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3.67ct. H VS1 EX,EX - thoughts, please!

Bitsy_too

Rough_Rock
Joined
Mar 4, 2013
Messages
17
First, thank you to all for these boards I've lurked on for several hours a week for the last 2 months! This experience is so very different from being shown jewelry in a store when you do not know enough to ask the color grade, let alone know anything about all the factors that influence the beauty of a diamond. Just simply, thank you!
Below are the diamond stats. Though I have asked for ASET images, I have been told that no vendor that this dealer does business with has the machine to do the images.
Along with a few pics, is this all I need? Is this enough? I am comfortable with the reputation of the dealer and the return policy should I not like the stone. Should I feel comfortable enough with the GIA report, the HCA scores and a few pictures of the stone to make the purchase? Am I overlooking anything that is critical to making this decision? I appreciate any and all taking the time to respond with your thoughts!

GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry
 
Bitsy_too|1362418478|3395995 said:
GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry
what are the measurements? it could be off round.
 
can they give you an idealscope image? I know they said no aset, but ideal scope is pretty easy...

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

you could get one and keep it. Although I'd expect every jeweler would have one though I know there are many that dont...
 
Hi Dancing Fire,
Thank you! Forgot the measurements: 9.97x 10.03 x 6.05
 
Thank you 04diamond.
Re: the idealscope
Just reading about that on a today post - it is an image that they can send? So it should be easy - shows light leakage?
 
Bitsy_too|1362433075|3396179 said:
Thank you 04diamond.
Re: the idealscope
Just reading about that on a today post - it is an image that they can send? So it should be easy - shows light leakage?

Yes, they take a picture and should be able to send it to you. It will show light leakage. It should be bright read all over with black arrows. Anything else that's there is light leakage (white).
 
It is very unlikely that they will have an idealscope unless they are vendors here because they know we ask for them!

The numbers look good, but I personally wouldn't buy very good on symmetry. I maybe would consider vg on polish. Do they have magnified images of the stone? It would help to see those.
 
Buy your own Ideal Scope, it is very cheap compared to the cost of a 3.67 diamond.
 
diamondseeker2006 said:
It is very unlikely that they will have an idealscope unless they are vendors here because they know we ask for them!

The numbers look good, but I personally wouldn't buy very good on symmetry. I maybe would consider vg on polish. Do they have magnified images of the stone? It would help to see those.

What does the lesser "very good" mean on symmetry as to how it affects the diamond?
Is there a better factor to skimp on to stay on my target price? Is this symmetry difference on a RB enough to impact the light and negate the .07 HCA?

Pictures:

_4207.jpg

_4208.jpg
 
JulieN|1362433832|3396193 said:
Buy your own Ideal Scope, it is very cheap compared to the cost of a 3.67 diamond.


Hi Julie,
Yes, I could do that, though I would like to have that done before purchase since I have not seen the diamond and cannot until I purchase. Do you think that this with HCA and GIA report and pics would be enough to be confident about the purchase, or are there other things that might be "wrong" - I do plan to have an independent appraisal done, but want to eliminate any stark/important variables.
 
More Pics:

_4209.jpg

_4210.jpg
 
Dancing Fire|1362426731|3396083 said:
Bitsy_too|1362418478|3395995 said:
GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry
what are the measurements? it could be off round.

Also I wanted to ask if this is a reasonable spread...do the numbers sync with other diamonds of that weight? Would /could I do better with higher numbers with this weight while still maintaining the "sparkle"?
 
Bitsy_too|1362436152|3396228 said:
What does the lesser "very good" mean on symmetry as to how it affects the diamond?
Is there a better factor to skimp on to stay on my target price? Is this symmetry difference on a RB enough to impact the light and negate the .07 HCA?

Pictures:

That's just personal opinion. If it were me, and the stone scored as well as it does on the HCA and the pictures and ideal scope looked good then I wouldn't care about the "very good". You can find a lot of diamonds that have "very good" for symmetry score better on the HCA and there's no way to tell the difference IRL. I wouldn't worry about anything till you get the ideal scope image.

If you buy the ideal scope now, you can take it to the jeweler and look at it and take pictures and know if it's crap or not. Which IMO it's not from what's been provided.

