shape
carat
color
clarity

Slightly Frustrated and Confused

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.

lovelee

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Sep 20, 2007
Messages
122
So, the boyfriend and I have been looking around for diamonds for a little while now and (I know this is going to sound horrible but..) I''m kind of getting burnt out on it. I feel like we''ve looked at sooo many diamonds and I still haven''t found one that grabs me.

Every article that I''ve read on SI1 diamonds tells me that they''re supposed to be eye clean. Whenever we''ve asked to see an SI1 diamond, they''ve just made me feel like... blech..
14.gif

If you glance at them really quickly they look find, but when you start looking at it seriously, (without a loupe) they''re so dirty!!
Are we going to jewelers that are trying to screw us over or am I just looking too intently? If it''s me, then we''ll have to go with VS2.
If it''s the jewelers... then we''ll have to keep looking.

Also... another question on the side... what kind of lighting should we expect when we go to a good reliable jeweler? Should we expect to be able to look at the diamond under sunlight?

I''m sorry if I sound like a miserable person, but I thought this was going to be a fun fun process. Like shoe shopping! But it hasn''t. What''s even more frustrating is that his wedding band is going to be sooo easy!
38.gif
Not fair.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 9:55:37 AM
Author:lovelee
So, the boyfriend and I have been looking around for diamonds for a little while now and (I know this is going to sound horrible but..) I'm kind of getting burnt out on it. I feel like we've looked at sooo many diamonds and I still haven't found one that grabs me.
Sorry that you haven't fount "it" yet.

Every article that I've read on SI1 diamonds tells me that they're supposed to be eye clean. Whenever we've asked to see an SI1 diamond, they've just made me feel like... blech..
14.gif

If you glance at them really quickly they look find, but when you start looking at it seriously, (without a loupe) they're so dirty!!
Are we going to jewelers that are trying to screw us over or am I just looking too intently? If it's me, then we'll have to go with VS2.
If it's the jewelers... then we'll have to keep looking.
It could be the jewellers and the cert/diamonds that they carry. IGI stones are not accurately/strictly graded as GIA and AGS, so the IGI SI diamonds will look more "dirty" compared to AGS SI stones. Also, are you looking all over the stone or just from the table? Many SI stones will show their inclusions from the side and pavilion. If you want a clean stone all around (or have eagle eyes), then maybe VS2 is what you may want to consider.

Also... another question on the side... what kind of lighting should we expect when we go to a good reliable jeweler? Should we expect to be able to look at the diamond under sunlight?
Why not? A good jeweller will allow to take the stone away from their spot lighting. A window is fine, under the table, and mine even allowed me to step outside their store and use their office for fluorescent lighting.

I'm sorry if I sound like a miserable person, but I thought this was going to be a fun fun process. Like shoe shopping! But it hasn't. What's even more frustrating is that his wedding band is going to be sooo easy!
38.gif
Not fair.
Are you open to online shopping? I am 100% sure you can find what you want very quickly and easily. You can also view the stone in person. I've made diamond purchases from GOG and WF and have been very pleased.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 9:55:37 AM
Author:lovelee
So, the boyfriend and I have been looking around for diamonds for a little while now and (I know this is going to sound horrible but..) I''m kind of getting burnt out on it. I feel like we''ve looked at sooo many diamonds and I still haven''t found one that grabs me.
what shape are you looking for?


Every article that I''ve read on SI1 diamonds tells me that they''re supposed to be eye clean. Whenever we''ve asked to see an SI1 diamond, they''ve just made me feel like... blech..
14.gif
actually, it is not that easy to find an eye clean si diamond. you have to go through a lot of inventory to find a few eye clean stones. i know they''re out there, i have a few but you have to know where to look. also, it''s very, very, very important to keep in mind that the grading lab and more importantly, cut quality play a big role. not all grading labs are uniformly strict. you need to take that into consideration when looking at diamonds. also, the cut. the shape as well as quality. *well cut* rounds will outperform(sparkle) more than other shapes and poorer cuts. this performance will easily hide inclusions that would otherwise be seen.

