Question about inclusions, location on diamond

[mpark46]

I found a round brilliant diamond that I like, but it''s an S2 clarity. An S2 diamond is obviously going to have inclusions, but I have a few questions:

1. where is the "best" location for the inclusions to be?
2. what are the worst types of inclusions? best types?
3. is there really a difference between S1 and S2 diamonds?
4. is clarity grading based on looking at a diamond from a fish-eye view, or the overall diamond?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2007 11:27:48 AM
Author:mpark46
I found a round brilliant diamond that I like, but it's an S2 clarity. An S2 diamond is obviously going to have inclusions, but I have a few questions:

1. where is the 'best' location for the inclusions to be?
2. what are the worst types of inclusions? best types?
3. is there really a difference between S1 and S2 diamonds?
4. is clarity grading based on looking at a diamond from a fish-eye view, or the overall diamond?

I take it you mean an SI2 clarity? Can you tell us which lab graded this diamond, is it GIA, AGS or any other? Also what is the weight of the diamond?

To try to answer your questions with the info given, assuming it is a top tier lab graded diamond...

1) Many feel that inclusions are best around the edges rather than the table as the faceting and sparkle helps to hide them.

2) Some prefer white or colourless inclusions to dark ones as they can be less visible. Ones to avoid can be feathers on the edge or girdle which may break the surface as these can be a durability issue, usually not a case in a well graded SI2 and an expert vendor or appraiser can advise if a feather is situated in this area, but there is not usually an issue.

3) SI diamonds are not created equal, many factors can be at work here, including human opinions and individual eyesight, size of the diamond, quality of cut. You may find an SI2 can be eyeclean, SI1 may not be, so you need to consider each diamond on it's own merits. An expert vendor is the best person to help evaluate an SI clarity diamond, plus your own comfort level and eyesight.

4) Clarity is graded face up.

Also a well cut diamond is going to help to hide inclusions more than it's badly cut counterpart. See this thread for advice on eyecleanliness, and expert thoughts and opinions on the matter.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/clarity-eye-clean-definition-interpretation-and-taste.30483/

I also like this info on clarity grading and I am sure you will find it helpful.

http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=13

 

[mpark46]

Hi, thanks for your reply.

The diamond is graded by GIA. Here is a link to the diamond & the specs:

Item Number: 1046711
Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.71
Cut: Hearts & Arrows Ideal
Color: E
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: GIA

Depth: 62.2%
Table: 56.0%
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Girdle: Thin to slightly thick
Culet: None
Fluorescence: None
Measurements: 7.63*7.65*4.75

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/E-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1046711.asp
I emailed them regarding the clarity, and they said "This diamond will indeed face up 100% clean to the naked eye with inclusions present mainly on the outside of the table."

Any thoughts on the feathering? I didn''t know that feathering could worsen...

 

[Lorelei]

The diamond looks great! Regarding any feathering, it is rare as I mentioned before that a feather can pose a durabilty issue, with a vendor such as James Allen also you have no worries regarding a feather or eyecleanliness. They know their stuff and will be honest with you. I would get that diamond put on hold while you decide as they are being grabbed and often not by the original posters. It looks like a great SI2.

 

[mpark46]

How would you say this diamond stands up to the one posted above? Is the 0.5 carats worth the loss in color?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122763.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.76
Cut: Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: AGS

Depth: 61.7%
Table: 56.7%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Neglible
Measurements: 7.70*7.73*4.76

Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown %: 15.50
pavilion Angle: 40.5°
pavilion %: 42.50

 

[diagem]

Date: 12/18/2007 3:53:02 PM
Author: mpark46
How would you say this diamond stands up to the one posted above? Is the 0.5 carats worth the loss in color?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122763.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.76
Cut: Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: AGS

Depth: 61.7%
Table: 56.7%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Neglible
Measurements: 7.70*7.73*4.76

Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown %: 15.50
pavilion Angle: 40.5°
pavilion %: 42.50

Weird..., in the 16x image you clearly notice a feather at around 7-8 o''clock...
The AGS plot does not show it.

 

[indypitty]

Date: 12/18/2007 4:03:13 PM
Author: DiaGem

Date: 12/18/2007 3:53:02 PM
Author: mpark46
How would you say this diamond stands up to the one posted above? Is the 0.5 carats worth the loss in color?
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1122763.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

Shape: Round
Carat weight: 1.76
Cut: Ideal
Color: G
Clarity: SI2
Certificate: AGS

Depth: 61.7%
Table: 56.7%
Polish: Ideal
Symmetry: Ideal
Girdle: Thin to medium
Culet: None
Fluorescence: Neglible
Measurements: 7.70*7.73*4.76

Crown Angle: 35.5°
Crown %: 15.50
pavilion Angle: 40.5°
pavilion %: 42.50

Weird..., in the 16x image you clearly notice a feather at around 7-8 o''clock...
The AGS plot does not show it.

FYI - I have an SI2 cushion that I purchased online that has an AGS cert. While viewing the certificate online, it appeared to only have one white inclusion near the edge, but when I received the actual certificate there were many other inclusions that simply did not show up on the scanned report (at least not on my monitor). I believe some of the symbols they use to show inclusions are so light or faint that they are not all picked up during scanning. However, my SI2 "eyeclean" to me and I can only see one inclusion if I try really hard to find it!

 

[Lorelei]

The second diamond looks good too. I doubt you would notice a difference sizewise, it depends on whether you want an AGS0 slightly heavier G or slightly lighter E GIA report. See which is the best out of the 2 for eyecleanliness perhaps, then you have to go by your own preferences.

 

[kennyg]

For the E SI2 - the website says it is E color but the GIA certificate says it is F color, unless I''m going blind?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/19/2007 5:57:48 AM
Author: kennyg
For the E SI2 - the website says it is E color but the GIA certificate says it is F color, unless I'm going blind?

Kenny I see what you mean, it is possible it is the scanning that omitted the lower part of the E letter, but JA can verify. This can happen when trying to scan reports etc to the net.