Questions about Hollaway Cut Advisor (HCA) Score

Date: 9/23/2005 3:33:04 PM
Author:kthan
I have one question about HCA score.
I do learn that HCA score is just one of the tool to evaluate the quality of a stone.
We do not know the performance of the stone in polish, symmetry, etc.
However, it seems to be useful to know how well cut a stone is.
Isn't this better indicator about the quality of cut than AGS cut grade?
(I am a newbie, so pleaes correct me if I am wrong).

Also, I found that, in the same range (ex: HCA 0-2, ,2-4...), we cannot tell
which stone is better performer. But, how about the two stones (HCA 1.0 and HCA 2.4)?
Can I tell HCA 1.0 stone is better than 2.4 for sure?

Date: 9/23/2005 4:11:13 PM
Author: kthan
Thanks for information.

But, if I cannot see two stones in person, or if I cannot access the image(s) of a stone,
all I can do (to me) is to check the performance of the certificate (AGS cut grade, GIA polish/symmetry, and HCA score).

When I purchase a stone, I definitely need to have the stone(s) appraised before final decision.
But, I cannot send every possible candidates to an appraisal. In order to narrow them down,
I need above data and predict which one(s) might be better than others. Once a stone has
been fully (or even partially) analyzed with images(s)/test results, it should not be a problem.
But, if all data is just certificate and Sarin, would it be logical to eliminate a low Score HCA
stone(s) <not within the same 0-2 scale, but different scale 0-2 and 2-4>?

For example, I found some possible stones. All are ideal cut (AGS 0) and EX/EX polish/symmetry on paper.
If I can access more data like idealscope image/H&A image I can know the permance of a stone. But, if only
the cert & sarin were given, and HCA turns out 2.6, maybe I need to remove the stone from the list.