If you glance at them really quickly they look find, but when you start looking at it seriously, (without a loupe) they''re so dirty!!
again, it comes down to grading lab and cut quality. i have seen ''vs'' graded stones in jewelry stores that look much (very much) worse than my si graded diamond. have you looked at branded stones, such as hearts on fire?

Are we going to jewelers that are trying to screw us over or am I just looking too intently? If it''s me, then we''ll have to go with VS2.
it could be either. if you have looked at a good variety of top cut stones, you may need to go with vs or vvs quality.

If it''s the jewelers... then we''ll have to keep looking.


Also... another question on the side... what kind of lighting should we expect when we go to a good reliable jeweler? Should we expect to be able to look at the diamond under sunlight?
it really just depends on the jeweler. most of them, probably not but don''t be afraid to ask. a good jeweler should make you feel comfortable with your purchase. keep in mind, they have to maintain safety, but they should be willing to help you out somehow.


I''m sorry if I sound like a miserable person, but I thought this was going to be a fun fun process. Like shoe shopping! But it hasn''t. What''s even more frustrating is that his wedding band is going to be sooo easy!
38.gif
Not fair.
it doesn''t have to be frustrating but you need to have reasonable expectations.
 
Thank you sooo much! It''s such a load off my shoulders being able to talk to ya''ll about all this!
face9.gif


When we first started looking I thought I wanted a square radiant, and I thought round diamonds were boring and generic.
Well, surprise, the round know how to sparkle like nobody''s business!
30.gif


So needless to say, I''m looking for a round. Probably an F or G... maybe a really nice H?
From your advice, now I''m changing from an SI1 to a VS2.
1-1.5 carats... I really want an icy sparkler, even if it''s smaller, rather than a big old dullard.
On that note, not a lot of diamonds out there have that really ''crisp'' look. Even some of the really high spec diamonds that we''ve looked at just for fun look kind of cloudy, or fuzzy, if that makes sense.

I really don''t want to purchase online because I really want to see the diamond in person before making the purchase. I''m a big pathetic sentimental pile of mush and I just really have this dream of falling madly in love with ''the one.''
emembarrassed.gif


We live in Dallas so I think we are going to make a trip down to Houston to Whiteflash. So I''ve been keeping that in mind as we go around town here. The reason I really wanted to find someone in town was because I want to have a custom setting made and I wanted to be really involved and ''hands on'' during the making of it. (I''m a horrible micromanager)

So anyways, this is getting kind of long. Sorry.
Thanks again for being so helpful!!!
 
Mine is an H, SI2 1.5 ct and i don''t see any inclusions,(sometimes in zoomed in photos)
30.gif
They are certainly out there...you just have to know where to look
2.gif



Oh and hello fellow Texan!
36.gif


clearstoneSi2.jpg
 
Lovelee,
I am glad that you are keeping your options open to include Whiteflash. You will see many beautiful sparklers there. Round faceting hides colour and inclusions well, so an eyeclean and white H SI1 is easy to find (especially if you get it from WF). As for the "crisp" look, that is attributed to the cut of the diamond. Not matter how high the clarity and colour it may be, if not well cut, it will look dull and cloudy.

Don''t forget to stick to a well cut stone:
table 54-57%
depth 60-62%
crown angle 34-35
pavilion angle 40.7 to 41
polish and symmetry should be at least very good to excellent
 
Well if truly eye clean SI1s are really out there, then I hope I can find one....

Chrono... I''m so glad you told me that. One of the jewelers we went to said that the cloudy look was from the ''grain'' of the diamond, not the cut.
Oooooh, suspicious. I guess we won''t be going back to him.
 
If getting to Whiteflash is an option for you, then I wouldn''t drop money for ANY stone till you see what you can get with Whiteflash.

