Would you buy an I1 clarity band?

[somethingshiny]

I''m posting this in Hangout instead of RT because I don''t want to encourage newbies to try and find good I clarity diamonds and I want the regular PSers opinions.

I''ve been looking for a 5 stone band around .5 ctw (S clarity, G-H color). However, for roughly the same price, I''ve come across a 1 ctw 5 stone. The clarity is only I1 (the color is not marked but I''d guess it at G because it looks identical to my diamond). The stones may be a *bit* milky at some angles but there are no dark inclusions, big white inclusions, or even milkiness from straight on. From a distance of 12", the stones are pretty much eye-clean (ya know, if you don''t know where the inclusions are). It doesn''t bother me for ME to be able to find the inclusions (My anni ring that I wear every day is an SI1 and I can easily see an inclusion with my naked eye). I don''t want others (IRL) to see anything less than perfect (but for the most part, the people who I''m around would have no idea what an inclusion is or even that diamonds aren''t perfect) I guess my main concern would be more of the milkiness because to me that is very noticeable from a distance (on most stones but not really these stones). The ring is not cert but the cut looks really good. The diamonds were sparkling as much as my OEC''s.

I trust this jeweler immensely, he is where I found my recent art deco ring that I''m in love with. The ring was a trade in and is priced accordingly. (being used doesn''t bother me in the slightest as I will have it sized, polished and rhodium plated immediately----But, because I would have all of these alterations done, the ring will be non-returnable.)

I want to see if they''d let me take the ring outside to view it under natural light instead of jewelry store lighting so hopefully that will give me a better idea.

SO, am I really not getting a lot of milkiness because of the size .20 pts each?
Will milkiness appear worse under natural lighting?
Do you think the cut could really hide I1?
And, lastly, would YOU buy/wear I1??

 

[jewelz617]

I''d really have to see it under different lighting, wearing it, etc. If it speaks to me and the diamonds are small, I could probably overlook the included state. Great cut can do wonders. It''d have to be a special piece for me to buy I1 but not completely out of the question.

 

[Lorelei]

I have purchased I1 clarities and would do so again SS. If you love the ring and you can check it out away from the store lights to see how it looks in everyday wearing conditions and the price is right, then I see no reason not to consider it at least but I would be careful with the milkiness you are seeing and get an appraiser to take a look before finalizing the deal. I take it they are round diamonds?

Also this can go in RT no problem as it helps new posters see that different people have different priorities and that we can help accordingly!

 

[somethingshiny]

PA~ thanks. I think the "specialness" for me lies in the fact that this jeweler will accept my old items for a trade in which brings the price down even more. I think it''s awfully "special" to get a 1ctw band for just a few hundred dollars, especially considering it''s much bigger than I thought I could ever afford!


btw- the stones are RB, I didn''t mention that in my original post.... And, this ring does not scream out "maul quality" either. I''m not sure where it originated but it''s MUCH nicer than a Zales band.

 

[somethingshiny]

Lorelei~ Thanks. I thought I would be shunned for considering I1s!! If the Prosumer says it would be appropriate in RT, we can move it! I'll msg admin for the move.

eta~ Lorelei~ Will the milkiness increase in natural light?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/6/2010 12:39:31 PM
Author: somethingshiny
Lorelei~ Thanks. I thought I would be shunned for considering I1s!! If the Prosumer says it would be appropriate in RT, we can move it! I''ll msg admin for the move.

eta~ Lorelei~ Will the milkiness increase in natural light?

No way!!! I love a good I1!!!

I definitely think this thread would go well in RT!

I would be wary of the milkiness so it is possible it could increase in natural light once it doesn''t have such powerful lighting driving it so get the jeweller to give the ring a good cleaning and see if you can view it in plain daylight or get an appraiser to have a look before you pull the trigger.

 

[whitby_2773]

hi something shiny

a friend of mine recently bought this ring for my best girlfriend as an engagement ring. it's an I1. note that the black dots - seen also on the prongs - are reflection only.

it's beautifully cut and it sparkles as much or more than any ring i've ever seen; it's basically a fireball on her finger.

granted, it depends on the inclusions - what type and where - but i think most people would be thrilled with a ring such as this if they saw it in person; it's gorgeous and the clarity is NOT an issue!

good luck with your purchase

 

[Bella_mezzo]

SS-it sounds like a great find. If you like it and you like the price, I would look at it in natural light and if you still like, do it! Can''t wait to see pics!

