I1 clarity-need help!

[arjunajane]

Hey guys, just seeking some advice on I1 stones to help make my purchase. I have read up on the threads about I1, and it seems that most ppl advise is to see the stone in person to decide whether an I1 will be ok or not..I am currently trying to decide betweena couple stones, and would love some more knowledgeable ppl than me to advise on whether these are "acceptable" inclusions.

This first is 1.01 PoH J I1 - Jonathan has informed me the inclusion is transparent, and I totally trust his opinion..however I stil have reservations about going to I1 - how muc do you guys think this will affect the stones performace, durability etc?
I''ll post the microscope images-sorry I don;t have more info about the nature of the incl - the cert adv its a feather.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 1:50:40 AM
Author:arjunajane

Hey guys, just seeking some advice on I1 stones to help make my purchase. I have read up on the threads about I1, and it seems that most ppl advise is to see the stone in person to decide whether an I1 will be ok or not..I am currently trying to decide betweena couple stones, and would love some more knowledgeable ppl than me to advise on whether these are ''acceptable'' inclusions.

This first is 1.01 PoH J I1 - Jonathan has informed me the inclusion is transparent, and I totally trust his opinion..however I stil have reservations about going to I1 - how muc do you guys think this will affect the stones performace, durability etc?
I''ll post the microscope images-sorry I don;t have more info about the nature of the incl - the cert adv its a feather.

And this second choice is a 1.14 J I1 jubilee - I love both cuts, so I guess it will come down to the incl''s - also, am i correct in my interpretation the Jubilees and Square H&A''s face up with a better spread than PoH''s, or is that just my ammature impression!?

 

[sera]

I''ve read here that the Jubilees face up a bit better than the PoH- not sure how much difference it actually makes. IDK about the Sq.H&A.

I have/would trust Jonathan (he told me my SI2 PoH was completely eyeclean and it absolutely is)... besides, they have a 30 day return policy, right? So, just in case the inclusion is not something you can live with, you can return it and get one with higher clarity.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 2:13:21 AM
Author: sera
I''ve read here that the Jubilees face up a bit better than the PoH- not sure how much difference it actually makes. IDK about the Sq.H&A.

I have/would trust Jonathan (he told me my SI2 PoH was completely eyeclean and it absolutely is)... besides, they have a 30 day return policy, right? So, just in case the inclusion is not something you can live with, you can return it and get one with higher clarity.

Hi sera, thnks for the input..I appreciate the 30day return policy is a great thing, but the thing is , I will be having it set (most likely custom) before seeing the stone and having it shipped to australia all finished - if i start to feel bad about the I1, i don''t think i can return a custom made ring, what do u think? perhaps they''l let me send it back to reset with a diff stone?
I guess I should just be asking Jon!

 

[sera]

Yeah, I would ask him. Personally, if I''m not sure, I tend to play it safe.

I knew I could go lower than F and still have a stone that faces up, but I really didn''t want to go through the trouble of finding out it wasn''t white enough... I didn''t want to take the chance of seeing color from a side angle... it would totally bug me. So, the F was mind clean for me. If I1 isn''t mind clean for you no matter what it physically looks like, I wouldn''t go with it. Have you asked him about making a video? Then you could see it up close and maybe make a decision.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 3:00:46 AM
Author: sera
Yeah, I would ask him. Personally, if I''m not sure, I tend to play it safe.

I knew I could go lower than F and still have a stone that faces up, but I really didn''t want to go through the trouble of finding out it wasn''t white enough... I didn''t want to take the chance of seeing color from a side angle... it would totally bug me. So, the F was mind clean for me. If I1 isn''t mind clean for you no matter what it physically looks like, I wouldn''t go with it. Have you asked him about making a video? Then you could see it up close and maybe make a decision.

