6 replies to this topic

[bonkety]

As a follow-up to my other question about a new engagement ring:

I was using a powerful dissecting scope (in my lab - life sciences) and found it nearly impossible to see ANYTHING in our new 1.6 ct VS2, H Princess cut stone. I sure saw any bits of dust! The ring-light that the scope uses is extremely bright, but I just can't see where the GIA-listed inclusions are. Specifically, I know where they are SUPPOSED to be, but maybe these old eyes aren't working too well (age 52). I'm told that it takes a good 10+ seconds to see anything of this sort in a VS2 diamond... but I can't seem to do it (even when I zoom in to 20-30X). Any tips, or is this something that really takes a pro?

Thanks.

[barry]

Keep practicing.

[jan]

Also if you get too high in the magnification it actually gets harder to see the whole stone and possibly where the inclusions are. You might try taking it down to about 10X which is what they are graded at the laboratories.

[bonkety]

Thank you (Barry and Jan). Yes, I did sense that there could be TOO much magnification (at some point). I sort of know where to look, but, gads, it is hard. Perhaps they are white crystals (marked by 4 small red dots on the GIA cert).

If nothing else, this certainly confirms that the inclusions on a VS-qaulity diamond are virtually impossible to see. I've often read that going for the non-inclusion end of the spectrum just isn't worth it (unless one wants to KNOW they have perfection in that regard). I can't fathom how VSS can be seen with a loupe (but, again, I'm totally inexperienced).

[bonkety]

<correcting my typo> ... that's VVS.

Can ANY non-jeweler/appraiser see VVS anything?

[barry]

Good point you bring up in considering VVS-VS vs. SI and lower clarities.

In a finely cut diamond, the increased light output coming out of the Table and Crown will "mask" the ability to see the inclusion(s).

I've seen this play out time and again in our showroom; the guys angst as to whether to go with a VVS vs. VS-2 or lower clarity grade.

It basically comes down as to what basis you are purchasing the diamond:

1. Rational
2. Emotional

If you are category 1, cannot see any differences in "sparkle", light performance, Cut, etc., etc. between the diamonds, then definitely my advice is to go with the less expensive diamond and use the savings for the setting or anything else.
(Our accountant does NOT like this type of advice).

If you're in Category #2, realize and admit that you cannot see any difference in any way between the VVS-1 and the SI-1, but you won't be able to sleep and/or eat for a month knowing that you only got her a VS or SI clarity, a G-H color rather than a D-E,
then we don't offer you any advice as any decision you make is the correct one.

Seems to me from your posts that you possibly expected to pick up the VS-2 inclusions in your diamond, perhaps second-guessing yourself in a little nook in the back of your mind as to whether you made the right decision, and are now amazed and surprised not to be able to find anything under very high magnification.

The fact that you chose a well-cut diamond speaks to the fact that you can go lower in clarity and even color without sacrificing visual beauty.

Be Happy

[bonkety]

No no... I don't need to see the VS2 in our diamond. It's more that I'm curious and though t I might be able to. I'm more the "rational" type (in your scenario above). I have the strong impression that if the cut is good then VS2 and H are just fine (and maybe something less would look as good if the cut was good).