August Vintage Ideal Cut H&A or Amora Gem Eternity H&A?

[AK29]

Calling all Amora gem and August Vintage ideal cut moissanite owners!

I want to get a 3 carat round hearts & arrows cut from either BTD or August Vintage. Which do you prefer and why? Pictures? Opinions? Which has stronger crisper arrows and more contrast? More diamond-like?

I have an unbranded H&A cut moissy that I like, but am looking for one that has crisper facets and better luster overall. My only complaint is flatness when indoors in diffuse light (where I work! unfortunately) the facets go mushy and I cant see much contrast or the beautiful arrows pattern that I love and enjoy most of the time!

 

[swaye2010]

Calling all Amora gem and August Vintage ideal cut moissanite owners!

I want to get a 3 carat round hearts & arrows cut from either BTD or August Vintage. Which do you prefer and why? Pictures? Opinions? Which has stronger crisper arrows and more contrast? More diamond-like?

I have an unbranded H&A cut moissy that I like, but am looking for one that has crisper facets and better luster overall. My only complaint is flatness when indoors in diffuse light (where I work! unfortunately) the facets go mushy and I cant see much contrast or the beautiful arrows pattern that I love and enjoy most of the time!

It might be in the August Vintage thread already but @luckyrabbit is the only one that has had the Amora, MoCo AGS000 and AV at the same time.

 

[Lucky_Rabbit]

Calling all Amora gem and August Vintage ideal cut moissanite owners!

I want to get a 3 carat round hearts & arrows cut from either BTD or August Vintage. Which do you prefer and why? Pictures? Opinions? Which has stronger crisper arrows and more contrast? More diamond-like?

I have an unbranded H&A cut moissy that I like, but am looking for one that has crisper facets and better luster overall. My only complaint is flatness when indoors in diffuse light (where I work! unfortunately) the facets go mushy and I cant see much contrast or the beautiful arrows pattern that I love and enjoy most of the time!

I've had purchased 2 Amora Gem ideal and 2 AV ideal. My first Amora was gorgeous, out of this world. But I returned it because I wanted bigger (decision I now regret). My 2nd Amora was still nice, but not AS beautiful as my first one. I also felt my 2nd one, they graded the color wrong. It looked much warmer than the "E" they had in the certification.

My first AV was custom cut because they didn't have the size I was looking for. It was a nice cut, but I wasn't truly in love with it. The 2nd one and the only one of the 4 I still have is a smaller size 7mm. I got it from one of the posts he had so you get to see how it looks in the video before purchasing. I really like it and hope to set it soon.

My suggestion for you is to do AV ideal cut. He usually has 20% off discount code so you'll get it cheaper than BTD. You should buy one if the ones he has in stock so you can see and pick from the pictures and videos he has. Plus, there's a return policy for that. If you do custom cut, there is no return policy. IF you go with BTD, they do have a good return policy, so you can always return it. They're both nice stones, I just feel AV is more consistent and you get more bang for your buck

 

[Lucky_Rabbit]

I do have comparison pics of my last Amora and first AV. As well as pics of my first Amora. But I'll have to dig for them and post them later.

 

[sd_flp]

I might not be the best person to say since I haven’t owned an Amora, but I’ve seen a couple Amoras for sale here and there on the preloved market. I have to say, I’m pretty shocked at the varying cut quality. There are some that I’ve seen that look pretty beautiful and then there are others that I don’t think look so great. Maybe the original owners took bad photos, but I doubt that.

I have an AV Ideal Round and I LOVE it. I don’t want another H&A moissy round because of it and I’ve been debating on getting the AV OEC, too, despite telling myself I wasn’t going to get another NA moissy. I’ve seen other people’s AV rounds and they have all looked good, too. I’ve yet to see one that I think looks bad.

