What does "pique" clarity mean?

[FireGoddess]

I saw on a website frequented here that some antique items have a clarity denoted "pique." Doing a simple Merriam-Websters dictionary entry lookup didn''t give me a clear answer....anyone know? I''m sure this means inclusions of some sort...but...of a particular nature or severity?

 

[FireGoddess]

A google search of "pique inclusions" turned this up...

"first pique" inclusions readily recognizable at 10x mag., not significantly diminishing brilliance
"second pique" larger inclusions, can be seen with naked eye
"third pique" many large inclusions, diminishing brilliance

but if an item is only described as "pique"...do you assume the worst of the three?

 

[FireGoddess]

Lorelei posted this in Oct...

Pique is French for marked, blemished. Therefore
Pique 1 = i1 - imperfect 1
Pique 2 - imperfect 2
Pique 3 - imperfect 3

But still....if something is just "pique"....is it assumed I3?

 

[Richard Sherwood]

"Pique" is a European term for imperfect, and as your research shows the Pique 1, 2 & 3 grades correspond to the American I1, 2 & 3 grades.

If a pique level is not stated (1, 2 or 3) you have no way of knowing where on the imperfect scale the diamond falls.

I usually think of an I1 grade with scattered dark crystals when someone mentions "pique".

Don''t take that to the bank, though.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 1/17/2006 9:18:46 PM
Author: Richard Sherwood

I usually think of an I1 grade with scattered dark crystals when someone mentions 'pique'.

Second that: salt & pepper diamonds.


... and thinking of what those words are used for on US-based websites, it is usually worse than I1. Otherwise they would call them 'I1' . Those descriptions are somewhat optimistic... to say the least.

If the diamonds so described are small accent stones, I would expect translucent stuff better suited for industrial use.

Basically, RUN!

 

[FireGoddess]

Thanks Rich and Ana! I now think the website was using that description to basically say "love this piece because it is antique, not because of the diamonds in it."

 

[lumpkin]

To me, under magnification, it looks like the diamond has buckshot in it. Perfect for a shotgun wedding??? Sorry, could not resist.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 1/17/2006 9:18:46 PM
Author: Richard Sherwood
''Pique'' is a European term for imperfect, and as your research shows the Pique 1, 2 & 3 grades correspond to the American I1, 2 & 3 grades.
exactly right Rich - CIBJO and European standard that predates the GIA''s Imperfect terminology.

If a pique level is not stated (1, 2 or 3) you have no way of knowing where on the imperfect scale the diamond falls.
if the level not stated it means exactly the same as saying in USA "this diamond is imperfect" - i.e. usually P4 of I4

I usually think of an I1 grade with scattered dark crystals when someone mentions ''pique''.

Don''t take that to the bank, though.