GCAL diamonds

[picky_diamonds]

I have been searching for a lab diamond with a good fire for a while now. I don't know if I am being too picky and whether this information is even right, but I been looking with these parameters.

• Table: 54-56%
• Crown Angle: 35-35.5°
• Pavilion Angle: 40.6°-40.8°
• Lower Half: closer to 75%
• Dept 61-62%

I have inquired to multiple jewellers, and they are having trouble finding GIA diamonds with these parameters.
I found a few 8x GCAL diamonds that fit the parameters from this one jeweller, but they said GIA is better than GCAL and that he doesn't really recommend it.
Is GCAL diamond not good?

The closest diamond I have so far is this 1.52 D, but will this have good fire?

 

[MackPUK]

If it's a GCAL 8x then you can see the Fire imagery in the certification - as well as Brilliance, scintillation, Symmetry etc

An 8x Cert arguably gives more information than any other cert - whether that makes them 'better' or not is debatable but they certainly provide a lot of information that makes buying remotely easier - study the Symmetry for example to get an idea of the light performance etc

The lab that provided the cert doesn't make a diamond good or bad - there are incredible IGI diamonds and crap GIA ones etc

The diamond you posted looks to have basically ideal proportions which, on paper, should provide a good balance across brilliance, fire and scintillation.

What does the rest of the cert and pics look like?

 

[picky_diamonds]

Oh sorry- that was the GIA certifications on a diamond I was offered. I was worried that the crown angle 34.5 and lower half being 80 might kill the fire a bit..
I like the proportions I see on several of the GCAL 8x diamonds on my jewellers website, but the only downside is that I would have to put down a non refundable deposit down just to see it so I can’t go back on my decision once I pick the GCAL.

 

[MackPUK]

A non refundable deposit just to see a diamond would have me looking for a different jeweller. I appreciate they may not have the stone in house but if that’s the case your likely better off buying online from a site with good reputation and refund policy.

Regards GIA, IGI, GCAL etc they will all grade wonderful stones and those far from wonderful. A GIA XXX is pretty meaningless on its own so don’t be swayed by talk that may go along those lines.

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, picky_diamonds!
Concurring with MackPUK - you can find a great diamond that was graded by any major lab, but it's easier to find a bad one that was graded by those same labs (including GIA).
Based on what I've seen, I'd rank the labs like so in terms of easiest to find a well cut and proportioned diamond:

1. GIA+AGS
2. GIA 3X
3. TIE: GCAL 8X and IGI+Ideal-Scope
4. IGI Ideal

There are many aspects to assess for:
* Grown diamond crystal quality...this is a critical one and there will be no info about it on any grading report. You can find a D IF/FL with horribly grainy CVD material that goes hazy/milky in certain types of lighting.

* The proportions and angles...try to stick within AGS Ideal ranges (true ideal proportions and angles).

* The finer details of cut precision...look for things like pavilion twist, paddling, over-obstruction, painting, digging, etc.

* The accuracy of the color and clarity grading...remember: almost all grading labs have a fine-print disclaimer that their grading is based on opinion.

* You're at the largest consumer-centric forum for diamonds and gemstones on the web, so you have an army of prosumers, pros, geeks, and enthusiasts to rally behind you and ensure that you find a top-notch diamond - and at no fee to you because we're consumers like you!


Look within these parameters, then adjust if you need to expand the amount of diamonds to pick from (although I don't think you'll have a problem).

Table Width: 54-57%
Crown Angle: 34-35°
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°-40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43%
Lowers: 75-77%
Stars: 45-50%

Definitely consider buying from a jeweler with an online presence so that you have a massive virtual inventory to scour through and one that offers you a decent return period.
Between my wife and I, we have purchased seven LGDs and only one of them came from a brick and mortar store...before I discovered PriceScope and dove in to learning about diamonds.

 

[AdaBeta27]

You could have Jon at Distinctive Gem source you want you want, even a custom cut. He's not cheap, but then you've already seen how hard it is to find that superb quality on the open market. This is especially true at certain times of the year that have a heavy concentration of holidays and/or weddings & anniversaries. We just got through the big Christmas-Valentine's buying spree. I've always found more and higher quality choices in mined diamonds at attractive prices by shopping in August - October, when there are fewer buyers competing. The same timing might also occur with lab diamonds. I've only casually looked from time to time.

 

[Summertime_girl]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, picky_diamonds!
Concurring with MackPUK - you can find a great diamond that was graded by any major lab, but it's easier to find a bad one that was graded by those same labs (including GIA).
Based on what I've seen, I'd rank the labs like so in terms of easiest to find a well cut and proportioned diamond:

1. GIA+AGS
2. GIA 3X
3. TIE: GCAL 8X and IGI+Ideal-Scope
4. IGI Ideal

There are many aspects to assess for:
* Grown diamond crystal quality...this is a critical one and there will be no info about it on any grading report. You can find a D IF/FL with horribly grainy CVD material that goes hazy/milky in certain types of lighting.

* The proportions and angles...try to stick within AGS Ideal ranges (true ideal proportions and angles).

* The finer details of cut precision...look for things like pavilion twist, paddling, over-obstruction, painting, digging, etc.

* The accuracy of the color and clarity grading...remember: almost all grading labs have a fine-print disclaimer that their grading is based on opinion.

* You're at the largest consumer-centric forum for diamonds and gemstones on the web, so you have an army of prosumers, pros, geeks, and enthusiasts to rally behind you and ensure that you find a top-notch diamond - and at no fee to you because we're consumers like you!


Look within these parameters, then adjust if you need to expand the amount of diamonds to pick from (although I don't think you'll have a problem).

Table Width: 54-57%
Crown Angle: 34-35°
Pavilion Angle: 40.6°-40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43%
Lowers: 75-77%
Stars: 45-50%

Definitely consider buying from a jeweler with an online presence so that you have a massive virtual inventory to scour through and one that offers you a decent return period.
Between my wife and I, we have purchased seven LGDs and only one of them came from a brick and mortar store...before I discovered PriceScope and dove in to learning about diamonds.

Thanks for the insight, would you share which online suppliers you are most satisfied with? In the same boat.

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks for the insight, would you share which online suppliers you are most satisfied with? In the same boat.

Usually, I start my searches at LooseGrownDiamond since their search is easy to use and I narrow down to a list of diamonds that exhibit great cut and optics.

Then I'll check availability and pricing at Adiamor, Ritani, DreamStone, and Brilliance - all of them have slightly different customer perks/policies (like return period), but luckily they'll all pretty much price match to the lowest price found.

AdaBeta27 mentioned Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem, he is awesome and can also get just about any diamond listed elsewhere... he'll also provide the option of a full assessment including a 3D scan for any diamond prior to finalizing the sale.

If you're overseas (such as in Europe), then 77Diamonds and Novita usually pull from the exact same global virtual inventory supply chain and may be willing to price match before VAT gets applied.

We'd be happy to help try and find some great options for you to look at and possibly pick from...what are you looking for?
* Carat range
* Color grades
* Clarity grades
* Max price for just the diamond

 

[Rockdiamond]

“No refund” deposits are a definite no no based on the market. Many dealers have access to the same pool of stones so the consumer is not handcuffed.