shape
carat
color
clarity

HCA

Glowgirl3

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 9, 2010
Messages
13
Is a lower HCA always better?

So a 1.1 is better than a 1.6?

I found two stones, one which is a H&A thats an HCA 1.0, but there's another one that's 1.1 and not an H&A.

They're both Ex/Ex/Ex/VG on the HCA
 
No, a 1.1 is not "better".

What reports do they have?
 
Glowgirl3|1355181289|3328011 said:
Is a lower HCA always better?

So a 1.1 is better than a 1.6?

I found two stones, one which is a H&A thats an HCA 1.0, but there's another one that's 1.1 and not an H&A.

They're both Ex/Ex/Ex/VG on the HCA

In my opinion, yes it is. Having a lower number on the HCA makes that stone more rare than anything higher and it means it performs better. Obviously it's up to you on how you like your diamonds to perform, but that's what it means.
 
The 1.0 HCA is an I VS2, Hearts n Arrows

The 1.1 HCA is a G VS2

About the same price, except the the I VS2 is about 0.07 carats larger.

Please advise...going to purchase soon!
 
Glowgirl3|1355184967|3328057 said:
The 1.0 HCA is an I VS2, Hearts n Arrows

The 1.1 HCA is a G VS2

About the same price, except the the I VS2 is about 0.07 carats larger.

Please advise...going to purchase soon!
what are the diameters? any pic of the hearts?
 
No sorry not on me.

Which would you guys pick all else being equal.
 
Glowgirl3|1355184967|3328057 said:
The 1.0 HCA is an I VS2, Hearts n Arrows

The 1.1 HCA is a G VS2

About the same price, except the the I VS2 is about 0.07 carats larger.

Please advise...going to purchase soon!

If I could, I'd go for the H&A, but I too would want to see a picture before buying.
 
I'll get a pic soon and post it.

So youd go for the H&A, despite it being a I, whereas the other which is very close to H&A in the dimensions is a G.

They are both VS2, so that is fine, and the HCAs are pretty close too
 
Glowgirl3|1355186483|3328085 said:
I'll get a pic soon and post it.

So youd go for the H&A, despite it being a I, whereas the other which is very close to H&A in the dimensions is a G.

They are both VS2, so that is fine, and the HCAs are pretty close too

It depends on what you value. I've always dreamed of an H&A, and so if I had the option, I'd trade color for a perfectly cut stone. I've had an F color stone for the last 6 years, so yes, I'd give it up for a better cut. If color matters to you, then do more research and see what you can find. I don't know what your budget is, but if you need help looking, we'd be happy to help. Just keep in mind, you'll be giving in somewhere. You may have to settle for a smaller stone to get a better color and an H&A, again, it's all personal preference.
 
ha_0.jpg

ha2.jpg

ha1.jpg


Thanks so much! Here are the HA pics. So is a really good I still a pretty good color? I dont really want a smaller stone. I like both of these. I'm a first time buyer, I know cut is more important, but both are great cuts, one slightly more perfect, whereas the other is slightly better color.

My budget is $17, 500 for a stone. Both of these fit the bill. I'm leaning towards the I VS2 H&A.
 
If you read the info on the HCA page, you will see that 0-2 is excellent. Once you find a diamond (or diamonds) with scores of 2 or under, ask for more info.

--------------
Most people prefer stones that rate 1-2 on a scale where: 0-2 Excellent, 2-4 Very Good, 4-6 Good, 6-8 Fair, and 8-10 Poor. Zero is almost impossible since many of the factors conflict.

You need Total Depth %, Table % and Crown deg and Pavilion deg angles from AGS and 2006 GIA and IGI reports.Some reports list less accurate rounded Crown % and Pavilion %'s; run the stone and if it scores under 2.0, ask the vendor to get you a Helium, Sarin or Ogi report with angles.

HCA gets no info on symmetry, polish and minor facets; use it only to reject likely bad performing diamonds to narrow down your final selection. Ideal-Scope images and independent appraisers can help after that.
--------------

HCA is a rejection tool (use it to weed out bad performers), not a selection (use it to pick the best diamond) tool.

liz
 
Hi,
I had two H&A that scored a bit higher on the HCA (I think between 1-1.7ish - I'd have to check the reports) and then had an almost H&A that scored a .5 on the HCA. The H&As looked better and it actually was because they had a better table diameter... IMO...the diamond with the .5 has a bit smaller table and made the diamond look smaller even though they all were approx the same weight.

I'd say an H&A with a score under 2 is going to be fabulous!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Top