Probability of being able to fix surface damage in an OEC

[klrrrr]

I have my eye on a steal of a deal at an online auction on an OEC. The catch? Clarity is assessed as I1 (due to surface damage running from the girdle down a pavilion facet). The auction house stated that it's "probably improvable". What are the odds that this can happen? In the best case, what kind of outcome can I expect? What's the worst case outcome?

Knowing that I can't see the stone IRL, @goldnsilver gave me the idea to follow up asking for photos. The house was kind enough to comply and have shared a souped image. Hoping one of you wise ones can weigh in on the likelihood of the surface damage being salvageable.

 

[prs]

The close-up photo seems to be of the crown so I can't really use it to assess the pavilion damage. Is it the surface damage that is causing the black blob at 11 o'clock on the face up photo?

The answer will depend upon how deep the surface damage, how many facets are damaged, and whereabouts exactly on the pavilion it is.

 

[denverappraiser]

That's likely to involve a full recut, which is why the seller didn't already do it. That's going to both cost money and lose weight. The finished stone may or may not fit back in the mounting without serious modification. As a rule you don't want to get into this unless you both know what you are doing and have the opportunity see it in person. Most major auctions have 'viewings' or opportunities where you and your expert can show up in person and look at things. Is there any way you can get there to take look?

 

[headlight]

If it can be repaired, it will not be that “steal of a deal” you spoke of. If you had inherited it then going down that path would be a different story, but I think it’s not a wise purchase.