***Do you have any pictures straight on? You just have shots from the side...it'd be good to see what it looks head on.
 
They need to do a magnified head on shot like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2645108.htm

This is a diamond with ideal symmetry. The third image below the big picture is the idealscope image.

You may or may not be able to see any difference in ex or vg symmetry, but excellent symmetry is a characteristic of the best cut diamonds. It would be impossible to say how it might affect the diamond without some kinds of image or other tests being run on the stone. But if you use the diamond above as a model and get yourself an idealscope, you can compare it with a stone that is really ideal and feel more confident in your decision. Plus seeing it yourself is important. I know that 3.6 ct excellent cut diamonds are not plentiful, so sometimes you have to just check out what is available and close to what you want. And this one you are looking at is worth exploring.
 
The depth is excellent so the spread is about as good as it can be for a well cut diamond.
 
Bitsy_too|1362418478|3395995 said:
Along with a few pics, is this all I need? Is this enough? I am comfortable with the reputation of the dealer and the return policy should I not like the stone. Should I feel comfortable enough with the GIA report, the HCA scores and a few pictures of the stone to make the purchase? Am I overlooking anything that is critical to making this decision? I appreciate any and all taking the time to respond with your thoughts!

GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry

For me, this is enough information to warrant seeing the diamond in person! It is exceptionally rare for a diamond with a GIA Ex and an HCA score under 2 to have any issues. So for me, passing those two tests is sufficient tp view personally.
 
diamondseeker2006|1362437547|3396246 said:
They need to do a magnified head on shot like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2645108.htm

This is a diamond with ideal symmetry. The third image below the big picture is the idealscope image.

You may or may not be able to see any difference in ex or vg symmetry, but excellent symmetry is a characteristic of the best cut diamonds. It would be impossible to say how it might affect the diamond without some kinds of image or other tests being run on the stone. But if you use the diamond above as a model and get yourself an idealscope, you can compare it with a stone that is really ideal and feel more confident in your decision. Plus seeing it yourself is important. I know that 3.6 ct excellent cut diamonds are not plentiful, so sometimes you have to just check out what is available and close to what you want. And this one you are looking at is worth exploring.

DS you and I both like precision cut *optical* symmetry, but that is a different measure of cut than in the symmetry indicated on a lab report, which is basically only the diameter regularity around the stone, no? :read: To me, that latter type of symmetry seems much less important.

Bitsy -- an Ideal Scope is a tool used only by PS vendors and know by PSers (maybe some others know too). It is not a common tool in the trade. It is highly unlikely that you jeweler uses an IS. Moreover, taking photos of an ideal scope image is no easy task and requires a special photo set up. In this case, what you need is a "face on" photo of the diamond so we can see patterning. Like the one in the WF link DS provided, though we can tell a lot from a less perfect image too.
 
04diamond<3|1362437283|3396243 said:
Bitsy_too|1362436152|3396228 said:
What does the lesser "very good" mean on symmetry as to how it affects the diamond?
Is there a better factor to skimp on to stay on my target price? Is this symmetry difference on a RB enough to impact the light and negate the .07 HCA?

Pictures:

That's just personal opinion. If it were me, and the stone scored as well as it does on the HCA and the pictures and ideal scope looked good then I wouldn't care about the "very good". You can find a lot of diamonds that have "very good" for symmetry score better on the HCA and there's no way to tell the difference IRL. I wouldn't worry about anything till you get the ideal scope image.

If you buy the ideal scope now, you can take it to the jeweler and look at it and take pictures and know if it's crap or not. Which IMO it's not from what's been provided.

***Do you have any pictures straight on? You just have shots from the side...it'd be good to see what it looks head on.

No, I have no more pics - this is it.
The problem is that this is an internet puchase and the dealer is on the other coast. I also note that the GIA report is a year old. Should that concern me? I immediately thought it should, but then guessed there would be fewer sales in this weight...
 
diamondseeker2006|1362437547|3396246 said:
They need to do a magnified head on shot like this:

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2645108.htm

This is a diamond with ideal symmetry. The third image below the big picture is the idealscope image.

