How would you grade this stone with a feather

[ajm1980]

I recently purchased a round stone from a reputable pricescope seller. I couldn''t afford a GIA stone in the size, so I did tons of research and decided to look for a good EGL stone. I have the certificate but not in front of me, but the stone as graded by EGL is 1.27CT, VS2, F color, excellent cut. Since it is EGL Europe, it also has a note about the stone having hearts and arrows, which I verified and they do actually look good even though EGL tends to use this note loosely. Anyway, after comparing and looking at lots of stones, I really liked this one. I know the grading is likely not accurate and I believe the color to be G. My question is on Clarity. Without magnification, from the top, the stone is completely eye-clean From the side, there is a feather that can be seen that starts from pretty close to the top of the stone (but doesn''t reach the top surface), and runs vertical and is about half as deep as the stone. It is completely internal and doesn''t reach the outside of the stone. Again, from the top, the stone is beautiful, sparkly, and completely eye-clean. Under a loupe, you can see a small mark where the feather is from the top. Besides this inclusion, there are 2 other minor notes on the cert, I don''t recall but I know they weren''t major. I believe the feather is the grade making inclusion. I truly believe that the stone is a G, color, SI1 because of the inclusion. I want to take the diamond to GIA just for the heck of it for grading, i''m keeping it no matter the results because i''m happy with it but in your opinon, how would GIA grade it based on the feather. I''m not clear on how they handle an inclusion like that where from the face the diamond looks perfect, but has a relatively large inclusion. My jeweler thinks it can be as good as VS2, or as bad as I1 depending on the grader.

Thoughts?

 

[stone-cold11]

Clarity is graded based on face up view with a 10X magnification.

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi all!

Clarity grading is done with a 10 power loupe- the stone is examined from all angles to spot any possible imperfection.
A common misconception is that the clarity grade is based on visibility- or if the stone is eye clean.
The clarity grade is not based on an imperfection''s visibility, rather clarity grade is based on the presence of imperfection. A tiny spot in the center of the table might grade VS2- yet the spot might be visible.
Or, the stone could have a large feather only visible through the girdle- completely clean from the top- yet the size of the feather causes the grade to be I1.

ajm- it''s unusual to find an imperfection that might either be VS2 or I1. As you already know, it''s not likely GIA would issue the same grade- but if you love the stone, and feel you got a good deal, enjoy!!

 

[ajm1980]

David,

I you hit my concern right on the head. You stated that "A common misconception is that the clarity grade is based on visibility- or if the stone is eye clean" and its more based on the inclusion''s presence. I''ve heard both and that''s why i''m confused and asked the question. I''ve read by supposed experts that the clarity grading should be based on looking at the face of the stone and what imperfections are observed. Others have agreed with what you said. In this case, the stone is truly clean to my eyes, and I have 20/20 vision. However if viewed from the side, the feather is clearly visible.

 

[kenny]

You wrote that you can see the feather from the side.
Is that okay with you, or not?

If so, keep it.
If not, exchange it.

I would think that which clarity grade this or that lab would give it is less important than whether seeing the feather from the side is a deal breaker for you.

 

[Rockdiamond]

ajm- is the stone currently set?
Personally, an imperfection visible from the side would not bother me- and it might be obscured by a setting anyway.

If you do research on the web- or in jewelry stores- you''re going to get a lot of conflicting answers.
I am quite sure of the accuracy of my answer- but maybe others are as well.
I''m basing my answer on direct conversations with GIA personnel as well as personal observation of literally tens of thousands of GIA graded diamonds..... and I LOVE the value of eye clean SI2''s and I1''s

regardless of that- I''m concerned that the considerations you''re having might interfere with what should be a totally joyous purchase.

 

[ajm1980]

the fact the the feather exists actually doesn''t bother me in the least I love the stone. I think i''ll take it to GIA just out of curiosity just to see how they grade it but at least based on your feedback I know what to expect. I''ll let you know how it turns out. Like I said, even if they grade it an I1, I don''t care it''s just out of sheer curiosity, and hey maybe i''ll get lucky and the grading will be better than that. If not, I wasted $100.