From: lstowell@pyrnova.mis.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Newsgroups: misc.consumers
Subject: Re: JEWLERY FOR SALE- BIG, BIG DISCOUNT
Date: 2 Sep 92 23:00:59 GMT
Reply-To: lstowell@pyrnova.pyramid.com (Lon Stowell)
Distribution: usa
Organization: Pyramid Technology Corp., Mountain View, CA
Originator: daemon@sword.eng.pyramid.com

>reidingr@rtsg.mot.com (Lynn M. Reidinger) writes:
>
>>One 18k yellow gold ladies diamond ring. The diamond is an oval shape
>>weighing 1.07 carats and has superior color with an approximate grade of D
>>and excellent clarity with an approximate grade of VS-2. The oval measures
>>8.3mm x 5.8mm.
>
In article <1992Sep2.154641.8389@tc.fluke.COM> kurt@tc.fluke.COM (Kurt Guntheroth) writes:

>While color D would be a very clear diamond, a clarity grade of VS-2 is only
>one step above "coal" and would hardly be considered "excellent clarity".
>An oval cut diamond of clarity VS-2 may be less than exciting.
>

And a long time ago, a gemologist [thanx J Miller]  wrote something
a bit more accurate.  Note the last sentence.. that VS-1's are moderately 
rare in jewelry.   You could probably see the inclusions in a VS-2 with a
loupe and a bit of guidance, but it's rather tricky with the naked eye.  
 
***************************

The codes refer to the grading system of the Gemological Institute of
America (one of the major forces in the gemological world).  Diamonds are
graded according to several factors:
   1) Clarity - Diamonds are graded for clarity under 10X magnification.
      The GIA clarity grades are as follows:
         Flawless - no inclusions (internal imperfections) or blemishes
             (external imperfections) seen by a trained eye at 10X.
         Internally flawless - no inclusions at 10X, some extremely minor
             blemishes.
         VVS1 - very, very slightly included - minute imperfections
             extremely difficult to see at 10X.
         VVS2 - very, very slightly included - minute imperfections very
             difficult to see at 10X.
         VS1 - very slightly included - minor imperfections somewhat
             difficult to see at 10X.
         VS2 - very slightly included - minor imperfections slightly
             difficulty to see at 10X.
         SI1 - slightly included - minor imperfections fairly easy to see
             at 10X.
         SI2 - slightly included - minor imperfections easy to see at 10X.
         I1 - included - imperfections very easy to see at 10X.
         I2 - included - imperfections very easy to see at 10X, may
             jeopardize stability of the stone or affect overall appearance.
         I3 - included - imperfections very easy to see at 10X, jeopardizes
             stability of the stone and affects overall appearance.
      There are very few F and IF stones, and the mere act of setting such
      a stone in jewelry can easily knock it down to a VVS grade.  Most
      diamonds in jewelry are in the VS-SI range.  A VS1 stone is quite good
      for jewelry.

    2) Color.  Most diamonds are faintly tinted yellow.  The GIA color grade
      ranges from D (totally colorless) to Z (fancy yellow).  Diamonds in
      the D-G range appear colorless to all but the well-trained eye.  Small
      stones in the H-I range appear colorless face up when mounted.  Stones
      in the J-K range show a faint tinge of yellow, and so on.  A G color
      stone is quite good for jewelry uses.

***************

>Just a little note about buying jewelry on usenet.

   That's a different issue....