Gearhead
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2004
- Messages
- 31
Aloha!
I'm 99.5 % sure that I will purchase a H&A cut, AGS000 stone from a VERY VERY reputable jeweler that frequents this forum regularly. I've learned a lot as an observer to Pricescope threads the past month, but this is my first post. I'm getting engaged this February
Two weeks ago on a Friday evening after work, armed with the knowledge and solicited advice from my brother-in-law..."If I had to do it over again....eye clean SI1, E color and just under a carat".... I thought I would have an engagement ring in my pocket come the next Monday morning. To put it lightly, what the *%#$! was I thinking. I now have 26 days left until I meet my fiancee's parents to let them know my intentions and ask for their blessing so to speak. I would like to have the ring with me, and in my pocket by then. Still on my quest
and just a few days ago, I was finally able to finally see (for the first time) a branded stone. I compared the HoF stone to a non-branded GIA cert stone to see if there was a discernable difference. Both stones were VVS1, F color 1.14 ct +/ with excellent polish. I immediately noticed in order:
1. The non-branded stone was noticeably MORE brilliant/white throughout. Sparkle reflections more concentrated towards the center table area.
2. The HoF had more sparkles/fire/dispersion in the table area extending further out towards the edges
If I were to make a decision today I'd choose the non-branded stone because it looked more white and bright, and would cost 30% less. The extra sparkles just didn't do it for me Sat evening. I proceeded home and thought more research would be in order so I hopped on the usual sites, GOG, Blue Nile, SuperB Cert, Pricescope, NiceIce, ... only to be more confused! Tonight, I went back to the same jewelry shop (BTW, the are located across from Tiffany's in the same mall) and asked to look at another HoF stone in their inventory. She proceeded to bring out a .92, G VS2 and I noticed a slight yellow off white transparent color consistency. Then I asked her to bring out a standard GIA cert stone of the same Color, Size and Polish. Again, holding the two stones in front of me, and before she told me which stone was the HoF, I was able to pick out the HoF. I then asked for her to bring out an E color HoF which she promptly complied. The E HoF stone was noticeably more white/clear of color compared to the G HoF, of course that was to be expected. I asked her to then compare the E color HoF to the standard GIA cert. They were a bit reluctant, so I didn't push
In response to my question they suggested that I purchase a non branded, E color, VVS2
because that was the only way I was going to be happy. Will somebody please tell me if I know too much to be dangerous or am I just not getting "it". What ever "it" may be
They still couldn't explain to me why I saw the non branded stone as brighter other than, their store lights were not ideal and I was not observing them in natural sunlight/office setting.
I even asked another couple at the store if they can pick out the brighter stone - they also picked the non branded GIA cert stone. If HoF diamonds far exceed the avg mass marketed diamonds in polish, proportion, symmetry and to me they look a little yellow, then what can be said about the other branded stones (H&A, A Cut Above, EightStar, Lazar, SuperB Cert, etc,...). Perhaps the lighting was not ideal? I really would like to maximize brilliance, fire, dispersion and scintillation, but do not want to pay anmore $$$ than I need to get it.
Aloha,
-GH
I'm 99.5 % sure that I will purchase a H&A cut, AGS000 stone from a VERY VERY reputable jeweler that frequents this forum regularly. I've learned a lot as an observer to Pricescope threads the past month, but this is my first post. I'm getting engaged this February
1. The non-branded stone was noticeably MORE brilliant/white throughout. Sparkle reflections more concentrated towards the center table area.
2. The HoF had more sparkles/fire/dispersion in the table area extending further out towards the edges
If I were to make a decision today I'd choose the non-branded stone because it looked more white and bright, and would cost 30% less. The extra sparkles just didn't do it for me Sat evening. I proceeded home and thought more research would be in order so I hopped on the usual sites, GOG, Blue Nile, SuperB Cert, Pricescope, NiceIce, ... only to be more confused! Tonight, I went back to the same jewelry shop (BTW, the are located across from Tiffany's in the same mall) and asked to look at another HoF stone in their inventory. She proceeded to bring out a .92, G VS2 and I noticed a slight yellow off white transparent color consistency. Then I asked her to bring out a standard GIA cert stone of the same Color, Size and Polish. Again, holding the two stones in front of me, and before she told me which stone was the HoF, I was able to pick out the HoF. I then asked for her to bring out an E color HoF which she promptly complied. The E HoF stone was noticeably more white/clear of color compared to the G HoF, of course that was to be expected. I asked her to then compare the E color HoF to the standard GIA cert. They were a bit reluctant, so I didn't push
I even asked another couple at the store if they can pick out the brighter stone - they also picked the non branded GIA cert stone. If HoF diamonds far exceed the avg mass marketed diamonds in polish, proportion, symmetry and to me they look a little yellow, then what can be said about the other branded stones (H&A, A Cut Above, EightStar, Lazar, SuperB Cert, etc,...). Perhaps the lighting was not ideal? I really would like to maximize brilliance, fire, dispersion and scintillation, but do not want to pay anmore $$$ than I need to get it.
Aloha,
-GH