 

[Lucky_Rabbit]

I might not be the best person to say since I haven’t owned an Amora, but I’ve seen a couple Amoras for sale here and there on the preloved market. I have to say, I’m pretty shocked at the varying cut quality. There are some that I’ve seen that look pretty beautiful and then there are others that I don’t think look so great. Maybe the original owners took bad photos, but I doubt that.

I have an AV Ideal Round and I LOVE it. I don’t want another H&A moissy round because of it and I’ve been debating on getting the AV OEC, too, despite telling myself I wasn’t going to get another NA moissy. I’ve seen other people’s AV rounds and they have all looked good, too. I’ve yet to see one that I think looks bad.

Yeap, I agree with you on the varying degree of the cut for the Amora. But some of the Amora that have been listed for sale again are different type of the Amora Gems as well. They had the Ulta, the Eternity, and I don't know what else type. The latest is the Eternity. Both of the ones I gotten were pretty, but the 1st one was ssssooo much better. It could even stand toe to toe with the AV.

 

[sd_flp]

Yeap, I agree with you on the varying degree of the cut for the Amora. But some of the Amora that have been listed for sale again are different type of the Amora Gems as well. They had the Ulta, the Eternity, and I don't know what else type. The latest is the Eternity. Both of the ones I gotten were pretty, but the 1st one was ssssooo much better. It could even stand toe to toe with the AV.

Yeah, that’s the thing, it was the Eternity ones that I saw were inconsistent...some are super gorgeous and others just looked “off”. I remember seeing an Eternity a while back and thought the arrows looked really strange. But it could be just me and maybe it is cut like that so it reflects light better. I dunno, I’ve never owned any Amora, so maybe my thoughts bear little weight.

 

[AK29]

It might be in the August Vintage thread already but @luckyrabbit is the only one that has had the Amora, MoCo AGS000 and AV at the same time.

thanks for replying i just joined pricescope and will have to scout around for photos

 

[AK29]

I've had purchased 2 Amora Gem ideal and 2 AV ideal. My first Amora was gorgeous, out of this world. But I returned it because I wanted bigger (decision I now regret). My 2nd Amora was still nice, but not AS beautiful as my first one. I also felt my 2nd one, they graded the color wrong. It looked much warmer than the "E" they had in the certification.

My first AV was custom cut because they didn't have the size I was looking for. It was a nice cut, but I wasn't truly in love with it. The 2nd one and the only one of the 4 I still have is a smaller size 7mm. I got it from one of the posts he had so you get to see how it looks in the video before purchasing. I really like it and hope to set it soon.

My suggestion for you is to do AV ideal cut. He usually has 20% off discount code so you'll get it cheaper than BTD. You should buy one if the ones he has in stock so you can see and pick from the pictures and videos he has. Plus, there's a return policy for that. If you do custom cut, there is no return policy. IF you go with BTD, they do have a good return policy, so you can always return it. They're both nice stones, I just feel AV is more consistent and you get more bang for your buck

Thanks for the thorough reply! I look forward to seeing your pics if you still have em.
Yes I saw the 20% off discount on his site. Very tempting...
So would you say between the 4 stones you purchased, your favorite would be the 2nd AV? Were you able to exchange the first AV you didnt like or no because it was a custom cut?

I ll have to keep checking his site to see when a 3.00 carat will be in stock

 

[AK29]

I might not be the best person to say since I haven’t owned an Amora, but I’ve seen a couple Amoras for sale here and there on the preloved market. I have to say, I’m pretty shocked at the varying cut quality. There are some that I’ve seen that look pretty beautiful and then there are others that I don’t think look so great. Maybe the original owners took bad photos, but I doubt that.

I have an AV Ideal Round and I LOVE it. I don’t want another H&A moissy round because of it and I’ve been debating on getting the AV OEC, too, despite telling myself I wasn’t going to get another NA moissy. I’ve seen other people’s AV rounds and they have all looked good, too. I’ve yet to see one that I think looks bad.

