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Help is this a good diamond?

Was also considering this one:

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
or this one:

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
But don't really know how to read the videos or what to look at. They all look the same to me.
Please help!
 
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Hoping @Karl_K or @DejaWiz can take a look perhaps? Do you see any light leakage or other issues? Which is the better stone of the 3?
 
I like the cut of the third (e.g. the very first one posted) the best. I’m the best at judging material, though.

@joe2 @DejaWiz, any thoughts?

Are you outside the U.S.? What’s your budget?
 
1st one/first post is a no go: marginal angles for a ring and some cut deficiencies. Video is not good enough to check for crystal defects.

1st one in second post has crystal issues.

2nd on in second post has even worse crystal issues.

3rd one second post also has bad crystal issues.

Just based on crystal defects I would pass on the last 3 and pass on the first post one because of cut and not being sure on the crystal.

These big cvd made stones its not uncommon for them to have bad crystal.
 
Hello and welcome to PriceScope, scintillate!
Agree with everything Karl_K stated, and he's a genuine industry pro and highly trusted source that places extreme priority on both crystal quality as well as cut precision.

All four of these diamonds would get stamped as "fail" from me because of the crystal quality issues as well as lack of cut precision and poor proportions/angles.

Some quick questions so that we can try and help you find a perfect diamond:
Are you wanting to stick with Novita due to your location?
What is the min-max carat weight that you want?
What is the top of your budget (USD equivalent)?
 
0515vision said:
I like the cut of the third (e.g. the very first one posted) the best. I’m the best at judging material, though.

@joe2 @DejaWiz, any thoughts?

Are you outside the U.S.? What’s your budget?
Click to expand...

NOT the best at judging crystal issues! Oh my thumbs left out my most important word - argh … my eyes are failing me in both letters and diamonds :(
 
0515vision said:
NOT the best at judging crystal issues! Oh my thumbs left out my most important word - argh … my eyes are failing me in both letters and diamonds :(
Click to expand...

I do that all the time too. My brain is faster than my fingers.
I go back and edit my posts a lot.
 
@DejaWiz and @Karl_K, could you walk me through Stone 3 for the sake of eye-training?

I know the CA is a little shallow at 40.5, but thought the angles were generally in line with what’s acceptable. I’ve overcalled pavilion twist a few times, but is that what I’m seeing toward the center?

The crystal had me questioning the stone from the beginning, but if you could articulate what you’re not happy with, that would be great. Crystal quality is the hardest for me to “see.”

Thx! :)

IMG_6303.jpegIMG_6304.jpeg
 
@0515vision
I didn't get as far as looking at the angles on that one.
Start face up and control the spin, as little spin as possible to the right will pop the crystal issues out.
Your looking in the shadows not the white blown out areas.
Then as you spin more and stop you will see it in other areas.
Go back to face up and do that a couple times until you see it quickly.
There are signs face up also but a little spin confirms it.
 
Sorry for the confusion. But the first one first post and the 3rd video on the second post should be the same diamond. Where is the crystal and what does it look like?
 
DejaWiz said:
Hello and welcome to PriceScope, scintillate!
Agree with everything Karl_K stated, and he's a genuine industry pro and highly trusted source that places extreme priority on both crystal quality as well as cut precision.

All four of these diamonds would get stamped as "fail" from me because of the crystal quality issues as well as lack of cut precision and poor proportions/angles.

Some quick questions so that we can try and help you find a perfect diamond:
Are you wanting to stick with Novita due to your location?
What is the min-max carat weight that you want?
What is the top of your budget (USD equivalent)?
Click to expand...

I like sticking with them because I can view the stones in person.
Carat 4 to 5+.
If you look at their rounds and filter from 4 - 6 carats, and choose available in showroom, that narrows it down to 18 that's available in the showroom for Australia.

How about these. Any good?

They don't give asset scope images.
 
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scintillate said:
I like sticking with them because I can view the stones in person.
Carat 4 to 5+.
If you look at their rounds and filter from 4 - 6 carats, and choose available in showroom, that narrows it down to 18 that's available in the showroom for Australia.

How about these. Any good?

They don't give asset scope images.
Click to expand...

Not a fan because they have the same issues as the previous diamonds: crystal quality problems and cut precision deficiencies.
Are they really priced at USD$3000-5000 each? If so, then I think that is absurd for what is being offered in return for that amount of money: poor CVD diamond crystal and sloppy cut precision.

