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Have I taken a big risk?

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wotevatrevor

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 14, 2015
Messages
8
Hi, I recently bought a diamond online. I was under the general impression that there is less risk inherent in buying a higher quality stone without seeing it first, but after reading some comments online I'm a little bit concerned. I didn't view any images of the diamond before I bought it i only went on the GIA report.

The diamond I bought has the following characteristics:
0.9 carat
F colour
VS1 clarity
Excellent:Cut,Polish, Symmetry, no fluorescence
table 56% depth 61.6% pavillion 34.0 degrees, crown 40.6 degrees, girdle medium to slightly thick

I checked it on the HCA tool and it got 0.7 which seemed to be a good score.

Given that I really wanted to maximise my budget I felt i had no choice but to buy online. I realise I should have checked other websites but I grew impatient as I really want to get a ring made and propose! Once the diamond arrives would a jeweller allow me to examine it through an ASET or idealscope?
 
Your diamond will be a little shallow in pavilion angle when combined with that crown angle and a bit thick in the girdle hiding weight there. A jeweller probably would not have asset or ideal scopes.
 
Is there any benefit to restricting oneself to diamonds that score under 1 on the HCA, does this provide significant more security that you are getting a better cut diamond?
 
wotevatrevor|1434376950|3889436 said:
Is there any benefit to restricting oneself to diamonds that score under 1 on the HCA, does this provide significant more security that you are getting a better cut diamond?
Click to expand...

No, a lower score does not mean a better cut. Anything under a 2 generally means it's worth a look. The HCA is kind of a weeding tool, not a grade.
 
The HCA is an elimination tool, not a selection tool so a score > 1 is no worse and no better than a score between 1 and 2. If you are shopping by the numbers only, you may want apply tighter angle combinations but it also severely restricts your option (could inadvertently kick out well cut stones).
 
Would using tighter angle combinations also mean that I was pushing my results further towards very low scoring HCA diamonds anyway so kind of the same thing?
 
wotevatrevor|1434380009|3889459 said:
Would using tighter angle combinations also mean that I was pushing my results further towards very low scoring HCA diamonds anyway so kind of the same thing?
Click to expand...
No, for the HCA, anything 2 and less means that it is worth further investigation. A lower HCA score does not mean anything.
 
So what angle combinations would you recommend in order to maximise the chance of getting a great cut when buying blind online? I'm thinking it might be better to buy a couple/few of diamonds and compare them in real life and send the unwanted ones back seeing as the vendors have 30 day money back guarantee.
 
wotevatrevor|1434380527|3889463 said:
So what angle combinations would you recommend in order to maximise the chance of getting a great cut when buying blind online? I'm thinking it might be better to buy a couple/few of diamonds and compare them in real life and send the unwanted ones back seeing as the vendors have 30 day money back guarantee.
Click to expand...

The problem with this is budget and shipping. If you plan to view 5 stones at the same time, you are essentially buying/paying for them upfront and you may not get your credit/refund in time to hit the same billing cycle. You also could end up order 5 not so nice ones, so comparing them against one another may make little difference. Not to mention the cost of shipping (insurance against loss and damage).

I'll be back shortly with the tight range.
 
Another option is to buy from an online vendor who provides good quality real life diamond images or video, and provides IS and ASET images as well. Here are a few that come to mind:

Brian Gavin Diamonds
Whiteflash
Good Old Gold

James Allen can get IS and ASET on some of their inventory but not all. Takes 3 days as well. The 3 above vendors have all images with the stone as you search (convenient).

I believe WF can provide additional photos if asked.

Oh and some appraisers have IS and ASET's. If you can find one who is familiar with using them and has them in their possession, that's another way to verify the diamond's performance. Give it a chance and view it, you may love it.
 
Both of those will be beautiful! I think personally for the extra $300 I'd go with the ACA.
 
Hi! i wanted to show you a photo of the stone I purchased recently. I, just like you had no knowledge & came on PS for advice. I proceed with the stone one of the members suggested based off specs, no photos & it's really gorgeous in person! I still honestly don't understand the exact measurements, etc but the stone I received is very white, sparkly & has a lot of fire. :angel:

I've attached a photo so you can take a look & compare (sorry i'm really bad at uploading photos on this site :eh: )

Specs below (very similar to yours)
Depth 61.2 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 34.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
 

Attachments

michelles85|1434479016|3889956 said:
Hi! i wanted to show you a photo of the stone I purchased recently. I, just like you had no knowledge & came on PS for advice. I proceed with the stone one of the members suggested based off specs, no photos & it's really gorgeous in person! I still honestly don't understand the exact measurements, etc but the stone I received is very white, sparkly & has a lot of fire. :angel:

I've attached a photo so you can take a look & compare (sorry i'm really bad at uploading photos on this site :eh: )

Specs below (very similar to yours)
Depth 61.2 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 34.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
Click to expand...
So pretty!! :love:
 
thank you so much! i still don't know what's wrong with it.. assuming the angles aren't tightly calculated! LOL :angel:
 
michelles85|1434479016|3889956 said:
Hi! i wanted to show you a photo of the stone I purchased recently. I, just like you had no knowledge & came on PS for advice. I proceed with the stone one of the members suggested based off specs, no photos & it's really gorgeous in person! I still honestly don't understand the exact measurements, etc but the stone I received is very white, sparkly & has a lot of fire. :angel:

I've attached a photo so you can take a look & compare (sorry i'm really bad at uploading photos on this site :eh: )

Specs below (very similar to yours)
Depth 61.2 %
Table 56 %
Crown Angle 34.0°
Crown Height 15.0%
Pavilion Angle 40.6°
Pavilion Depth 43.0%
Star Length 50%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.0%
Culet None
Click to expand...

Yes very similar specs indeed! And Your diamond looks lovely in those pics. What width is your band btw?
 
Hi! Width of band is 1.8...
 
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