Analysis Paralysis-poll

[nala]

So many of you read my thread earlier this year about my first world problem. I took tour advice and have not made a decision. If you haven’t read my thread, that’s fine. Here is background. I have a 2.20 Gia triple excellent that scores a 5.6 on hca and shows leakage on idealscope. 80 percent of the time, I have no complaints. I absolutely love it. The look-aid drinking pser in me is curious about super ideal cut. Finally went to see home hearts on fire. And I liked what I saw but I wasn’t floored. I honestly think i gravitated to the color. It is a G. But Probably due to the lighting bc even mine looked awesome.
So here I am. Debating a recut. But the fear of the unknown scares me.
Debating an upgrade but the fear that I will spend at least 7 grand to achieve this and not go up significantly in color or size, baffles me.
Finally, I can leave well enough alone and accept that I’m good 80 percent of the time.
What would you do!
Hubby thinks I drank the look-aid tho he supports any of my decision’s. He did add that the first thing he gravitates to is size. That is what he notices and he thinks mine is a fair balance. This makes me think that I gravitate to color and size and of course, to cut—just don’t know to what extent for cut.

 

[jadesilver]

Did you see HOF in natural light/window light? That’s the only light where I can tell the difference between super ideal and ideal cut.

Have you ever thought of upgrading in size? You did say you were already happy with the size but maybe a significantly bigger diamond with HCA <2?

Totally baffles me that you’d want to go smaller in order to get super ideal cut. What if you find the smaller size noticeable? I think you should definitely make sure you can see a visible difference before spending the upgrade money to go smaller. I’m downgrading from a small super ideal to ideal cut in a bigger size simply because there is not very much difference in fluorescent lighting and I don’t spend much time examining the outstanding sparkle of my diamond in shaded window light. My ideal cut small diamonds are also pretty decently sparkly in shaded window light. Don’t forget that a lot of people on this forum have 2-3ct or even 4ct ideal cut diamonds HCA<2 and are extremely happy with them even if they aren’t super ideal.

 

[baby monster]

Perhaps look at this from another angle. Each component "C" of the 4Cs gets a value allocated to it. So having to spend money for better cut while keeping color and mm spread the same is not unreasonable. If spread is your primary "C" and you're happy with the stone otherwise, keep it.

 

[kenny]

What would I do?, you ask.
I'd recut a round I owned that scored 5.6 on HCA, in a heartbeat.
To me light performance is king.

But it doesn't matter what I'd do.
You're not me.
You are you, so do what you want.

Is your purpose for this thread to do what the majority would do?

 

[nala]

What would I do?, you ask.
I'd recut a round I owned that scored 5.6 on HCA, in a heartbeat.
To me light performance is king.

But it doesn't matter what I'd do.
You're not me.
You are you, so do what you want.

Is your purpose for this thread to do what the majority would do?

Like other posters who come to RT, the purpose is to get feedback. To read different views and consider differing perspectives. I never said that I would agree to the majority rule.

 

[nala]

Did you see HOF in natural light/window light? That’s the only light where I can tell the difference between super ideal and ideal cut.

Have you ever thought of upgrading in size? You did say you were already happy with the size but maybe a significantly bigger diamond with HCA <2?

Totally baffles me that you’d want to go smaller in order to get super ideal cut. What if you find the smaller size noticeable? I think you should definitely make sure you can see a visible difference before spending the upgrade money to go smaller. I’m downgrading from a small super ideal to ideal cut in a bigger size simply because there is not very much difference in fluorescent lighting and I don’t spend much time examining the outstanding sparkle of my diamond in shaded window light. My ideal cut small diamonds are also pretty decently sparkly in shaded window light. Don’t forget that a lot of people on this forum have 2-3ct or even 4ct ideal cut diamonds HCA<2 and are extremely happy with them even if they aren’t super ideal.

You make some really good points. I don’t care to spend more than 7k, my annual bling budget, so go bigger and better in specs is not a realustic option.

 

[kenny]

Like other posters who come to RT, the purpose is to get feedback. To read different views and consider differing perspectives. I never said that I would agree to the majority rule.

I didn't say you did.
I asked.

