Hca score VS GIA rating

[PurpleOrange]

Hi everyone,
I came across 2 diamonds with specs like the following :
1. GIA triple excellent with HCA score of 3.5

2. GIA excellent cut and polish, very good symmetry, with HCA score of 1.2 (first 3 excellent and very good for spread)

As far as light performance goes, which spec would you rely on (GIA or HCA)? If you have to choose between the 2 diamond, which one would you choose assuming the rest of aspects are the same or very similar?

 

[headlight]

I would pick the 2nd one. The 1st one should completely be eliminated. On the 2nd one, the symmetry is (apparently) not having an affect on how the angles are working, as per HCA. You would need to see in person or photos. If you didn't know it was given VG I bet you would never know the difference. If the HCA is correct, it will not have an overall effect on the performance of the stone which is really the goal at the end of the day (IMO): PERFORMANCE! If you have a real dazzler, no one will have any idea that the symmetry only got VG and not EX. If it is a great performer, I think you are only splitting hairs at that point, it may have only just missed the mark for EX. My SIL has a stone that got EX for cut and polish, but VG for symmetry, as well. Her diamond is GORGEOUS.

 

[lovedogs]

Hi everyone,
I came across 2 diamonds with specs like the following :
1. GIA triple excellent with HCA score of 3.5

2. GIA excellent cut and polish, very good symmetry, with HCA score of 1.2 (first 3 excellent and very good for spread)

As far as light performance goes, which spec would you rely on (GIA or HCA)? If you have to choose between the 2 diamond, which one would you choose assuming the rest of aspects are the same or very similar?

Never ever rely on a GIA XXX to be well cut. You need GIA XXX and HCA under 2.

 

[bmfang]

Number two would be worthy of further investigation.

GIA XXX is an incredibly wide range that one could drive the proverbial Mack truck through...

 

[WinkHPD]

And never forget, HCA is a rejection tool, not a selection tool. It can help you to decide when to look closer, but it was not designed to tell you which one is best.

Wink