You may or may not be able to see any difference in ex or vg symmetry, but excellent symmetry is a characteristic of the best cut diamonds. It would be impossible to say how it might affect the diamond without some kinds of image or other tests being run on the stone. But if you use the diamond above as a model and get yourself an idealscope, you can compare it with a stone that is really ideal and feel more confident in your decision. Plus seeing it yourself is important. I know that 3.6 ct excellent cut diamonds are not plentiful, so sometimes you have to just check out what is available and close to what you want. And this one you are looking at is worth exploring.


Great idea (magnified shot, head-on) Why would they not send a head-on shot, I am wondering?
Does this diamond look a little "yellow" (compared to others you've viewed) - I am assuming it's likely from the camera software. I guess my greatest concern is whether there are "better" diamonds out there than this appears by the numbers and pictures. It's the first I've seen with excellent HCA scores (which I thought was extremely important), so I naturally jumped on it.
 
Bitsy_too|1362438563|3396267 said:
04diamond<3|1362437283|3396243 said:
Bitsy_too|1362436152|3396228 said:
What does the lesser "very good" mean on symmetry as to how it affects the diamond?
Is there a better factor to skimp on to stay on my target price? Is this symmetry difference on a RB enough to impact the light and negate the .07 HCA?

Pictures:

That's just personal opinion. If it were me, and the stone scored as well as it does on the HCA and the pictures and ideal scope looked good then I wouldn't care about the "very good". You can find a lot of diamonds that have "very good" for symmetry score better on the HCA and there's no way to tell the difference IRL. I wouldn't worry about anything till you get the ideal scope image.

If you buy the ideal scope now, you can take it to the jeweler and look at it and take pictures and know if it's crap or not. Which IMO it's not from what's been provided.

***Do you have any pictures straight on? You just have shots from the side...it'd be good to see what it looks head on.

No, I have no more pics - this is it.
The problem is that this is an internet puchase and the dealer is on the other coast. I also note that the GIA report is a year old. Should that concern me? I immediately thought it should, but then guessed there would be fewer sales in this weight...

I would just make sure it's up to date. Have the jeweler make sure that's it's still in good condition (like no new inclusions chips, etc). It should be fine, if not, then new search. But again, I'd confirm with them. I would however, insist that they send you a picture head on. Especially since this is an online picture and you can't see it in person. Do they have a return policy? Just thinking a head and if he refuses to send you more pictures and an ideal scope, and you get it and don't like it, you should make sure that you can return it without problems.
 
A one year old lab report is not a red flag, especially at this carat weight.
 
Bitsy_too|1362437072|3396241 said:
Dancing Fire|1362426731|3396083 said:
Bitsy_too|1362418478|3395995 said:
GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry
what are the measurements? it could be off round.

Also I wanted to ask if this is a reasonable spread...do the numbers sync with other diamonds of that weight? Would /could I do better with higher numbers with this weight while still maintaining the "sparkle"?

Big Rock! This is a nice looking stone. You can definitely see the warmth from the girdle down, the technical specs are great and it's a VS1. The HCA score is a plus. Like DS2K6 mentioned, nothing like excellent symmetry on a brilliant round, spread is great and depth is great! With the kind of money you are spending on the stone you should definitely: a) head shot; b) ideal scope c) aset image d) put it next to a G and and I to compare color (both face up and down).

Good luck!
 
pavejewelers|1362454218|3396469 said:
Bitsy_too|1362437072|3396241 said:
Dancing Fire|1362426731|3396083 said:
Bitsy_too|1362418478|3395995 said:
GIA 3.67 H VS1

table - 57%
depth - 60.5
pavilion angle - 40.6 degrees
crown - 34.5 degrees
thin to med faceted girdle
no culet
faint fluor

HCA score 0.7
excellent: light, fire, scintillation
very good: spread

Excellent cut, Excellent polish, very good symmetry
what are the measurements? it could be off round.

Also I wanted to ask if this is a reasonable spread...do the numbers sync with other diamonds of that weight? Would /could I do better with higher numbers with this weight while still maintaining the "sparkle"?


Big Rock! This is a nice looking stone. You can definitely see the warmth from the girdle down, the technical specs are great and it's a VS1. The HCA score is a plus. Like DS2K6 mentioned, nothing like excellent symmetry on a brilliant round, spread is great and depth is great! With the kind of money you are spending on the stone you should definitely: a) head shot; b) ideal scope c) aset image d) put it next to a G and and I to compare color (both face up and down).

