Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

H&A vs Ideal and which diamond is better?

jpgas said:
Thanks, I'm going through Rarecarat because I'm getting the setting through them. I found this one on their site https://www.brilliance.com/lab-grow...ake-vvs2-clarity-igi-certified-SKU-LG22940594

but is there a reason you like these more than the ones I picked? It seems like you pick smaller 56% tables, but why?
Click to expand...

Boosts the crown height which, when all the other proportions and angles shake out in harmony, can aid with a more fiery looking diamond.

Just about any setting should be able to be made by just about any jeweler - my advice is to worry about the diamond now...buy it loose so that you can inspect/assess it then decide if it's a keeper or return, then worry about the setting later since the setting is usually the easier part of the ring to aquire.
 
DejaWiz said:
Boosts the crown height which, when all the other proportions and angles shake out in harmony, can aid with a more fiery looking diamond.

Just about any setting should be able to be made by just about any jeweler - my advice is to worry about the diamond now...buy it loose so that you can inspect/assess it then decide if it's a keeper or return, then worry about the setting later since the setting is usually the easier part of the ring to aquire.
Click to expand...
Thanks

So if I were to look more for a smaller table like 56% with a crown angle of 34.5 and pavilion of 40.8 would that be enough to boost the crown height?

And hypothetically if I did find a diamond with those exact proportions would that be a better pick than my other ones?

I want balance but more fire
 
jpgas said:
Thanks

So if I were to look more for a smaller table like 56% with a crown angle of 34.5 and pavilion of 40.8 would that be better?

I want balance but more fire
Click to expand...

34.5/40.8 would be arguably "perfect" proportions.

Do some comparison shopping on this stone: HPHT D VVS2 with a GIA report, 34.5/40.8 combo.

1.83 Carat D VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GIA Certified 2235042384 Affinity Cut - D57383043

1.83 carat, Round, D Color, VVS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D57383043
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com
 
jpgas said:
Thanks

So if I were to look more for a smaller table like 56% with a crown angle of 34.5 and pavilion of 40.8 would that be enough to boost the crown height?

And hypothetically if I did find a diamond with those exact proportions would that be a better pick than my other ones?

I want balance but more fire
Click to expand...

Probably be around a 15% crown height with a 40.8/34.5/56 combo.

Have a look at all the pictures and videos of my diamond with a 40.6/34.8/54 combo and 16% crown height - it's an absolute fireball and that's why I recommended the diamond I linked for you.

Diamond for future gent's ring

Well, I finally did it! I now have a diamond of my very own. 0.76 D VS1 sporting a 40.6/34.8/54 combo with a nice puffy 16% crown height! https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG591306263 Just gave it the full assessment and everything is primo - transparency is great, ASET result...
www.pricescope.com
 
The HCA and images suggested the steeper pavilion of the original right hand diamond could work so I was looking at other factors. I admit my interest in assessing the super minute details of cut quality has waned over the years. Beyond ticking the basics re: complimentary angles, I usually let my eyes judge what I enjoy or I let other factors sway me like cost or rarity etc. I think there is a point of diminishing return chasing “perfection” because small changes beyond a certain point aren’t discernible to the eye, whereas things like arrow fatness is discernible to the eye.

Just my pov. Chasing perfection is also valid if it floats your boat!

(BTW “perfection” has also changed over the years. Pavilion twist and paddling as not things we used to talk about on PS a decade ago that I can recall. Funny how things drift).
 
Dreamer_D said:
The HCA and images suggested the steeper pavilion of the original right hand diamond could work so I was looking at other factors. I admit my interest in assessing the super minute details of cut quality has waned over the years. Beyond ticking the basics re: complimentary angles, I usually let my eyes judge what I enjoy or I let other factors sway me like cost or rarity etc. I think there is a point of diminishing return chasing “perfection” because small changes beyond a certain point aren’t discernible to the eye, whereas things like arrow fatness is discernible to the eye.

Just my pov. Chasing perfection is also valid if it floats your boat!

(BTW “perfection” has also changed over the years. Pavilion twist and paddling as not things we used to talk about on PS a decade ago that I can recall. Funny how things drift).
Click to expand...

So would that right diamond with H&A still be a good choice? You think the pavilion/crown combo will not make much noticeable difference? As long as it's still a fire ball, I just want to make a decision soon

I honestly didn't know about pavilion twist before this thread and now it's something else I have to look out for. But is pavilion twist really that important? Will it really affect the overall brilliance and fire in any way?
 
Last edited:
jpgas said:
https://imgur.com/1RKd1vM

Really the right one, the H&A, is looks more precisely cut? Problem is I can't see the black arrows the black arrows from the top aren't as noticeable and I know the crown is a bit steeper for ideal
Click to expand...

