3 replies to this topic

[iloveshopping]

Hi,

I am looking at diamonds that are 3.60 and 3.94ct, round brilliant...and the 2 most important factors for me are size and cut (ideal only).

In terms of color, I'd do G or above. I am more flexible with clarity...I really mostly care that nothing is visible to the naked eye.

So I'm fine with let's say an SI2 as long as it's eye clean. It's been pretty difficult finding diamonds this size since most jewelry stores don't carry stones this big (not even Tiffany had it in their inventory), so I've resorted to online shopping.

Can someone please advise me whether it is a good idea to go in the SI region for a diamond of this size? Prices jump when you go from SI to VS (and although initially I wanted VS2 or above, I've been reading that it would be kind of a waste of money paying for a VS when an eye clean SI and and eye clean VS look the same). I've seen eye clean SI2's, but those were like 1 carat. I'm worried that inclusions would be more apparent in a bigger stone. What have been your experiences?

Thanks a lot!

[davidelevi]

It is more difficult to find eye-clean SI larger diamonds - as the fact size grows, so does your "window" into the diamond, and there are fewer reflection paths to hide the inclusions. However, they do exist, so keep looking!

Just one note on cut: you mention "ideal only". Beware that not all "ideal" labels are the same. AGSL uses the word ideal with a very precise and stringent meaning, but many vendors are far more liberal with it, and GIA (and other labs) does not use it at all. Always make sure you understand who has graded a particular aspect of the diamond - such as cut - and decide by yourself to what extent you can trust that opinion.

[diamondsbylauren]

Hi iloveshopping

Davide's answer is a good one- and it's widely stated that larger SI stones will more easily show their imperfections.
The other side of this is that the larger stones may also distract the eye more.

The stone above is 6cts, graded SI2 by GIA.
I can see the imperfections easily in the photo- however in person, when you look into the table- all the reflections simply obliterate any chance you might have to see the imperfection- so it's eye clean.

In terms of "ideal cut", I made a video comparing two stones.
One hast the "hearts and arrows" look- commonly called "ideal"
The other has a more "disorganized" sparkle.
Both are graded "EX" cut grade by GIA ( both are "triple Ex- meaning Polish, Symmetry, and Cut grade are all "EX")
As I mention in the video, I far prefer the less organized sparkle- as will MANY people if given the choice.

[jan]

iloveshopping, on 03 September 2010 - 10:31 PM, said:

Hi,

I am looking at diamonds that are 3.60 and 3.94ct, round brilliant...and the 2 most important factors for me are size and cut (ideal only).

In terms of color, I'd do G or above. I am more flexible with clarity...I really mostly care that nothing is visible to the naked eye.

So I'm fine with let's say an SI2 as long as it's eye clean. It's been pretty difficult finding diamonds this size since most jewelry stores don't carry stones this big (not even Tiffany had it in their inventory), so I've resorted to online shopping.

Can someone please advise me whether it is a good idea to go in the SI region for a diamond of this size? Prices jump when you go from SI to VS (and although initially I wanted VS2 or above, I've been reading that it would be kind of a waste of money paying for a VS when an eye clean SI and and eye clean VS look the same). I've seen eye clean SI2's, but those were like 1 carat. I'm worried that inclusions would be more apparent in a bigger stone. What have been your experiences?

Thanks a lot!

You may need to go to a VS2 are higher in that size.