Good luck!

Thank you Pavejeweler - (o-ooh I love great pave work, though this stone will be singular)!
This further boosts my confidence about this stone when I have so little to work with (specs&pics & other "coast purchase", sight unseen!). The dealer is bringing the stone in to make proper photos including straight-on and I will post for feedback before the purchase. They actually poo-poo'd the Idealscope - 'more for those inexperienced with looking at stones' (which would be exactly the purpose - for me!) I guess this purchase will be an e-stone? :)
 
Why do you not have it called in by a vendor who does not pooh pooh Ideal Scopes?
 
JulieN|1362484543|3396681 said:
Why do you not have it called in by a vendor who does not pooh pooh Ideal Scopes?

Hi Julie,
I have been working with this person for a while, so would not likely do that. Other than that, I doubt the stone is on anyone's list (it is not on theirs - it was "found") so I do not know the specific location of the stone anyway. I thought it was an interesting aside, as the purpose would be for giving the consumer more information when making an internet purchase. Is it your understanding that a gemologist relies on an Idealscope - that it's a new and /or 'necessary' tool?
 
pavejewelers|1362454218|3396469 said:
Big Rock! This is a nice looking stone. You can definitely see the warmth from the girdle down, the technical specs are great and it's a VS1. The HCA score is a plus. Like DS2K6 mentioned, nothing like excellent symmetry on a brilliant round, spread is great and depth is great! With the kind of money you are spending on the stone you should definitely: a) head shot; b) ideal scope c) aset image d) put it next to a G and and I to compare color (both face up and down).

Good luck!

Curious as to why you are suggesting an aset image for a round diamond.
 
It has been around a long time, since the 1970s: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/ideal-scope

It is especially important for consumers who want more than just taking the word of someone who is going to make money off of the sale.
 
Bitsy_too|1362485674|3396685 said:
JulieN|1362484543|3396681 said:
Why do you not have it called in by a vendor who does not pooh pooh Ideal Scopes?

Hi Julie,
I have been working with this person for a while, so would not likely do that. Other than that, I doubt the stone is on anyone's list (it is not on theirs - it was "found") so I do not know the specific location of the stone anyway. I thought it was an interesting aside, as the purpose would be for giving the consumer more information when making an internet purchase. Is it your understanding that a gemologist relies on an Idealscope - that it's a new and /or 'necessary' tool?

Bitsy_too -- the stone is definitely on a list. It looks great, you just have to be OK with the warmth.
 
pavejewelers|1362486722|3396696 said:
Bitsy_too|1362485674|3396685 said:
JulieN|1362484543|3396681 said:
Why do you not have it called in by a vendor who does not pooh pooh Ideal Scopes?

Hi Julie,
I have been working with this person for a while, so would not likely do that. Other than that, I doubt the stone is on anyone's list (it is not on theirs - it was "found") so I do not know the specific location of the stone anyway. I thought it was an interesting aside, as the purpose would be for giving the consumer more information when making an internet purchase. Is it your understanding that a gemologist relies on an Idealscope - that it's a new and /or 'necessary' tool?

Bitsy_too -- the stone is definitely on a list. It looks great, you just have to be OK with the warmth.

Interesting about the list, Pavejeweler -
I am not OK with the warmth in these photos, though I believe it's the camera software more than anything else. I have other "near colorless" stones that appear positively white to my eye. An "H" has little variation with GIA, correct? Therefore, gotta' be the poor quality shots.
 
CharmyPoo|1362486004|3396689 said:
pavejewelers|1362454218|3396469 said:
Big Rock! This is a nice looking stone. You can definitely see the warmth from the girdle down, the technical specs are great and it's a VS1. The HCA score is a plus. Like DS2K6 mentioned, nothing like excellent symmetry on a brilliant round, spread is great and depth is great! With the kind of money you are spending on the stone you should definitely: a) head shot; b) ideal scope c) aset image d) put it next to a G and and I to compare color (both face up and down).

Good luck!

Curious as to why you are suggesting an aset image for a round diamond.

Me too....Bitsy_too - you do NOT need an aset image for a round stone. It's nice if it's offered, but the only think you really need is the ideal scope. I'm not sure why you were told to get an aset. They help judge the performance of every other cut stone, but it's not necessary for rounds.
 
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