a pro. I have a decent size feather and was concerned about durability or anything happening during the setting process, my stone is an SI2 as well. Inclusions along the edge, particularly feathers MIGHT or COULD cause issues when the stone is set. Depending on placement or the size of the feather, relative to the prong, (if you''re having it set with prongs, I don''t know). I would definitely have the stone looked at by an appraiser within your return window. Most reputable people won''t even set a stone if they feel there are any durability issues. Others will make you sign a waver should anyting happen and that''s not a road you want to go down. I hope I''m not scaring you at all, I just wanted to make sure you are aware of what to look for when you get into SI2s. I think this is pretty rare, but wanted to point it out.

 

[fleur-de-lis]

I have an E with medium blue fluorescence in my collection, and frankly I think it adds such a special subtle something to the stone''s appearance that I now search out stones with fluorescence. I''m glad there''s so much disinformation out there (the only thing you need to know is that *some* go cloudy, most don''t, and if yours doesn''t, you''ve found the best of both worlds), because it keeps ''em available for those who have taken the time become confident in trusting their eyes. (And though it''s petty to say it, I have noticed that this diamond wins the "color war" when placed alongside most diamonds.)

In the end, the main thing that matters is how the stone looks. The articles are there just to explain what you are seeing.