Buying a ring that doesnt have images, aset, idealscope.

[tater23]

Hello,

Ive been shopping for a ring for awhile and I think im about to buy a diamond that has good paper specs, HCA, ect. But the company does not have idealscope or aset images. Has anyone ever bought a diamond that was good on paper, HCA and turned out that it did not have the fire you wanted?

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 3/10/2010 12:49:04 PM
Author:tater23
Hello,

Ive been shopping for a ring for awhile and I think im about to buy a diamond that has good paper specs, HCA, ect. But the company does not have idealscope or aset images. Has anyone ever bought a diamond that was good on paper, HCA and turned out that it did not have the fire you wanted?

You can''t judge fire from the imaging tool anyways, not really, but I am assuming you mean the whole optical performance of the diamond, not just the fire?

I think that if you select a diamond that is GIA Ex or AGS Ideal cut grade and scores well on the HCA, then the odds are very very good that you will love the diamond. I have not personally seen a poor IS for a diamond that met those first two criteria. Where an IS image becomes more important is when the cut grade is below the top grades, the diamond comes from a less reputable lab, or the angles are borderline on the HCA (i.e., over 2).

As long as there is a good return policy, then I think it is not too risky to do what you propose.

 

[Rhino]

I have a video published answering this very question here. A GIA Ex with an HCA of 1.7. If you're comfortable with what you see as a result go for it but without the additional data its hard to determine.

 

[HVVS]

IS and ASET sometimes show how inclusions affect the brilliance, too, for SI and I1 clarities. Or whether to expect to see a dark or a white spec. But don''t take that as gospel. That''s why I said sometimes.

 

[tater23]

Thanks Dreamer, The extra assurance is always good. You and stonecold, and the others have been quite helpful in my process and it is very appreciated of what this forum has done for me. Thanks again.

 

[Todd Gray]

Date: 3/10/2010 12:49:04 PM
Author:tater23
Hello,

Ive been shopping for a ring for awhile and I think im about to buy a diamond that has good paper specs, HCA, ect. But the company does not have idealscope or aset images. Has anyone ever bought a diamond that was good on paper, HCA and turned out that it did not have the fire you wanted?

Is this an online transaction or a diamond that you are able to view in-person? If the latter, then your eyes are as good an indicator as any of the tools in terms of whether the diamond is pleasing to your preferences for brilliance, dispersion and scintillation - which is not measured by any of the scopes.

If you are buying the diamond online and the vendor is unable to provide any of the images which provide insight into the optical symmetry / cut performance of the diamond, then you might consider having the diamond sent to an independent appraiser for evaluation on your behalf prior to completing the purchase - there is a list of appraisers available via the Resources menu tab at the top of this page... Most of the vendors I know will send the diamond to an appraiser for evaluation prior to it being purchased, you will usually need to pay the cost of insured shipping and the cost of the evaluation, but I believe that the advice of a neutral professional is invaluable when purchasing a diamond.

 

[tater23]

Rhino, Great Video. I wish you could find an example of an GIA Ex, EX, EX, Polish Symm. and A 1 or better HCA. But I do get your point. Thanks again.