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You want to know and ask "What is the
clarity?"
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How was this grade determined? Is it by a
recognized Gem Lab (GIA, EGL, AGS, IGI) or is it "in house"?
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If it is "in house" what are the
credentials of the "in house" gemologist and what kind of equipment does
he use to determine the grade? There are many good "in house"
gemologists. Independent appraisers are in reality "in house"
gemologists in the sense that they don't work for one of the major gem
labs. If a person is an in house gemologist (such as myself) the least
they should have to examine the clarity of the diamond with is a
gemological microscope. If all they have is a loupe, question the
clarity grade and have it checked by someone who's got the right
equipment.
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Ask if the diamond has been treated or
enhanced in any way. If it is, what was the treatment? Lasering or
filled?
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There's nothing wrong with examining a
diamond upside down but remember that this can be a misrepresentation of
the actual clarity of the stone as you can see many reflections of
imperfections when the stone is turned upside down.
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Know that in some VS2's and in the SI
clarity grades inclusions can most assuredly be seen to the human eye
when observed upside down. Remember that "eye-clean" refers to observing
the diamond "face-up" as it's mounted in a ring.
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In some SI's inclusions can be seen with
the human eye, especially after viewing it under magnification and
concentrating your focus at that point on the stone. Remember... what
you're concentrating your focus on will not be seen by the average
person who looks at your diamond in your ring.
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You want to look at the clarity from 2
different perspectives. a. The critical perspective: Under the scope for
pricing and purchasing reasons. b. The practical perspective: Even
though you know where the inclusions are under a scope, is John Doe
gonna see them when he looks at how brilliant your diamond is?
