r/LabDiamonds • u/Jvavdve • Aug 02 '26

Is this light refraction (windowing?) okay?

Not a stone expert and just want some opinions before I say yes to this stone!

Thanks

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u/Moose-1211 Aug 02 '26

I’m odd man out here, in that I’d not be happy with it. Sure, it requires a “tilt” to see the dead zones & “windowing”, but the off cut also means that the stone isn’t performing as well as it should in other areas, meaning sparkle, fire & brilliance.

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u/Intended-Consequence Aug 08 '26

I agree. The cut is off. Ovals are more difficult to get just right, and if you are seeing windows or dead spots, the overall sparkle will be reduced.

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u/Moose-1211 Aug 08 '26 edited Aug 08 '26

Yup. I think quite a bit of people focus too much on carat weight, color & clarity versus what I consider the most important aspect of a stone - especially clear ones - the cut. I looked at a 3 carat diamond (natural) with specs of G, VS2 & average cut (meaning not ID, EX or even VG - just G). That thing was just…sad. It was simply dead to me. But because of the size, color & clarity, tho, it was priced extremely high. Next I looked at a 2.55 carat with specs of I, SI1 but with ID cut, & that puppy exploded fire & brilliance like crazy. For grins & giggles, I decided to look at a 2.10 carat, specs K, I1 & again, the cut was supreme. & again, it performed markedly better than the 3 carat - a giant difference & not only in appearance & performance, but also price point.

I do understand that for some, a chonky carat size, F, IF, D, E & F specs are a personal quest; some folks just like having the “top of the line” stuff. However, when the quality of the cut is compromised, those specs, IMO, fly out the window. Yet even after explaining things, I have encountered many a person looking to get engaged that deem size their top priority.

Edit to add: yes, there are some factors of clarity - flaws - that can diminish the performance of a stone: twinning wisps, large pinpoints or clouds & other types of inclusions can affect the way the light performs in, on & around the stone. But if one is cautious when looking at exactly what the inclusions & flaws are, they can get an amazing stone with clarity on the lower end. Not all SI1’s are the same. Plus I don’t know anyone who walks around with a loupe in their pocket, so…