I did a quick search and found some GIA graded clean HPHT diamonds with meticulous cut precision resulting in extremely high light return and optical performance listed for as low as USD$3100.

Consider the sheer superior diamond that you would be getting in return for the pricing - even factoring in any import taxes, fees, and duties that apply.

As another route, you could ask Novita to source one of these same GIA graded diamonds too see if they'll agree to a pre-import tax/duty price match for earning your business.

If you want to look at the 360° rotational videos of them, then let me know when you're on the forum (I'll be around for another 30-60 mins tonight before hitting the hay):

- I'll post them.
- You copy/save them.
- Then let me know when to delete them so that you minimize risk of them getting scooped up by anonymous lurkers before you've had time to decide if you want to go with one of them.
 
I'm back. That's interesting because I checked the HCA scores for a couple of them and they're around 1.5, so I thought they'll be fine. If you use novita's search function, they have a lot more stones they can source, so we can widen the search there. Thanks for helping, I appreciate it. Is it possible to show me where these crystal issues are so I know how to look out for them? All I can see are the dots in the certificate, but don't notice them on the video.
 
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scintillate said:
I'm back. That's interesting because I checked the HCA scores for a couple of them and they're around 1.5, so I thought they'll be fine. If you use novita's search function, they have a lot more stones they can source, so we can widen the search there. Thanks for helping, I appreciate it. Is it possible to show me where these crystal issues are so I know how to look out for them? All I can see are the dots in the certificate, but don't notice them on the video.
Click to expand...

HCA score is derived from the averaged and rounded numbers on the grading report...it's a mass rejection tool, not an individual selection tool, so always keep in mind that it is based off an algorithm that has no eyes to see crystal defects and cut precision problems.
Try to limit your selections to HPHT - the only things that need to be checked for ate weird color hues (blue nuance) and maybe some clouding, but those issues don't seem to be as prominent with HPHT as they were even 3-4 years ago.
 
DejaWiz said:
HCA score is derived from the averaged and rounded numbers on the grading report...it's a mass rejection tool, not an individual selection tool, so always keep in mind that it is based off an algorithm that has no eyes to see crystal defects and cut precision problems.
Try to limit your selections to HPHT - the only things that need to be checked for ate weird color hues (blue nuance) and maybe some clouding, but those issues don't seem to be as prominent with HPHT as they were even 3-4 years ago.
Click to expand...

Thank you. Oh their search function doesn't let me filter for HPHT, which means I'lll need to look at them one by one and GIA sometimes doesn't show it. I'm happy to see the stones that you've found.

What do you think of this one?

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
Are we able to tell if there's any light leakage from this report, or we still need ideal scope images?
I'm worried about the cloud inclusions throughout the crown.

another one

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
 
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scintillate said:
Thank you. Oh their search function doesn't let me filter for HPHT, which means I'll need to look at them one by one and GIA sometimes doesn't show it. I'm happy to see the stones that you've found.

What do you think of this one?

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
Are we able to tell if there's any light leakage from this report, or we still need ideal scope images?
I'm worried about the cloud inclusions throughout the crown.

another one

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
Click to expand...

You're very welcome.
Oh wow...that first one should be quite fiery under direct lighting conditions - love the 40.8/34.5/54 combo and taller 15.5% crown height! All the GCAL scope images look great.
No worry about inclusions on a VVS2...the fire video shows that this one appears to have high transparency.
Great find!
Be sure to check the popular sellers to see if you can find the best price then ask Novita to price match.
* LooseGrownDiamond
* Adiamor
* Ritani
* B2C Jewels
* Friendly Diamonds
* Calavera NY
* Ruby Harper

Since all GCAL 8X diamonds come with advanced images, finding one that has perfect imagery means it's just about a guarantee that you'll immediately fall in love with it and it'll be amongst the best 1% of all round brilliant cut diamonds ever cut and polished.

For more options to look at, here are the GIA grade diamonds that I found...best pricing seems to be at B2C Jewels right now, if you want to pursue a price match with your local Novita store.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
 
DejaWiz said:
You're very welcome.
Oh wow...that first one should be quite fiery under direct lighting conditions - love the 40.8/34.5/54 combo and taller 15.5% crown height! All the GCAL scope images look great.
No worry about inclusions on a VVS2...the fire video shows that this one appears to have high transparency.
Great find!
Be sure to check the popular sellers to see if you can find the best price then ask Novita to price match.
* LooseGrownDiamond
* Adiamor
* Ritani
* B2C Jewels
* Friendly Diamonds
* Calavera NY
* Ruby Harper

Since all GCAL 8X diamonds come with advanced images, finding one that has perfect imagery means it's just about a guarantee that you'll immediately fall in love with it and it'll be amongst the best 1% of all round brilliant cut diamonds ever cut and polished.

