H&A / Quality Tradeoff?

[katrina_33]

Hello - This is the first time I''ve posted to the board. I''m just beginning the search for a round stone ~1.5 ct, and have a general question.

If it came down to choosing a H&A Stone that was H color and SI1 clarity vs a non H&A round stone that was G color and VS2 clarity, what would people recommend, all other things being equal?

Thanks in advance!

--Kate

 

[bling]

Its a personal choice but id almost always gor for the better cut stone. There will be a very minimal difference between the G and H color..but do make sure the SI1 is eye clean. If the H is well cut, it will face up beautifully white. Everyone will hold certain parameters at their own comfort level, so you have to decide what is best for you or for your sig other. Good luck..and im sure many on this board will chime in there .02!

 

[Hest88]

Well, depends on how close to a H&A it is. If it's a really nice diamond, just not perfect enough to be a H&A, I'd be fine. It's when it really takes a hit in terms of light return that I'd be unwilling to compromise.

 

[katrina_33]

Another question - is displaying the H&A pattern a function of symetry (this is what I'd thought) or of the proportions in general...

Put another way, are H&A's always superior cuts? Or just uniquely symetrical? Does being well cut just mean being symetrical, rather than being a function of the different angles?

Sorry for the confusion, it's a lot to take in! ; )

 

[pqcollectibles]

Size and quality of performance being comparable, you probably won't be able to trade both color and clarity for a similar pricing. Every C costs money. Clarity costs more than color. H&A patterns come at a premium, but the premium for H&A is not the same level as the premium as clarity.

I did a quick check of current diamonds available on Price Scope and could not find a comparable pair to post for you here. I did check Price Stats for the average asking prices:

H, SI1, H&A $6814/carat 1.65 carat average asking price is $11,243

G, VS2, Cut Class 1A $7991/carat 1.65 carat average asking price is $13,185

G, VS2, Cut Class 1B $7614/carat 1.65 carat average asking price is $12,563

Even down to Cut Class 3B, the price of G, VS2 is always higher than the H, SI1, H&A.

Clarity costs $$$$.

 

[pqcollectibles]

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On 6/8/2004 7:52:48 PM katrina_33 wrote:

Another question - is displaying the H&A pattern a function of symetry (this is what I'd thought) or of the proportions in general...

Put another way, are H&A's always superior cuts? Or just uniquely symetrical? Does being well cut just mean being symetrical, rather than being a function of the different angles?

Sorry for the confusion, it's a lot to take in! ; ) ----------------

The Hearts and Arrows patterns are the result of optimal internal optical symmetry. You can have the patterns in diamonds that do not AGS0 proportions. H&A is also used as a marketing ploy. Lots of diamonds that do not exhibit clean, crisp H&A patterns are marketed as Hearts and Arrows. Most of the true H&A diamonds listed on Price Scope are AGS0 cuts.

 

[katrina_33]

Thanks everyone.

I didn't realize that clairty was valued higher (price wise) than the premium put on the H&A designation.

H&A, G color, and SI1 clairty may be a great option - of course I know it depends on whether the inclusions are visible...

I know that the different C's don't really "correspond" anymore at this point though - is that important to consider?

 

[katrina_33]

The Hearts and Arrows patterns are the result of optimal internal optical symmetry. You can have the patterns in diamonds that do not AGS0 proportions. H&A is also used as a marketing ploy. Lots of diamonds that do not exhibit clean, crisp H&A patterns are marketed as Hearts and Arrows. Most of the true H&A diamonds listed on Price Scope are AGS0 cuts.

----------------[/quote]


Thanks, this is exactly what I was fumbling around trying to ask (and also what I suspected!). Both of your answers were SO helpful! : )

 

[pqcollectibles]

Cut is the most important thing. The inter-relationship between the crown and pavillion angles have direct bearing on the performance of a diamond. You can get crown and pavillion information from a Sarin report or off an AGS Cert. Use the Cut Adviser here to help screen candidates you want to consider. Post possibles on the Forum. Folks are always glad to lend a hand in helping look at the specs with you.

Work with a Vendor who can be your eyes. Physically look at the diamond for you. Describe in detail the type, color, and location of the inclusions. Provide you with Ideal Scope Images and magnified pics. Price Scope has many great Vendors that can work for you to help you find your perfect diamond. Surf the different Vendors websites. Compare return/refund/upgrade policies. Call and chat with several and find one you are comfortable working with. They are really great at listening to people, hearing what the customer wants, working with your price point, and finding people great diamonds.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

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Clarity costs more than color
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Generally, in SI1 clarity or better, one grade better color will command a greater premium than one grade better clarity.

Generally, in SI2 and I1,I2,I3 clarities, one grade better clarity will command a greater premium than one grade better color.

 

[Richard Sherwood]

-----------
If it came down to choosing a H&A Stone that was H color and SI1
clarity vs a non H&A round stone that was G color and VS2 clarity,
what would people recommend, all other things being equal?
-----------

An AGS 0 non-H&A G/VS2 with a good crown/pavilion angle relationship would command in the neighborhood of 15-18% more in value than an H/SI1 H&A AGS 0 diamond of the same size.

There's certain price jumps which are significant in regards to color. The jump from J to I color is significant, and the jump from H to G color is significant. The jump in value at these junctures will often override the premium assigned for very fine makes, such as Hearts & Arrows.

The jump in value between an SI1 and a VS2 clarity is also pretty significant in diamonds H color and better.

I'm just talking about value here, not necessarily beauty. A less expensive diamond with an ideal H&A make can often be more beautiful than a more expensive one with a fine non-H&A make. But from an economic point-of-view, it would not command the higher value of a whiter, cleaner diamond. The market (and consumers) put quite a bit of emphasis on both color and clarity.