newbie here: what''s the lowest clarity you''d get in a .5 ct necklace?

[lisamarie]

i''m thinking about getting a full bezel necklace from whiteflash but i''m not sure what specs i should get for the diamond.

also, i wanted to say that this forum is amazing.

i''ve learned so much here that i already know exactly what i want for my engagement ring! but as for necklaces, i know i can get away with lesser specs but not sure how much...

 

[Cleo]

Hello and welcome!

I can only speak for myself, but I would be happy to consider SI2 stones, the same as I would for a ring.

As you are looking at a bezel setting, I wouldn''t be worried about the diamond being eye clean from the side - but I would still want the stone to be eye clean face up, from a distance of 9-12 inches.

I realise this is closer than normal social viewing distance, and many people would be happy with a stone that was eye clean from about 2-3 feet away... but as I say, that''s just my own preference.

How do you feel about the clarity needed for the pendant?

x x x

 

[lisamarie]

i would think that for a .5 carat, i can get away with a little more. i was thinking about H VS2 but i''m starting to think that i can move down the scale a bit and save some money while still getting something that sparkles. also, would it make a big difference whether i get a whiteflash ACA or not in that size?

 

[Cleo]

I would certainly look below VS2 in the clarity scale... definitely down to SI1 and possibly as far as SI2 if you can get an eye clean one.

Many PSers actually have SI2 engagement rings - so eye clean SI2s do exist!

I would still look for a great cut.

ACAs are awesome, but I would probably extend my search to include their Expert Selection range too. These stones are still amazing, but don''t quite make the grade for the ACA range for some little reason or other.

Still incredible stones, and they represent fantastic value for money.

x x x

 

[Ellen]

I would also go as low as SI2, if eyeclean, and nothing was affecting the performance.

 

[Tacori E-ring]

I agree!

 

[kcoursolle]

SI2! I have an SI1 that is completely clean and is .43 carats and with the right stone that is eye clean I would go lower in clarity.

 

[lisamarie]

thanks everyone, for your advice!

 

[Lynn B]

Assuming a super well cut stone, I would most definitely consider an SI2 for a pendant stone. In fact, considering some of the KILLER I1 stones I have seen around here lately, I would totally consider that as well! Just talk candidly with the vendor about your expectations.

Here''s my *formula*

:

Well chosen stone + communication with reputable PS vendor = KILLER STONE and GREAT BARGAIN!!!

(HA, who says I am a math moron!)

 

[Gypsy]

Date: 2/22/2008 6:30:58 PM
Author: Lynn B
In fact, considering some of the KILLER I1 stones I have seen around here lately, I would totally consider that as well!

Ditto!

 

[joflier]

I''d consider SI1 or SI2''s definately.