Color vs Clarity

[mattdamon004]

It is finally time !! I have been researching for about 2 weeks now and need an opinion as to which one to pick between the two below? It is priced similar (just under 13k + setting)

1.7C, G-Color, Clarity- VS2; HCA 3.0
1.7C, D-Color, Clarity - SI1; HCA 2.1

This is a big decision for me and I will appreciate any input. Thank you!!!!

 

[totallyfree]

Possibly neither as they are both above 2.0?

(If it has to be one of those I would go which ever faces up larger, all else being equal to the naked eye.)

 

[gm89uk]

We cannot make an informed decision based on this.

If you have the stones on hold, put the certificate numbers, photos, idealscope, aset, H&A images, or at the bare minimum the numbers.

HCA 2.1 to 3.0 encompasses a huge variety of stones.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

mattdamon004,

Excellent job taking the time to research and narrow the field to just a couple choices. I think the feedback you are getting is due to the specs as you posted them. The HCA is never intended as a selection tool, but to be used more to eliminate one diamond vs. another, so a 3.0 is not necessarily better nor worse than a 2.1.

For more information, read the entire explanation on this page:

https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

beginning with "when you have narrowed your search...."

Why do you need light performance images (and I prefer ASET to Ideal-Scope) rather than just an HCA score?

The MRB has a total of 57 facets on the diamond - the HCA considers the average angles of 17 of those facets, and cannot account for the 40 minor facets, 3D optical precision, consistency of cut, nor possible indexing of the diamond. Without that information you are using a tool which can point out possible poor-performers (exactly what it is designed to do).

The numbers you have outlined above, along with the HCA score, represent a two-dimensional framework which will give you sense of the possible diamond performance, but you really need light performance images to have a better idea of the 3-dimensional performance of the stones.

Ideally you will have the HCA, Grading Report, and ASET (or Ideal-Scope) images available to help predict which diamond will demonstrate the light performance you are looking for.

That is the information many here on PS will ask to see before making a recommendation to you. If you can acquire those - post them in this thread where you will no doubt find plenty of advice.

 

[tkyasx78]

for 13K I wouldnt get either stone. I agree with the above posters, and would get more information and one that is under 2.0

 

[Rockdiamond]

From my perspective, the larger question is- should you spend the additional money, or give up commensurate size, or clarity to get a D over a G ( for the sake of discussion, let's assume both a 1.6 on HCA) ( but don't eliminate a 3 out of hand)

You'd need to really look at a few diamonds to get the idea of what the difference between D and G is.
Some people can easily see the difference, others, not.
Of those who can see the difference, not all will pick the D.
I would add that a fair percentage of our clients would go eye clean SI, and use the funds for additional size

 

[mattdamon004]

Thank you very much for the responses - I really appreciate it.

How do I go about acquiring these 3 things- HCA, Grading Report, and ASET (or Ideal-Scope) images?

Is this something an online retailer (example bluenile) will provide upon request?

These are the certificate numbers - 2267035254 and 2257824452

 

[Rockdiamond]

HCA is a tool you'll find on one of the menus at the top of this page- use the grading report published by the seller to obtain the table, depth, crown angle and pavilion angle and simply input then yourself.
All reputable sellers will provide an image of the GIA report- or at the very least, the GIA report number, and you can look it up online. You can get the stats you need for the stones you are asking about at gia.edu

Some sellers do provide aset/is images- though not all sellers feel they provide value to the consumer. Therefore you won't find them on every site

 

[Snowdrop13]

Both of those stones are cut quite deep which will make them face up slightly smaller for their carat weight. They both have strong blue fluorescence which will reduce the price a bit.

If you stick to GIA XXX and search for stones with these parameters you should be OK:

table: 54-58

depth: 60-62.3

crown angle: 34-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0)

Also consider looking at H Si1- here is a top cut stone just for reference, it is 0.2 mm smaller than the G VS2 you posted above:

https://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3667407.htm

 

[mattdamon004]

That's for the feedback guys. I'm still learning. I'm reluctant to buy online because I want to see what I'm getting before making a purchase. I've found a really nice 1.55C G SI2 in one of the local stores. However when I plug it in the hca tool, I get a 6.1
It's GIA XXX so I'm really note sure what to make of it. The certificate number is 2234272952. What gives?

 

[OoohShiny]

GIA XXX encompasses a wide range of cut styles, including steep/deep.

HCA6.1 is unlikely to face up at the appropriate size or be cut for maximum light performance.

 

[WinkHPD]

As a member of the trade I may not comment on individual diamonds, but I have cut and will paste the measurements of this diamond as per the report number you have given us.

I will let other, non trade members tell you what they think of these specifications.

Wink

Depth
61.1 %
Table
61 %
Crown Angle
33.5°
Crown Height
13.0%
Pavilion Angle
41.8°
Pavilion Depth
44.5%
Star Length
50%
Lower Half
75%
Girdle
Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 4.0%
Culet
None


FINISH

 

[Dancing Fire]

Nothing good to say about this stone...big table, flat crown and deep pavil = butt ugly...