Shadow/Dark Spot in Diamond

[PeachyMelissa]

Hello, everyone. I recently got engaged and my fiancee gave me a beautiful engagement ring, but I recently noticed that when I look at it from the side and tilt it slightly away from me, a brown spot appears. The diamond has a clarity of VVS1 and I know that this grade of clarity should certainly be eye clean. The diamond is certified by IDL (the stone was purchased in South Africa and they used IDL, and beneath the IDL logo it reads: "Diamond Grading System According to the Accepted International Diamond Grading Standards"), and it has a number and everything on the certificate, so I assume the VVS1 clarity claim must be true. Also, right after purchasing the diamond, my fiancee had the ring appraised in Hatton Garden, the diamond district of London. He has a written appraisal of £9,080, and the jeweler complimented him on the ring and said that I should be quite pleased when I see it. My fiancee commented that the the jeweler did not use a loupe to examine the ring; he merely looked at it from different angles, etc.

Since the jeweler in London did not use a loupe, I wondered if perhaps he missed some inclusion and if perhaps the South African certification is false, so when I was in Tiffany''s last weekend to exchange my wedding band for a smaller size, I asked the diamond salesman about the spots on my diamond. In the lighting they have in Tiffany''s, I could not really see the spots and neither could the salesman, but he took out his loupe anyway and gave it a thorough look-over. He said the stone is extremely clean and he saw absolutely no spots or inclusions.

After I returned home, I could see the spot again. It is in the very center of the side I am looking at and seems to be resting just beneath the table. I can see this spot on two sides (the two longest sides), making it seem as though there are 2 different spots. I thought maybe my ring was dirty and needed a cleaning and it was dirt or metal polish that was causing these spots. So, I took my ring to a nearby jeweler and he took out his loupe, as well, and said he did not see any spots or inclusions at all. He then steamed it for me (and wow, was it sparkly!). As soon as I returned to my office and looked at the ring, I could see the spots again!

What are these spots? I can''t seem to stop looking at them and I would like to know what they are. Are they the result of a poorly cut stone? I''ll give you the specs of my diamond if that will help in an assessment:

Weight: 1.398 carats
Clarity: VVS1
Colour: I
Width/Length: 6.25-6.48 mm (1.04%)
T. Depth: 4.64 mm (74.3%)
Crown: 44.4 degrees (12.9%)
Pavilion: 32.5 degrees (59.5%)
Table: 4.03 mm (64.5%)
Culet: 0.8% (V.Small, off 2.3%)
Girdle: 1.8% (0.0-2.8% Ex.Thin - Sl.Thick)

If anyone can tell me what this is that I am seeing and why it is there, I would certainly appreciate it!

 

[Lorelei]

Welcome Melissa!

What shape is the diamond please?

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Hi, Lorelei. Oops, I omitted a pretty important piece of info: it''s princess cut.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/30/2008 2:33:26 PM
Author: PeachyMelissa
Hi, Lorelei. Oops, I omitted a pretty important piece of info: it's princess cut.

Thanks! It is difficult to say what it is you are seeing, it won't be an inclusion with VVS clarity, is it possible you could take a photo of what it is you are noticing? Sometimes if it is compound or some substance stuck around the prongs or diamond, from what I hear sometimes these things can be stubborn, so maybe a different method of professional cleaning might be needed. Are you in the UK?

 

[PeachyMelissa]

I don''t have my digital camera here at the office with me, but I will take a photo when I get home and will post it.

No, I''m not in the UK yet. I''m moving there in October. My fiancee is already there for work; I am in Washington, DC.

 

[stone_seeker]

I bet its a reflection of something you are wearing, your eye, hair, etc. so not to worry.

VVS would definiitely not have anything visible that could be an inclusion. I am not familiar with IGL but I dont think anything would ever be visible no matter the lab.

A pic would help but can u take it to a local jeweler who can loop it for you?

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Well, they louped it at Tiffany & Co. and at a reputable jeweler next door to my office. There are no inclusions or blemishes according to these two jewelers. I just wonder if it is just a poorly cut stone that causes a shadow or if it has some substance stuck to a prong. I''ll take the photo tonight and post it.

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Well, my macro setting on my digital camera is quite poor and the photos come out blurry, so therre will be no photo posted. I have looked at the spot in bright light and it looks like it''s just a shadow that is somehow created by some of the facets in the stone. I suppose that isn''t so bad, but it does look like it has a big old inclusion on it when I hold it away from me at arms length at a slight angle. Does anyone else have this kind of problem, particularly with a princess cut stone?

 

[Lorelei]

Melissa, it is really difficult for any of us to say for sure what you are seeing, what I would suggest is to use this tool to find an independant appraiser in your area, and get an expert to look at the diamond with you, that way you can show them what you are seeing and they should be able to give you some advice.

https://www.pricescope.com/appr_list.aspx

Sorry I can't be of any more help, but we would only be guessing.