For more options to look at, here are the GIA grade diamonds that I found...best pricing seems to be at B2C Jewels right now, if you want to pursue a price match with your local Novita store.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
Click to expand...

Problem is, those 2 gcal diamonds are like double the price. You didn't like the 2nd gcal as much? It's a vs2 though, with crystals feathers and cloud. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look but I'm not that good at looking at these videos, not really sure what to look for. Are we able to tell if there's light leakage on the videos without the aset scope images?
Also, what does the taller crown height do?
Which of the 4 that you linked would have linked would have more sparke? more fire?
 
Last edited:
scintillate said:
Problem is, those 2 gcal diamonds are like double the price. You didn't like the 2nd gcal as much? It's a vs2 though, with crystals feathers and cloud. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look but I'm not that good at looking at these videos, not really sure what to look for. Are we able to tell if there's light leakage on the videos without the aset scope images?
Also, what does the taller crown height do?
Which of the 4 that you linked would have linked would have more sparke? more fire?
Click to expand...

Check pricing at Adiamor on that first GCAL 8X - probably quite a better price than what you're seeing.

A taller crown height can (not guaranteed) provide more fire when the right kind of lighting is striking the diamond.

Any of the four I linked will have tremendous sparkle and fire...no evidence of light leakages or cut precision issues.
 
Thanks I saw a couple of the ones you linked, and they're even more expensive in Australia, cost more than the ones I originally picked.

How are you with colored diamonds? What do you think of this? I know there's a big inclusion that even I can see.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
 
scintillate said:
Thanks I saw a couple of the ones you linked, and they're even more expensive in Australia, cost more than the ones I originally picked.

How are you with colored diamonds? What do you think of this? I know there's a big inclusion that even I can see.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
Click to expand...

They're merely listed for higher pricing on Novita's website compared to other sites...I implore you to ask them for a price match, otherwise you're going to end up with an inferior diamond that they have listed in your budget, and not a superior diamond that they *could* sell at a price in your budget. All you have to do is start a chat or send an email to them and ask. :)
 
Thanks for your advice. I will try, but they don't even send aset scope images and just a bit nervous about buying diamonds online without seeing them in person.
 
You're in the best hands with @DejaWiz. He knows exactly what to look for in the online videos. And the stones that the store is offering are far lower in quality, even though you have the ability to see them in person.

Novita may be able to price match bc in the end, they want a sale. They have access to all the diamonds we see. Can't hurt to ask.
 
DejaWiz said:
You're very welcome.
Oh wow...that first one should be quite fiery under direct lighting conditions - love the 40.8/34.5/54 combo and taller 15.5% crown height! All the GCAL scope images look great.
No worry about inclusions on a VVS2...the fire video shows that this one appears to have high transparency.
Great find!
Be sure to check the popular sellers to see if you can find the best price then ask Novita to price match.
* LooseGrownDiamond
* Adiamor
* Ritani
* B2C Jewels
* Friendly Diamonds
* Calavera NY
* Ruby Harper

Since all GCAL 8X diamonds come with advanced images, finding one that has perfect imagery means it's just about a guarantee that you'll immediately fall in love with it and it'll be amongst the best 1% of all round brilliant cut diamonds ever cut and polished.

For more options to look at, here are the GIA grade diamonds that I found...best pricing seems to be at B2C Jewels right now, if you want to pursue a price match with your local Novita store.

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com loupe360.com
Click to expand...

Thanks. By the way, I'm surprised this list of popular sellers doesn't have James Allen, Blue Nile, Brilliant Earth, Whiteflash?
 
DejaWiz said:
Check pricing at Adiamor on that first GCAL 8X - probably quite a better price than what you're seeing.

A taller crown height can (not guaranteed) provide more fire when the right kind of lighting is striking the diamond.

Any of the four I linked will have tremendous sparkle and fire...no evidence of light leakages or cut precision issues.
Click to expand...

