Do I just not have an eye for diamonds?

[diamonddave5]

Visited a jeweler today and saw about 25 different stones. The jeweler is in Chicago and was very highly recommended by PS'rs. All stones were GIA EX, ranging in size from 1.30-1.40ct, color from G-I and clarity from VS2-SI2. Here is the thing, the stone I liked the best was often the one the jeweler said would score lower on the HCA scale than others. I had my three favorite narrowed down to a 1.3ct, 1.35 and 1.40. I liked the 1.40ct SI2, I color the best after we mixed up the stones multiple times.

I ran the HCA tool when I got home and it was around a 4! Even the jeweler said the people on PS wouldnt recommend this one bc it wouldnt score high on HCA. Yet this one looked the best to me! I even walked all over the store trying to get different lighting effects and I still liked it best. Even if I do decide to go with this stone the price is still steep by compared to online...they want $10,200 for the stone.

 

[sonnyjane]

Interesting! While I can't speak to cut, I realized when I was shopping for my engagement ring a few years ago that I am most definitely NOT color sensitive. The jeweler wanted to see how much color mattered to me, so she laid out five different stones, an F, G, H, I, and J. She didn't show me the information on them prior, just lined them up in random order and asked me which I thought looked the best. I actually picked the I colored stone!!!! I ended up ultimately getting an H color, but I think it's funny how little the color really stood out to me. I feel badly for those people that are quite color sensitive. By sacrificing in color I was able to go up in size.

 

[Lula]

You are fortunate to be able to see so many well-cut stones in person, and to compare them with the help of a knowledgeable and helpful jeweler. I think you should go with the stone that you preferred in person, because you have definitely done the research and the comparisons necessary to choose a stone you love. I think the higher price is fair given the amount of time the jeweler spent with you and the good selection he/she offers. Running a successful jewelry store these days is an expensive endeavor. If this jeweler has treated you well, it may be worth paying a little more to establish a good relationship with the store. That said, have you asked the jeweler if he/she is negotiable on the price?

 

[Gypsy]

This is a case where I would STRONGLY suggest getting your lady involved to see if she can tell the difference and see what she'd prefer because it would be on her hand.

 

[Missy]

This is a case where I would STRONGLY suggest getting your lady involved to see if she can tell the difference and see what she'd prefer because it would be on her hand.

I agree 100% with Gypsy. The ring is for her and she will be wearing it and I am sure you want her to love it as well!

 

[farmer gal]

I think that's kind of high priced for example

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1485561.asp

http://www.engagementringsdirect.com/1.40-carat-i-vs2-hearts-and-arrows-round-cut-diamond-gid-82918.html

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Dave
Many people will have the same experience regarding the HCA score when looking in person
There is personal taste involved
If this is a surprise I would not suggest spoiling it based on HCA score
While I can not speak to individual stones or sellers Lula made a great point about the value of a local jeweler

 

[Lula]

Hi Dave
Many people will have the same experience regarding the HCA score when looking in person
There is personal taste involved
If this is a surprise I would not suggest spoiling it based on HCA score
While I can not speak to individual stones or sellers Lula made a great point about the value of a local jeweler

Ditto to the bolded part. The HCA score is only part of the equation. Visual inspection trumps the HCA score. And I say this as a cut-nut, who loves precision-cut stones. But even for me, I will not buy a stone just based on the numbers. Each diamond has its own personality. Even the super-ideals vary a bit in appearance from stone to stone.

 

[Phdecorate]

Not an expert here, but I think there is something to be said for what appeals to your eye. You and your FF are the ones that are going to be looking at it every day, not everyone here. You won't have a piece of paper dangling from the stone saying this one did not score as well, can you tell why?

Wait another day or two and go back and look at the same stones. Ask the jeweler to mix the stones up and see what your eye is drawn to. Do you pick the same stone again?

Also, did you look at the stones outside? In daylight?