HCA 2 (or less) vs. HCA 3 (or more)

[slizatch]

Hi gang! Wondering if there are any pictures floating around of two comparable stones (carat, color, clarity) pictured side by side with the only variation being the HCA score. I've finalized my GFs e-ring using ERD (rave reviews to follow once it's in my hot little hands) but was curious to see a side-by-side picture of a great cut vs. a "meh".

I still have B&M jewelers contacting me trying to sell me a "GREAT" stone, only to look at it's HCA and find it's a 4 or 5... blech no thanks!

 

[nfowife]

Here's one that compares H&A vs. common cut rounds....
http://vimeo.com/24293880

GIA VG vs. H&A signature:
http://vimeo.com/20931663

this looks interesting and mentions HCA:
http://www.vimeo.com/8606375

 

[Dreamer_D]

The HCA is a rough selection tool, under 2 means further assessment warranted, over 2 means probably you should reject. So rather than thinking of "great" and "meh" in terms of the HCA, I encourage you to think of it more broadly -- GIA/AGS cut grade, HCA, ideal scope image, and your own eyes are all tools you can use to select a nice diamond. The HCA on its own is not sufficient.

That said, here is a link that might help:

https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn’t_show