why are most so particular about clarity?

[wasp9166]

i was thinking, and ive never bought this big of a stone b4 but, to me, if a rock is big enuff, and it scores under 2 on the hca, and it is an i or higher in color,this is what is going to hit people first, they are going to say, wow, noone is going to ignore all of that and grab her hand , hold it up close to their face and say, oh , i see a black spec .................i mean, i know its there, but if the brilliance of the stone is enuff to detour people away from that, whats the big deal?

maybe if your going to trade up later? me personally, the stone i buy, and what it represents is going to stay that way forever

 

[Upgradable]

I own an eye clean SI2. The feathers are close to the girdle and there is no black carbon. Those are my criteria.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/2/2009 12:47:22 PM
Author:wasp9166
i was thinking, and ive never bought this big of a stone b4 but, to me, if a rock is big enuff, and it scores under 2 on the hca, and it is an i or higher in color,this is what is going to hit people first, they are going to say, wow, noone is going to ignore all of that and grab her hand , hold it up close to their face and say, oh , i see a black spec .................i mean, i know its there, but if the brilliance of the stone is enuff to detour people away from that, whats the big deal?

maybe if your going to trade up later? me personally, the stone i buy, and what it represents is going to stay that way forever

People have different priorities, to some a high clarity is of the utmost importance for various reasons. For other buyers it is important for purity or cultural reasons, some just want to have the best and will only purchase D IF. Some must have VS or better in order to feel they have a diamond which meets their standards for quality and are quite willing to pay for it, or to compromise in other areas. I feel the same way you do, as long as the diamond is eyeclean and is well cut and sparkles, that is fine by me. But whatever the reason, as long as you have a well cut diamond it should be an attractive rock, then factors such as colour and clarity come down to budget and personal preference.

 

[bee*]

I agree with Lorelei! I think that it really depends on the individual person. For me, I''d like to keep it as a VS or higher if possible. It''s just one of the things that I like.

 

[strmrdr]

some people have relatives that pull out loupes to look at new rings.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

For the same reasons some buy a Camry and some buy a Lexus...both beautiful and reliable, but some are willing to pay for the extra quality!

 

[oneandahalfrock]

It all comes down to personal preference and priority...
If size is your main concern, than perhaps your willing to sacrifice something else to keep within your budget, in your case, it seems to be clarity.
Others may be less color sensitive and decide an I or J is white enough with the right cut.
Others just want size no matter what and will shop eBay to find the best bargain (in their opinion).
It''s funny to me that you went off on not caring as much about clarity- personally, I would drop color before clarity... a very well cut diamond will face up much whiter than it''s poor cut counter part; Wink recently posted an Infinity cut O color diamond that was surprisingly light. But again, personally preference- you''ll take a black spot, I''ll take a little warmth

whatever!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/2/2009 3:26:02 PM
Author: oneandahalfrock
It all comes down to personal preference and priority...
If size is your main concern, than perhaps your willing to sacrifice something else to keep within your budget, in your case, it seems to be clarity.
Others may be less color sensitive and decide an I or J is white enough with the right cut.
Others just want size no matter what and will shop eBay to find the best bargain (in their opinion).
It''s funny to me that you went off on not caring as much about clarity- personally, I would drop color before clarity... a very well cut diamond will face up much whiter than it''s poor cut counter part; Wink recently posted an Infinity cut O color diamond that was surprisingly light. But again, personally preference- you''ll take a black spot, I''ll take a little warmth

whatever!

Me too!

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/2/2009 3:44:50 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/2/2009 3:26:02 PM

Author: oneandahalfrock

It all comes down to personal preference and priority...

If size is your main concern, than perhaps your willing to sacrifice something else to keep within your budget, in your case, it seems to be clarity.

Others may be less color sensitive and decide an I or J is white enough with the right cut.

Others just want size no matter what and will shop eBay to find the best bargain (in their opinion).