Thanks for responding! Another vote for AV! That gives me more confidence. I agree with what you said about the Amora Gem seeming to have varying quality- Ive seen some pictures where it looks crisp and clean and others that look very cloudy with muddled facets (even those posted on the official Amora Gem instagram page!) Ive attached it here...definitely not confidence inspiring

 

[sd_flp]

Thanks for responding! Another vote for AV! That gives me more confidence. I agree with what you said about the Amora Gem seeming to have varying quality- Ive seen some pictures where it looks crisp and clean and others that look very cloudy with muddled facets (even those posted on the official Amora Gem instagram page!) Ive attached it here...definitely not confidence inspiring

Have you thought about looking into MoissaniteCo’s AGS 000? I used to not care for those but after seeing more of them I think they look really good and are comparable to AV. The pricing isn’t bad either and much cheaper than Amora, too. If I didn’t have the AV, I probably would have bought this one since I think it’s a little cheaper with MoCo, at least the last time I checked.

 

[AK29]

Have you thought about looking into MoissaniteCo’s AGS 000? I used to not care for those but after seeing more of them I think they look really good and are comparable to AV. The pricing isn’t bad either and much cheaper than Amora, too. If I didn’t have the AV, I probably would have bought this one since I think it’s a little cheaper with MoCo, at least the last time I checked.

Is the MoCo AGS 000 their ideal "h&a" cut round? If it is, I think I saw a video comparing their Moco brand to C&C's Forever 1 H&A.... I thought it looked too splintery. Is that what you didnt like as well?

Btw..I think I stalked your rings on a different thread - Tianyu vs AV. I loved your comparison photos!! Do you find the AV brighter under the table facet? With my current moissy I dont like how it gets a bit too dark in the center (esp in the car!) so Im trying to troubleshoot that!

For me, between the moissys , cost isnt the biggest concern because its such savings compared to diamond (...thats also what I remind my husband...) I just want to make sure I LOVE it because I ll be wearing it daily!

 

[AK29]

Here are 2 photos of mine when I dont like how it looks... Kind of blurry

 

[sd_flp]

Is the MoCo AGS 000 their ideal "h&a" cut round? If it is, I think I saw a video comparing their Moco brand to C&C's Forever 1 H&A.... I thought it looked too splintery. Is that what you didnt like as well?

Btw..I think I stalked your rings on a different thread - Tianyu vs AV. I loved your comparison photos!! Do you find the AV brighter under the table facet? With my current moissy I dont like how it gets a bit too dark in the center (esp in the car!) so Im trying to troubleshoot that!

For me, between the moissys , cost isnt the biggest concern because its such savings compared to diamond (...thats also what I remind my husband...) I just want to make sure I LOVE it because I ll be wearing it daily!

Yep, the AGS 000 is their ideal H&A cut. I initially didn't like it at first because I thought it looked artificial. It wasn't until I saw more photos that the arrows are just really strong in the MoCo AGS 000, so now I really like them!

As far as which one is brighter (Tianyu vs AV), I find them to be equally bright and colorful, imo. I haven't had issues with my Tianyu one going dark in the center. I think the main thing that I like about my AV over my Tianyu moissy is how "deep" it looks from a distance, if that makes any sense. I don't know if that's what makes AV moissys look more "diamond-like" because I've looked at and held diamonds next to my AV at jewelry stores and diamonds tend to look more steel-y and the light contrast is more defined. Anyway, the Tianyu moissy gets very "shallow" and plastic looking in certain lighting. It's still pretty, but the plastic look I'm not really crazy about. My AV almost never looks plasticky, but it definitely throws rainbows like any good moissy!

 

[AK29]

Yep, the AGS 000 is their ideal H&A cut. I initially didn't like it at first because I thought it looked artificial. It wasn't until I saw more photos that the arrows are just really strong in the MoCo AGS 000, so now I really like them!

