Has anyone gotten an SI1 stone online and been unhappy with it?

[jdazer]

Based on my limited research so far, it seems that there can be great steals found by getting SI1 stones that are "eye clean." However, it seems that eye clean is subject to the eye of the jeweler and could be risky... I''m just interested to see if anyone has thoughts on how to find SI1 stones online that are eye clean or anyone who has had good or bad experiences with attempting to find these types of stones.

Thanks.

 

[D2B]

My eyeclean .33 studs are SI1 and wonderful. I have looked and looked but cant really see anything, I think I can because I am looking for it, but certainly not if you just looked casually. I love them, and have never thought about it after I got them.

definatley worth it. I was in an upmarket maul store the other day and they showed me an SI2 that for the life of me couldnt see anything from the top, or side, she said the grading was tough, and it certainly seemed that way. but then have alos seen some SI1 iin maul stores that looked like I2, arhh, inclusions visible a mile away. Depends on the vendor, certainly my WF stones are great.

 

[Liane]

Date: 12/8/2009 3:14:41 AM
Author:jdazer
Based on my limited research so far, it seems that there can be great steals found by getting SI1 stones that are ''eye clean.'' However, it seems that eye clean is subject to the eye of the jeweler and could be risky... I''m just interested to see if anyone has thoughts on how to find SI1 stones online that are eye clean or anyone who has had good or bad experiences with attempting to find these types of stones.

Work with a trusted jeweler. That''s the one and only secret right there. Any of the PS recommended vendors can help you find an eyeclean SI1. Make sure you discuss ahead of time what you consider to be "eyeclean" so you''re on the same page. The standard rule is "eyeclean from 10 inches away in office lighting." On closer inspection, most SI1s will have small flaws visible to the naked eye (but some don''t).

A drop-shipper like Blue Nile cannot help you on this because they do not have the stones in-house and don''t actually look at them before sending them to you. You can waste a lot of time and postage money sorting through visibly flawed SI1s on your own.

I''ve seen both clean SI1s and ones that had fairly big carbon specks and other obvious flaws right in the middle of the table. There''s a pretty big range of what gets graded SI1 or SI2, so it is very important to work with someone who knows their diamonds when you''re looking at stones in this level.

 

[Circe]

I just got an SI1 pear that''s totally eyeclean - the inclusions are all beneath the bezel facets and upper girdle facets. That said, while I was looking I saw a number of SI1 stones that had inclusions plotted directly beneath the table, or that had one large black inclusion vs. a number of smaller white or transparent ones ... that would make a BIG difference. I wouldn''t buy an SI1 blind without seeing a plot or, better yet, a photo: getting a verbal assurance from a trusted dealer is best of all. But you''re totally right, there are great deals out there!

P.S. - Keep in mind, "eye clean" is not just subjective according to the jeweler''s standards, but also to yours. If you know you are particularly eagle-eyed/obsessive (I''m talking about me, here

) be sure you purchase from someone with a good return policy! Then your worst case scenario lies in repeated trips to the post office ...

 

[Laila619]

I have an SI2 stone that is totally eye clean. For my upgrade, I chose an SI1. My dealbreakers are clouds or feathers. Any other inclusions, as long as they are eye clean, are fine with me.

 

[nkarma]

In the interest of honesty, yes I had an SI1 stone that I was not happy with and returned. I could see the reflection of the inclusion. However this was on a chunky cushion with large facets. If it''s a round with small facets, it would have been a little harder to find.

Clarity is a personal preference like anything else and it all depends on the stone, what & where the inclusions are.

 

[blueberrydot]

The first stone my FF and I considered was an SI1 from Blue Nile, and there was what looked like a tiny black pin-scratch across several of the lower girdle facets. It was completely eye-clean face up and FF didn''t see the inclusion at all when he inspected the diamond, but once I got my paws on it I found it in just a few seconds and he definitely saw it once I pointed it out to him. I actually did not think I''d be the type to be bothered by a visible inclusion if it was eye-clean from the top, but it turns out I am

. We sent it back and continued the search! However, if we had found an SI1 that was eye clean from all angles, I would have been perfectly happy with it.

 

[Circe]

Date: 12/8/2009 1:41:14 PM
Author: blueberrydot
The first stone my FF and I considered was an SI1 from Blue Nile, and there was what looked like a tiny black pin-scratch across several of the lower girdle facets. It was completely eye-clean face up and FF didn''t see the inclusion at all when he inspected the diamond, but once I got my paws on it I found it in just a few seconds and he definitely saw it once I pointed it out to him. I actually did not think I''d be the type to be bothered by a visible inclusion if it was eye-clean from the top, but it turns out I am

. We sent it back and continued the search! However, if we had found an SI1 that was eye clean from all angles, I would have been perfectly happy with it.

Aw, BBD, is that the fluorescent one you mentioned last week? Boo for eye-visibility ... are you going to keep looking through the SI1''s?