 

[stone_seeker]

Date: 7/31/2008 11:16:13 AM
Author: PeachyMelissa
Well, my macro setting on my digital camera is quite poor and the photos come out blurry, so therre will be no photo posted. I have looked at the spot in bright light and it looks like it''s just a shadow that is somehow created by some of the facets in the stone. I suppose that isn''t so bad, but it does look like it has a big old inclusion on it when I hold it away from me at arms length at a slight angle. Does anyone else have this kind of problem, particularly with a princess cut stone?

I agree with Lorelei''s advice. It may help you put your mind at ease. Do you have brown eyes? I have been looking at a lot of cushion cuts lately and you would be surprised what can get reflected in the facets. I would think if something were under a prong the Tiffany person may have spotted it with a loupe.

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Thank you so much for the advice, Lorelei and Stone_Seeker. I will just go to an appraiser and find out what is going on once and for all.

Stone_Seeker, my eyes are blue, but my hair is very black. Who knows, maybe this could be what is reflecting back to me in the facets.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/31/2008 11:38:29 AM
Author: PeachyMelissa
Thank you so much for the advice, Lorelei and Stone_Seeker. I will just go to an appraiser and find out what is going on once and for all.

Stone_Seeker, my eyes are blue, but my hair is very black. Who knows, maybe this could be what is reflecting back to me in the facets.

I wish we could have done more Melissa, but I think that is your best bet to go over your diamond with an expert - once you point this out, then you should get some answers and reassurance. Please let us know how you get on.

 

[tberube]

well I don''t know if this information is extremely helpful or not, but I think that they grade clarity based on the face-up view, not from the side or bottom. That could be why you see something on the side and not on top?

I could be incorrect...perhaps someone more knowledgeable will pipe up and let me know if I''m right.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 7/31/2008 1:14:07 PM
Author: tberube
well I don''t know if this information is extremely helpful or not, but I think that they grade clarity based on the face-up view, not from the side or bottom. That could be why you see something on the side and not on top?

I could be incorrect...perhaps someone more knowledgeable will pipe up and let me know if I''m right.

I would doubt it somehow tb, it is very unlikely with VVS or even VS.

 

[LGK]

All stones "window" somewhat, I wonder if that''s what you''re seeing? A "window" is something you see in (some) round brilliants if you tip it to the side and look through the crown- it looks like a dark wedge. Well cut stones have tiny ones- in fact I think the super ideals might not have any visible windowing- but poorly cut stones will display a much larger window effect. Basically you''re looking through the stone and the facets are lining up in such a way as to let you see through the diamond rather than see light reflected back at you; it usually looks like a triangular dark shadow. (For example both my Old European Cut stones window quite a bit with their high crowns and moderate white light return.)

Princess cuts I have NO experience with and don''t know how much they''re likely to window or what it looks like if they do. But your description of the shadow you''re seeing sure sounds like that effect to me. If that is what you''re seeing it could be something you''ll see with all princess cuts to some extent, or it could be that your stone isn''t cut as well as it could be. It might be worth it to get your stone independantly appraised- usually costs around $80-$100, but if it''s bugging you it could be very worth it.

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Well, I just took my ring to a licensed gemologist and she cleaned and looked at my ring. Like the other jewelers, she looked at the diamond through the loupe and said she saw absolutely no inclusions and she said she didn''t see the dark spots I was describing. I held the ring and pointed to the spots that are apparent on each side of the stone, and she said that is just a small shadow that is caused by the facets reflecting off of each other. I asked if it was a window effect or a fish-eye, and she said absolutely not I had to put my hand over the top of the diamond in order for her to see the spots because they disappear in very bright light like the kind one sees in jewelry stores. She said that this is not indicative of a bad cut and she said my diamond is quite beautiful.

Still... I see the shadows sitting here at my desk when I look at my ring from the side and it just seems to ruint he sparkle of the stone for me. Everything else if beautifully clear and shimmery, and then there is this little shadow in it. I suppose it''s something I''ll just have to live with-- unless I have it reset into a tension mounting that rests on the sides of the stone and hides the shadow! Perhaps that is a plan.

I''ve attached some pictures of these shadows. Has anyone seen these before? Am I being a total nut about this?

 

[PeachyMelissa]

There is no shadow in the front view, as is seen in the above photo. However, take a look at this side.

 

[PeachyMelissa]

And also this side...

 

[Lorelei]

Melissa, your stone is beautiful!!

I am glad you were able to see the appraiser and that you were able to point out to her what you are seeing. I am no expert, I see what you mean from the photos, but the appraiser could be right in as much as that is what is causing the effect. I don't know if resetting would help, if you might still see this. Maybe if you wanted to change shape, a round diamond might be an option? But I hope you can find peace with your diamond and learn to love it! Maybe one of the experts can give you some better advice!

