Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on this. Is the Hearts and Arrows just a Marketing Ploy since the Ideal Cut is already the highest standards of AGS?
Hearts and Arrows stones are cut to have perfect internal symmetry, which arguably gives the stone better light return than just an Ideal cut stone. So no, it''s not a marketing ploy or a catchphrase. Different vendors have different ideas of what a perfect Hearts and Arrows stone looks like, though. Many consumers on this site like to see an Idealscope image, which will show you if a stone has light leakage, and ostensibly also shows you the arrows view of your diamond.
Hi,
I have two H&A stones and they look pretty darn perfect. . . I also have a WF "expert selection" stone which is near H&A but less money because it''s not branded and it looks IDENTICAL to my eye to my H&A. Another of my ideal cut stones looks comparable to my H&A too. I''m glad I purchased H&A stones for my earrings because they''re cut identically and match perfectly. For an eng. ring, I would consider a AGS000 that isn''t advertised as a H&A as most of those look amazing too.
I have an Ideal cut stone (White Flash ES) in my engagement ring which I *know* intellectually is not as "perfect" as a branded H&A, as I''m sure it does have a bit light leakage, and perhaps not as internally symmetrical as a H&A - BUT - to me it is SO beautiful!!! I gaze into it and still see ''perfect'' little arrows, and the stone itself is SO alive and sparkly. For me (who had a small-ish budget), going for an ES rather than a H&A, and gaining size and color, was well worth the saving. Plus this stone had a wee little table that made my heart sing. In my eyes, it''s perfect.
At the same time, my friend proposed with a simmilar size/spec H&A. It was also VERY beautiful, different ''look'' due to the difference in crown height/table...but gorgeous none the less. They are extremely happy with thier stone as well.
In the end, it''s up to you what you consider to be your ''diamond'' priorities. You really have to strike your own balance between the C''s, and the Numbers/% and the ''Brand'' issues.
The MOST important thing is how beautiful it is to you!
I dunno. I really think it''s just a question of personal preference. If it matters to you to have that absolute symmetry without a question, then the H&A would make a difference. But if you''re asking the question then chances are it wouldn''t make much of a difference to you. I suggest saving the $$ on the H&A cut and get something a little bigger.
Just my $0.02.
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