How do you know if a diamond sparkles.

[NM1981]

I just received my 0.7 karat, AGS Ideal 0 diamond from Blue Nile. It scored a 1.5 on the HCA. The question I have is, how do I know it sparkles. Sure, it has some brilliance, fire and scintillation but nowhere near what I was expecting. Now, I am not an expert and I am sure this diamond will sparkle ten times as much in a jewelry store show case, but how do I know if the amount of sparkle is good for a stone this size or if it is not as good.

Do I look at it under natural sunlight or any specific sort of lighting ? Can I take it somewhere to get it tested ?

Just not sure here - any help would be appreciated.

EDIT: I am based in Toronto, if anyone could recommend someone that would take a look at this stone for me, that would be great.

 

[NM1981]

Anyone ?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It is AGS0, which means it is Ideal in light performance. It will appear different in different lighting. Go somewhere like Home Depot where there are overhead halogen lights. You'll see the superior light performance in that environment (but be careful because someone might try to grab it from you!). You don't need it tested...it already has been!

 

[Dreamer_D]

It is AGS0, which means it is Ideal in light performance. It will appear different in different lighting. Go somewhere like Home Depot where there are overhead halogen lights. You'll see the superior light performance in that environment (but be careful because someone might try to grab it from you!). You don't need it tested...it already has been!

Exactly!

 

[Dreamer_D]

And I want to add that new diamond buyers sometimes expect too much from diamonds, especially after reading these forums. They think that a diamond will look like a little sun all the time and sparkle like fireworks! But, as a wise PSer likes to say, diamond appearance is about four things: Lighting, lighting, lighting, and cut.

Your stone is the top cut available on the market. It looks like an ideal cut diamond should look! Enjoy.

Caveat: If the clarity grade is SI1 or lower and the grade making inclusions are primarily clouds or there is a note saying "clarity grade is based on clouds not shown" then it is *possible* inclusions are affecting its optics. It could also be dirty. Get it cleaned and take it out as DS said.

 

[kindred]

I agree with the advice to clean the diamond really well, especially on the underside. Then try it out in different lighting, and try wiggling the diamond around.

 

[marksperbug]

Yup,i agree too.

 

[ecf8503]

Home Depot. And Toys R Us.

 

[Regular Guy]

I agree with all the previous. Also...

Now, I am not an expert and I am sure this diamond will sparkle ten times as much in a jewelry store show case, but how do I know if the amount of sparkle is good for a stone this size or if it is not as good.

.

Go to a store with the lights, like Tiffanys, Birks, etc, and DO compare. Tell em the truth...that if yours fails, you're shopping, which might encourgage them to want to help you compare. Trust your eyes.


Ira Z.

 

[NM1981]

And I want to add that new diamond buyers sometimes expect too much from diamonds, especially after reading these forums. They think that a diamond will look like a little sun all the time and sparkle like fireworks! But, as a wise PSer likes to say, diamond appearance is about four things: Lighting, lighting, lighting, and cut.

Your stone is the top cut available on the market. It looks like an ideal cut diamond should look! Enjoy.

Caveat: If the clarity grade is SI1 or lower and the grade making inclusions are primarily clouds or there is a note saying "clarity grade is based on clouds not shown" then it is *possible* inclusions are affecting its optics. It could also be dirty. Get it cleaned and take it out as DS said.

Thank You every one for the replies. You've really made me feel a lot better.

One follow up question - the diamond is in fact an SI 1 and has very faint clouds on the AGS certificate - and it does say additional clouds not shown - is it possible that this could affect light performance, or does the AGS 0 incorporate all of that when it grades the diamond for light performance.

Here's a copy of the report.
http://www.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-or-less-ideal-cut-h-color-si1-clarity_LD02286425?pubid=k244266&lid=j26493690k244266&sid=bnus_1380349735

Also, is my setting less than ideal i.e. Can the type of setting I chose affect the light performance ?
http://www.bluenile.com/diamond-engagement-ring-setting-white-gold_20402

 

[slg47]

is your diamond clean? make sure to clean it.

also if you are concerned you can take it to a store and compare (as Regular Guy suggested) or take it to an independent appraiser