Do I need an Idealscope with a GIA triple Ex?

[Luckycharms]

As I am looking at diamonds, I am only considering GIA graded excellent cuts and paying attention to TIC parameters, passing HCA, etc. With that said, do I still need to buy an Idealscope to bring to the jeweler when looking at this, or is that overkill?

 

[John P]

Your eyes will be your best ally. Be sure to examine candidates in all possible lighting conditions. With that said, an Ideal-Scope will help you see details and minutiae between closely matched candidates which escapes casual scrutiny.

This article may be of interest.
https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn’t_show

 

[Luckycharms]

Thanks, John. I have read your well-written article in the past and it's a big help. I suppose the question is, given that I am looking for an excellent cut diamond that falls within range of TIC and scores <2 on the HCA, will an Idealscope really tell me much more information. Between 2 stones within similar specifications (and let's assume both look fantastic in person) will using an Idealscope tell me anything? I'm under the impression that a diamond cut to TIC specs, is graded as Excellent or Ideal, and passes the HCA will be a top diamond and that the Idealscope will just confirm that.

 

[stone-cold11]

Not necessary as the numbers on the report are average and rounded. Which is why you need to see a image under controlled lighting conditions like an idealscope image so that you know what you are looking at.

You could buy one that passes every paper test, just depends on where your comfort zone lies.

 

[John P]

Thanks, John. I have read your well-written article in the past and it's a big help. I suppose the question is, given that I am looking for an excellent cut diamond that falls within range of TIC and scores <2 on the HCA, will an Idealscope really tell me much more information.

Thanks for the kind words. As for your question, it depends on your personal standards. There are 57 facets on a modern round brilliant. The HCA draws a "chalk outline" to project performance potential based on three important data points. A grading report gives more data points, but in the case of main crown, pavilion and stars each number on the report is an average of eight different measurements. For the lower halves the single number represents 16 different measurements. The 16 upper girdle facets are addressed nowhere on the report at all - and though the labs scrutinize for brillianteering issues they are otherwise ignored. So, while primary performance can be largely categorized an in-person evaluation is required to see all details, and particularly the details of cutting precision.

Between 2 stones within similar specifications (and let's assume both look fantastic in person) will using an Idealscope tell me anything? I'm under the impression that a diamond cut to TIC specs, is graded as Excellent or Ideal, and passes the HCA will be a top diamond and that the Idealscope will just confirm that.

It will confirm light performance and give you some basic cut precision information. If you're not concerned with the level of cut precision and crispness of the contrast pattern it won't do much more than confirm that the light return is premium.

When you get to this level it really is about your own desires and comfort zone.