Sotheby’s: The Perfect Diamond – Yes, Perfect!
It isn’t very often that you can speak of a perfect diamond, but here we are. The term perfect is specific. Perfect refers to a diamond that not only has top color and clarity, but also top cut – proportions, and top finish – polish and symmetry. Describing a perfect diamond using GIA diamond grading terminology, we are looking at a diamond that is Flawless* (not Internally Flawless, as there is a difference), D Color, and Excellent in Cut, Polish, and Symmetry – Triple Ex.
There was a time when many jewelers claimed their diamonds to be “blue-white and perfect.” And because most of those diamonds were not, the FTC stepped in to enforce guidelines on what the jewelry industry could say.
According to the FTC Jewelry Guidelines: (b) It is unfair or deceptive to use the word “perfect,” or any representation of similar meaning, to describe any diamond unless the diamond meets the definition of “flawless” and is not of inferior color or make.
(c) It is unfair or deceptive to use the words “flawless” or “perfect” to describe a ring or other article of jewelry having a “flawless” or “perfect” principal diamond or diamonds, and supplementary stones that are not of such quality, unless there is a disclosure that the description applies only to the principal diamond or diamonds.
So, contrary to popular belief, you can use the term “perfect.” But, in order to be called a “perfect” diamond, the diamond must be… well, “perfect.”
This 11.69 carat round brilliant, accompanied by GIA report #6227630618, set in a classic Tiffany 6-prong platinum mounting, is “perfect.” It is estimated to sell between 8 and 11 million Hong Kong dollars.
Go ahead, look it up here.
Diamond Ring | 蒂芙尼 | 11.69克拉 圓形 D色 完美無瑕鑽石 戒指
The GIA report states that the diamond is of D Color, Flawless Clarity, and Excellent Cut, Polish and Symmetry. This diamond is further accompanied by a diamond Type classification letter stating that the diamond has been determined to be a Type IIa diamond. Type IIa diamonds are the most chemically pure type of diamond and often have exceptional color and optical transparency.
The ring is stamped Tiffany & Co., PT950 for platinum.
Caveat Emptor: Let the Buyer Beware!
According to the catalogue, there are “minor signs of wear to the metal. Overall in very good condition.”
*Flawless diamonds have absolutely no inclusions and no surface blemishes, including scratches, pits, nicks, polish marks, or surface graining, visible under 10x magnification by a trained diamond grader. (Internally Flawless diamonds are allowed minor surface blemishes.) Having been set into a ring and presumably worn (“minor signs of wear…”), there is always the possibility that the diamond may have been blemished, reducing its clarity grade.
Diamonds are the hardest gemstone on the planet, which means they are almost impossible to scratch. Diamond is the only thing that can scratch another diamond. Therefore, one might assume that the diamond remains unblemished. However, if the ring were kept unprotected in a jewelry box with other diamond jewelry, there is a remote possibility that the diamond could be scratched.
Also, hardness is not the same as toughness. Diamonds are not the toughest gemstone on the planet, which means they can be nicked or bruised if worn without due care. Nicks and bruises are surface blemishes. A quick verification of the diamond’s condition may be in order for any potential buyer.