 

[Miss Sparkly]

Yes! I would buy and wear I1 and I do so all the time. I''m a huge pawn shop gal and have only bought from a jewelry store a handfull of times. When I go to a pawn shop I have a pattern.

First - look at all the cases and see which items POP to me.

Ask to look at the items and try them on to see if to the naked eye they have enough fire, sparkle and an overall nice look to the piece

MOST pieces are not certified, but I ask anyway.

Loupe the stones to check for chips, inclusions, cracks, worn prongs, etc. I also turn the piece sideways and compare the profile of the diamond to a white piece of paper to get an idea of the color.

Last - make an offer!

Anyway, my way too wordy point is that if it looks great to the naked eye then all that really matters (to me at least) is that the integrity of the stone is there.

 

[HollyS]

No. If it does not have ''dead'' stones in it - - no hope of refraction because of the inclusions - - I''d be completely shocked.

 

[Diamond*Dana]

Sure...I have, and I would do so again! As long as the stones do not have any nasty black inclusions or look like frozen spit, I''m sold!

 

[panda08]

If it looks good in natural light, is eye clean, and the milkiness isn''t an issue indoor or outdoor, I''d do it. If you get it, please post pics!

 

[that_someone_special]

Normally, no.

But, I''ve seen some great I1''s and I wouldn''t mind THOSE

Honestly? I''m sure there are a few I1''s that if you told people they were Si1 or 2''s on here, no one would know the difference... (not saying you should, just saying that there are ranges of clarities it seems).

 

[elrohwen]

If I liked what I saw in the I1 band, absolutely. I would get an I1 stone if I liked how it looked. But I1 can mean a lot of different things, so I would absolutely have to see it in person from every angle first. I'm ok with inclusions that I have to look very hard to find, but I'm not ok with those I can easily see, glasses off, from 3ft away. From what you described with this particular ring, I would absolutely get it.

I think I'm also much more lenient with antique pieces. I might not get a brand new diamond with a visual inclusion, but if it's a pretty antique cut, I would grab it even if it had a few small inclusions.

 

[Kaleigh]

I say go for it. I have I1 diamond studs... Never ever thought I would go for I 1''s but they are cut soooo well, and are gorgeous. They are 3 carats TCW and I am thrilled with them. They are just as gorgeous as the studs I got from WF who now reside in DD''s ears... I swear she is one lucky girl, LOL!!!!!

 

[Laila619]

It all depends on how good it looks and whether the inclusions present a durability issue. I would definitely consider it!

 

[jewelerman]

I would.If the price and style is right and the stones dont have a huge amount of black and have good color and sparkle then its worth the effort.But underline the part about price...has to be a really good price to intice me!

 

[Mrs Mitchell]

Yes, if it was from a vendor I trusted and who had a good return policy. I''ve seen some I1s here that look amazing, so I''d take a chance with a return policy.

 

[somethingshiny]

Thanks for all the responses. I put a deposit on the ring.(a couple pieces that I could trade in.) The price was around $600. The total price after my trade-in is $300.

I louped the ring in the store lighting and natural lighting and really examined it closely. There was really only one inclusion that popped out at me with the naked eye, but only turned at a certain angle. I asked a jeweler what he thought. He took a long time with the ring and said for an I1 it''s really great. It looks like a great deal and looks great with my anni ring. So, I''ll have it in a few weeks after sizing and plating.


I will def post pis, but diamond photography is not a skill I''ve acquired yet! (no matter how many times I read the "taking pics of your diamonds" thread!)

I''m quite surprised at how many have I1''s in their collections. I think we should start an I clarity thread to show that there really are some beautiful pieces.

 

[Bella_mezzo]

can''t wait to see it! Sounds like you got a great deal!

 

[Dandi]

The centre stone of my Ering is an I1, and I absolutely love it. It has a white inclusion which is fairly prominent unset, but set it is covered with a claw, and despite knowing exactly where it is, I really struggle to find it! It means it was a bargain and all else aside is a really, really beautiful diamond. I'd do it again.
I can't wait to see your new band!!

 

[Dreamer_D]

Great!

I love a good I1 myself, as long as the inclusions are white and it is eye clean... no small order I know, but easier in a smaller diamond for sure. I just don''t like black table inclusions.