Irradiated?

[Kimmy]

For years I have had an inherited 2.21 ct yellow diamond. It's got a bit of a greenish/brownish tint to it. I was told it was untreated, but I sent it to GIA for grading to get more information. The GIA report says that it is irradiated and graded it I2 based on clouds not shown. I've looked at it with a loop and had several jewelers look at it. It is very clear! I ordered rush service. Is there any possible way that GIA was wrong about it being irradiated or their clarity grade?

The stone has been sitting unset for years, but I've finally purchased a setting. This is more for peace of mind than anything else.

 

[tyty333]

Just wondering if you have any up close pictures of the stone to post? I am curious.

 

[MollyMalone]

Diamonds have been commercially irradiated for decades, so the fact that the diamond was purchased years ago doesn't mean it's wholly natural. I suppose it's possible that GIA flubbed the spectroscopic analysis. For peace of mind, you can have GIA do a re-run for (I think) half the usual cost, if not more than 60 days have passed since the date of your report; see description of ReCheck/Final Observation here:
http://www.gia.edu/gem-lab-service/diamond-services

 

[Kimmy]

I'm a terrible diamond photographer and my camera is broken. I just had the stone set. Here are some pictures:

 

[arkieb1]

It seems right to me. I'd guess irradiation would have made this particular stone less brown and more yellow.

 

[heididdl]

It looks right to me. I had a similar situation . My mom had a 1 carat marquis canary...My sister inherited it .The appraisal that went with the stone said natural canary yellow. When she had it appraised by an indepdnent appraiser after her inheritance she was told it was irradiated.

 

[denverappraiser]

Irradiated color treatment is a pretty easy call with the right tools and GIA definitely has the right tools. There's always some risk of an error with any human but I think your chances here are extremely low.

I2 is a judgment call that annoys nearly everyone. What they're seeing is that the cloud seriously affects the transparency of the stone. It's hard to tell from a photograph but that seems entirely possible. You've got the stone. Does it? Here too I think the chances of an upgrade on a recheck aren't really all that high and they payoff wouldn't justify the fees, pulling and resetting, shipping, insurance, and the time.

 

[chrono]

Based on the latest photographs, I don't think GIA made any mistakes as to the treatment nor clarity grading.

 

[momhappy]

Yes, I agree that based on your images, it seems like GIA got it right. From my experience (which I will admit is limited), irradiated yellows are fairly easy to spot.

 

[Kimmy]

Oh well...

I will just have to accept that the stone is treated and try to enjoy it for what it is.

 

[sweet_jane]

Oh well...

I will just have to accept that the stone is treated and try to enjoy it for what it is.

Wear it in good health and happiness! Your ring is beautiful and reminds me of a daisy