Need ring advice

Date: 6/16/2009 10:43:53 PM
Author: newbie0902
Thank you everyone for your responses. All of these are GIA certified (I have seen the certificate) diamonds. I must say, I was surprised about the finding on the first diamond. How does one diamond graded 'Excellent' Cut by the GIA get such a poor score by HCA criteria (Diamond #1) and one that gets a GIA grade of 'Very Good' Cut get s a good score on HCA?  GIA's Excellent range is a bit broad and can include some stones that just do not perform well.  HCA attempts to make a prediction about how the stone will perform based on limited data.  Since that data is averages and sometimes rounded numbers, it cannot say with absolute certainty that a stone is great.  That is why it is an elimination tool, not a selection tool.  Looking at the data that you provided, I am unsure as to why #3 was rated VG by GIA.  Do you have the GIA report number that you could post?

EDT:  Using GIA Facetware, it appears that the combo of 41 pav angle and overall depth earned it the VG.  Either a pav angle of 40.8 or a depth of 59.7 would have resulted in an Excellent cut grade.

Diamond #3 had a girdle that was THN-STK.

Given the 'very good' cut rating, how should I reconcile that with all of the info that I have gotten here? Is cut affected by things other than the specs listed on the GIA report?  Overall cut quality is determined of how all the measurements fit into certain ranges, as well as level of polish and symmetry. Each lab has slightly different criteria as to what earns the top grade.  For performance, it is mostly driven by the pavillion and crown angles and how they work together.  Other facets and angles play a part in the light performance as well, but if those first two angles are not in good ranges the rest won't matter.

I don't have any pictures at this time but will try to do so. My choice for 'B and M' store is because I got good recommendations and I think that there is something to be gained in seeing the diamond with my own eyes. Perhaps an old fashoined idea given all the high performance tools that are available for assessing diamond quality....  If you are more comfortable viewing the diamonds in person and shopping at a B&M, that is fine, just make sure they are truly taking care of your needs, wants and desires.  There are many good B&M stores out there with knowledgeable staff--there are also a lot that only care about making the sale and taking your $$$.  Forging a good relationship with one of the former can be very beneficial.

Thanks again   You are most welcome and good luck with your search.