Question regarding Clarity Characteristics of VVS1

[MRpeabody]

I am currently shopping for an engagment ring and have found a stone that interests me. I have read countless forum posts and articles discussing the grading of diamonds but still have a few questions. The diamond I am looking at is from Blue Nile and has the following GIA grading characteristics;
.6 carat
SMB
G
VVS1
Cut Signature Ideal
Clarity Characteristics: Pinpoint, Internal Graining, Manufacturing Remnant, Surface Graining,

Polish; excellent
Symmetry; Very Good
Flourescence; Medium Blue

Table 69%
Depth 71.3%
Cutlet None
Girdle Thick-Very Thick
Measurements 4.60 x 4.54 x 3.24 mm

The clarity characteristics concern me. I know that they will not be visible in a VVS1 stone without magnification but the graining and remnant make me worry. Should I be concerned?

Should I be concerned with the table and depth percentages? I know a greater depth percentage will result in the stone looking smaller.

Two smaller issues would be the girdle and the flourescence. I've read many articles on the latter and it seems to be a matter of preference. Any advice would be appreciated on both topics though.

 

[JulieN]

What shape is it, a princess?

Absolutely nothing to worry about in VVS1. Many people are happy with their eye-clean SI1/2s.

http://www.bluenile.com/princess-cut-diamond-1-carat-or-less-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vvs1-clarity_LD03370548?click_id=866347765

I suggest you drop the clarity and color and get something a little bigger.

 

[MRpeabody]

Thank you for the quick response Julie. Yes that stone is a princess cut. I've considered doing as you've suggested but am unsure as to what range to consider. Just like every man in my situation I want the best that I can afford. Is it better to pursue a larger carat or one with better characteristics? I'm sure my gal will love whatever I have for her. Honestly, she couldn't care less how big or clean the stone is. I on the other hand do.

Thanks again,

 

[JulieN]

If you are not wedded to Blue Nile, I've picked out some on James Allen that might interest you: http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut/?,DefaultOrder&TabSelected=3&advancedParameter=TableSliderTop&showAdvanced=show&ps=15&DiamondID=188759,202475,195723,217769

At JA, you can select 3 for a gemologist to review.

You can also look through the inventories of Whiteflash, Brian Gavin Diamonds, and Good Old Gold. Stick to the in-house inventories at WF and BGD.

 

[ecf8503]

Is it better to pursue a larger carat or one with better characteristics?

Depends on how you define "better".

To me, "better" means getting the best possible cut quality, as a well cut stone will look bigger than a poorly cut one. It will be brighter and more "sparkly" the better the cut. But, in order to assess cut quality you need ASET / Idealscope images, which BN does not provide.

In my opinion VVS is serious overkill on the clarity. Clarity has nothing to do with how sparkly / light performance of the stone. All you really need is one that is eye-clean and doesn't have durability issues, which is easy in the VS range and probable in the SI1 range. I have several SI1's that are completely eye-clean, with no durability issues, and for me that makes them "mind clean".

Fancies do tend to show more body color than ideal cut rounds, so I wouldn't drop under an H personally.

I'd stick with vendors that provide reflector technologies and an in-house gemologist's assessment, and as stated above Whiteflash, James Allen, Brian Gavin, and Good Old Gold are great places to look.

 

[MRpeabody]

I've looked at both James Allen and BN extensively. To be honest, I prefer JA. I appreciate you taking the time to pull some examples from their stock. As I research this more I'm finding myself drawn to round rather than princess cut. The higher price being the one deterent at the moment for a round cut stone.

With regard to the clarity how common is it to find an eye clean S1?


http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/0.60-carat-g-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-207338

For the above link, the depth is the 62.8% figure correct?

 

[JulieN]

If you really want G VVS1 this is a good one, and quite a bit bigger than the BN one: http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/princess-cut-loose-diamond-2835908.htm

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.718-h-si1-princess-diamond-ags-bl-104062901008
http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamonds/diamond-details/0.707-h-si1-princess-diamond-ags-104062901003

A round is more expensive but usually has better spread (face up size.)

Eye-clean SI1 is very common in this size.

 

[MRpeabody]

Julie; Thank you very much for that link. That looks great. I'll have to look around the whiteflash site.

Would you also recommend a larger carat and lower clarity and color for a round cut?

 

[JulieN]

You can go a lower color in a round. If you were comfortable at a G for a princess, you should be fine with an H for a round.