It's funny to me that you went off on not caring as much about clarity- personally, I would drop color before clarity... a very well cut diamond will face up much whiter than it's poor cut counter part; Wink recently posted an Infinity cut O color diamond that was surprisingly light. But again, personally preference- you'll take a black spot, I'll take a little warmth

whatever!

Me too!

Me three!

And for clarity--loupe clean for me--because I (extremely nearsighted) have loupe vision!

 

[platinumrock]

I may be in the minority, but I actually appreciate inclusions in my diamonds, especially if it''s the center stone. While too many inclusions may jeopardize the beauty and integrity of the stone, a few preferrable white ones reassure me that my stone is real. In a way, inclusions trapped in a diamond remind me of ancient insects frozen in time in an amber. It''s like a snapshot of the activity under the earth millions, if not billions of years ago.

I prefer beauty over perfection

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/2/2009 4:00:10 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/2/2009 3:44:50 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/2/2009 3:26:02 PM

Author: oneandahalfrock

It all comes down to personal preference and priority...

If size is your main concern, than perhaps your willing to sacrifice something else to keep within your budget, in your case, it seems to be clarity.

Others may be less color sensitive and decide an I or J is white enough with the right cut.

Others just want size no matter what and will shop eBay to find the best bargain (in their opinion).

It's funny to me that you went off on not caring as much about clarity- personally, I would drop color before clarity... a very well cut diamond will face up much whiter than it's poor cut counter part; Wink recently posted an Infinity cut O color diamond that was surprisingly light. But again, personally preference- you'll take a black spot, I'll take a little warmth

whatever!

Me too!

Me three!

And for clarity--loupe clean for me--because I (extremely nearsighted) have loupe vision!

Add me to that list! Infact, my ering stone is not "I or higher", its a K. I love it, and I've never had someone comment on the colour, doubt I ever will.
I used to think I wasn't clarity sensitive, but after buying a couple stones it has become more important to me..I will take an eyeclean L or M over a visibly included D anyday!

Also wasp, I think its more about whats important to the wearer, ather than to other people who are merely observing. I don't think anyone should make a decision on the four c's based on others' perceived preferences - your Fi's and yours are what should count.

 

[Kelli]

In my engagement ring I didn''t want ANY visible inclusions, and since I was buying over the internet, I chose VS2. If I were buying another diamond however, for a pendant or whatever, I''d try to find an SI2 that would be eye clean from practical viewing distances. Also, I now know I don''t mind warmth in a stone. I''d love a well-cut J or K. I''d love even more an M or lower antique cut.

 

[Moh 10]

I like high clarity for the same reason I like REAL diamonds.
Sure 99.9% of the people who see my diamond can't tell the difference when it comes to either.

But I want a REAL diamond because that matters to me.
I want high clarity because that matters to me.

Same rationale.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/2/2009 11:19:43 PM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/2/2009 4:00:10 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/2/2009 3:44:50 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 1/2/2009 3:26:02 PM

Author: oneandahalfrock

It all comes down to personal preference and priority...

If size is your main concern, than perhaps your willing to sacrifice something else to keep within your budget, in your case, it seems to be clarity.

Others may be less color sensitive and decide an I or J is white enough with the right cut.

Others just want size no matter what and will shop eBay to find the best bargain (in their opinion).

It's funny to me that you went off on not caring as much about clarity- personally, I would drop color before clarity... a very well cut diamond will face up much whiter than it's poor cut counter part; Wink recently posted an Infinity cut O color diamond that was surprisingly light. But again, personally preference- you'll take a black spot, I'll take a little warmth

whatever!

Me too!

Me three!

And for clarity--loupe clean for me--because I (extremely nearsighted) have loupe vision!

Add me to that list! Infact, my ering stone is not 'I or higher', its a K. I love it, and I've never had someone comment on the colour, doubt I ever will.
I used to think I wasn't clarity sensitive, but after buying a couple stones it has become more important to me..I will take an eyeclean L or M over a visibly included D anyday!

Ditto again! I plan to get a K when I upgrade my J in the near future. But I will probably try to stick with a VS2 because I know seeing any little blemishes would bug me.

