What''s an HRD preliminary cert???/Strong Blue Fluorescense

[Bluegirl]

Hey, folks-
I''ve been lurking on this site for about 2 months now reading and learning a TON (thank you) in my search for the perfect diamond and knowledge about tension settings.

So, now I''m at the point where I have a few diamonds to choose from and one of them has only a "preliminary" HRD cert. Can someone tell me what this means? Should I be worried that I don''t have all the info, etc?

Also, another one has a GIA cert and "strong blue fluorescence" and I don''t really know if that matters or not.

The diamond will be put in a Kretchmer tension setting, and both diamonds are E, VVS2. The diamonds are also within a few hundred dollars in price.

Thanks in advance for your help!
Keri

 

[quaeritur]

Hi Bluegirl, and welcome!

I'm not sure what a preliminary report is, but HRD is a very well-respected lab. As for the fluorescence, you can run a search here on PS for all sorts of info on the topic. I love it, others don't, so if you're considering a stone with fluor you might want to look at some in person before you purchase it. In rare cases, strong or very strong fluorescence can give the stone a milky appearance.

I have a D with medium blue fluor set into a tension ring (pics) and another D with strong blue fluor waiting to be set in a pendant (pics)

.

 

[denverappraiser]

Keri,

This means HRD has done an examination of the stone but has not yet produced the report. They will upgrade from a preliminary report to a full certificate if you pay their fee but it is not necessary for them to see the stone again.

HRD is at www.hrd.be and they have a form there for this purpose.

Neil Beaty, GG ISA
Independent Appraisals in Denver

 

[Kaili]

Hi blue,
I don't know anything about the HRD cert, but I did find this link for you:
http://www.hrd.be/productservices/certificates/mainproducts/full_certification.aspx

Personally, I wouldn't want to buy a diamond that did not have a GIA or AGS cert, but I am NOT a pro. I am learning like you are. Maybe someone else has more info for you.

Regarding fluorescence, I had that same question. You should search the board for "Strong Blue," and form your own opinion. I found some examples of beautiful diamonds that had blue fluorescence.
I also know that in instances of diamonds with more color, blue fluorescence can make the diamond look more white. You should take a look and see if it is something that you like.