 

[nala]

I didn't say you did.
I asked.

Sorry. Thought it was a rhetorical question.

 

[nala]

Here it is in bad lighting. The worst lighting I come across all day

 

[SomethingNew]

Your ring is gorgeous, i would not change a thing!

Here's my 2 cents.....
If it's $7K to upgrade and not go up significantly in size, that's definitely a no for me. You have to keep in mind, HCA is just a number, well-used here, but what about outside of the PS community? IF you want to sell in the future (for upgrade or various reasons), someone will actually appreciate, and pay extra for, the stone being under HCA 2? What matter is do YOU even see the difference and that you'll happy to spend the $7K for super ideal?

Would you consider spending the $7k and buy yourself something nice, like an ACA or BGD pendant, studs, huggies or what not? Then you will get a extra nice piece of jewelry AND the super ideal cut that you want? Or heck, just keep the money and put it towards some good use in the future.

I would not consider a recut either, because you may risk having to buy a new setting. Your current setting is absolutely to die for.

Most importantly, whatever decision you end up with, don't think back, move on and don't think about it anymore....

 

[nala]

Your ring is gorgeous, i would not change a thing!

Here's my 2 cents.....
If it's $7K to upgrade and not go up significantly in size, that's definitely a no for me. You have to keep in mind, HCA is just a number, well-used here, but what about outside of the PS community? IF you want to sell in the future (for upgrade or various reasons), someone will actually appreciate, and pay extra for, the stone being under HCA 2? What matter is do YOU even see the difference and that you'll happy to spend the $7K for super ideal?

Would you consider spending the $7k and buy yourself something nice, like an ACA or BGD pendant, studs, huggies or what not? Then you will get a extra nice piece of jewelry AND the super ideal cut that you want? Or heck, just keep the money and put it towards some good use in the future.

I would not consider a recut either, because you may risk having to buy a new setting. Your current setting is absolutely to die for.

Most importantly, whatever decision you end up with, don't think back, move on and don't think about it anymore....

Thank you. I hope that when I arrive at my decision, I will not look back! I treat myself to lots of bling purchases, so spending the money is really a matter of is it worth it—will I get my 7k bang for my buck every time I look at it rather than what else to spend it on.

 

[arkieb1]

I'm a size whore I'd keep the size and buy another stone that was a perfect cut or sell the existing stone and attempt to move up both in size and into a better cut.

 

[elizabethess]

Based on what I'm reading you write in this post and others, my blunt (given with kindness) gut instinct is: no, I'm not sure that you would feel like you got bang for your buck by spending your budget on recutting your current ring. My gut is telling me that you'd have more happiness using that 7K for acquiring other pieces. I could be 100% off, but that's my instinct.

You have a nice big sparkly ring you've been pretty happy with until you ran the numbers. If you do decide that you can't be mind-clean with your current stone, I really think upgrading at some point in the future is your better option, so that you can hopefully maintain or improve your spread in addition to having an HCA below 2, I think that would be more appreciated.

If you don't think 7K would be enough for a noticeable upgrade, would you consider going on a bling buying hiatus, banking that annual 7K budget, and then revisiting upgrading in another year when you'd presumably have 14K available to use? Cutting down could be hard to do, I understand

 

[Texas Leaguer]

I may have missed it in the thread, but I am not sure what the $7K upgrade means. Your stone is a 2.20 triple ex, I'm guessing maybe a bit steep/deep with some leakage. Normally tuning up a stone like that would not result in huge weight loss and re-cutting costs would not be exorbitant. Have you had it analyzed for a recut to ideal and received a bid?

 

[ringo865]

You make some really good points. I don’t care to spend more than 7k, my annual bling budget, so go bigger and better in specs is not a realustic option.

Haha nala, keep your ring and keep your $7000 annual bling budget for all of those fantastic things you find every others week

 

[gm89uk]

Depends on the proportions and how much diameter you would lose on a recut.

 

[ringo865]

Depends on the proportions and how much diameter you would lose on a recut.

Which I believe, you can have evaluated for a re-cut for free, and with no obligation. So, you could have a recut analysis, decide to keep it as is, and still have your ring as-is, and your $7000 annual bling budget.