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/2/2009 11:49:10 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 1/2/2009 11:19:43 PM
Author: arjunajane



Add me to that list! Infact, my ering stone is not ''I or higher'', its a K. I love it, and I''ve never had someone comment on the colour, doubt I ever will.
I used to think I wasn''t clarity sensitive, but after buying a couple stones it has become more important to me..I will take an eyeclean L or M over a visibly included D anyday!

Ditto again! I plan to get a K when I upgrade my J in the near future. But I will probably try to stick with a VS2 because I know seeing any little blemishes would bug me.

Exciting Dreamer!

I adore my K. Do you mind if I ask what size you plan on upgrading to..?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/3/2009 12:04:34 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/2/2009 11:49:10 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 1/2/2009 11:19:43 PM
Author: arjunajane

Add me to that list! Infact, my ering stone is not ''I or higher'', its a K. I love it, and I''ve never had someone comment on the colour, doubt I ever will.
I used to think I wasn''t clarity sensitive, but after buying a couple stones it has become more important to me..I will take an eyeclean L or M over a visibly included D anyday!

Ditto again! I plan to get a K when I upgrade my J in the near future. But I will probably try to stick with a VS2 because I know seeing any little blemishes would bug me.

Exciting Dreamer!

I adore my K. Do you mind if I ask what size you plan on upgrading to..?

Well, I have a .80ct now with a 6.07mm diameter and I am thinking that I want to get up to a 1.30ct to get over the 7mm mark! Now I just need to save the money! LOL!! But those Ks are suprisingly affordable.

Sorry for the threadjack wasp!

 

[LaraOnline]

Lots of inclusions (as seen in some high street stores) may make the ring cheaper, but it reduces the sparkle. Highly included diamonds don't do it for me. The snob in me sees highly included diamonds as a cheap shot, a grab for size over quality, flash over substance...

Of course, I am not talking about 'eye clean' here! Eye clean clarity is important to me. And please, no black specs. A one-off crystal or feather might be okay, and as platinum rock posted, it reinforces the 'natural' aspect of a genuine diamond!

 

[arjunajane]

Date: 1/3/2009 12:35:20 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 1/3/2009 12:04:34 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/2/2009 11:49:10 PM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Date: 1/2/2009 11:19:43 PM
Author: arjunajane

Add me to that list! Infact, my ering stone is not ''I or higher'', its a K. I love it, and I''ve never had someone comment on the colour, doubt I ever will.
I used to think I wasn''t clarity sensitive, but after buying a couple stones it has become more important to me..I will take an eyeclean L or M over a visibly included D anyday!

Ditto again! I plan to get a K when I upgrade my J in the near future. But I will probably try to stick with a VS2 because I know seeing any little blemishes would bug me.

Exciting Dreamer!

I adore my K. Do you mind if I ask what size you plan on upgrading to..?

Well, I have a .80ct now with a 6.07mm diameter and I am thinking that I want to get up to a 1.30ct to get over the 7mm mark! Now I just need to save the money! LOL!! But those Ks are suprisingly affordable.

Sorry for the threadjack wasp!

Awesome, thats a big jump! I know, don''t you love the saving that the j-m range offers

Will you keep your current setting, or go a whole new ring.?
Sorry, I''m probably jumping the gun, please don''t answer if you''d like it to be a surprise !

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/3/2009 2:15:17 AM
Author: arjunajane

Date: 1/3/2009 12:35:20 AM
Author: dreamer_dachsie

Well, I have a .80ct now with a 6.07mm diameter and I am thinking that I want to get up to a 1.30ct to get over the 7mm mark! Now I just need to save the money! LOL!! But those Ks are suprisingly affordable.

Sorry for the threadjack wasp!

Awesome, thats a big jump! I know, don''t you love the saving that the j-m range offers

Will you keep your current setting, or go a whole new ring.?
Sorry, I''m probably jumping the gun, please don''t answer if you''d like it to be a surprise !

