Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please help!

[Katba1ou]

Hi everyone,

I'm brand new to this forum and would massively appreciate some advice and opinions if possible please.

My husband bought my engagement ring in December 2011. I picked the diamond myself- Brilliant Round, uncertified and was told the diamond was 0.49ct, G colour, SI clarity (not specifically 1/2) and a really good quality stone. Now being someone who at that time knew absolutely nothing about diamonds, I believed I was getting a really nice stone. I'm from the UK so 1/2 carat is a good size diamond although 0.75 is more what i'm looking for now.

Anyway, so in the last few months I had noticed that I had quite a large inclusion on the surface of the stone. This was never pointed out to me when I purchased it, and is something I would never had looked for, as I never knew what an inclusion was at the time of purchase. I understand looking back now that I had made a poor choice purchasing a diamond firstly with no knowledge apart from they're good if they sparkle and secondly without a certificate.

I spoke to the original jeweller about the inclusion (which had been confirmed as an inclusion by a local jeweller) and he said that its not an inclusion, its a crack within the diamond. As you can imagine, I was totally distraught as I had no idea you could do this to a diamond (I have since been told its very difficult to cause this kind of damage).

I decided to get a second opinion as I just couldn't believe that I would have done this to my diamond and the second opinion, technically third, was that it was a large inclusion- more specifically a feather inclusion. I was also advised to have the diamond certified as this jeweller felt that the colour was more an I and not an SI clarity.

I send it away mounted as the original jeweller refused to remove it from the setting in the event that he was "accused of damaging it".

The certificate came back and the colour has been graded as H-I and SI3 clarity. Ive been told by a fourth jeweller that SI3 is quite a new grade and is pretty much I1.

My husband spoke to the original jeweller again to try and resolve the issue before going to an official complaints organisation- Trading Standards over here (not sure if you have that in the US) but he maintained he thought it was cracked, didn't care that the grading was out and told me I should have bought a certified diamond. He also accused me of swapping the diamonds over!

Now I understand where he is coming from in terms on buying a diamond with a certificate, but my argument is that he as a diamond seller surely should have some moral responsibility to show someone with no prior knowledge, an inclusion such as the one I have ( I will post some pics).

The other issue I have had pointed out to me is the workmanship of the ring which I agree isn't the best but I accepted that as it was a handmade ring (mostly made on a mill) then I shouldn't expect perfection, but one of the jewellers I spoke to said that I could expect perfection. The shoulders have x11 each side 1.5mm round diamonds- not all are the same size (ive been told you can get matched and callibrated diamonds of the same size) and the channels are a little rough where the diamonds sit. Also on the inside of the shank, there are holes where light is let through which are all uneven and looks like someone of no experience has decided to have a go.

I hope that all makes sense. I'll post some pics of the ring and the diamond that I took through a microscope ( not great but you can see what I'm talking about).

Thank you so much for reading this. I'm driving my husband insane with talking about it, but i just want to get it sorted and finally have my dream engagement ring.

I look forward to reading your advice

 

[BriBee]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I'm sorry that you're dealing with all of this. I know how you feel....I had an ER before I really knew about diamonds and had done lots of research here on PS. My stone also had some visible inclusions, but I knew about them before purchasing the stone and decided to go through with it anyways.

After reading your post I'm not quite sure what kind of advice you're looking for....The people here on PS are amazing when it comes to helping people find fabulous stones at great prices. So if you're looking for a new stone, you've come to the right place
As far as your current E-ring, are you thinking of trying to replace it altogeher? At this point you'd probably have a hard time selling and getting anything near what you paid, and if you have a sentimental attachment to it maybe that's not an option anyway. You could try using the stone for a pendant or something? That way you still have your original stone but won't be constantly checking out the inclusion as you would when the stone is on your hand.
For the setting maybe you could have a new jeweler check it out and see if it's worth repairing some of the parts you're unhappy with, and then you could set a new stone in it? If you're not interested in keeping the ring at all there are options to get some money for it, but it's usually going to be scrap prices which isn't a lot. I was able to trade in my setting and get a credit towards a new setting, but that was because I stuck with my original jeweler and was happy with his work (sounds like this might not be the case for you?)

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

Lots of us made mistakes before finding PriceScope. So don't feel bad! No point in blaming the jeweler, either. You bought an uncertified stone and apparently did not request a loupe to look at it at the time, so it is what it is. Been there, done that,too.

I agree with the idea of using your current diamond in a pendant and starting over with your ring. We certainly would be happy to help you find a fine diamond that is graded so you know exactly what you're getting this time!

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

Stories like yours are why PriceScope was started. People are being sold diamonds all the time that are not nearly the quality or the great deal that they think they are getting.