From these videos and from the information you posted in your first post I would feel comfortable buying the diamond on the right. The one on the left is showing some darkness in the center that I suspect would be evident in real life (what we are calling pavilion twist these days).
jpgas said:
So would that right diamond with H&A still be a good choice? You think the pavilion/crown combo will not make much noticeable difference? As long as it's still a fire ball, I just want to make a decision soon

I honestly didn't know about pavilion twist before this thread and now it's something else I have to look out for. But is pavilion twist really that important? Will it really affect the overall brilliance and fire in any way?
Click to expand...


Have you seen many ideal cut diamonds in real life? What is your level of real world familiarity with diamonds?
 
Dreamer_D said:
From these videos and from the information you posted in your first post I would feel comfortable buying the diamond on the right. The one on the left is showing some darkness in the center that I suspect would be evident in real life (what we are calling pavilion twist these days).



Have you seen many ideal cut diamonds in real life? What is your level of real world familiarity with diamonds?
Click to expand...

I’m buying an engagement ring and it’s really my first time looking at diamonds up close. I have been trying to learn as much as I can and obsessing about ideal proportions.

But I just want to pick a diamond already that sparkles and has a lot of fire. My girlfriend won’t really know the difference so having it a H&A is just something nice I can say that makes this diamond unique. So deep down I do want the H&A to be the one

My only concern was the pavilion/crown combo and the HCA score giving it a lower light return and scintillation score. Everyone on Reddit has been saying the first diamond because of the more visible black arrows. And you guys here have said the second looks more precisely cut and the other has a twist. But I think I trust you guys on here know more about diamonds. So if you say it’s a good diamond and the angles are nothing to be concerned about then I’ll go with that

Thanks
 
Dreamer_D said:
(BTW “perfection” has also changed over the years. Pavilion twist and paddling as not things we used to talk about on PS a decade ago that I can recall. Funny how things drift).
Click to expand...
The stocking dealers with tons of info available who dominated here back in the day presorted them out.
When someone went diy it came up but was not common to talk about.
Today diy is a larger % than just buy from stocking dealers so it comes up much more.
The mmd forum is pretty much entirely diy.
That is the biggest change.
 
jpgas said:
I’m buying an engagement ring and it’s really my first time looking at diamonds up close. I have been trying to learn as much as I can and obsessing about ideal proportions.

But I just want to pick a diamond already that sparkles and has a lot of fire. My girlfriend won’t really know the difference so having it a H&A is just something nice I can say that makes this diamond unique. So deep down I do want the H&A to be the one

My only concern was the pavilion/crown combo and the HCA score giving it a lower light return and scintillation score. Everyone on Reddit has been saying the first diamond because of the more visible black arrows. And you guys here have said the second looks more precisely cut and the other has a twist. But I think I trust you guys on here know more about diamonds. So if you say it’s a good diamond and the angles are nothing to be concerned about then I’ll go with that

Thanks
Click to expand...

Yeah I feel very certain that the people who have commented on this thread know more about Diamonds than the Reddit people! Visible black arrows is not the deciding factor as I explained earlier as arrow color depends on whats in front of the diamond.

Given what you said, I suspect the differences between some of the options we’ve been talking about won’t be visible to you. The darkness by the pavilion or twist in the first diamond on the left might be, and I wouldn’t personally buy it for that reason. Some of the other ones people suggested are also nice stones and might be a better fit for you, though you like the weight matching a meaningful date which is as good a reason as any to choose a diamond when splitting hairs. All of the gems in this thread are better cut than any of your friends likely own lol Any of them will sparkle the way you want.
 
Karl_K said:
The stocking dealers with tons of info available who dominated here back in the day presorted them out.
When someone went diy it came up but was not common to talk about.
Today diy is a larger % than just buy from stocking dealers so it comes up much more.
The mmd forum is pretty much entirely diy.
That is the biggest change.
Click to expand...

That’s interesting and the shift to diy in lab stones is def a huge change! Wild West all over again.
 
I have no insights whatsoever, but wanted to pop up and say thank you to the specialists for their input as always, and also to the OP for asking good questions! I am learning a lot from this thread.

Also, I love the idea of getting an exact diamond weight to represent anniversary dates! I’ll just to look for a 12.14 carater ;)2
 
Dreamer_D said:
Yeah I feel very certain that the people who have commented on this thread know more about Diamonds than the Reddit people! Visible black arrows is not the deciding factor as I explained earlier as arrow color depends on whats in front of the diamond.