Even with such a marge jump it will only be an extra $3500 or so, which is why I love the K

I will be getting a new setting. While I love my legato in many ways, it would need to be re-made for the larger stone anyways (a new head could only accommodate up to a 1.2) and I want a thicker shank so I can wear it with a shared prong eternity... I think it will be close to a year before I can do the upgrade, but we shall see how it goes!

 

[EricaR]

How exciting DD!!!

For me, clarity is just a matter of eye clean or not. If it is eye clean, I don''t care if the paper says VVS1 or SI2! I ended up with a VS2 because that is what my otherwise perfect diamond had. I would have been more than OK with getting a larger size stone that was in the SI range but none were available at the time.

 

[CharmyPoo]

The thing is that it isn''t really about you. Would you girlfriend be comfortable or happy with a black dot in her diamond? I know it would bother the heck out of me and I would want to upgrade right away. For that reason, I went with a VS1 with a cloud that I can''t even find under a loupe. I know many are happy with warmth but again .. I want my diamond to be white white. I regret settling for a G and will move back to the E and F range. For me, size is not as important as a high quality diamond. I am not about showing off a huge rock to my friends.

 

[T L]

I know I'll get thrown on the rack for saying this, but I think getting a stone with anything higher than SI2 clarity is a waste of money. JMO. You cannot visually see the difference between an IF and an SI2 with the naked eye (unless it's a step cut like an assher or emerald cut). I think it's a marketing ploy by DeBeers to make people waste their money. You should spend the money on color and cut (actually I think cut is the most important). Clarity to me is the least important. I much rather have a F-SI2 than a H-IF. The F-SI2 will look much whiter and brighter and better if all other things are equal (cut and size). If you have an F-SI2 and an F-IF in a RBC, and again, all other aspects are equal, you would be hardpressed to see any differences, but your pocketbook would notice the difference big time. I actually think it's quite funny that people pay so much attention to a microscopic inclusion in a stone. Only diamonds get such scrutiny when it comes to inclusions, now why is that???


As a side note, a lot of gemologists and jewelers have agreed with me on this as well. Paying extra for clarity to them is a waste of $$ as well.

 

[wasp9166]

charmy, not to be rude but, if i gave my girl a diamond, and she wanted to upgrade right away, id have to reconsider the whole reason ,would i give her a pos? no, if i was happy with it, should that be enuff? i would hope so, but thats me

 

[coatimundi_org]

Date: 1/4/2009 3:39:37 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover


I know I'll get thrown on the rack for saying this, but I think getting a stone with anything higher than SI2 clarity is a waste of money. JMO. You cannot visually see the difference between an IF and an SI2 with the naked eye (unless it's a step cut like an assher or emerald cut). I think it's a marketing ploy by DeBeers to make people waste their money. You should spend the money on color and cut (actually I think cut is the most important). Clarity to me is the least important. I much rather have a F-SI2 than a H-IF. The F-SI2 will look much whiter and brighter and better if all other things are equal (cut and size). If you have an F-SI2 and an F-IF in a RBC, and again, all other aspects are equal, you would be hardpressed to see any differences, but your pocketbook would notice the difference big time. I actually think it's quite funny that people pay so much attention to a microscopic inclusion in a stone. Only diamonds get such scrutiny when it comes to inclusions, now why is that???



As a side note, a lot of gemologists and jewelers have agreed with me on this as well. Paying extra for clarity to them is a waste of $$ as well.

Wha?? There are plenty of SI2s that are NOT eye clean. There is a visual difference between eye clean and not--one need not jump to flawless to get an eye clean stone, though. A clean SI2 can present a great value, and I get that point. (also, depends on one's own vision)

Colored gems, depending on type, get plenty of scrutiny for inclusions. Many want eye clean colored stones. I dig inclusions, but I understand why others do not.

I definitely disagree that people should spend their $$ on color in diamonds. A well cut J can face up near colorless. I have a well cut J and K.