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I have two SI1 ACAs from WF and they're amazingly well-cut and eye clean. I cannot tell the difference between them and my other stone from WF, which is a VS2.

 

[jdazer]

thanks for all the replies. this is encouraging. i will definitely now consider looking for good value in the SI1 realm...

now, i am thinking about trying to edge more towards the carat, while sacrificing clarity and color...

questions -

1) probably a stupid question but... as the carat increases, does it become more difficult for a stone to become eye clean?
for example a 1ct SI1 vs a 1.5ct SI1?

2) Does color play a role in eye cleanliness whatsoever (I''m wondering if a "D" color would make inclusions more visible to the eye, for example)?

 

[Liane]

1. Yeah kinda. Bigger stone = more area for the eye to see + bigger, more windowlike facets = inclusions can become easier to spot. It''s not going to be a huge dramatic difference though, especially if it''s just moving from 1 carat to 1.5 (as opposed to a .25 carat vs. 10 carats).

2. Not really, no.

 

[blueberrydot]

Date: 12/8/2009 1:50:49 PM
Author: Circe

Date: 12/8/2009 1:41:14 PM

Author: blueberrydot

The first stone my FF and I considered was an SI1 from Blue Nile, and there was what looked like a tiny black pin-scratch across several of the lower girdle facets. It was completely eye-clean face up and FF didn''t see the inclusion at all when he inspected the diamond, but once I got my paws on it I found it in just a few seconds and he definitely saw it once I pointed it out to him. I actually did not think I''d be the type to be bothered by a visible inclusion if it was eye-clean from the top, but it turns out I am

. We sent it back and continued the search! However, if we had found an SI1 that was eye clean from all angles, I would have been perfectly happy with it.

Aw, BBD, is that the fluorescent one you mentioned last week? Boo for eye-visibility ... are you going to keep looking through the SI1''s?

No, the fluorescent one I mentioned last week is actually a VVS2 - and we bought it, yay!

 

[blessedwife]

I would have to agree with one of the other posts to go through a trusted jeweler. I just got an amazing SI2 stone that is flawless to the naked eye...very hard to find this and it''s stunning. They are out there but you would need to deal with a VERY good jeweler, maybe a little more high end who is known for great stones to find one like this. It''s worth it in the end. Good luck!

 

[blessedwife]

I would be careful about sacrificing color and there''s nothing more stunning then a near colorless stone. You can definitely find an amazing quality SI1 or SI2 stone if you work with a respected jeweler who is know for high quality stones. Keep looking, they are out there.

 

[blessedwife]

I wanted to address your other questions as well. I just got an AMAZING 3ct SI2 cushion with no visible inclusions, color F. It looks like a VS would and the near colorless color only makes it more amazing. Go with a near colorless stone and you won''t be disappointed, and try to find an SI1 or SI2 that has no visible inclusions. You don''t need to pay for a VS. Good luck!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 12/9/2009 11:18:49 PM
Author: blessedwife
I would be careful about sacrificing color and there''s nothing more stunning then a near colorless stone. You can definitely find an amazing quality SI1 or SI2 stone if you work with a respected jeweler who is know for high quality stones. Keep looking, they are out there.

Lots of people disagree with this, just pointing it out for the OP so he doesn''t think it is a universal belief. If he wants a larger diamond for his money, then more power to him if he chooses a lower color diamond. Color is a preference, many people adore lower colors or are willing to make the trade off for size.

*********

Find a trusted jeweler and tell them clearly what your preference is for the diamond being eye clean. Then there are no surprises.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 12/10/2009 12:46:31 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 12/9/2009 11:18:49 PM

Author: blessedwife

I would be careful about sacrificing color and there''s nothing more stunning then a near colorless stone. You can definitely find an amazing quality SI1 or SI2 stone if you work with a respected jeweler who is know for high quality stones. Keep looking, they are out there.

Lots of people disagree with this, just pointing it out for the OP so he doesn''t think it is a universal belief. If he wants a larger diamond for his money, then more power to him if he chooses a lower color diamond. Color is a preference, many people adore lower colors or are willing to make the trade off for size.

*********

Find a trusted jeweler and tell them clearly what your preference is for the diamond being eye clean. Then there are no surprises.

plus one.
The majority of the time, I will choose a J or K over a D or F - just personal preference (and yes, that includes without the price differential).

 

[vanderaf]

All Si1 stones are not created equal but there are a lot of nice SI1 stones out there including my e-ring diamond. I have an E Si1 stone that is 7mm and I cannot even see an inclusion with my 30x loupe even from the sides. I have a vs2 diamond that i can see an inclusion with my 30x loupe. Both eye clean to the naked eye. If you work with a trusted vendor they will find you a great Si1. I would not hesitate to purchase another one. Good luck!

 

[Bosie]

My wife''s ER is an I/SI1, 1.444 carats, round. Can''t see anything when you look at diamond. There is a cloud in the stone, but it is deep into it, not near surface. Very happy with purchase. Bought from online dealer who looked at it first. Best of luck.