As far as which one is brighter (Tianyu vs AV), I find them to be equally bright and colorful, imo. I haven't had issues with my Tianyu one going dark in the center. I think the main thing that I like about my AV over my Tianyu moissy is how "deep" it looks from a distance, if that makes any sense. I don't know if that's what makes AV moissys look more "diamond-like" because I've looked at and held diamonds next to my AV at jewelry stores and diamonds tend to look more steel-y and the light contrast is more defined. Anyway, the Tianyu moissy gets very "shallow" and plastic looking in certain lighting. It's still pretty, but the plastic look I'm not really crazy about. My AV almost never looks plasticky, but it definitely throws rainbows like any good moissy!

Wow... I would never have guessed from the video I saw that the MoCo brand has strong arrows. I will definitely have to hunt around for photos!

I think what you find in your Tianyu is another thing I dont like in my unbranded moissy...it can look a bit plasticky too in diffuse lighting.

Ill definitely look into MoCo again ...or might reach out to AV and just do it! Whichever I end up getting I ll post back with pictures

 

[AK29]

Yep, the AGS 000 is their ideal H&A cut. I initially didn't like it at first because I thought it looked artificial. It wasn't until I saw more photos that the arrows are just really strong in the MoCo AGS 000, so now I really like them!

As far as which one is brighter (Tianyu vs AV), I find them to be equally bright and colorful, imo. I haven't had issues with my Tianyu one going dark in the center. I think the main thing that I like about my AV over my Tianyu moissy is how "deep" it looks from a distance, if that makes any sense. I don't know if that's what makes AV moissys look more "diamond-like" because I've looked at and held diamonds next to my AV at jewelry stores and diamonds tend to look more steel-y and the light contrast is more defined. Anyway, the Tianyu moissy gets very "shallow" and plastic looking in certain lighting. It's still pretty, but the plastic look I'm not really crazy about. My AV almost never looks plasticky, but it definitely throws rainbows like any good moissy!

Hey @sd_flp ! I looked into the AGS 000 as you suggested- it is a completely different stone than the one I had seen which was just a round brilliant by MoCo. It looks beautiful and apparently is cut by the same robots that cut the Amora Gem. Have you seen this in person and compared it to your August Vintage?!? Any thoughts? Im thinking of ordering two stones soon to compare- its just hard to compare with AV because he doesnt have an 9mm /3cts in stock!

 

[sd_flp]

Hey @sd_flp ! I looked into the AGS 000 as you suggested- it is a completely different stone than the one I had seen which was just a round brilliant by MoCo. It looks beautiful and apparently is cut by the same robots that cut the Amora Gem. Have you seen this in person and compared it to your August Vintage?!? Any thoughts? Im thinking of ordering two stones soon to compare- its just hard to compare with AV because he doesnt have an 9mm /3cts in stock!

Unfortunately, no, I haven’t seen the AGS 000 moissanite in person, but I think Lucky Rabbit has it!

 

[AK29]

Unfortunately, no, I haven’t seen the AGS 000 moissanite in person, but I think Lucky Rabbit has it!

Thanks for replying. I will ask her!

 

[AK29]

@Lucky_Rabbit what are your thoughts on the Moco AGS 000? compared to the amora? compared to a diamond? compared to f1 H&A (ive seen one in person but looks too much like the stone I have ) ?

PS Im not trying to pass my moissy as a diamond, I just want the crispest cleanest stone I can get!

 

[CuriousJ]

Calling all Amora gem and August Vintage ideal cut moissanite owners!

I want to get a 3 carat round hearts & arrows cut from either BTD or August Vintage. Which do you prefer and why? Pictures? Opinions? Which has stronger crisper arrows and more contrast? More diamond-like?

I have an unbranded H&A cut moissy that I like, but am looking for one that has crisper facets and better luster overall. My only complaint is flatness when indoors in diffuse light (where I work! unfortunately) the facets go mushy and I cant see much contrast or the beautiful arrows pattern that I love and enjoy most of the time!

Sorry if this is not the right place but has anyone purchased from BTD before and can explain how long they usually take to put together your ring?