Yeah, I have asked him for a vid - I''m just a lil impatient! and more than a lil obsessed!
By the way, your PoH is just fab-your pics are some of the ones that made me decide on this type of cut..Have you had it put in its permanent setting yet?
Re with color, from what I''ve seen, I actually kinda prefer the h-i-j colours that still face up without yellow, but are a bit warmer. But if I only i could get this combo in SI2 or higher in my price

Nothing against GOG, but any idea if anyone else trades in PH''s ?

 

[Lorelei]

Hi Jane,

Nice pick of shape, I guess you decided against an asscher?

These Jubes are beautifully cut, so let Jon advise you according to what type of setting you want, as it may be possible to minimise the inclusions as the major ones look to be on the edge, by hiding with a prong etc.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 5:14:41 AM
Author: Lorelei
Hi Jane,

Nice pick of shape, I guess you decided against an asscher?

These Jubes are beautifully cut, so let Jon advise you according to what type of setting you want, as it may be possible to minimise the inclusions as the major ones look to be on the edge, by hiding with a prong etc.

Hey lorelei, nice to hear from u again..I kinda decided against the asscher for the moment, as in the price/size range i''m looiking in, eventually i learnt most ppls opnions are it wasn;t realy worth it..as much I love them, put I really think the PoH and jubilee are amazing.
Any opinions, between the two images above, which one you think seems "less" included, the PoH or the Jube? To me the PoH one seems smaller, but then again i have no idea bout this technical stuf!
I''ll attach a pic here of the kinda setting I''m loving, from the A Jaffe range - I quite like largerprongs, so I''m hoping we could cover up either inclusion..

I thought I could ask ur opinion aswell - seeing as GOG don''t carry Jaffe, would I better off buying the stone and sending it to Jaffe to set, or vice versa? Or starting from scratch and having GOG create something custom along those lines...
AAAhhhh so many questions, I know!

 

[bem3231]

Date: 1/27/2008 2:48:09 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/27/2008 2:13:21 AM


I have/would trust Jonathan (he told me my SI2 PoH was completely eyeclean and it absolutely is)... besides, they have a 30 day return policy, right? So, just in case the inclusion is not something you can live with, you can return it and get one with higher clarity.

Hi sera, thnks for the input..I appreciate the 30day return policy is a great thing, but the thing is , I will be having it set (most likely custom) before seeing the stone and having it shipped to australia all finished - if i start to feel bad about the I1, i don''t think i can return a custom made ring, what do u think? perhaps they''l let me send it back to reset with a diff stone?

I guess I should just be asking Jon!

Is there any way that you could purchase one of the I1''s from Jon (in order to maximize your bang for the buck), have a look at it, and then get it set in Australia? I have heard that diamonds are quite a bit more expensive there, but surely you could find a good goldsmith to replicate the setting that you want? As suggested, a custom setting that might hide inclusions as much as possible would probably be ideal. I totally trust Jon as well, but agree that you need to be at peace with your stone. I wouldn''t worry about inclusions affecting light performance or durability if Jon give you the thumbs up. I''m currently purchasing a pair of I1 studs from him!

 

[arjunajane]

purchase one of the I1''s from Jon (in order to maximize your bang for the buck), have a look at it, and then get it set in Australia?

Hey Bem..I''m sure what your suggesting is possible, and i have given it some thought..but to be honest, your spot on when you say stones aren''t cheap here - at least at one B&M, which has the rep of the "premium jewelers of Perth", any prices they quoted me there were just ridiculous - and of the course the SA who said she''s been with them for 20 odd yrs didn''t even know what an ideal scope is!

I would have to do some more research to see if i could find a quality jeweller to make a seting, however from what i''ve heard, if you purchase a stone elsewhere, then take it to a B&M to be set, there''s often alot of professional jealousy that they didn''t get your business..I wouldn''t want an Angry

jeweller making an inferior setting for me cuz i didn''t make the entire purchase with them, if you get my drift?

And I guess the other is tax - I kinda need to be sure, as I need to add 10% to bring in an unset stone..

Anyway, food for thought!
And I totally agree, I trust Jon''s opinion for sure - I hope he''s making some more video for more sooner rather than later!! the indecision is driving me crazy!