Or, you could decide to go through with the recut (if you don't lose much spread), and still have $6000 of your annual bling budget, with your current ring rocking a AGS0 stone. (Which, ask, I think might be able to be traded in at BGD (or wf?) for adding to future annual bling budgetary considerations)

 

[nala]

I want to add more details about the recut. I have spoken to gog and brian Gavin and both have given me quotes. Gog gave me an actual estimate that my stone would not lose too much diameter but could drop to a 2.08 worst case. Brian Gavin didn't provide estimates other than to say a recu was possible. All added up, the recut would cost between 2000 to 2800, depending on the vendor. I don't mi d the cost--it's the fear of the unknown that paralyzes me.

 

[gm89uk]

Sounds like an ideal candidate for a recut!

But I would spend more time with a superideal in a variety of lighting environments to see if it's worth it for you

 

[MissGotRocks]

In order for you to recut or trade you have to be sold on the super ideal cut stone. That really is a personal preference - but you have to want it and be willing to pay the money for it - to what sounds like the exclusion of any other jewelry for at least a year. I can tell you that for myself it was well worth it as I wanted that top of the line cut. Having my main diamond be of the best cut was very important to me and I jumped at the possible chance. In a dollar for dollar comparison, it might not have been the wisest choice but for me it was that important. To that end, it was probably more of an emotional choice which is not always the best criteria but I have never regretted it for one moment. The point of it is that it has to be that important to you to make it worthwhile. Explore all of the avenues - recut, sale and trade. You never know what you may come up with until you try and looking into these options will cost you nothing but time. Without some concrete answers, you could talk this around in circles until the cows come home and still have no good answer to your dilemma. Call some of the vendors here and research your options.

 

[nala]

Based on what I'm reading you write in this post and others, my blunt (given with kindness) gut instinct is: no, I'm not sure that you would feel like you got bang for your buck by spending your budget on recutting your current ring. My gut is telling me that you'd have more happiness using that 7K for acquiring other pieces. I could be 100% off, but that's my instinct.

You have a nice big sparkly ring you've been pretty happy with until you ran the numbers. If you do decide that you can't be mind-clean with your current stone, I really think upgrading at some point in the future is your better option, so that you can hopefully maintain or improve your spread in addition to having an HCA below 2, I think that would be more appreciated.

If you don't think 7K would be enough for a noticeable upgrade, would you consider going on a bling buying hiatus, banking that annual 7K budget, and then revisiting upgrading in another year when you'd presumably have 14K available to use? Cutting down could be hard to do, I understand

TBH, the amount of money is the issue--not if or when I have it. There is a very prudent side of me that cannot fathom paying a small fortune for a diamond--even though I already have in the eyes of many, especially my social circle. it would not be mind clean financially. Lol. Hard to explain. Like there is a limit.

 

[nala]

Sounds like an ideal candidate for a recut!

But I would spend more time with a superideal in a variety of lighting environments to see if it's worth it for you

If there was a guarantee that my stone wouldn't end up worse, lol, some kind of freak slip of hand-- I would opt for recut. But I fear that what if it's not as pretty? Say what you will about a 5.6, but it's never been dull. It may go dark and murky in some lighting, but it's always shiny. On the other hand, I used to own a ring with a better hca. But I always thought it looked dull. When I compared my stone to an ideal Gia a few weeks ago, the ideal one looked meh.

 

[nala]

Which I believe, you can have evaluated for a re-cut for free, and with no obligation. So, you could have a recut analysis, decide to keep it as is, and still have your ring as-is, and your $7000 annual bling budget.

Or, you could decide to go through with the recut (if you don't lose much spread), and still have $6000 of your annual bling budget, with your current ring rocking a AGS0 stone. (Which, ask, I think might be able to be traded in at BGD (or wf?) for adding to future annual bling budgetary considerations)

Yeah. The total cost is 2k to 2800. But you are right, it is more cost effective than the upgrade.

 

[nala]

I may have missed it in the thread, but I am not sure what the $7K upgrade means. Your stone is a 2.20 triple ex, I'm guessing maybe a bit steep/deep with some leakage. Normally tuning up a stone like that would not result in huge weight loss and re-cutting costs would not be exorbitant. Have you had it analyzed for a recut to ideal and received a bid?

