needing advice

[ezra710]

Looking to purchase a 2.5 to 3 ct. square emerald cut. Considering a particular stone, but having some reservations. I really love the look of the stone but the GIA cert (see attachment) lists these inclusions in this order: crystal, knot, feather, cloud, indented natural. The knot is what concerns me the most. I have gazed into this stone with a loupe for hours and see nothing but the typical inclusions that don't scare me. The stone also has strong blue fluorescence but it does not appear to affect the stone in direct sunlight in any way. It is most definitely eye clean and truly beautiful. Should I be concerned? What should I be paying for a stone with this "active" of a cert? Or...should I walk away?

 

[Lorelei]

Looking to purchase a 2.5 to 3 ct. square emerald cut. Considering a particular stone, but having some reservations. I really love the look of the stone but the GIA cert (see attachment) lists these inclusions in this order: crystal, knot, feather, cloud, indented natural. The knot is what concerns me the most. I have gazed into this stone with a loupe for hours and see nothing but the typical inclusions that don't scare me. The stone also has strong blue fluorescence but it does not appear to affect the stone in direct sunlight in any way. It is most definitely eye clean and truly beautiful. Should I be concerned? What should I be paying for a stone with this "active" of a cert? Or...should I walk away?

Hi Ezra and welcome!

Without images, we really cannot give opinions on the cut quality unfortunately, but that you have seen the stone, spent time with it and love it, that's definitely a positive sign. But I would suggest getting an independent appraiser to evaluate this diamond due to that knot and get it in writing that the sale is final only on this diamond getting a favourable report, if it was me, the knot definitely needs checking out to make sure there is no durability or other issues. If it is a truly eye clean SI clarity and the knot checks out, it's a rarity among step cuts and although we can't glean any really meaningful information from the clarity plot, I would not buy this stone personally without a trusted expert third party's opinion. Albeit rare that strong blue fluorescence causes any problems, an appraiser can check this for you too, also it mentions the girdle is extremely thin, you would need to check if this is any kind of durability issue, it isn't always but essential to check. Concerning you loving the look of the diamond, have you viewed other emerald cuts to be sure of which type appeals to you? It can be a challenge finding well cut EC's and once you start looking, most stones can appear to be beautiful until you really start comparing and your eye develops. Also, I take it this diamond is for sale with a store jeweller, can you get any photographs of this diamond please?

Also, check the diamond out away from any bright store lights without a loupe as inclusions can jump out in some lights more than others.

Regarding price, it's difficult to say without knowing where it is for sale, typically jewellery stores will charge more than online vendors, what is the asking price please? It's possible the SB fluorescence might reduce the price which could be helpful if the stone checks out, this is an EC I would advise great caution with due to the above mentioned issues but if it does check out, well and good.

 

[SirGuy]

Also, check the diamond out away from any bright store lights without a loupe as inclusions can jump out in some lights more than others.

Lorelei makes a great point here worth repeating. Jewelry store lighting is designed to make any stone look as brilliant as possible. Generally it's a lot of independent spotlighting with temperature (lighting tones) adjusted for color of inventory. The downside of this is that it's not necessarily an accurate representation of how it'll actually look.

Inclusions are a funny thing. Sometimes they affect durability, sometimes light performance, and sometimes aesthetics. Or all three. But she's quite correct to point out that sometimes stepping outside or going into the lighting of a back office can show a certain glint or gleam of an inclusion that wasn't visible in the impressive showroom lighting.

Emerald cuts can be difficult to grade, as there's a lot more standard stuff to look for these days in, say, round brilliant stones. I'd take it to a third party if you can to look at the fluorescence and inclusion and see if it would be an issue.

One of the best evaluation tools we have is own our eyesight. If you really love it already just by looking at it, that's half the battle right there!

 

[ezra710]

Thank you so much for your comprehensive and thoughtful response. Here are a few pics but I don't know how much they'll tell you. The 4 stone pic shows the stone on the far right, as you can probably tell. I have viewed other stones and was seriously considering others, but this one appeals to me (visually) the very most. I have looked at the stone in every light possible, even under a black light , it is beautiful....I am just super nervous about all these issues with it. The vendor is not a local store but is a jeweler with a strong ebay presence. I'd rather not name names here. The price is between 25,000 and 30,000. Any more thoughts with this new info and pics? Thanks in advance