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 1/27/2008 1:17:23 PM
Author: arjunajane
purchase one of the I1''s from Jon (in order to maximize your bang for the buck), have a look at it, and then get it set in Australia?

Hey Bem..I''m sure what your suggesting is possible, and i have given it some thought..but to be honest, your spot on when you say stones aren''t cheap here - at least at one B&M, which has the rep of the ''premium jewelers of Perth'', any prices they quoted me there were just ridiculous - and of the course the SA who said she''s been with them for 20 odd yrs didn''t even know what an ideal scope is!

I would have to do some more research to see if i could find a quality jeweller to make a seting, however from what i''ve heard, if you purchase a stone elsewhere, then take it to a B&M to be set, there''s often alot of professional jealousy that they didn''t get your business..I wouldn''t want an Angry

jeweller making an inferior setting for me cuz i didn''t make the entire purchase with them, if you get my drift?

And I guess the other is tax - I kinda need to be sure, as I need to add 10% to bring in an unset stone..

Anyway, food for thought!
And I totally agree, I trust Jon''s opinion for sure - I hope he''s making some more video for more sooner rather than later!! the indecision is driving me crazy!

have it set in a $15 sterling silver setting and its no longer unset if there is 10% extra tax....

 

[sera]

Date: 1/27/2008 4:37:30 AM
Author: arjunajane
Yeah, I have asked him for a vid - I''m just a lil impatient! and more than a lil obsessed!

By the way, your PoH is just fab-your pics are some of the ones that made me decide on this type of cut..Have you had it put in its permanent setting yet?

Re with color, from what I''ve seen, I actually kinda prefer the h-i-j colours that still face up without yellow, but are a bit warmer. But if I only i could get this combo in SI2 or higher in my price

Nothing against GOG, but any idea if anyone else trades in PH''s ?

Glad my PoH could help enable your obsession!

Mine isn''t in it''s permanent setting yet, but the permanent setting will be made by Maytal Hannah- it will be a bezel halo with trap sides and pave.

If you''re set on the color and size and the I keeps you in your price range, it sounds like the inclusion might not be very noticeable at all. The amount of sparkle and fire that comes out of the PoH (and I''m guessing a Jube) would really help hide the inclusion, I think... plus Jon said it''s transparent (and I''m assuming not effecting the sparkle)... it sounds like a great deal (IF it''s what you want). I would maybe still look at other options, and not make a final decision until you see the video- I hope you''re more than happy with the PoH or Jube and get something you absolutely love with no regrets!

I think PSers have advised sending a stock ring to have the diamond set where you purchased it. If custom, the diamond would go to the designer so they could perfectly match the setting to your diamond.

 

[sera]

I just looked at both these stones (you might want to reserve both of these until you decide!) and realized they both have med. fluorescence- do you know if they are facing up as warm as you want?

The other thing, although the Jube is bigger... it seems (from my very-non-expert-humble opinion) from the pictures that the inclusions in the Jube are effecting the appearance/performance more than the PoH??? Hopefully an expert can comment on the stats (especially since GOG is closed until Tuesday!)???

 

[kcoursolle]

I considered a beautiful F I1 1.05 stone from JamesAllen that was at a bargain basement price. It was eye clean according to the crew at JA. However, I ultimately didn''t buy it because even if I received it and it was eye clean I think I would have always been bothered by it. However, if you think you can deal with the I1 thing than they sure can be a bargain!!! I would definitely trust people''s opinions over there and you do have the 30 day return policy to protect you. However, if the taxes and return shipping prices end up being as much as it would cost to get an SI2...then I would definitely go that route.

 

[arjunajane]

have it set in a $15 sterling silver setting and its no longer unset if there is 10% extra tax....

Thankyou for the idea storm..unfortunately, its 10% if unset, and 15% when set! I know, totally unfair!
Just on another tip..any suggestions on the two stones above? Any preference?