 

[AK29]

***UPDATE! ***

I ordered the AGS000 from MoCo because they have a great return policy. Im wary of ordering the AV moissy without a return policy. I will order the Amora Gem next to compare.

Well, I was underwhelmed to say the least. The stone had a plasticky white out effect with no real contrast. Arrows were not pronounced nor was the faceting particularly crisp.

Worst of all, I ordered a 3.00ct diamond equivalent weight or larger and asked that the stone be atleast 9mm. Then sent me a 2.60 ct diamond equivalent weight (actual being 2.3 and the stone was noticeably too small for my setting. Will try to get a refund, was a bit upset that they didnt even get the size right!

Heres a few photos...the stone is going right back!

 

[sd_flp]

***UPDATE! ***

I ordered the AGS000 from MoCo because they have a great return policy. Im wary of ordering the AV moissy without a return policy. I will order the Amora Gem next to compare.

Well, I was underwhelmed to say the least. The stone had a plasticky white out effect with no real contrast. Arrows were not pronounced nor was the faceting particularly crisp.

Worst of all, I ordered a 3.00ct diamond equivalent weight or larger and asked that the stone be atleast 9mm. Then sent me a 2.60 ct diamond equivalent weight (actual being 2.3 and the stone was noticeably too small for my setting. Will try to get a refund, was a bit upset that they didnt even get the size right!

Heres a few photos...the stone is going right back!

Aww, that's too bad. What color did you get? I can't believe MoCo didn't even send you the right size!

I think out of the three photos, I like the second one the best. The first and third photos are very difficult to distinguish.

I believe the AV stones that are off the shelf should be returnable, but you're limited with the size and color grade.

 

[AK29]

Aww, that's too bad. What color did you get? I can't believe MoCo didn't even send you the right size!

I think out of the three photos, I like the second one the best. The first and third photos are very difficult to distinguish.

I believe the AV stones that are off the shelf should be returnable, but you're limited with the size and color grade.

I got an F color! So its in the colorless range. All three photos are of the same stone sad But do you see what I mean by kind of blurry?

I saw that in stock AVs are refundable...but they dont have anything in 3 carats and up available on his site. Im DYING to see one in person lol. Yours looks so crisp and I saw another one on this website that also really sold me on the AV ideal. Maybe I should email them and see when they are going to restock the larger carat sizes....Im worried that I ll find the amora blurry too ...

 

[AK29]

UPDATE #2-
Moissanite Co was kind enough to send me a prepaid return shipping label since they sent the wrong stone. That was nice!

 

[sd_flp]

I got an F color! So its in the colorless range. All three photos are of the same stone sad But do you see what I mean by kind of blurry?

I saw that in stock AVs are refundable...but they dont have anything in 3 carats and up available on his site. Im DYING to see one in person lol. Yours looks so crisp and I saw another one on this website that also really sold me on the AV ideal. Maybe I should email them and see when they are going to restock the larger carat sizes....Im worried that I ll find the amora blurry too ...

I thought it looked colorless. That’s a bummer, I have seen several AGS 000 and they didn’t look like that at all. I tried to find “bad” photos of my AV but I only got this photo which I took when playing with my antique cushion:


But to me the arrows are visible...anyway, I really do love my AV. It wouldn’t hurt to try a smaller in stock one and see if you like it...and then maybe you can return that and get a bigger one that’s custom made...?

I am glad that MoCo is allowing for the return at least! Still rather shocked they even sent you the wrong size; that’s s huge difference, IMO!

 

[Lucky_Rabbit]

***UPDATE! ***

I ordered the AGS000 from MoCo because they have a great return policy. Im wary of ordering the AV moissy without a return policy. I will order the Amora Gem next to compare.

Well, I was underwhelmed to say the least. The stone had a plasticky white out effect with no real contrast. Arrows were not pronounced nor was the faceting particularly crisp.

