So, I purchased an expensive diamond ring for my fiance. It''s an SI1 quality diamond and when I inspected the bare stone in the store I did not notice any defects to the naked eye (though there were quite a few under magnification).
Anyway, when I finally received the mounted ring, I noticed a large cloud (for lack of a better word) on the side of the diamond which I could see with the naked eye from arm''s length away. The cloud is in an area directly on the side of the diamond, where you would think the jeweler''s forceps would have held the diamond as it was mounted on the setting.
Anyway, I brought the cloud to the attention of the jeweler, and he examined it and compared it to the GIA certificate and he pointed out that the certificate did say that there was a feather in the area we now see the cloud and as a result this cloud was there the whole time. Furthermore, when I asked how this diamond could be rated an SI1 clarity diamond when there is a defect visible to the naked eye at arm''s length away, he replied that diamond clarity is graded from the top and not from the side.
My questions are... Is diamond quality graded strictly from the top (which would mean that large defects on the side or bottom are completely ignored)? Is it possible that the jeweler damaged the diamond while mounting it (which would mean imply that they are now lying to cover it up)? And, do I have any recourse at this time?
It''s been several months since I purchased the diamond. The jeweler has an upgrade policy wherein customers can trade up to a more expensive diamond. I first brought the diamond defect to their attention several months ago, and after getting their story saying that the diamond was like that beforehand, then decided that I wanted to upgrade the diamond. Since then, they say that they are having a hard time finding a better diamond than the one I have. FYI, it''s a little over two carats, cushion cut, E color, so maybe there is some truth to their excuse about difficulty... but looking on Blue Nile, I see at least a dozen diamonds that would be similar or better than the one I bought.
Anyway, the whole experience has been extremely frustrating... all the more so since having paid for the original diamond they don''t seem to really be paying much attention to me anymore. I guess ultimately I was wondering what you guys would do if you were in my situation. Thanks in advance for the advice...
Anyway, when I finally received the mounted ring, I noticed a large cloud (for lack of a better word) on the side of the diamond which I could see with the naked eye from arm''s length away. The cloud is in an area directly on the side of the diamond, where you would think the jeweler''s forceps would have held the diamond as it was mounted on the setting.
Anyway, I brought the cloud to the attention of the jeweler, and he examined it and compared it to the GIA certificate and he pointed out that the certificate did say that there was a feather in the area we now see the cloud and as a result this cloud was there the whole time. Furthermore, when I asked how this diamond could be rated an SI1 clarity diamond when there is a defect visible to the naked eye at arm''s length away, he replied that diamond clarity is graded from the top and not from the side.
My questions are... Is diamond quality graded strictly from the top (which would mean that large defects on the side or bottom are completely ignored)? Is it possible that the jeweler damaged the diamond while mounting it (which would mean imply that they are now lying to cover it up)? And, do I have any recourse at this time?
It''s been several months since I purchased the diamond. The jeweler has an upgrade policy wherein customers can trade up to a more expensive diamond. I first brought the diamond defect to their attention several months ago, and after getting their story saying that the diamond was like that beforehand, then decided that I wanted to upgrade the diamond. Since then, they say that they are having a hard time finding a better diamond than the one I have. FYI, it''s a little over two carats, cushion cut, E color, so maybe there is some truth to their excuse about difficulty... but looking on Blue Nile, I see at least a dozen diamonds that would be similar or better than the one I bought.
Anyway, the whole experience has been extremely frustrating... all the more so since having paid for the original diamond they don''t seem to really be paying much attention to me anymore. I guess ultimately I was wondering what you guys would do if you were in my situation. Thanks in advance for the advice...