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 2:09:05 PM
Author: sera
I just looked at both these stones (you might want to reserve both of these until you decide!) and realized they both have med. fluorescence- do you know if they are facing up as warm as you want?

The other thing, although the Jube is bigger... it seems (from my very-non-expert-humble opinion) from the pictures that the inclusions in the Jube are effecting the appearance/performance more than the PoH??? Hopefully an expert can comment on the stats (especially since GOG is closed until Tuesday!)???

Thankyou for your thoughts KCoursolle..evrey opinion helps!

Sera, thankyou so much for taking enough interest to look - do you have any idea how to "bump" a thread, so maybe I can get some experts to chime in?
I think I agree with you on the PoH, that was my first (uneducated) instinct. With regards to the fluor, are you saying that this will make the I/J colour face up cooler/whiter than without any fluor present? If so, i don''t really see this as a bad thing!

Just on another tip altogether, I''m considering, seeing as I have to make a few "sacrifices" it seems here, to maybe just go with 0.5 H SI1 PoH for now, and a less elaborate setting, then take advantage of GOG upgrade policy later in life? It wouldn''t be the "ring of my dreams", but I''m sure it''d stil look great..

What do you think? I know that PS''s are all partial to 1ct and above!

 

[sera]

Yes, blue fluorescence will mask the warm yellow tint a bit... I was thinking you preferred the warm appearance.

A thread will bump after each post. I would really, really reserve those diamonds if you''re interested. And then, maybe make a new thread titled "expert help on this poh" or something.

I think the upgrade is a great idea. I''m not sure if I''ll ever upgrade, but the option is there. Just remember, a lot of people here... their big rocks are their upgrades and many people are at different places in their lives. Cut is #1... so if a top cut .5ct diamond is in the budget, kewl; if a top cut 2ct is in the budget, kewl. Many here are fortunate to start off with big rings, but IRL, the average diamond is well under a carat. There is nothing wrong with a .5ct diamond at all. And really, the "average" diamond is not going to be as well cut as the PoH (or the other excellent stones PSers have)... so, in a

beat I would take that .5 PoH over a 1ct average diamond!!!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 10:46:05 PM
Author: sera
Yes, blue fluorescence will mask the warm yellow tint a bit... I was thinking you preferred the warm appearance.

A thread will bump after each post. I would really, really reserve those diamonds if you''re interested. And then, maybe make a new thread titled ''expert help on this poh'' or something.

I think the upgrade is a great idea. I''m not sure if I''ll ever upgrade, but the option is there. Just remember, a lot of people here... their big rocks are their upgrades and many people are at different places in their lives. Cut is #1... so if a top cut .5ct diamond is in the budget, kewl; if a top cut 2ct is in the budget, kewl. Many here are fortunate to start off with big rings, but IRL, the average diamond is well under a carat. There is nothing wrong with a .5ct diamond at all. And really, the ''average'' diamond is not going to be as well cut as the PoH (or the other excellent stones PSers have)... so, in a

beat I would take that .5 PoH over a 1ct average diamond!!!

Sera, you''re a lifesaver..to be honest, before finding PS, I always thought that .5ct would be plenty for me, especially as I have small hands (I think my ring finger is 3.5 - 4). I guess reading all this info and seeing all the 1ct and bigger stones can give a distorted vision! I''m going to take your advice and put both the 0.5 PoH and the larger one on hold..I do appreciate the appearance of the warmer stones, but I definately won''t say no to an H either!
I think you''re right, i may start a new thread asking for "expert advice", to help with the final decision on the I1..However, i think well-thought out kind words like yours can be more helpful any day!
thankyou for all your help, i''ll be sure to keep everone posted on my progress!

 

[arjunajane]

I''m going to take your advice and put both the 0.5 PoH and the larger one on hold..

