Non branded H & A

In fairness to the seller, there is no official definition of how tight the patterns should be in order to be called "H&A."  Your dealer is defining them as such so by his standards they are.  You would need to have H&A photos to know if they qualify by other peoples' standards, if that is something which matters to you (it may not).  The definitions Chrono posted are quite strict, which we feel is appropriate if a premium is being charged, but not everyone feels this way and no one is obligated to conform to those standards.

Some thoughts:

1. Readers should know that just because a diamond shows a H&A pattern (no matter how precise) does not mean it has premium light return.  Light return is far more important.  This diamond has good basic proportions so we can predict that it’s a good performer, but an ideal-scope or ASET image is helpful in terms of verifying performance, where H&A photos show only optical symmetry/craftsmanship.

2.  In diamonds with top light return the benefits of precise optical symmetry are contrast and consistency in performance.  Diamonds with a 'near' H&A level of optical symmetry often mimic effects seen in precisely cut ‘true’ H&A diamonds.  On the other hand, some people prefer the random look of asymmetry in diamonds that are not close to a level of H&A precision (optical symmetry is not a requirement for diamond beauty).

3.  With regard to value; a 'near-H&A' level of optical symmetry might be a by-product of cutting to top proportions; what some call a happy accident.  Diamonds displaying the highest levels of optical symmetry; those crafted to the top levels of cut precision on-purpose, are valued by enthusiasts for their ultimate craftsmanship, as much as any effects on performance.

Here is a thread with more on this topic; graphics and examples.

John

__________________________

John Pollard

Whiteflash Director of Education 2004-2007

John

__________________________

John Pollard

Whiteflash Director of Education 2004-2007