Then you can see with your own eyes!!!!!!!!
 
iwannaprettyone, am I being way to nosy if I ask whether or not you can see any inclusions when you look at your diamond really closely from the side, and not just the top? I would never ask you that in person, but for some reason, on this forum... let me know if I''m crossing a line.. I''m sorry.

by the way, your pic with your fiance/husband is soooo cute!
 
I think you are very lucky to go to WF! Thankfully, those of us who live far away can have stones sent to us and then send back, if we don''t want to keep them. I am also one that prefers VS diamonds. Like tolerance for color, it is just a personal choice. If money were no object, I''d have D-F color and VS1-VVS clarity, but I compromise and get G-H VS1 or VS2 because I can comfortably afford the size stones I want at that level. It''s all about balancing the qualities with your budget.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:19:36 AM
Author: lovelee
Well if truly eye clean SI1s are really out there, then I hope I can find one....
they are and i hope you do!


Chrono... I''m so glad you told me that. One of the jewelers we went to said that the cloudy look was from the ''grain'' of the diamond, not the cut.

Oooooh, suspicious. I guess we won''t be going back to him.
that is actually possible. some diamonds do have graining that would make them look cloudy.

if you have the option to go to wf, without question you should absolutely go. they carry top quality diamonds. and they know that customers are looking for eye clean si diamonds, so they would have proportionally more than a regular jeweler.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:23:07 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone, am I being way to nosy if I ask whether or not you can see any inclusions when you look at your diamond really closely from the side, and not just the top? I would never ask you that in person, but for some reason, on this forum... let me know if I''m crossing a line.. I''m sorry.


by the way, your pic with your fiance/husband is soooo cute!
i''ll answer as an owner of several eye clean stones. i can''t see anything from top, bottom, sides...anywhere. of course, it is going to depend on the size of the diamond, the inclusion and the location of the inclusion, as well as how the diamond is set too but you CAN have a truly eye clean diamond. i have a 1.22ct round with a small (white) feather inclusion. i literally have to SEARCH for it with a loupe.
 
I have an SI diamond (from WF) and it is eye-clean from the top. It''s beautiful. From the pavillion, if you really look you can see a wee bit of ''dust'' but a) you really have to look for it now that it''s set, and b) if you loupe in from the table. This doesnt bother me becuase I had a small budget and wanted the size (1.07) and colour (G).

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.

If clarity is *more* important to you that, say, colour, then you may have to go VS2....but I''ve also seen ''dirty'' VS2''s before. It really depends on the type of inclusions. You have to use your eyes and decide how mind-clean tolerant you really are.
2.gif


Hope that helps, and best of luck!!!
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:23:07 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone, am I being way to nosy if I ask whether or not you can see any inclusions when you look at your diamond really closely from the side, and not just the top? I would never ask you that in person, but for some reason, on this forum... let me know if I''m crossing a line.. I''m sorry.

by the way, your pic with your fiance/husband is soooo cute!
I see inclusions from the side view, but really have to be viewing closer than 6-7 inches and have something white behind it. My stone has several small white inclusions rather than one or two big dark ones. I don''t think it is uncommon to see inclusions from the side on a SI stone. I hate I don''t have a better photo...I adore my stone though and it is so shiny (almost wet looking) and well cut. People always gawk at it because it sparkles like mad. I thought H color might bother me, but it doesn''t at all!
30.gif
30.gif


Thanks for the complement (he is pretty adorable heheheh
3.gif
)

sideviewcrisp.jpg
 
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.
I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...
But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.
mela lu, you''ve been so helpful today!
face23.gif
That''s funny that you bring the budget up.... is the general rule still 2 months salary?
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.
I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...
But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.
mela lu, you''ve been so helpful today!
face23.gif
That''s funny that you bring the budget up.... is the general rule still 2 months salary?
Better make it 3 months...heheheh
31.gif
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:32:04 AM
Author: belle

