HELP! should I stay away from SI3 stones?

[fraggle30]

I've heard a lot of bad news regarding SI3 stones. Some say your paying more for what is essentially an I1 stone. Do you agree? Can buying an SI3 stone ever be a good deal or is it just a scam? Is a GIA rated I1 stone always less valuable then an EGL SI3? Just give me your general opinion on SI3 stones if you will, I would greatly appreciate it!!!!!!! Thanks so much!!!!!!

 

[kelpie]

I would say the same stone with two certificates, one from each lab, would command a higher price sold with the GIA I1 grading. EGL USA is the strictest of the EGL divisions and the consensus still seems to be they are 1-2 grades more generous than GIA. You have to decide whether the inclusions bother you. Can you see them with your naked eye? Does the jeweler think they pose a durability risk? Is the inclusion in a good place to put a prong over?

ETA- I just bought an EGL graded fancy yellow SI3 and I have to say it did not look nearly as messy under a 50x microscope as I was expecting.