Given what you said, I suspect the differences between some of the options we’ve been talking about won’t be visible to you. The darkness by the pavilion or twist in the first diamond on the left might be, and I wouldn’t personally buy it for that reason. Some of the other ones people suggested are also nice stones and might be a better fit for you, though you like the weight matching a meaningful date which is as good a reason as any to choose a diamond when splitting hairs. All of the gems in this thread are better cut than any of your friends likely own lol Any of them will sparkle the way you want.
Click to expand...

Thank you, I really appreciate the advice and insight
 
Kim N said:
34.5/40.8 would be arguably "perfect" proportions.

Do some comparison shopping on this stone: HPHT D VVS2 with a GIA report, 34.5/40.8 combo.

1.83 Carat D VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GIA Certified 2235042384 Affinity Cut - D57383043

1.83 carat, Round, D Color, VVS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D57383043
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com
Click to expand...


The Diamond.png

https://imgur.com/7t22Kw0

What do think about this diamond? Would you consider this superior to my previous options? or just marginally better than the H&A?
 
DejaWiz said:
Probably be around a 15% crown height with a 40.8/34.5/56 combo.

Have a look at all the pictures and videos of my diamond with a 40.6/34.8/54 combo and 16% crown height - it's an absolute fireball and that's why I recommended the diamond I linked for you.

Diamond for future gent's ring

Well, I finally did it! I now have a diamond of my very own. 0.76 D VS1 sporting a 40.6/34.8/54 combo with a nice puffy 16% crown height! https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG591306263 Just gave it the full assessment and everything is primo - transparency is great, ASET result...
www.pricescope.com
Click to expand...

I did find a a 40.8/34.5/56 combo, would you consider this a better option than my previous diamonds?
 
DejaWiz said:
Looks like some indications of pavilion twist:

Screenshot_20240221-120235-570.png
Click to expand...

How much of a problem is pavilion twist? Enough to not make it a good pick?
 
We're at a point where the best determining factor is real life viewing conditions. I realize that's difficult bc buying two stones and comparing and refusing takes time, but whether or not that amount of pavilion twist matters *to you* isn't something that anyone else can answer definitively.

Of course, you want to buy something mind clean, but there's the other factor of cost. I know this might not be a particularly helpful post, but I write all this with the greatest empathy for this sort of purchase. :kiss2:
 
jpgas said:
How much of a problem is pavilion twist? Enough to not make it a good pick?
Click to expand...

1/8 of the diamond not looking like the other 7/8 in some lighting, would drive me nuts.
Some might not notice but its one of those things once you do notice it then it stands out a lot.
The larger the diamond the more it is visible.
 
jpgas said:
How much of a problem is pavilion twist? Enough to not make it a good pick?
Click to expand...

Very well could...these facet zones where the twist is can noticeable impact light return and visual appearance compared to the non-twisted zones.
 
Karl_K said:
1/8 of the diamond not looking like the other 7/8 in some lighting, would drive me nuts.
Some might not notice but its one of those things once you do notice it then it stands out a lot.
The larger the diamond the more it is visible.
Click to expand...

That, and it's essentially rewarding cutters with old bad habits of cheating the system and the paying customer.
 
0515vision said:
We're at a point where the best determining factor is real life viewing conditions. I realize that's difficult bc buying two stones and comparing and refusing takes time, but whether or not that amount of pavilion twist matters *to you* isn't something that anyone else can answer definitively.

Of course, you want to buy something mind clean, but there's the other factor of cost. I know this might not be a particularly helpful post, but I write all this with the greatest empathy for this sort of purchase. :kiss2:
Click to expand...

Haha thank you, I needed to hear this. I did end up getting one of my original choices the H&A one because of mind clean. Not getting it would have always bothered me because deep down I do want it and that's a good enough reason to get it. But thank you for trying to kick some sense into me lol
 
I’m sooooo glad you went with the one that was speaking to you deep down. That’s exactly the whole point of these diamonds - to connect with something profound inside of us and be the reflection of it in the world.

Congrats on your ring!
 
I look forward to hearing what you think when you see it in person! Remember that 95% of diamond appearance is the lighting environment so take you diamond around the house to different lighting, outside in shade and direct and diffuse lighting, in the kitchen, to a Home Depot to see the light show (best for sparkle). Just keep it safe inside its clear plastic case as you go around! These little guys are so easy to drop and lose!
 
jpgas said:
Haha thank you, I needed to hear this. I did end up getting one of my original choices the H&A one because of mind clean. Not getting it would have always bothered me because deep down I do want it and that's a good enough reason to get it. But thank you for trying to kick some sense into me lol
Click to expand...

I'm glad you got that one! The fact that you kept going back to it is a great reason to get it. Please let us know your thoughts after it arrives!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top