Ok, need help! Sorry, am I missing something, or is there another way to put things on hold at GOG other than going through the checkout process and making a deposit? (or is that the only way??)
sorry, confused, do I just email Jon and tell him my intentions, or do I need to put the deposit? i''m sure this sounds soo dumb

 

[bem3231]

Date: 1/27/2008 10:14:55 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/27/2008 2:09:05 PM

Author: sera


Just on another tip altogether, I''m considering, seeing as I have to make a few ''sacrifices'' it seems here, to maybe just go with 0.5 H SI1 PoH for now, and a less elaborate setting, then take advantage of GOG upgrade policy later in life? It wouldn''t be the ''ring of my dreams'', but I''m sure it''d stil look great..


What do you think? I know that PS''s are all partial to 1ct and above!

One thing that I''ve read on here a few times is not to choose a ring with an upgrade in mind. That said, the GOG upgrade policy is awesome and a definite benefit. Have you considered getting one of the I1 stones in order to maximize your budget, and then use the possibility of an upgrade down the road to get better clarity in a similar size stone? That way you could keep your setting and just look at upgrading the stone within the same size - or not if you end up being totally pleased with the I1, which you may well. Just a thought.

Oh, and my only experience with GOG was to actually put the $500 deposit on the stone to hold, although I would imagine if you spoke to Jon he might give you other alternatives under the circumstances.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/27/2008 11:24:37 PM
Author: bem3231

Date: 1/27/2008 10:14:55 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/27/2008 2:09:05 PM

Author: sera


Just on another tip altogether, I''m considering, seeing as I have to make a few ''sacrifices'' it seems here, to maybe just go with 0.5 H SI1 PoH for now, and a less elaborate setting, then take advantage of GOG upgrade policy later in life? It wouldn''t be the ''ring of my dreams'', but I''m sure it''d stil look great..


What do you think? I know that PS''s are all partial to 1ct and above!

One thing that I''ve read on here a few times is not to choose a ring with an upgrade in mind. That said, the GOG upgrade policy is awesome and a definite benefit. Have you considered getting one of the I1 stones in order to maximize your budget, and then use the possibility of an upgrade down the road to get better clarity in a similar size stone? That way you could keep your setting and just look at upgrading the stone within the same size - or not if you end up being totally pleased with the I1, which you may well. Just a thought.

Oh, and my only experience with GOG was to actually put the $500 deposit on the stone to hold, although I would imagine if you spoke to Jon he might give you other alternatives under the circumstances.

Thanks Bem for your input..To be totaly honest, the 1ct is pretty much outta my pricepoint (though I may be willing to go higher for the "right" stone).
I totally undersatnd what you''re saying about the setting and upgrade, thats a really good POV. If it was just for a solitaire I would grab the 0.5ct no worries, however, my tastes in settings are a little more "elaborate", and others have said that a 0.5 would get "lost" in my setting. I will post pics below, as I would love your ideas. On the A Jaffe site, it does say that these rings accomodate 0.5 or larger..
thanks for your inpuy!

 

[sera]

Date: 1/27/2008 11:15:33 PM
Author: arjunajane
I''m going to take your advice and put both the 0.5 PoH and the larger one on hold..


Ok, need help! Sorry, am I missing something, or is there another way to put things on hold at GOG other than going through the checkout process and making a deposit? (or is that the only way??)

sorry, confused, do I just email Jon and tell him my intentions, or do I need to put the deposit? i''m sure this sounds soo dumb

OK... I''m confused too, lol. I''m on PoH overload. Anyway, I would put both on hold. The 1.01 and .5 until you decide. I can''t recall exactly, but I think you click the "Reserve Diamond" and then there is a payment option... you do the one that is not immediate... says by check or by mail. If Jon says that 1.01 is good, if I were you, I would jump on it before someone else does... there are hundreds of people veiwing these threads and clicking your links and looking at the diamonds you''re looking at.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/28/2008 12:40:52 AM
Author: sera

Date: 1/27/2008 11:15:33 PM
Author: arjunajane
I''m going to take your advice and put both the 0.5 PoH and the larger one on hold..


