HCA Question

[Sparkle524]

I spoke to a vendor who said that the most important thing is that the HCA is under 2. A diamond with a HCA of 0.5 is not necessarily better than one with a HCA of 1.5. So with all other factors like ASET and Idealscope being equal is this true? I would think that the HCA of 0.5 would be better. Can someone clarify? TIA.

 

[Dreamer_D]

The HCA is a dichotomous tool, so under 2 means worth evaluating further, over 2 means "reject", or obtain other assessment information.

The HCA is only one tool among many you can use. I like to use a lab, images like photos and idealscope or ASET, the HCA, and my own eyes to judge a diamond. The HCA does not really trump any of these pieces of information, in my opinion.

 

[Sparkle524]

Thank you.

 

[Amys Bling]

If you can get IDEALSCOPE, ASET and images this can help a ton.

 

[MichelleCarmen]

I had a diamond which scored .50 on the HCA and it didn't look as good as the two that I owned scoring 1.5ish on the HCA. All three looked perfect under the idealscope, it's just the table on the .50 was smaller, so it just didn't make as much of an impact as the other two stones.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Yes, in fact most of the stones I favor score 1.0 or higher. You can go into the 2 range as well. If the stone is graded by AGS as Ideal, you don't even use the HCA. You can use it to screen GIA stones because GIA excellent is a broader category. I think an idealscope image is helpful as well.

 

[Sparkle524]

Thank you for the info. You guys/gals are just a wealth of knowledge. I will continue my search for my RB with this in mind.