Cut performance inquiry

[Cherokee1979]

Hi all. Long story short, my brother and only sibling just got engaged to his longtime GF two weeks ago, and I am SO excited for them both. It makes it even more special, to me, at least, that both he and I got engaged within only a month of each other. How he obtained his ring for the proposal is a great story. He and his FI are extremely competetive, and participated in a B&M "diamond dash" event in their city (this is the 2nd year they participated). They trained like mad for the scavenger hunt. They were stunned to learn that, out of 150 couples, they had won the grand prize, a Ritani platinum engagement ring with a 1.06 carat RB (AGSL certified, I color, SI2, cut grade good). I absolutely love Ritani settings, and his FI is, understandably, in love with hers (it is pictured here: http://www.ritani.com/diamond_engagement_rings/item/1286/in_collection/7). I have not yet seen the ring in person, but I am sure it is stunning.

Anyways, my brother knew that I have been utilizing PS in my own search for a RB, and he had asked me what my thoughts were as to the cut of the RB, and I thought that I'd turn to the expert advice of PS! Again, let me say that both my brother and his FI are thrilled with the stone and ring, and it is fantastic that they got it (as well as a memorable proposal in front of hundreds of people) for free. However, I would not be surprised if, at some point in the future, once their finances improve, they would be interested in upgrading to a better performing RB in the same gorgeous setting. I have not told him of this (nor do I intend to unless he directly asks me again), but it does not appear that the cut is a great one. The RB came with an AGSL DQR (as opposed to DQD), so it does not display an actual AGSL cut grade number. It states only that the symmetry is good and that the polish is excellent. I ran the cut specs (depth %: 62.9; table % 58; crown angle: 35.1; pavillion angle: 41.6) through the HCA, which revealed an HCA score of only 5.5 (also, it scored only "fair" as to both fire and scintillation). I seem to remember reading that, sometimes, poorly cut stones (and not just ideal stones) will be sent to AGSL for certification, but I was surprised as to how low this HCA was. With that all being said, what are your opinions as to the stone's performance? In any event, I am so happy for them that they won a ring that his FI loves, and I am sure they will get a great deal of joy from it. Theirs is a fantastic story, and I am so proud of them. Thanks for any input!

 

[Christina...]

What a great story! It's performance could be related to lots of things but probably it's because of it's proportions, it's has a steep pavilion angle and this could result in leakage, it's also deep at 62.9. AGS also considers durability in their grading, so it's possible that because it's an SI2 that there may be an inclusion that could affect the durability of the stone. Or there could be clouds that affect it's brilliance. Any number of things really. It's such a cool story though. Congratulations to both you and your brother!

 

[aggie10]

I'm a complete newbie, so this might not be feasible, but is it worth thinking about getting the stone recut? I seem to recall seeing a youtube from GOG where they cut a so-so diamond into a WOWZER. I have no idea what that costs, though, but it would allow you to keep the same exact sentimental stone.

 

[Cherokee1979]

Christina: Thanks so much for your kind words and input. You are such a sweetheart, and one of the kindest people on PS! I cannot seem to remember reading on RT as to whether your upgrade search has panned out as yet, but if not, I'm sure that you will find an amazing stone with your discerning eye! Regarding my brothers RB, I had feared that it was too deep. However, I know that he is nowhere near as much as a perfectionist as me, so if the light retun is not optimal, I might imagine that it wouldn't bother him or his FI too much. Also, it is nice for him that, although he has a deep stone, he did not have to pay a dime for any of the weight that is "hidden" in the bottom. And as Aggie10 mentioned, I had thought that keeping the recut option in mind is a great one, should they choose to optimize the light return. Well, thanks again to you both!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Wow, a free e-ring!!! Good for them! No, it is not a diamond we'd ever recommend, and not because just of the depth, but because those angles are not good and it surely has leakage (a 5.5 on the HCA isn't a good sign). However, most people really don't know the difference, so let them stay happy with what they have. Ignorance is bliss, so I wouldn't say anything really negative because they are obviously happy with the ring. All the diamonds on that setting sort of spread the attention away from the center stone because I am sure you just see a lot of bling!

Sounds like your family will have a very busy upcoming year! Lots of fun ahead!

 

[TitanCi]

That's so cool! Very generous of the people to give away an e-ring like that. ^^Ignorance is bliss, and I think that most people if they don't know too much, won't really care... I bet their excitement overshadows their concern for light performance, although I see you're being a good sibling and wanting the best for your brother.

But in all honesty, it was free, so it's understandable the people weren't going to give away an amazing diamond... if your brother paid for it OTOH, then I"m sure you would have him return it in a heartbeat!

I say just let them enjoy it.

I first came to this board/forum asking about a princess cut I bought. I made the decision to show my GF the loose stone (killed the surprise of the proposal), and she doesn't know diamonds, and all she could see was that 1) it was a diamond 2) it was a little shiny. But after I explained things to her and how lifeless it was, she couldn't help but wonder if I was right. Then she realized I was correct. Point is, if I didn't know any better, and if she didn't know any better...then she wouldn't even care.

 

[Christina...]

Christina: Thanks so much for your kind words and input. You are such a sweetheart, and one of the kindest people on PS! I cannot seem to remember reading on RT as to whether your upgrade search has panned out as yet, but if not, I'm sure that you will find an amazing stone with your discerning eye! Regarding my brothers RB, I had feared that it was too deep. However, I know that he is nowhere near as much as a perfectionist as me, so if the light retun is not optimal, I might imagine that it wouldn't bother him or his FI too much. Also, it is nice for him that, although he has a deep stone, he did not have to pay a dime for any of the weight that is "hidden" in the bottom. And as Aggie10 mentioned, I had thought that keeping the recut option in mind is a great one, should they choose to optimize the light return. Well, thanks again to you both!

Oh wow Cherokee, thank you! You just made me smile! I went years and years perfectly happy with a diamond that I had no idea wasn't cut to ideal standards, and I thought that it was the most amazingly beautiful ring ever! I'm sure your brother and his FI feel exactly the same way. And honestly I've never met a diamond I didn't like, maybe some I'd rather spend more time with than others, but they are all special and this one comes with an incredible story that they will someday share with there children and grandchildren and that's pretty cool! There have been so many PSer purchasing antique cuts and there is lot's of talk about the romanticism and 'if this stone could talk, the stories it might tell' sort of thing...some day very far in the future some other person will maybe own this same stone and wonder of the stories behind it, and what a great one it will have! I think it's special no matter how it performs and surely in their eyes it's the brightest stone they've seen!

You're sweet to have remembered that I was upgrading. I actually have purchased a new diamond, but I don't want to muck up your thread. I've been waiting to get to know her better before I start a SMTB thread. We are also spending lots of time considering setting options, so I may wait until she is finished before I post pics. Thanks so much for remembering and asking!