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On 12/23/2001 3:43:47 PM
I'm sorry we didn't get here faster to answer your question, but we have been swamped with the Xmas rush.
Let me try and answer your question.
Firstly, Lawmax, A CUT ABOVE diamonds were never cut to try to imitate or surpass 8*. The criteria are totally different. Unlike 8*, ACA always receive AGS000 or GIA ex ex. Whilst 8* focuses on the arrows, the cutters of ACA focus on the both the arrows and the HEART pattern, as it is the consistency of the heart pattern that drives light return. I don't believe that 8* are sold as Hearts and Arrows diamonds.
A CUT ABOVE were the first branded H & A diamonds that were sold online - they set the standards that other have tried to attain. If you would like to see some of the BScopes for ACA please contact us directly and we will be more than happy to e-mail you the results - they are astounding!
LesleyH
www.whiteflash.com
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Hi Lesley
It is true that 8* does not consider itself to be a hearts and arrows diamond. 8* does not cut to external proportions and is not concerned with 2 dimensional cutting. 8* cuts for perfect optical symmetry with the aid of the Firescope. Although most 8*s probably are AGS 0s, that system has been shown to be less than "ideal". Now AGS will start working on the grading of cut with the help of EightStar. Since they are starting with fancy cuts, we'll all have to wait for the new grading of rounds.
EightStar also does not cut especially to achieve excellent/excellent symmetry and polish grades from GIA. You can see in the image below that the grading of meet-point faceting as is the current standard (vs. the grading of optical symmetry) can lead to a diamond receiving an excellent symmetry grade that has more light leakage than a diamond that receives a very good grade. (The white in the image is light leakage.)
I think these things are important for consumers to know, since they often pay for excellent/excellent, thinking this is always the ultimate. I've been taught also that it is near impossible for even experts to tell the difference between excellent and very good or even good polish with the naked eye. It would be a mistake for 8* to ruin perfect optical symmetry and thus light return in order to receive a somewhat meaningless "excellent" polish grade.
All that being said, I have seen A Cut Above diamonds and they are very beautiful. 8*s have a different look and are rare-the choice of diamond cut is a matter of personal preference. I think consumers should compare diamonds, especially in dim lighting and choose what works for them.
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I completed my purchase with Whiteflash.com-including the setting-and here is a photo I took after it was set. The experience was quite painless, except waiting for Fedex to find the package! 
