Is this really an SI1?

[operationsplendour]

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03624378

I'm a completely lost noob looking to buy an average engagement ring so I'm hoping all the experts on this board can provide me with some advice. Above link is a diamond I'm looking at, which, based on the GIA report, looks extremely clean compared to most other SI1s I've seen. Can anybody shed some light on why that's possible?

Also, there is a comment about "Clarity grades is based on clouds that are not shown". Should I be worried about that?

Thanks!

 

[SMC]

The SI1 is because of the clouds. I would be worried about it because I think that the overall look of the diamond may be more cloudy and less sparkly than you'd like. In the absence of pictures, I'd probably pass on this diamond.

It also scores a 2.6 on the HCA (https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca), which isn't bad, but you want below 2.

 

[operationsplendour]

Thanks. Any idea why the cloud(s?) is not marked on the diagram? I read somewhere that the "Comments" section of GIA reports generally only notes minor and insignificant blemishes/inclusions.

 

[SMC]

Thanks. Any idea why the cloud(s?) is not marked on the diagram? I read somewhere that the "Comments" section of GIA reports generally only notes minor and insignificant blemishes/inclusions.

I'm guessing the clouds aren't marked because it is dispersed throughout the entire stone thus making it too complicated to mark up. Also, the plotting diagram is intended to show distinguishing inclusions in a stone, and I think clouds aren't usually distinguishing. I'm thinking that the overall look is milky or cloudy.

If the comments say that the clarity grade is based on clouds not shown, then the note is neither minor nor insignificant. In the absence of pictures or actual human eyes on the stone, I'd probably pass.

 

[operationsplendour]

Thanks!

Would this a much better buy?

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03633740

 

[SMC]

Thanks!

Would this a much better buy?

http://www.bluenile.com/ca/diamond-search?pt=setform&track=NavDiaSeaRD#diamonds_pid=LD03633740

I don't know. The inclusion right in the middle of the table could be visible. If you're set on buying from Blue Nile, I'd ask them to verify that it's eye clean from any distance. However, since the diamond's probably not in stock at Blue Nile, they'll be depending on the vendor to verify that it's eye clean - and since the vendor wants to make a sale, their opinion may not be unbiased.

It also doesn't score below 2 on the HCA. Ideally, you'd want under 2. You can plug in the numbers from the certificate here: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

If you're not set on Blue Nile, there are other sites that offer Idealscopes and pictures which will give you more info before buying. I bought mine from James Allen, but there are other vendors that supply that info (like Brian Gavin, Good Old God, ERD, Whiteflash).

 

[Allisonfaye]

Check out Whiteflash. I am in the process of purchasing diamond stud earrings and Whiteflash is great to work with. I don't know why but Blue Niles diamonds weren't coming in very good on the HCA. I am new to using it so maybe I was doing it incorrectly but at WF, you have a live person to work with you. ( I am probably driving WF crazy but I will most likely ultimately buy from them. I am just very picky when shelling out $$).