I would chalk it up to experience, and save up your money to start over shopping for a new diamond. People here will love to help you shop, and this time, you will end up with an excellent quality diamond, like you want and deserve.

 

[Katba1ou]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

thanks for the quick replies,

I have learnt soooo much from this experience and I feel I'm getting there in terms of knowing what I want and I will never buy an uncertified diamond again.

I have thought about reusing the gold and the side stones to have the ring re-made with a new centre stone and I have thought about keeping the centre stone and putting it in a necklance, but the issue I have is money and so I need to sell this one to fund the new one.

The ring does have some sentimental value, but that inclusion totally spoils the ring for me- amazing how one little thing can make such a big difference!

While I've been browsing on pricescope for diamonds I discovered that it may actually work out cheaper to buy a diamond from the US but the problem I have with that is I don't actually get to look and hold the diamond and I feel that with my current problem that may not be such a good idea.

Diamond seeker- I wish I didn't blame the jeweller but I honestly feel they have totally robbed me and that the fact they are accusing me of doing something so unthinkable ( im my opinon) is disgusting.

Ah well, I suppose I'll just have to make the complaint and see what happens and in the mean time keep looking at beautiful diamonds with you lovely people

 

[BriBee]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I understand your hesitation to buy online, especially being in a different country. But if you're looking at getting another RB, with all the help here on PS I think you'll end up with an awesome stone that you will love when you see it in person. Most of the recommended vendors here will send you lots of reports and pictures (some even do videos) so you can see as much as possible before purchasing. Also, since RBs are easier to buy by the numbers, there is less risk of not seeing it in person than if you were buying a fancy cut. That being said, I know it's still tough and hard to just go by what people say...but I've seen enough people get amazing stones, sight unseen, with the help of the people on PS and I would do it in a heartbeat.

As far as your setting, I could be wrong, but I'm not sure if you'll be able to melt down your current setting to make a new one.... would you be ok with a simple solitaire setting that you could change out eventually? You can probably find one that's fairly inexpensive. You can start by starting a new thread and post your budget and some of the things you're looking for and see what the PSers come up with, just to get an idea of what your options are.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I think the reason we often recommend reusing the diamond is because if it isn't the greatest quality, you'll likely only get a fraction of what you paid for it, unfortunately. You have to decide whether it is enough to make it worth selling. I agree that I don't like your jeweler's attitude, but unless you have in writing what he graded the diamond as, I don't think your complaints will go very far. If he did write the color and clarity info on the sales receipt and you have a reliable grading certificate that grades it differently, I think it has to be at least two grades (or more) lower in color and clarity than represented. One grade off is generally acceptable. But you'd have to have it in writing.

 

[Fly Girl]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I purchased a diamond from Good Old Gold and sent them my current ring setting with my current diamond removed. They replaced the head and set the new diamond and returned the ring to me. The workmanship was excellent.

My diamond was a 0.63 ct E VS2 ISEE2 diamond. With all of the tests that Good Old Gold does on the diamond you can be absolutely confident that it is a great diamond. In fact, I am far more confident with all of these tests than I am in my judgement to pick out a fine diamond in person.

Other vendors that I trust are Crafted by Infinity (who does have a vendor in the UK), Whiteflash and Brian Gavin Diamonds. When you get a top of the line cut by one of these vendors, you can be confident in the grading and you won't need to see the diamond in person. It is going to be gorgeous.

 

[Katba1ou]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

@Beecushion I think with all the photographs and the certificates and the fact that they engrave the certificate number is reassuring so possibly might- will see.

@Diamondseeker I have an email with the colour and clarity noted and so i'm hoping that it would count for something although I'm really not sure. My husband has filed away the receipt so not sure what is actually written on there- i'm not sure we actually got one apart from the till receipt.

@Flygirl I had a look on good old gold and the information you get is excellent- I'm just so excited to be getting a new ring and choosing it all properly with the appropriate knowledge. My budget is £3000 for the entire ring so around $4600 so i recon i can get a pretty good stone and setting for that

My ring has been sent away now to a diamond specialist for a report on the inclusion to further back my argument with the jeweller. I'm fighting for a refund as that's half my budget if i achieve it. keep your fingers crossed for me

 

[yssie]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

Kat, I definitely understand the frustration, and maybe things work differently in the UK, but if you were in the US I'd honestly advise that you think about just moving on, both financially and emotionally, and stop spending time, effort, and money trying to prove the jeweller wrong.

The problem that I'm seeing is that your jeweller (the one you bought it from) never actually said that it's an "SI by these standards". He just said SI, and at least over here, he can basically call it whatever he wants and has no obligation to explain anything about different standards and reports to you (well I'd agree that he has a moral obligation but...). And unless you have the claim that it's a "crack" in writing, you can't prove that either. Workmanship is another variable - as long as it's not falling apart after sitting in a velvet box, I can't really envision claiming poor workmanship w/ rough channels and uneven shoulders (though again, I'd agree with you).