Worst of all, I ordered a 3.00ct diamond equivalent weight or larger and asked that the stone be atleast 9mm. Then sent me a 2.60 ct diamond equivalent weight (actual being 2.3 and the stone was noticeably too small for my setting. Will try to get a refund, was a bit upset that they didnt even get the size right!

Heres a few photos...the stone is going right back!

I'm really sorry you're not happy with your AGS 000. I love mine. It's actually being made into a setting right now. AGS have the thickest arrows out of AV and Amora and also the least expensive. If that is what you like, you'll love it.

Sorry for not replying sooner, this week has been busy. I'll try to dig for pics and videos sometimes this weekend for you

 

[AK29]

I thought it looked colorless. That’s a bummer, I have seen several AGS 000 and they didn’t look like that at all. I tried to find “bad” photos of my AV but I only got this photo which I took when playing with my antique cushion:


But to me the arrows are visible...anyway, I really do love my AV. It wouldn’t hurt to try a smaller in stock one and see if you like it...and then maybe you can return that and get a bigger one that’s custom made...?

I am glad that MoCo is allowing for the return at least! Still rather shocked they even sent you the wrong size; that’s s huge difference, IMO!

Yours looks SO beautiful even in the the "bad" photo!! I also love that even set in yellow gold and in a bezel your stone still looks so bright, white and vibrant.

I might honestly try that. I feel bad though ordering ordering the size that I dont intend on keeping. So far it really seems like the AV is the best- even some Amora pics look really blurry!

I had seen an f1 H&A a while ago that looked actually very crisp and diamond like- just not a true H&A more like a good brilliant cut. Do you think the AV is better than f1 H&A?

 

[AK29]

I'm really sorry you're not happy with your AGS 000. I love mine. It's actually being made into a setting right now. AGS have the thickest arrows out of AV and Amora and also the least expensive. If that is what you like, you'll love it.

Sorry for not replying sooner, this week has been busy. I'll try to dig for pics and videos sometimes this weekend for you

Thanks! Ill look forward to it!

I honestly wonder if my AGS 000 was a dud. Of all the photos Ive seen online on forums, mine looks nothing like what the other ladies have received. It was almost cloudy. I will try to upload a video later.

 

[sd_flp]

Yours looks SO beautiful even in the the "bad" photo!! I also love that even set in yellow gold and in a bezel your stone still looks so bright, white and vibrant.

I might honestly try that. I feel bad though ordering ordering the size that I dont intend on keeping. So far it really seems like the AV is the best- even some Amora pics look really blurry!

I had seen an f1 H&A a while ago that looked actually very crisp and diamond like- just not a true H&A more like a good brilliant cut. Do you think the AV is better than f1 H&A?

Thanks! The YG bezel actually my favorite ring; I wear it way too much and don't really rotate it with my other rings, which is sad.

I'd like to think that the AV is better than the F1 H&A, but I have seen some good ones (which I think would be on par with AV)...and I've also seen a lot of bad ones. I think Lucky Rabbit has that one, too, and hers is actually really nice. She posted many of her H&As in the August Vintage thread, which is how I remember. I did see a C&C F1 (non H&A) posted on the first page of the Tianyu thread and it looked terrible compared to the Tianyu moissanite.

 

[AK29]

Thanks! The YG bezel actually my favorite ring; I wear it way too much and don't really rotate it with my other rings, which is sad.

I'd like to think that the AV is better than the F1 H&A, but I have seen some good ones (which I think would be on par with AV)...and I've also seen a lot of bad ones. I think Lucky Rabbit has that one, too, and hers is actually really nice. She posted many of her H&As in the August Vintage thread, which is how I remember. I did see a C&C F1 (non H&A) posted on the first page of the Tianyu thread and it looked terrible compared to the Tianyu moissanite.

I think its a good sign when you want to wear a ring everyday, all the time Thats what Im hoping to find- a stone that I LOVE to wear, every single day.

Thanks for the tip, I will look around the forum for comparison photos. Maybe @Lucky_Rabbit can post a photo comparing the two? three? haha