*CCL* Talk to me about your radiant videos

[petrock<3]

Hi CCL,

I came across your radiant videos on Vimeo and was curious about them. You have a comparison of an ORC with a "bright cut" radiant. I didn't see any commentary on the video.

I have an ORC so was wondering what is was about.

Thanks!

 

[petrock<3]

http://vimeo.com/15653513

http://vimeo.com/14985843


http://vimeo.com/14935516

http://vimeo.com/15787275


here are the videos, for those who haven't seen them. It is nice, because there isn't much out there about radiants, that I could find.

 

[theradiantman]

Hi Petrock

If you (or anyone else) have any questions about radiants in general or ORC's in particular feel free to ask and I'll do my best to answer them.

 

[petrock<3]

Great! Thank you. Basically I wanted to know if the demonstration was to show if one type of radiant is better than the other. I do not know how to read asets, so I didn't know what to make of that part.

I have flirted with upgrading my ORC, but what I have looked at are non ORC stones. It is harder to find prices on ORC's, and they seem to have a big premium. I called for prices on a few stones around the 2 ct mark and they were verrrry pricey. I could get a .5- .75 ct larger non ORC radiant, for my trade in value plus a couple $K. But I do like the optics of mine and worry that I won't like another radiant style as much.

So... are ORC's better, worse, the same, worth the premium, or should there not be a big premium and I got hosed? These are my questions!

 

[Rockdiamond]

HI petrock,
I think it really depends on what a person likes.
Although I'm not a fan of diamond simulations as I don;t feel they capture the essence of real diamonds, CCL's simulations do show clear differences between the two stones

Being that you have an Original, you have a good benchmark.
If you love your present stone, that says a lot.
If the upgrade is because you're not loving the look, by all means look at some of the non branded ones.

I hope this helps!

 

[iota15]

Hmm... I'm not sure if Stan can really answer your questions without seeming biased, since effectively, you're asking whether his premium/branded product is better a generic one.

I have never seen an ORC in person; however, I found a virtual stone once with "ORIG RAD 3413/..." inscription emblazoned into its girdle (it has since been sold... and perhaps it was a fake ORC, as there was just a slight price premium.).

Honestly, I wasn't impressed with the "ORC" Aset images taken by WF, although it was better than the other generic radiant I brought in. However, I also fully believe Asets only tell part of the picture. As I did not see the supposed ORC in person, I have no idea how it performs in a real, moving environment. For all I know, it performs beautifully. (Radiants reallly need to be seen in person - bring as many in as you can).

From my experience, radiants are notoriously difficult to sort through and find a beautiful one (personally, I gave up and found a cushion). I would like to think of ORC's like any other branded product - you pay a premium for its beauty, consistency and convenience (aside from its name). It's possible you may be able to find a generic one that is just as beautiful... but believe me, it will take some time.

Given that you have an ORC on your finger and price seems to be a consideration, I would try looking at some generic 2 ct radiants in person - and compare it with the stone you have.

 

[theradiantman]

Absolutely correct that the relative merits of Original Radiants and generics is a question I can't answer on this forum. I also have no idea what those videos are supposed to demonstrate - only CCL can answer that. I personally believe that in evaluating cut quality in radiant cuts there is no substitute for your own eyes and personal taste.

 

[petrock<3]

ah OK, I didn't realize theradiantman was THE radiant man! Cool!

So, can you find me a good 2 ct G vs2- si1?

Alright, you probably can't but it was worth a try. Is there a way to find prices without calling ORC? I have a local jeweler who supplies them, but I don't want to keep bugging them. I am most likely just going to halo the one I have, but I would feel better about that if I at least knew what was out there and how for how much.

The only info I can get on my own is for generics. There are alot of 2cts in my price range ($15,000 - $18,000), but they may be fugly fugs.

 

[iota15]

If you want the price for their inventory, I would contact ORC directly through their website. (By the way, Stan - I really wished ORC had its prices, as well as pictures, available.)

I contacted ORC six months ago for prices and pictures. I was told that they hoped to buy equipment shortly for pictures but weren't able to provide any yet. I'm not sure if that's still the case.

These radiants may be gone already, but here are some of the price quotes I received:

2.08 G SI1 - $20,600
? weight (likely above 2 carats) E Si2 - $17,200
2.02 G VS1 - $23,300
2.03 H Si1 - $16,900
1.74 I VS2 - $11,200

With your price range, it's probably worth inquiring with ORC directly. They'll give you suggestions around your price range as well.

 

[petrock<3]

[ (By the way, Stan - I really wished ORC had its prices, as well as pictures, available.)

Yes I agree!

Thank you Iota15! This is very helpful, I called for prices once and they were very very high. They said that the price I would get from my jeweler would be much lower. These seem more reasonable.