I hope you get your money back if you decide to keep pushing for it! My only concern is being out the original cost of the ring plus all this extra work at the end of the day. But I'm no lawyer or expert or anything like that so this is just my 2c!

 

[Katba1ou]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

@Yssie I appreciate your comment, thankyou
I can see from an outsider perspective that it appears I am fighting a losing battle but my glimmer of hope is that before things became messy in terms of being accused of swapping the stone and or damaging it etc, the jeweller was more than happy to exchange the stone for something of better clarity with an additional payment for the upgrade. If he was willing to do that, then why not pursue the complaint when I can prove it is an inclusion? Thats my thought behind the whole thing. My husband doesn't think i'll get anywhere to be honest but I just can't let it go until I have tried my utmost to get i suppose justice.

I have of course learnt an extremely valuable lesson from all of this and I have found an fantastic and very knowledgeable jeweller who sells the most amazing diamonds which he obtains from america which are all triple ideals and have GIA or AGS diamond reports.

will keep you posted on my progress

 

[Christina...]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I feel really bad for your situation, I would be heartbroken too, but it appears the original jeweler wasn't that far off in his grading. Grading is subjective and one grade either way is considered common and accepted. It appears he only claimed the stone was an SI quality and thereport did in fact come back SI quality. Like Yssie mentioned I too think he had a moral obligation to explain different standards in grading, but not a legal one. My other concern is that the ring was purchased in 2011, that's a long time to decide that you are unhappy with it. I think that your jeweler would have a fair argument suggesting that you had ample time to have the stone evaluated by an independent appraiser long before now. A long time has passed so if the stone is indeed cracked then who's to say it wasn't you who damaged it? A crack would surly lower the clarity grade into an I1 category.

I hate feeling wronged so I really do understand your frustration and offer you lots of support in finding a new and beautiful stone, but I think you are going g to end up very disappointed if you are hoping that the jeweler will refund the cost of the ring at this point. But...who can say for sure, perhaps he values his reputation and customer service and will be willing to make an offer. If not I agree with DS, and you should either learn to love your ring again or embrace the fact that you will need to replace the stone out of pocket and allow us to help you not make the same mistake again. I'm hoping this all works out to your satisfaction.

Welcome to PS btw.

 

[Katba1ou]

Re: Need advice on a diamond with a large inclusion please h

I feel really bad for your situation, I would be heartbroken too, but it appears the original jeweler wasn't that far off in his grading. Grading is subjective and one grade either way is considered common and accepted. It appears he only claimed the stone was an SI quality and thereport did in fact come back SI quality. Like Yssie mentioned I too think he had a moral obligation to explain different standards in grading, but not a legal one. My other concern is that the ring was purchased in 2011, that's a long time to decide that you are unhappy with it. I think that your jeweler would have a fair argument suggesting that you had ample time to have the stone evaluated by an independent appraiser long before now. A long time has passed so if the stone is indeed cracked then who's to say it wasn't you who damaged it? A crack would surly lower the clarity grade into an I1 category.

I hate feeling wronged so I really do understand your frustration and offer you lots of support in finding a new and beautiful stone, but I think you are going g to end up very disappointed if you are hoping that the jeweler will refund the cost of the ring at this point. But...who can say for sure, perhaps he values his reputation and customer service and will be willing to make an offer. If not I agree with DS, and you should either learn to love your ring again or embrace the fact that you will need to replace the stone out of pocket and allow us to help you not make the same mistake again. I'm hoping this all works out to your satisfaction.

Welcome to PS btw.

Aww thanks for the welcome. PS is such a fantastic site. I haven't stopped talking about diamonds for the last couple of weeks and my husband does not understand the obsession lol but it appears people on here do- yay!

I know exactly what you mean about them being able to be out on their grading and I found this out myself when having it graded. I've been told that SI3 as a clarity grade is relatively new and would be graded as I1 in any other report. I'm already extremely disappointed about the ring anyway and so if i don't get anywhere with the complaint I will be accepting of the fact that I tried and I will have to look down other avenues to get to my dream engagement ring.

I also understand what you mean about it being quite some time since my husband purchased the ring. It was December 2011 and I approached the jeweller in Jan 2013 so 13 months on. If it was within 12 months, there wouldn't have been such an issue I don't think- yes I would still have a battle on my hands but time would have been more on my side.

Anyway, I'm in talks with this jeweller I've found and he is very committed to providing an excellent service and so fingers crossed I have finally found a genuine jeweller who wants to help me