AGS O given bad HCA grade

[cem2000]

I am looking at an .82 Carat round diamond on Blue Nile. Here are the numbers: G / SI1 / AGS 0 Ideal cut
Depth:61.1%
Table:57%
Crown angle:34.7
Pavilion:41.2
Polish/Symmetry/Proportions: Ideal
This is a Blue Nile Signature round (cut specifically for them)and an AGS 0.
This seemingly beautiful diamond is given a 3.3 on the HCA. How can this be? Should I assume that HCa is correct? Thanks for any help anyone could give me.

Chris

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

It does not score too well on the AGA charts either.

The pavilion is overly deep.
It does not score well with DiamCalc either.

Ask them to send you an ideal-scope photo and you will see why.

 

[canadiangrrl]

Chris, it's best to look for a stone with a pavilion angle measurement at or below 41 in order to help minimize light leakage.

 

[Giangi]

41.2' pavilion is the maximum allowed for an AGS0 rating, and causes quite a bit of leakage under the table. This will be a nice looking diamond, but when compared with ideals having a 41' or lower pavilion angle, you'll see the difference.

 

[canadiangrrl]

Ten bucks to the next poster who says the magical "Ring Of Death."

 

[Mara]

Scoob--will you give me $20?




Ring of Death!!!!! There! I've said it.




cem2000--as you have just seen, not all AGS0 stones will be excellently cut or perform well on the HCA or in real life. AGS0 is not a foolproof method of choosing a well-cut stone. Nor is 'Blue Nile Signature'...that's just a branded way of marking up what they consider to be the better stones, like any other store 'brand' name.




I would try to focus on finding a stone that fit BOTH bills...then you've got all the bases covered.

 

[canadiangrrl]

No, but I'll buy you a beer the next time you're in Maryland.

 

[Mara]

I don't drink beer...so it will have to be something like a vodka tonic.