How would one know if they have a ''natural'' at the culet. I know high magnification is required but would you see it from the table side or the pavillion side. Does a natural show up as grey or white from the table view?
Problems in the culet can be easily seen with 10X magnification either through the Table
or from the Pavillion side. Abrasions, chips, nicks,
and in the rare case failure by the cutter to bring the culet to a point and leaving one or more pavillions unpolished ( hence "natural diamond rough")
can be detected.
Chips and nicks may be the result of improper handling,
i.e.; tweezers without plastic
protective coating at the tips or if
there are inclusions in the area, may indicate
an area of graining or knot lines that are more prone to
breakage.
Sensitive culets are more prevalent in fancy shapes
and great care must be exercised when handling Princess, marquise, and pear shapes.
A pointed intact culet should blend in
seamlessly in appearence with its pavillions.
Coloration other than the pavillions and/or
dots, lines, or nesting configurations in the
area should prompt you to ask the vendor
to eyeball the diamond for you and if possible provide
you with dark-field illumination and color
photographs of the affected area.