Why does my diamond not sparkle?

[mray2]

Hello!
My 5 year old engagement ring has a 0.86c RB diamond in a solitaire setting with side stones (picture attached). I'm not a big fan of the current setting, so I'm definitely changing that (thinking about a cushion halo). I'm also debating changing the center stone because I feel like this one lacks sparkle (it looks sort of like glass). However, I would prefer not to for sentimental reasons. Is it possible that the lack of sparkle is due to the setting, rather than some flaw inherent to the diamond? And if it is the diamond, what specifically is the issue- so I can avoid it when I get my new one. I'm including the specs from the EGL certificate below. In case it matters my ring size is 3.5-3.75.

Weight: 0.86 cts
Shape and cut: Round brilliant
Measurements: 6.13-6.13 X 3.72 mm
Total depth: 60.7%
Total width: 61%
Crown height: 13%, crown angle: 33.5 degree
Pavilion depth: 44%
Girdle thickness: thin
Polish: excellent
Symmetry: excellent
Culet: none
Clarity grade: VS2
Graining: nil
Color grade: K
Fluorescence: none

Comments
8 Hearts and 8 arrows
Excellent ideal cut
Clarity enhanced

I'm not a big jewellery wearer, so any insights that I can get will be invaluable. Thanks!

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Mray,
Because diamonds are made of carbon, they are total grease magnets. Even the thinnest coating of grease or oil can heavily impact a diamonds ability to sparkle. Many of us clean our diamonds daily with warm water, hand washing dish soap and a soft toothbrush to keep them dazzling. When was the last time you gave your diamond a bath?

If cleaning your diamond doesn't help, then it might be time to look for a new stone.

 

[HappyNewLife]

I "think" your HCA score is 4.5, which isn't great. It's probably not that well cut

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Try de-greasing though and that could help!

 

[WillyDiamond]

welcome to the forum

As others have said cleaning it might be helpful.

I noted the EGL certificate being a "K" color, GIA/EGL would like grade that 2-3 grades lower, so that might be the problem also.

 

[drk14]

Clarity enhanced

Do you know specifically what type of clarity enhancement was done? Farcture filling or laser drilling/bleaching?

 

[Texas Leaguer]

You have already received a number of suggestions to account for the lack of sparkle you are seeing (or not seeing). While it is likely a cumulative effect of many factors, the clarity enhancement is very possibly the main culprit. Depending on how big the fracture is that was filled and where it is located, it could significantly impede light moving through the diamond. If that is the case, the diamond will never sparkle the way you want it to no matter what setting you choose.

 

[mray2]

Thanks for all the advice! I just cleaned the ring and there is a definite improvement in sparkle under bright/focused light (vanity lights) but not that much under ambient conditions (overhead lights/near window). Is this to be expected?

If I were to upgrade the diamond, is there any point in trying to sell this one? Maybe back to the jeweller I bought from? Is there an online tool for estimating how much I can expect for it? If not, I might have it made into earrings at some point...And for future reference, is the HCA score a metric that the jeweler can provide?

Thanks again!

 

[Andelain]

Thanks for all the advice! I just cleaned the ring and there is a definite improvement in sparkle under bright/focused light (vanity lights) but not that much under ambient conditions (overhead lights/near window). Is this to be expected?

If I were to upgrade the diamond, is there any point in trying to sell this one? Maybe back to the jeweller I bought from? Is there an online tool for estimating how much I can expect for it? If not, I might have it made into earrings at some point...And for future reference, is the HCA score a metric that the jeweler can provide?

Thanks again!

An EGL graded, fracture filled diamond has very little resale value. Sorry.

 

[Candygrl]

If you able to keep the diamond and maybe have it made into a pendant that would be good. If you have the ability to financially you should probably start over. This time please please avoid EGL all together and stick to GIA or AGS. EGL is way too soft on their grading, usually off by several grades! Just as a starting point check out James Allen and browse around their loose diamonds.

 

[WinkHPD]

Thanks for all the advice! I just cleaned the ring and there is a definite improvement in sparkle under bright/focused light (vanity lights) but not that much under ambient conditions (overhead lights/near window). Is this to be expected?

If I were to upgrade the diamond, is there any point in trying to sell this one? Maybe back to the jeweller I bought from? Is there an online tool for estimating how much I can expect for it? If not, I might have it made into earrings at some point...And for future reference, is the HCA score a metric that the jeweler can provide?

Thanks again!

Sadly, you have no idea what the diamond really is, and actually what it might have been prior to enhancement, very likely an I1. They are extremely hard to resell as both the trade and the public have decided that there is just too much that we do not know after the enhancement is done. Neither AGS or GIA will assign them a clarity grade when doing a report on them.

Wink

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It would be a great idea to keep it and use it for a pair of earrings or even a pendant! You won't get much for it, and since it has sentimental value, I'd just set it in earrings or pendant.

Please come back here before buying another diamond and people here will help you to be sure to get a great one at a fair price!

 

[rockhoundofficiando]

I wonder if the fracture filling came out. . . Sometimes that occurs. Typically that can be redone. Yehuda treats many diamonds. . Would contact original jeweler. Have it thoroughly professionally cleaned as well.

 

[mray2]

Wow I wish I had known about this forum back when I was shopping for my ring The clarity enhancement was done by laser treating the diamond- the jeweler said it was permanent and not a big deal. Looks like I'm on the market for a new one. Is buying the stone from an online-only retailer like James Allen more cost effective? Can I buy just the diamond from them? I would prefer to go try out a few settings in person. Also would love to get some recommendations on jewelers in Chicago (if that is allowed on this forum). Thanks.

 

[Gypsy]

You should first look at your budget and see what a nice diamond with excellent cut costs in the size you want. See if you can save up for a while. If you are going to get a new stone... first spend a couple weeks on here learning about diamonds and vendors. And then see what things cost. Then go from them. No sense in rushing things and making another poor choice.

 

[motownmama]

Now that it's cleaner - can you take some better pictures of the diamond? It's not really in focus. You should be able to enjoy it while you shop & save for a new one. I echo the idea of a pendant for it!