Date: 11/9/2007 11:23:07 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone, am I being way to nosy if I ask whether or not you can see any inclusions when you look at your diamond really closely from the side, and not just the top? I would never ask you that in person, but for some reason, on this forum... let me know if I''m crossing a line.. I''m sorry.


by the way, your pic with your fiance/husband is soooo cute!
i''ll answer as an owner of several eye clean stones. i can''t see anything from top, bottom, sides...anywhere. of course, it is going to depend on the size of the diamond, the inclusion and the location of the inclusion, as well as how the diamond is set too but you CAN have a truly eye clean diamond. i have a 1.22ct round with a small (white) feather inclusion. i literally have to SEARCH for it with a loupe.
Are these SI1 diamonds you are talking about? If so, where did you find them? They sound fantastic!
 
Quick note: Clarity is graded top down so it''s possible, and even likely that you will see an inclusion from the side of the diamond even at VS... BUT, that said, if you go to WF, and get a diamond with white inclusions, and SEE it yourself from all sides... you''ll be able to get exactly what you want. It''s also possible to get an eyeclean SI from the side. It''s very stone specific, and it just doesn''t sound like you''ve found the right source. Take a trip to Houston, and prepare to be very happy!
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:49:52 AM
Author: iwannaprettyone

Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.
I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...
But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.
mela lu, you''ve been so helpful today!
face23.gif
That''s funny that you bring the budget up.... is the general rule still 2 months salary?
Better make it 3 months...heheheh
31.gif
What... seriously?!!? I''d have an AWESOME diamond!! D... VVS1... sigh....

Our budget is actually less than 2 months salary.
Should I ask for more?
11.gif

We just have no clue what the norm is...
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:53:51 AM
Author: lovelee

Date: 11/9/2007 11:49:52 AM
Author: iwannaprettyone


Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.
I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...
But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.
mela lu, you''ve been so helpful today!
face23.gif
That''s funny that you bring the budget up.... is the general rule still 2 months salary?
Better make it 3 months...heheheh
31.gif
What... seriously?!!? I''d have an AWESOME diamond!! D... VVS1... sigh....

Our budget is actually less than 2 months salary.
Should I ask for more?
11.gif

We just have no clue what the norm is...
No, just kidding. Spend what you (or SO) can and are willing part with...
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don't think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.

I guess it'll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be 'eye clean' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...

But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.
mine just has a feather, no black dots. so, yes, it does depend on the diamond. again, that's the key, you need to find a really good selection of high quality diamonds. wf will definitely have a good selection. they are used to dealing with (us) anal people! yes, that is where i got all of mine.
unless you're an uncorrected myopic, three inches is too close! most people can't focus at that length. it's more like 4-6.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 12:00:03 PM
Author: iwannaprettyone

Date: 11/9/2007 11:53:51 AM
Author: lovelee


Date: 11/9/2007 11:49:52 AM
Author: iwannaprettyone



Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.
I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...
But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

I think you just need to know your limits and play within it. LOL (that''s a ''responsible drinking'' taglinehere here in Canada.
mela lu, you''ve been so helpful today!
face23.gif
That''s funny that you bring the budget up.... is the general rule still 2 months salary?
Better make it 3 months...heheheh
31.gif
What... seriously?!!? I''d have an AWESOME diamond!! D... VVS1... sigh....

Our budget is actually less than 2 months salary.
Should I ask for more?
11.gif

We just have no clue what the norm is...
No, just kidding. Spend what you (or SO) can and are willing part with...
Darn it!! I was getting all excited.
7.gif
...
I personally think he ''can'' part with more....
22.gif


What is it about diamonds that bring out the worst greediness in me? geez. I''m so ashamed.
face17.gif
 
Date: 11/9/2007 12:07:03 PM
Author: belle

Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM
Author: lovelee
iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.

I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...