I agree that $$ should be spent on cut--definitely.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 1/4/2009 4:11:46 PM
Author: wasp9166
charmy, not to be rude but, if i gave my girl a diamond, and she wanted to upgrade right away, id have to reconsider the whole reason ,would i give her a pos? no, if i was happy with it, should that be enuff? i would hope so, but thats me

I''m sorry, but this highlighted part really cracks me up given the attitude about marriage that you have displayed in some of your other posts. I know they were inteded tongue in cheek (e.g, "She nagged me for 15 years" etc) but really... If you are allowed to be upset about her not being happy with a diamond with a black inclusion, then why isn''t she allowed to also be upset that you bought her an included diamond to save some money in the first place? Seems like both feelings are valid. And no, you being happy is not enough

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/4/2009 4:11:46 PM
Author: wasp9166
charmy, not to be rude but, if i gave my girl a diamond, and she wanted to upgrade right away, id have to reconsider the whole reason ,would i give her a pos? no, if i was happy with it, should that be enuff? i would hope so, but thats me

Fair enough. But let's say you know she would rather have a smaller diamond with no visible inclusions - would you rather not get her that instead? I think it is important for men to consider what their girl wants when making the e-ring purchase. We have heard stories where people are unhappy because their men didn't take their preferences into consideration. This has nothing to do with love. It is NOT enough that you are happy with the ring but it is enough that you have tried your best to get something that will make her happy. Afterall, you aren't the one wearing the ring.

I can sit back and pretend that I would be ecstatic with any ring I receive. The truth is .. I will be happy about the engagement and about him but I may not be happy about the ring itself. I see it as two seperate things although the e-ring is a symbol. My boyfriend knows I can't stand inclusions that are visible to the eye - he would chose a smaller diamond if it means going up in clarity. He also knows I am really picky with symmetry and prongs and he knew to look for these things when he received the ring. One of the reasons why I love him so much is because we know each other so well and we take the effort to do things to make each other happy. It's not about me or him - it's about us.

My question to you is why does it matter if it is big enough or sparkly enough for other people. I could care less what a stranger on the street thinks of my e-ring. It is what I think of it and if I can see the black inclusion and I am unahppy about it - that is for me. Like you said, strangers won't grab her hand to look at it but she will look at it.

The ring my bf will propose with will be special and not one that I want to change.

 

[SandraPaneczko]

There are all kinds of diamond lover out there. I will give my opinion from a different view. Most pricescopers are about diamonds which are best quality for your money. There are members who can afford a 2 CT Tiffany (48,000) and there are people like me who have a tighter budget. Color and Clarity are more important to others. I like a higher/middle color and clarity. I have a G VS2. I am comfortable with it. Cut can be altered but clarity/color are the natural aspects of a diamond. I am more comfortable with VS. If I had a VVS or IF... I would love it but I think VS is a good spot if you want best quality for your money. Any higher and you start paying for something that is all in your head but that''s okay if you are willing pay for it.. so that''s why I stuck with my VS2. Whatever your preference is... that''s what you should settle for. I would pay more to have what I wanted. We should all love are stones. Some sacrifice carat weight and some sacrifice color/clarity. That''s what I think

Take Care

Sandra

 

[oldmancoyote]

Date: 1/4/2009 3:39:37 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover

I know I''ll get thrown on the rack for saying this, but I think getting a stone with anything higher than SI2 clarity is a waste of money. JMO. You cannot visually see the difference between an IF and an SI2 with the naked eye (unless it''s a step cut like an assher or emerald cut). I think it''s a marketing ploy by DeBeers to make people waste their money. You should spend the money on color and cut (actually I think cut is the most important). Clarity to me is the least important. I much rather have a F-SI2 than a H-IF. The F-SI2 will look much whiter and brighter and better if all other things are equal (cut and size). If you have an F-SI2 and an F-IF in a RBC, and again, all other aspects are equal, you would be hardpressed to see any differences, but your pocketbook would notice the difference big time. I actually think it''s quite funny that people pay so much attention to a microscopic inclusion in a stone. Only diamonds get such scrutiny when it comes to inclusions, now why is that???

