FIC Dark Diamond??

[SweetAsscher]

Hi all!
I will be looking at a RB loose diamond this week.
I ran the numbers on the HCA and it comes up as 1.5 FIC which in theory sounds amazing!
I've been searching the threads here and researching online, but all I can really find is confirmation that FIC are slightly darker...
I wish there were videos or pictures somewhere!

However I'm worried because I've heard that FIC diamonds are darker than others?
Is this something that will be very apparent all the time or only in certain lighting conditions?
My main concern is that I will fall in love with it at the store and then not like it as much after I buy it when I see it in other lights.

Is an FIC diamond really significantly darker or noticeable difference than a regular diamond? Or only noticeable if you know what you are looking for and comparing it next to a BIC or TIC?
I will be comparing it with a Star 129 which I have already purchased but may return based on how I feel about this other diamond.

Also I do not yet have my Ideal-Scope. Any other ways I can check for leakage in lieu of IS?
Thanks in advance!!

Stone EGL US 59169009D
Weight 1.24 CT
Shape ROUND BRILLIANT
Color H
Clarity SI2
Measurements 6.81 x 6.7 x 4.26 mm
Depth 62.9%
Table 57%
Crown 16%
Pavilion 42.1%
Crown Angle 36.8°
Pavilion Angle 40.2°
Girdle THICK FACETED
Polish VERY GOOD
Symmetry VERY GOOD
Fluorescence NONE
Culet NONE
Cut Grade VERY GOOD

HCA Results:
Factor Grade
Light Return: Excellent
Fire: Excellent
Scintillation: Excellent
Spread
or diameter for weight: Very Good
Total Visual Performance: 1.5 - Excellent
within FIC range

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Sweet Asscher,

As far as I know a well scoring FIC shouldn't be slightly darker due to light leakage, but rather because it's going to take some of the white light it recieves and refract it off into rainbows instead of just reflecting it back as white. A quick check for leakage is to place the stone face up on colored paper (red works nicely) looking at the stone straight on, if you can see the paper through the stone you have leakage problems.

You can expect all top performing stones to look dark in direct sunlight. I think a side by side comparison with your star 129 should give you all the information you need to know at this point. Take both diamonds to various light locations in the shop (window, fluorescent office lighting, ambient lighting without spotlights, shadow under a desk etc.) and outside too if they'll let you. The diamond you like the look of best should be the one for you.

EGL can be a little soft on their color grades, and the "very good" on cut grade and symmetry suggests that it probably won't have the precision of a hearts and arrows stone. Tell us how it goes.

 

[Karl_K]

With a Pavilion Angle 40.2° yes it will be darker in ring unless it has very long lgf%
The 57 table isn't helping any either, a 53-54 table would be better.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

With a Pavilion Angle 40.2° yes it will be darker in ring unless it has very long lgf%
The 57 table isn't helping any either, a 53-54 table would be better.

Agree 100% re the long lower girdles - 57% does not bother me though.
But an EGL H SI2 can = other labs I-J I1 - I have 2 such examples.

 

[Karl_K]

This is best case using perfect angles and alignment.
Between 4% and 7% less bright in a ring.
Noticeable side by side in some lighting likely.
But it would be a fireball. This is with middle of the road 78% lgf.
With a 85lgf it picks up a bit.
For a pendant or earrings I would be tempted by this combo over ones rated much higher for rings because obstruction isn't an issue.

 

[SweetAsscher]

I do plan to take the Star 129 and compare side by side.
I understand that EGL grades rather optimistically, but i think I will be ok with the reality since my Star 129 is a j color si2 and I hear that the US EGL is the best of the egl's.
I am also hoping for longer lgf because I like the look and hopefully it will also improve brightness. Is there any way short of a Sarin that I can find this info? Might it be on the cert?
I'm not expecting perfect h&a but that would be nice.

Also how do I determine fair pricing for this stone? My main concern is the performance and way it is cut, I'm not focused so much on the color or clarity....
I wasn't actively looking for this type of diamond, I just happened to be browsing the store's inventory and came across this stone that was a larger size for my budget and decided to run the numbers in the HCA.
This stone is $6400
I really like the idea of a fireball diamond, I just dont want to be disappointed if I glance at my hand and don't see any brightness. Maybe I'm greedy but I want a fireball and a bright diamond all in one!

 

[SweetAsscher]

this is kind of what I picture in my head that it will look like IRL in normal lighting. Dark but with rainbow sparkles and no whiteness or brightness.
I know it's not realistic, but having never knowingly looked at FIC diamond I'm not sure what to expect....

 

[SweetAsscher]

I just looked up the the numbers on my Star 129
they are:
Depth Percentage: 63.44%
Table Percentage: 55.23%
Crown ∠: 36.04°
Pavilion ∠: 40.75°

if the pavilion was a quarter degree smaller it would have a great HCA FIC score of 1.0...

 

[Laila619]

I have a FIC and I love it in most lighting! It does look darkish every once in a while, but I love the fire, sparkle, and colored light it emits.

 

[stone-cold11]

HCA is not applicable to a modified round, which star 129 is, as it is only designed for a standard 57 facets round.

 

[SweetAsscher]

Laila, do you ever wish it was more white?

 

[Laila619]

Laila, do you ever wish it was more white?

You mean brighter? Yes, at times. I even looked into having it recut. However, since it's a branded cut (Leo), people advised me to leave it alone. I love it and appreciate it for what it is. The fire is spectacular, especially in store lighting. If I could choose a different stone though, honestly I probably would.

Here are my stone's stats, very similar to the one you're considering:

Table: 55
Depth: 63.9
Crown: 36.7
Pavilion: 40.3
LGF: 89
Girdle: Thick, faceted

 

[SweetAsscher]

Thanks for your honest opinion Laila!

also thanks to Garry, Karl and HopeDream for your very helpful input!

I'll let you all know how it goes.