Help - Does "Very Good" Cut Grade Make Up for 57% Depth?

[Seagoat]

Hi-

I am trying to interpret a GIA report, and the depth says 57%, which I know to be on the edge of "poor." But the cut grade is "very good" - does that mean I don't have to worry about the various percentages?

The vital stats (asking price is $12,332):


Measurements 7.41 - 7.45 x 4.24 mm
Carat Weight 1.40 carat
Color Grade G
Clarity Grade VS1
Cut Grade Very Good
PROPORTIONS

Depth 57.0 %
Table 63 %
Crown Angle 29.5°
Crown Height 10.5%
Pavilion Angle 41.2°
Pavilion Depth 43.5%
Star Length 55%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None


Thanks!!

RK

 

[chrono]

Why settle for VG when the visual difference between VG and EX is significant and there are so many EX diamonds around? It's not about a single parameter being "off", it is about how ALL the different parameters work in concert to return light to the viewer's eyes.

 

[Seagoat]

I just showed these stats to someone and they referred to the diamond as a fish-eye. That doesn't sound good - do you all agree with that judgement?

 

[chrono]

Very possible. Rounds are so common that I would shop for EX only. Why spend $12K on a diamond that doesn't perform?

 

[JDDN]

The table is huge and the crown angle is very shallow. It won't have the sparkly, fiery look. A "very good" cut diamond isn't really a very good cut at all. You wouldn't even need to get a perfect ideal cut stone to outdo this one.

The cut is what gives the stone the brilliance, sparkle and fire. Don't compromise on cut. Like Chrono said, there are so many EX and Ideal round brilliants out there to choose from. You have a nice budget too, so you won't be disappointed.

 

[Seagoat]

Thanks all - very useful.

The challenge is the jeweler found a setting we really like, and we were hoping to do some one-stop shopping, but it seems like the stones on offer don't cut it. So maybe I need to find the setting seperately and then get the stone and have someone assemble it.

 

[chrono]

Can your jeweller find something in this range? The below is rather tight and I think it can be loosened a little.

Depth: 60-62%
Table: 54-57%
Crown angle: 34.0-35.5
Pavilion angle: 40.6-41

 

[JDDN]

Can you post a picture of the setting or one that's very similar? We can probably direct you to a vendor who carries a similar one or a custom jeweler who can make it for you. We can also point you in the direction of some very reputable diamond vendors as well.

 

[Seagoat]

Thanks for the offer of help!

We are looking for something like the attached, but round, and with darker sapphires than most vendors seem to use (I've looked at Beverly K and a few others and they are too light). So vintage style, but a modern setting, with some curvy filigree in the basket beneath the stone.

Any ideas would be amazing!

 

[JDDN]

That's a beautiful setting. David Klass comes to mind as far as someone who could do a gorgeous and affordable version of that for you.

Here were a few I recently saw on James Allen, but I don't think they're what you're looking for. I would definitely contact David Klass for a quote.

Also, that looks like an Old European cut diamond. Are you open to an OEC or do you want a modern round brilliant?

https://www.facebook.com/david.klass.jewelry

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-diamond-sunburst-and-baguette-engagement-ring-item-39904

http://www.jamesallen.com/engagement-rings/halo/14k-white-gold-french-blue-sapphire-engagement-ring-item-50699

 

[ecf8503]

Keep in mind the photos you see, like the Beverly K, have all been extensively photoshopped to make the sapphires brighter and lighter than they are in real life. I wouldn't discount Beverly K - they make very nice settings, and if you asked for dark stones I'm sure they could do it. Just don't go too dark or they'll look black.

I'd look at Good Old Gold - they have both ideal cut modern round brilliants but also old european and newly cut european style August Vintage rounds, and they carry Beverly K - one stop shopping. Any of those diamonds will outperform the one you listed - run away from that.

 

[WinkHPD]

Hi-

I am trying to interpret a GIA report, and the depth says 57%, which I know to be on the edge of "poor." But the cut grade is "very good" - does that mean I don't have to worry about the various percentages?

The vital stats (asking price is $12,332):


Measurements 7.41 - 7.45 x 4.24 mm
Carat Weight 1.40 carat
Color Grade G
Clarity Grade VS1
Cut Grade Very Good
PROPORTIONS

Depth 57.0 %
Table 63 %
Crown Angle 29.5°
Crown Height 10.5%
Pavilion Angle 41.2°
Pavilion Depth 43.5%
Star Length 55%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None


Thanks!!

RK

I am curious, is this an internet find or a live B & M diamond? I am guessing if you could see it side by side with a well cut diamond that the phrase from Forrest Gump would come to mind. "Run Forrest Run!" This goes from a too steep pavilion angle to a too shallow crown angle.

Depending on the GIA report rounding this has approximately an AGS 4 cut grade. It is NOT going to be something you will be glad you got when you see it next to a well cut diamond. The Very Good grade is NOT a good description of the beauty, or rather lack thereof that this diamond is likely to display.

Wink

 

[firsttimebuyergreg]

Hi all - new to the forums, so thanks again in advance for all the great info!

I have to confess though, I am confused -- this thread has many responses, yet no one has brought up the Holloway Cut Adviser yet? (Let alone an IDEAL Scope/ASET Scope/Hearts and Arrows). I've been using the HCA a lot myself to help evaluate diamonds....

So General Question -- Is using HCA score to eliminate stones standard, or not standard?

Anyway -- OP -- based on -- https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

This diamond you're interested in has "Very Good" Total Visual Performance at a 3.1 - Holloway recommends ruling out stones >2.0 score (lower score is better)... run the numbers yourself to check it out...

 

[ecf8503]

-- this thread has many responses, yet no one has brought up the Holloway Cut Adviser yet? (Let alone an IDEAL Scope/ASET Scope/Hearts and Arrows). I've been using the HCA a lot myself to help evaluate diamonds....

This diamond you're interested in has "Very Good" Total Visual Performance at a 3.1 -

True, but this stone falls so far out of ideal proportions that running the HCA is almost an exercise in futility. It has a huge table, very shallow crown, will look like a pancake from the side, and will have less than good light return.

The HCA is a very helpful tool, and can help weed out poor performers, especially those GIA excellents that aren't so excellent.

 

[Dancing Fire]

Hi-

Depth 57.0 %
Table 63 %
Crown Angle 29.5°
Crown Height 10.5%
Pavilion Angle 41.2°
Pavilion Depth 43.5%
Star Length 55%
Lower Half 80%
Girdle Medium to Slightly Thick, Faceted, 3.5%
Culet None

This one is UGLY, big table, flat top, shallow cut = a pancake stone..

 

[Seagoat]

Hi all-

Attached is another picture of the type of ring we're trying to find - having a pretty/curvy basked beneath the stone is a must, and ideally I'd love to find it "on the shelf" somewhere to avoid the custom-made wait. Any ideas - the beverly k mounts don't appeal, sadly, and we do like the recessed saphires more than the prongs at James Allen. Ideally 1 or a little more ct. Picky, I know!

Thanks!

RK