Location of inclusions...does it matter?

[Starry]

Assuming a diamond is eye-clean, does the location or type of inclusion have any affect on the diamond? For example, on the table v. the perimeter? Impact on the diamond''s performance? Risk of damage?

 

[Gypsy]

When we were looking I was told that it mattered alot. The same inclusion in one diamond, right in the center of the table would cause it to be graded lower than if it were off to the side in another. *shrugs*

 

[JulieN]

Date: 5/8/2006 9:10:27 PM
Author: Gypsy
When we were looking I was told that it mattered alot. The same inclusion in one diamond, right in the center of the table would cause it to be graded lower than if it were off to the side in another. *shrugs*

I am not sure this is true.

>>For example, on the table v. the perimeter? Impact on the diamond''s performance? Risk of damage?

What grade and what type of inclusions?

 

[Starry]

I don''t have a particular grade or type of inclusion in mind, I was just curious to get people''s opinion on this. The question is probably most relevant in ranges like SI1 - SI2 because I wouldn''t think inclusion in a VS grade would have much effect. Would certain types of inclusions have different impacts?

 

[JulieN]

a SI1 will not have any inclusions that affect the performance of the diamond. no matter where it is.

if you had a feather on the edge, I would think that is more prone to chipping than something under the table. both should not reach the surface, of course.

 

[Mara]

Date: 5/8/2006 9:46:20 PM
Author: JulieN
a SI1 will not have any inclusions that affect the performance of the diamond. no matter where it is.

if you had a feather on the edge, I would think that is more prone to chipping than something under the table. both should not reach the surface, of course.

I would tend to agree about this. The only way that inclusions would affect the performance of the diamond was if the stone had tons of them to where they would affect and/or hinder light return...maybe I1 or I2 even...if a feather or similar reaches the girdle and a good hard knock is given there, it could chip or cleave, but it could also chip along an exposed area without a feather depending on the hit it takes.

Some experts prefer the inclusions under the table where the intense sparkle of the diamond is better at masking them, others prefer them off to the edges where maybe they can be hidden under or near a prong tip. It just depends on preferences!!

 

[DiamondExpert]

location is important - surface-reaching is important - feather vs. cleavage (4 planes of cleavage) is important.

 

[Starry]

Thanks Gary! But I didn''t understand much of that. Is there a link or article that deals with this topic? Thanks!

 

[Gypsy]

Thanks Gary. I had heard that from two separate jewelers (in two different states) and from my apraiser... so I was pretty sure it was right. But it's nice to have it confirmed.

As for performance-- we were looking at step cuts (asschers)... and from what I understood the standards for location are different than for brilliant cuts.

 

[firsttimepurchaser]

Would the location of these inclusions be bad on a round brilliant cut?

Here is diamond info:
AGS Ideal 0: http://www.bluenile.com/viewcert.asp?pid=LD00414392&zoom=1
Price: $2,186.00
Carat weight: 0.78
Cut: Ideal
Color: J
Clarity: SI1
Depth %: 61.9%
Table %: 54%
Symmetry: Ideal
Polish: Ideal
Girdle: Medium to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Negligible
Measurements: 5.90x5.94x3.66 mm
HCA: 1.1 - Excellent
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread or diameter for weight Very Good

Thanks for any info you can offer. You guys and girls are great!

 

[DiamondExpert]

1sttime - I think the location of that crystal group is fine, especially if colorless - but have it checked to make sure it''s eye clean.

Generally, in step cut diamonds it''s easier to see inclusions (and color) than in brilliant cuts.

 

[firsttimepurchaser]

Date: 5/9/2006 7:01:20 PM
Author: DiamondExpert
1sttime - I think the location of that crystal group is fine, especially if colorless - but have it checked to make sure it''s eye clean.

Thank you for your advice.