Should I buy this diamond?

[anjiee]

Hi all,

First of all - I love this site! Everyone seems so helpful and extremely full of knowledge! I have recently created an account in the hopes of tapping into your bank of knowledge and expertise in all things diamonds.

I am on the hunt for a loose diamond and found one potential diamond that has been deemed "eye clean" by the vendor. However, before I jump on the boat I would kindly like to ask for your opinions on what you think of this stone and if you would buy it yourself.

The diamond specifications are as follows:

GIA Round Brilliant
6.98 x 7.03 x 4.30mm
1.30 Carat, F, SI2
Cut, Polish, Symmetry: Excellent
No Fluorescence
Depth 61.3%
Table 58%
Crown Angle 35
Pavilion Angle 40.6
HCA Score 1 - Excellent

Here is a picture of the diamond itself:



I used to prefer VVS diamonds, but after reading and seeing so many beautiful engagement rings on PS, I am now comfortable trading in clarity for a bigger carat size instead.

It is just that there seems to be so many inclusions on this stone, do you think they would be visible to the naked eye?

Hoping someone can kindly help.
Thanks in advance!

♥
Angie

 

[Christina...]

The proportions look good angie. Your next step should be to put the stone on hold and ask for Idealscope images and for a gemological evaluation. Ask them to determine it's eye cleanliness, but define to them what your standard is. Are you ok with visible inclusions at 12 inches? 6 inches? From the side? I found JA's gemologist to be very forthcoming. Once you receive the IS image, post it here and we can further guide you.

edit: I'm also thinking that if you prefer VVS clarity stones, then regardless if this one is eye clean it may not be mind clean enough for you? Have you considered coming down a bit in color and up a bit in clarity? Maybe G-H range and VS2?

 

[Fife]

In my opinion, H is the best compromise on color. The only way to see any hint of color is by looking through the side of the diamond, but even then it's extremely minimal.

What is your budget?

 

[Enerchi]

I'd go down in colour and up in clarity. The SI2 could be eye clean (and be sure to ask and at what distance *YOU* want it to be eye clean at - 12" seems to be the normal) but if it isn't, that would be something that might bother me in time.

I think you may be able to find some compromise at the GH range. Post your budget and let PSers do their magic!

 

[anjiee]

Hi guys thanks so much for your wonderful assistance!

Do you think the black dots on the diamond are carbon inclusions? If so, I am guessing I won't be able to hide them under the prongs because the are not that close to the edge.

Christina: I am hoping the vendor will give me an IS image once the stone arrives for inspection. I told him I don't have any intention of purchasing this stone just yet - but he said he was going to ship the stone into his shop and include it as part of his inventory anyway. So hopefully I will be able to see the stone in real life within the next few days. The vendor said it was eye-clean according to the picture but again, we'll have to wait and see it in person before I can make that judgement. I'm really looking forward to it!

In regards to a gemological evaluation - can you kindly clarify if this is a service that I will need to pay for or should the vendor be paying for this?


Fife and Enerchi: I thought about what you have said and I think I will be happier to go down to a G color if it means I can get a VS2 or an eye-clean SI1 stone. The thing is, the vendor is selling this stone for $8,000 AUD which is a bargain for a 1.30ct XXX stone.

My partner has given me a budget of $8,000 AUD for a stone, and considering I am rather tall with big fingers, I would like the biggest stone for my buck (without having to compromise on a XXX stone). I tried on a 1.26ct knife edge once and completely fell in love with the size and setting! Later I tried on a 1ct and thought it was underwhelming in comparison. Sometimes I wish I never tried on the 1.26ct!

I was searching for a great XXX 1.25ct - 1.30ct G VS2 - SI1 stones but was not able to find one within my price range. I love the ones on White Flash but they are over 12k each =(