Now the fun part is trying to
match up the marks you see on the Plot, to those Inclusions that are in the Diamond. (Matching the Inclusions up will also verify that the Diamond Report you're looking at belongs to that Exact Diamond you're scoping!)
Keep in mind that you may have to rotate or turn the Diamond until the spots line up. Which means, trying to find a black mark at the 6 o'clock position may actually be rotated in the Microscope and resting at the 12 spot instead.
Rotate the Diamond
The first thing you must do is to make sure that you have the Diamond rotated correctly!
Rotate it with the tweezers (don't touch the Diamond, you don't want your oily fingerprints on it!) so it matches the view on the Plot shown. (The salesperson should be able to do this easily!)
Scope the Diamond
Scope your Diamond from the top of the Diamond, which is the Table, all the way down to the bottom of the Diamond, which is the Pavilion. (Do so by turning the microscope knobs slowly and moving the lens up or down.) See if you can find all those Pin Points, Marks and Lines described on your Diamond Report.
Looking at a Plot and understanding a Diamond's fingerprint may seem odd and difficult at first. But when you learn to pick out a few of those Inclusions and start to spot them, it will get easier and easier with practice.
Viewing Marks, Patterns, Characteristics, Imperfections and Blemishes (marks on the outside of the Diamond) is an awesome experience! You simply have not looked at a Diamond until you have looked at one under a microscope! That's when the true beauty of a Diamond is known!
Compare Clarity
Do note that to truly appreciate nature and Diamonds, you must view similar Clarities as well! Compare two VS2 Clarity Diamonds side by side. See the differences between them. Some will have more Inclusions than others. Compare VS to SI Clarity, and SI to I Clarity. See how the Inclusions get bigger the lower in Clarity you go. It's not only eye-opening, but it will help you decide which Diamond to buy!
Once you see those marks and Inclusions in your Diamond, once you can match up those Flaws, you will always be able to identify your Diamond.
Diamond Switching
If a Jeweler were to switch your Diamond out for a lower Clarity one, you could microscope it, (before you leave the Store) look for those permanent marks and know whether or not it's your Diamond. (Do have the Certificate with you!) If those marks are different, moved, larger or smaller, then it's NOT your Diamond!!!
Inclusions don't ever change! Those Inclusions have been in there for over a million years. They are constant and never changing!
You can scope your Diamond 80 years from now and your Diamond will look identical to what it does Today. (Assuming you don't Chip or Break it! - And your Diamond is perfectly clean!)
When should you Scope it?
I would recommend that you get into the habit of scoping your Diamond every single time you have your Rings Repaired (Sizings, New Prongs, Shanks, anything!) or even just Cleaned and Polished. Scope it!
Look for your unique Lines, Marks and Spots. The Plot is there to show you where to look, learn how to read it. It only takes a couple of minutes to scope it and view your Plot. But those couple of minutes will give you piece of mind. You'll know that you got your Diamond back and you'll also make sure that the Jeweler didn't accidentally chip your stone in the process. It happens! It's wise to catch it immediately!
I would always advise you to scope your Diamond when it's clean versus when it's dirty as well. Dirt, Dust and Debris will make your Diamond look like it has tons and tons of Flaws! Not good! Scope it perfectly clean so you can see what's really inside!
So what are you waiting for? Go to your local Jeweler Today... Have them show you some Certified Diamonds and look at the Plot.
Study it!
Scope it!
Enjoy it!
It's a whole new World!
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