What are the best tools for identifying an internally flawless stone...

[Chase035]

Curious how to go about identifying my new IF stone, assuming it is mounted. Would a 10x loupe be sufficient to see surface graining? Would that surface graining be uniquely identifiable? Would an idealscope be a better bet? Do I need both?

I trust the local jeweler I bring it to for cleaning, but I''d still like to be able to identify the stone.

 

[Chase035]

For clarification, I''m thinking about buying a loupe or an IS or the entire IS kit that includes both. My sole purpose is to be able to identify my stone after the ring has been cleaned, polished, etc.

 

[kenny]

Get a VVS1.

 

[Chase035]

Touche. I''m thinking a loupe plus and IS will provide enough unique data to provide some confidence. Especially since it is laser inscribed, no? Can you see laser inscriptions with a 10x loupe to the extent that I don''t need an IS?

 

[JulieN]

The definition of IF is that NOTHING is visible under 10x, so, no, a 10x loupe is not sufficient to identify your stone. But if you're worried about it being switched out, I guess 10x+IS would be fine.

 

[Chase035]

If I understand this right, that is not true. The surface graining would be visible under 10x, or else it would have been graded flawless, no? As per previous comment, could I see GIA number with 10x loupe, or do I need to get myself an IS for confidence.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I think you will need to rely on the inscription.

 

[512BB]

I don''t think 10x is enough to see the inscription. When I went to Jared''s, they showed me the inscription on the girdle of a diamond through a microscope and they had to set it to 30x to be able to read it.

 

[Chase035]

Hmm. Do others concur? Would an IS image be unique enough to provide a level of confidence on this?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 2/28/2010 8:31:28 PM
Author: Chase035
Hmm. Do others concur? Would an IS image be unique enough to provide a level of confidence on this?

Only to a real expert with a perfect set up. They do all tend to look alike on wel cut stones

 

[Chase035]

Assuming I know enough to distinguish a good IS from an excellent one?

I''m leaning toward laying out the $117 for the full IS and scope kit, but don''t want to do so if it will not be sufficient for my purposes.

 

[bgray]

Chase035: tell us about your stone. If I missed a thread somewhere I apologize.

 

[Chase035]

I''ve been posting under a different name in case the LIW is lurking... I''d rather not disclose too much, other than you''ve already commented on it : )

 

[Chase035]

Would an ASET be better than an idealscope since the stone will be set in 4 prong setting? I heard the ASET doesn''t require backlighting?

 

[30yearsofdiamonds]

The GIA laser inscription on the girdle is visible with a 10X loupe for anyone with louping experience. The surface grain line most likely would need someone with microscope experience and knowledge of what surface graining actually looks like to help show you where it is on the diamond since the GIA report no longer shows it on the plot. Othere then that your most accurate measurement is the depth in millimeters, but a little tough to measure in a setting. GIA has a working diagram that is used when needed in disputes especially with IF diamonds.

Dan Gillen

 

[Chase035]

Thanks Dan. So no added benefit of an IS?

 

[bgray]

Date: 2/28/2010 9:18:28 PM
Author: Chase035
I''ve been posting under a different name in case the LIW is lurking... I''d rather not disclose too much, other than you''ve already commented on it : )

oooooooooooooo! gotcha!