As a side note, a lot of gemologists and jewelers have agreed with me on this as well. Paying extra for clarity to them is a waste of $$ as well.

Not throwing you on the rack by any means (a few pokes with a red hot iron are enough

), BUT

1. There''s quite a few eye-clean SI2, and there''s quite a few that aren''t. I suspect many people - particularly those that buy jewellery infrequently - may want the reassurance of a VS or higher clarity because that way they are sure no-one (except the MIL with her loupe) is going to notice... and it''s much less effort.

2. There may be symbolic/cultural aspects for some.

3. I think pretty much the same applies to colour. Why spend for a D (or a G?) when in most conditions to most people it will look as white as a well-cut J?

Having said this - if I could find well-cut eye-clean SI2 in all the shapes and sizes I want, I''d be a happy buyer.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Date: 1/4/2009 5:32:16 PM
Author: oldmancoyote
Not throwing you on the rack by any means (a few pokes with a red hot iron are enough

), BUT

1. There''s quite a few eye-clean SI2, and there''s quite a few that aren''t. I suspect many people - particularly those that buy jewellery infrequently - may want the reassurance of a VS or higher clarity because that way they are sure no-one (except the MIL with her loupe) is going to notice... and it''s much less effort.

I found the highlighted part extremely funny. I showed my mom the diamond and she examined it with a loupe! The diamond passed the test and she thought we did very well. Now, I can''t blame her for doing that. My mom is more obsessed with diamonds than a PSer.

 

[platinumrock]

Date: 1/4/2009 5:04:40 PM
Author: coatimundi

Date: 1/4/2009 3:39:37 PM
Author: tourmaline_lover


I know I''ll get thrown on the rack for saying this, but I think getting a stone with anything higher than SI2 clarity is a waste of money. JMO. You cannot visually see the difference between an IF and an SI2 with the naked eye (unless it''s a step cut like an assher or emerald cut). I think it''s a marketing ploy by DeBeers to make people waste their money. You should spend the money on color and cut (actually I think cut is the most important). Clarity to me is the least important. I much rather have a F-SI2 than a H-IF. The F-SI2 will look much whiter and brighter and better if all other things are equal (cut and size). If you have an F-SI2 and an F-IF in a RBC, and again, all other aspects are equal, you would be hardpressed to see any differences, but your pocketbook would notice the difference big time. I actually think it''s quite funny that people pay so much attention to a microscopic inclusion in a stone. Only diamonds get such scrutiny when it comes to inclusions, now why is that???



As a side note, a lot of gemologists and jewelers have agreed with me on this as well. Paying extra for clarity to them is a waste of $$ as well.

Wha?? There are plenty of SI2s that are NOT eye clean. There is a visual difference between eye clean and not--one need not jump to flawless to get an eye clean stone, though. A clean SI2 can present a great value, and I get that point. (also, depends on one''s own vision)

Colored gems, depending on type, get plenty of scrutiny for inclusions. Many want eye clean colored stones. I dig inclusions, but I understand why others do not.

I definitely disagree that people should spend their $$ on color in diamonds. A well cut J can face up near colorless. I have a well cut J and K.

I agree that $$ should be spent on cut--definitely.

I''m also with TL about anything higher than SI2 being a waste of money. I don''t believe in paying more for what I cannot see. I also prefer size over clarity, so I will try to find the largest diamond that I can afford with the lowest clarity and color that I can accept. Cut is also important, but it doesn''t have to be ideal. As far as color, I am not into super-white diamonds. They remind me of CZ''s. I actually prefer the warmth in the H and lower colors. Some of the most beautiful and lively diamonds I''ve seen have warmth to them. In a nutshell, as long as the diamond is a nice size, is eye clean and sparkles, then I am happy. And I will take the thousands that I saved and keep it in the bank.

I understand the concept of "you get what you pay for". But I also don''t let name brands fool me.