Ok, need help! Sorry, am I missing something, or is there another way to put things on hold at GOG other than going through the checkout process and making a deposit? (or is that the only way??)

sorry, confused, do I just email Jon and tell him my intentions, or do I need to put the deposit? i''m sure this sounds soo dumb

OK... I''m confused too, lol. I''m on PoH overload. Anyway, I would put both on hold. The 1.01 and .5 until you decide. I can''t recall exactly, but I think you click the ''Reserve Diamond'' and then there is a payment option... you do the one that is not immediate... says by check or by mail. If Jon says that 1.01 is good, if I were you, I would jump on it before someone else does... there are hundreds of people veiwing these threads and clicking your links and looking at the diamonds you''re looking at.

Hey Sera, I''m not sure what to do..I''ve gone through the process of clicking on "reserve diamond", all the payment options are only credit card and bank wire transfer, then when I can continue, it says its gonna bill the deposit (upwards of $800!) to my credit card - I know I can get it back if change my mind..but not sure if can make that kinda financial commitment..there has to be another way??
I guess I''ll just email Jon and explainmy dilemma, ask him to hold them/it, and hope no one nips me to the finish line!
Does anyone know a way of reserving without having to charge ur credit card???

 

[sera]

Date: 1/28/2008 1:13:37 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/28/2008 12:40:52 AM

Author: sera

Date: 1/27/2008 11:15:33 PM

Author: arjunajane

I''m going to take your advice and put both the 0.5 PoH and the larger one on hold..



Ok, need help! Sorry, am I missing something, or is there another way to put things on hold at GOG other than going through the checkout process and making a deposit? (or is that the only way??)


sorry, confused, do I just email Jon and tell him my intentions, or do I need to put the deposit? i''m sure this sounds soo dumb

OK... I''m confused too, lol. I''m on PoH overload. Anyway, I would put both on hold. The 1.01 and .5 until you decide. I can''t recall exactly, but I think you click the ''Reserve Diamond'' and then there is a payment option... you do the one that is not immediate... says by check or by mail. If Jon says that 1.01 is good, if I were you, I would jump on it before someone else does... there are hundreds of people veiwing these threads and clicking your links and looking at the diamonds you''re looking at.

Hey Sera, I''m not sure what to do..I''ve gone through the process of clicking on ''reserve diamond'', all the payment options are only credit card and bank wire transfer, then when I can continue, it says its gonna bill the deposit (upwards of $800!) to my credit card - I know I can get it back if change my mind..but not sure if can make that kinda financial commitment..there has to be another way??

I guess I''ll just email Jon and explainmy dilemma, ask him to hold them/it, and hope no one nips me to the finish line!

Does anyone know a way of reserving without having to charge ur credit card???

I can''t remember how I did it... I clicked some option but nothing was charged... it just reserves it, it wasn''t a deposit even though it gives the impression it is a deposit (hopefully someone who remembers can tell you). GOG is closed tomorrow.

Well, I''m off to bed... hope everything works out!

 

[arjunajane]

Ok, thanks for ur support Sera - I have sent Jon an email to reserve it, he knows I am interested in that stone as we spoke on the phone on friday, so hopefully everything goes fine..Sorry to keep you up, its the middle of the day here!

 

[Deelight]

Arjunajane I agree the diamond prices here are beyond belief

If your getting the ring sent to Australia already set ask them to list the setting price separately from the diamond I have heard that way you may only have the pay the import duty of 5% on the setting as opposed to the whole package

You still have to pay GST but that might make it cheaper

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/28/2008 3:12:31 AM
Author: Deelight
Arjunajane I agree the diamond prices here are beyond belief

If your getting the ring sent to Australia already set ask them to list the setting price separately from the diamond I have heard that way you may only have the pay the import duty of 5% on the setting as opposed to the whole package

You still have to pay GST but that might make it cheaper

Oh thats really helpful advice, thankyou deelight! I will definately ask about that when it comes to having my prescious package sent in! its nice to hear from a fellow aussie-what city are u in?

 

[Deelight]

No worries, I''m in Queensland

Congratulations on finding a beauty of a looking diamond