Not in person yet. Am leaning towards it.

 

[JoJa12345]

I think you should leave it as is ~ or at least give yourself enough time to think about what you really want to do.

Regarding a recut ~ you have to be honest with yourself about losing a little size. Will it honestly bother you? I know for me, the 2ct mark was a mental thing and until I got that I was not happy so I know if I was going to do a re-cut and they told me it would go under 2ct (even if it was 1.97 ) I would not be okay with that. I realize that might not make sense to a lot of people but I just know how I am.
You loved your stone before you put the #'s in the HCA, you have to trust your eyes and not let a piece of paper determine what you do.
Good luck with whatever you decide ~ I realize it's a good problem to have but I so understand how it consumes your thoughts (I was a nut during my diamond search).

 

[YadaYadaYada]

I don't know, it's a beautiful ring you have Nala and from what you said above about what if it's not as pretty after a recut, that to me right there indicates that this stone is special and apart from the knowledge about the HCA, you are happy with it optically. If it were me I would leave it as is and enjoy it and maybe down the line get the super ideal cut but it seems for right now you are still very fond of this stone. You won't regret waiting but if you recut or trade it in then there is potential for regret there.

My 2c

 

[whitewave]

So many of you read my thread earlier this year about my first world problem. I took tour advice and have not made a decision. If you haven’t read my thread, that’s fine. Here is background. I have a 2.20 Gia triple excellent that scores a 5.6 on hca and shows leakage on idealscope. 80 percent of the time, I have no complaints. I absolutely love it. The look-aid drinking pser in me is curious about super ideal cut. Finally went to see home hearts on fire. And I liked what I saw but I wasn’t floored. I honestly think i gravitated to the color. It is a G. But Probably due to the lighting bc even mine looked awesome.
So here I am. Debating a recut. But the fear of the unknown scares me.
Debating an upgrade but the fear that I will spend at least 7 grand to achieve this and not go up significantly in color or size, baffles me.
Finally, I can leave well enough alone and accept that I’m good 80 percent of the time.
What would you do!
Hubby thinks I drank the look-aid tho he supports any of my decision’s. He did add that the first thing he gravitates to is size. That is what he notices and he thinks mine is a fair balance. This makes me think that I gravitate to color and size and of course, to cut—just don’t know to what extent for cut.

If you recut and end up less than 2 carats, your stone will likely be worth much less. But, if that doesn't bother you then maybe you could consider it.

 

[elizabethess]

TBH, the amount of money is the issue--not if or when I have it. There is a very prudent side of me that cannot fathom paying a small fortune for a diamond--even though I already have in the eyes of many, especially my social circle. it would not be mind clean financially. Lol. Hard to explain. Like there is a limit.

100% understand

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I am shocked BG is now charging $2000 for a recut on a 2 ct stone. What were the charges that added up to that? I’d check with Whiteflash. Both of those vendors specialize in superideal cuts. I wouldn’t even ask a vendor like GOG which carries just a small number as they sell many other types of stones and may not be able to get a good price.

I was suspecting what Bryan said. You may notice no difference in the face up size if they just mainly need to work on the pavilion. I think a lot of people voted no to a recut based on the thought that the stone would end up visually smaller.

 

[nala]

I am shocked BG is now charging $2000 for a recut on a 2 ct stone. What were the charges that added up to that? I’d check with Whiteflash. Both of those vendors specialize in superideal cuts. I wouldn’t even ask a vendor like GOG which carries just a small number as they sell many other types of stones and may not be able to get a good price.

I was suspecting what Bryan said. You may notice no difference in the face up size if they just mainly need to work on the pavilion. I think a lot of people voted no to a recut based on the thought that the stone would end up visually smaller.

The price Depends on the starting carat Size. Mine starts at 550 per carat. I factored in the shipping and recertification costs and insurance to add up to 2k.
Gog sends the stone to Antwerp!!! So there is more of a cost bc I pay for shipping to Antwerp.

You are probably right. Perhaps people voted thinking the recut would result in a major loss.