But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.
mine just has a feather, no black dots. so, yes, it does depend on the diamond. again, that''s the key, you need to find a really good selection of high quality diamonds. wf will definitely have a good selection. they are used to dealing with (us) anal people! yes, that is where i got all of mine.
unless you''re an uncorrected myopic, three inches is too close! most people can''t focus at that length. it''s more like 4-6.
HAHA Too funny. Maybe that''s why the jewelers have been looking at me like I''m crazy when I start examining the diamond like that. I probably do look cross eyed, because I really have been looking at them at three inches.

Well now I''m really looking forward to Whiteflash. We might be able to go next month... or we might have to wait until January.... ugh.
I just LOVE how there is so much knowledge on this forum and how willing everyone is to share and help.
 
Date: 11/9/2007 11:50:55 AM
Author: diamondseeker2006
Here''s a great tutorial on clarity with pictures that may help you know what to expect from various clarity grades:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=13
That''s the best clarity article I''ve come across yet! Thanks so much!!
 
Date: 11/9/2007 12:12:06 PM
Author: lovelee
Date: 11/9/2007 12:07:03 PM

Author: belle


Date: 11/9/2007 11:47:53 AM

Author: lovelee

iwannaprettyone!....oooooh that is a really really icy diamond! I really don''t think that feathers bug me as much... I really do despise the little black dots though.


I guess it''ll really depend on the diamond... though I do want it to be ''eye clean'' from 3 inches away all around, so maybe VS2...


But now I feel like I have a better grasp on things.

mine just has a feather, no black dots. so, yes, it does depend on the diamond. again, that''s the key, you need to find a really good selection of high quality diamonds. wf will definitely have a good selection. they are used to dealing with (us) anal people! yes, that is where i got all of mine.

unless you''re an uncorrected myopic, three inches is too close! most people can''t focus at that length. it''s more like 4-6.
HAHA Too funny. Maybe that''s why the jewelers have been looking at me like I''m crazy when I start examining the diamond like that. I probably do look cross eyed, because I really have been looking at them at three inches.


Well now I''m really looking forward to Whiteflash. We might be able to go next month... or we might have to wait until January.... ugh.

I just LOVE how there is so much knowledge on this forum and how willing everyone is to share and help.
hehehe....well, i know my focal length is less than that without my glasses on. i have superhero vision up close!

your sparkly, clear, beautiful diamond is out there lovelee, you''ll find it soon!
 
Perhaps you should open your sites to different shapes of diamond (if you aren''t already). Sometimes you can surprise yourself with what you''ll fall in love with once you see it in person, or on your finger. Who knows...?
 
If you want it eye clean all around at very close range, I''d suggest VS1 and VS2 stones.
 
You might want to focus on the cut if you are looking for a stunner. A well cut diamond will give you great light return which translates to high fire, scintillation, brilliance, etc.

There are lots of success stories on this board with eye clean SI1s but it does take work and a good jeweler (online or B&M.) I'm sure WF is used to dealing with customers who are looking for eye clean SI1s so you are in good hands.

Be upfront with jewelers with what you are looking for. Get technical if you feel comfortable doing so. Run specs through the HCA to weed out bad performers.

Your budget may dictate if you can look in the VS2 range or try to find an eye clean SI1 that is borderline SI1/VS2. Using the average price PS charts, G/SI1 is $4809/carat, G/VS2 is $6024/carat. If you are worried about color, then F/SI1 seems to be the sweet spot, $4901/carat. Expect to pay higher than the average if you are looking for a GIA triple-x or AGS0.

Finding the perfect diamond is exhausting but in the end all those hours invested will pay off since you will know for the rest of your life that you didn't settle.
 
You need to be clear what your definition of eye-clean is. When I was working with WF, I told them I wanted the diamond that was clean from the top and sides from six inches
6.gif
They found me a VS2 that met my criteria! It was an ACA and it's a beauty. Good luck and don't get discouraged. You need to find the right vendor who will work with you
2.gif
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top