Peculiar imperfection on certificate

[Gabe]

I was recently looking at an IGI certified princess diamond, and in addition to the typical marks denoting inclusions on the diamond illustration, 3 of the corners were marked with a green pen "EF".

The saleswoman seemed confused as well, though she later made the conclusion this stood for "extra facet". To me, "extra facet" on 3 of 4 corners means "significant damage being sold as a feature". The only other "EF" I can find in the diamond world is "Extreme Fluorescence", but this doesn''t quite makes sense either.

Does anyone know what "EF" means?

Thanks!
-Gabe

 

[DiamondExpert]

It probably does mean "extra facet" - common for average Princess cuts which may represent repaired corners chipped during/after cutting...however, the usual color for plotting and extra facet is black.

 

[Gabe]

Thanks Gary,

So, you would consider this damage? I''m sure the "extra facets" can''t add value to the stone, can it?

-Gabe

 

[DiamondExpert]

No, I wouldn''t consider them damage at all unless they distort the face up shape of the stone. These facets are usually miniscule (nowhere visible with the unaided eye) and have no effect on the clarity/finish grade of the stone. They are just a fact of life with some common Princess cuts. Not a problem unless they make the girdle at the corner extremely thin.