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Thanks, Lorelei! I do love my ring-- I need to be less critical of it and appreciate what I''ve got.

 

[stone_seeker]

Date: 8/4/2008 12:37:31 PM
Author: PeachyMelissa
Thanks, Lorelei! I do love my ring-- I need to be less critical of it and appreciate what I''ve got.

First of all, great ring and stone. I think the shadows you are seeing are just natural reflections of some of the facets of the setting or just the way light is reflecting. Lorelei may be right that if it continues to concern you, a round may be an option as squarish shapes do have those unique facet patterns that reflect something other than light at certain angles in certain lighting. The cushion in my avatar has 2 black triangles in the middle that might drive someone crazy if they thought it was a dirt spot but they go away at certain angles and is just part of the way these square beauties are cut.

I think your is also very natural but if its going to always bother you and deter from you enjoying your ring then you can always look to change the style. But again, its good you had an expert check it out so you know it a great stone from that standpoint.

Someone here has a tag line that says a "mind-clean" stone is tougher to find than an "eye-clean" stone and that is certainly always the case - it was for me!

 

[PeachyMelissa]

Date: 8/4/2008 1:11:24 PM
Author: stone_seeker

Date: 8/4/2008 12:37:31 PM
Author: PeachyMelissa
Thanks, Lorelei! I do love my ring-- I need to be less critical of it and appreciate what I''ve got.

First of all, great ring and stone. I think the shadows you are seeing are just natural reflections of some of the facets of the setting or just the way light is reflecting. Lorelei may be right that if it continues to concern you, a round may be an option as squarish shapes do have those unique facet patterns that reflect something other than light at certain angles in certain lighting. The cushion in my avatar has 2 black triangles in the middle that might drive someone crazy if they thought it was a dirt spot but they go away at certain angles and is just part of the way these square beauties are cut.

I think your is also very natural but if its going to always bother you and deter from you enjoying your ring then you can always look to change the style. But again, its good you had an expert check it out so you know it a great stone from that standpoint.

Someone here has a tag line that says a ''mind-clean'' stone is tougher to find than an ''eye-clean'' stone and that is certainly always the case - it was for me!

Thank you for your comments, Stone_Seeker. I see what you mean after looking at your cushion stone (which is soooo beautiful. how many carats is that baby?). I just didn''t realize that some of the fancy shapes tend to have little shadows in them. I was worried that my poor fiancee was charged too much for a stone that isn''t up to par. Now I know better and I will accept the little shadow as something that goes with a princess cut stone. Hopefully, that will make my diamond more "mind-clean."

 

[SYC]

Melissa,

If it helps at all, I see shadows in my very well cut round brilliant when I look at it from a certain angle. I think it''s important to remember that a diamond always looks different depending on the lighting and viewing angle. I don''t think I could have done much better in terms of quality of my diamond -- I am perfectly happy with it -- but there are lighting conditions and viewing angles that are NOT flattering. Eg, a certain spot on the metro platform in the morning = a gray looking diamond! And when I look at my center stone dead-on from the side, I see a bit of a window effect, as described by Lorelei.

So while I don''t know anything about princess cuts, I imagien you''re just seeing something that is very, very normal in almost all diamonds. Enjoy your ring!

 

[PeachyMelissa]

SYC, I think you are right about certain lighting and/or angles that can be unflattering to even a well cut diamond. I just need to lighten up and enjoy the thing!

 

[strmrdr]

arrow is pointing to the girdle all diamonds have em.
looks like it may be a bruted girdle so it shows up a little more.
Its perfectly normal and the jeweler is expecting to see it.

 

[strmrdr]

reflection of the girdle again perfectly normal.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 8/4/2008 3:05:37 PM
Author: strmrdr
arrow is pointing to the girdle all diamonds have em.
looks like it may be a bruted girdle so it shows up a little more.
Its perfectly normal and the jeweler is expecting to see it.

You are saying those dark areas on top of the diamond are actually girdle reflection? I can see the line below which is normal, but on the top?

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/4/2008 3:10:53 PM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 8/4/2008 3:05:37 PM

Author: strmrdr

arrow is pointing to the girdle all diamonds have em.

looks like it may be a bruted girdle so it shows up a little more.

Its perfectly normal and the jeweler is expecting to see it.

You are saying those dark areas on top of the diamond are actually girdle reflection? I can see the line below which is normal, but on the top?

yep, the girdle can reflect on any facet depending on angles and girdle size.
When looking at the side of a diamond the other side becomes the pavilion, so in effect you have a frosted line on what is effectively the pavilion at that time.

 

[strmrdr]

here is a ray trace of a diamond at extreme tilt as you can see the bottom side is acting as a pavilion.

 

[Lorelei]

So that is what is causing those dark shaded areas right on top of the diamond in the crown area? I can see the usual girdle line, but the dark areas above it reflect on the top and cause the shadowing? Interesting, thanks Strmy!