Sorry to be nitpicky I looked at the 360 video of that GCAL 8x, and noticed a lot of white dots on the face/table of the diamond. Will that cause issues?
Out of curiosity, how much would a similar GIA lab be? I was just wondering if we pay a premium for the 8x.
Lastly, why aren't all lab grown cut perfectly? Is it still cut manually or using machines? Does it cost more to cut to a super ideal or does it require more skill?
 
scintillate said:
Sorry to be nitpicky I looked at the 360 video of that GCAL 8x, and noticed a lot of white dots on the face/table of the diamond. Will that cause issues?
Out of curiosity, how much would a similar GIA lab be? I was just wondering if we pay a premium for the 8x.
Lastly, why aren't all lab grown cut perfectly? Is it still cut manually or using machines? Does it cost more to cut to a super ideal or does it require more skill?
Click to expand...

No worries about those tiny pinpoint inclusions, especially at the VVS range - they are microscopic (you're seeing them magnified around 50X in the video...multiply your height by 50 to get an idea of just how big that makes things and how tiny those pinpoints are in actual size.

Typical yes there is a price premium for a GCAL 8X, even over GIA grading which is already more expensive than IGI.

Just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds have cut variations...even the ones that are cut by computer controlled lasers. A change in 0.1° of a crown or pavilion angle can have a noticeable impact in light return, and that's not accounting for any slop/excessive variation in crown or pavilion facets...it's difficult and time consuming to cut a diamond as close to perfect: the trick is sorting through sometimes hundreds and hundreds to maybe find half a dozen diamonds that have great material/crystal quality, extremely high cut precision, and pinnacle optical performance.
 
DejaWiz said:
No worries about those tiny pinpoint inclusions, especially at the VVS range - they are microscopic (you're seeing them magnified around 50X in the video...multiply your height by 50 to get an idea of just how big that makes things and how tiny those pinpoints are in actual size.

Typical yes there is a price premium for a GCAL 8X, even over GIA grading which is already more expensive than IGI.

Just like natural diamonds, lab diamonds have cut variations...even the ones that are cut by computer controlled lasers. A change in 0.1° of a crown or pavilion angle can have a noticeable impact in light return, and that's not accounting for any slop/excessive variation in crown or pavilion facets...it's difficult and time consuming to cut a diamond as close to perfect: the trick is sorting through sometimes hundreds and hundreds to maybe find half a dozen diamonds that have great material/crystal quality, extremely high cut precision, and pinnacle optical performance.
Click to expand...
Found another one, what do we think of this? The scintillation video seems to have more white dots than the first gcal, does that equate to more sparkly? It's similarly priced but a bigger stone with lower clarity. Although I couldn't really find the inclusion from the video. Would like to hear your thoughts on this. Is the crystal on the bezel worse than the cloud throughout the crown?
Also notice in the arrows image, the inner central arrows have white triangles beside it? They all look symmetrical but the first gcal doesn't have it. Is that something to be expected or just a matter of personal preference?

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
 
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scintillate said:
Found another one, what do we think of this? The scintillation video seems to have more white dots than the first gcal, does that equate to more sparkly? It's similarly priced but a bigger stone with lower clarity. Although I couldn't really find the inclusion from the video. Would like to hear your thoughts on this. Is the crystal on the bezel worse than the cloud throughout the crown?
Also notice in the arrows image, the inner central arrows have white triangles beside it? They all look symmetrical but the first gcal doesn't have it. Is that something to be expected or just a matter of personal preference?

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com www.gcalusa.com
Click to expand...

Decent, but not as precise as the first GCAL 8X.
This one has a slightly larger table with a shallower crown angle resulting in a slightly flatter crown height...will still be pretty fiery, but will probably favor brilliance in indirect lighting in my opinion. May also have some very slight pavilion twist, but not 100% sure:

Screenshot_20250909-104225.Chrome.png
 
DejaWiz said:
Decent, but not as precise as the first GCAL 8X.
This one has a slightly larger table with a shallower crown angle resulting in a slightly flatter crown height...will still be pretty fiery, but will probably favor brilliance in indirect lighting in my opinion. May also have some very slight pavilion twist, but not 100% sure:

Screenshot_20250909-104225.Chrome.png
Click to expand...

yeah what are those triangles? The more I think about it, the GIA stones you recommended seem to be the better buy. Why would a pavilion twist be bad? How's the crystal issues on this one? That seemed to be the issue on the first picks I choose.
 
scintillate said:
yeah what are those triangles? The more I think about it, the GIA stones you recommended seem to be the better buy. Why would a pavilion twist be bad? How's the crystal issues on this one? That seemed to be the issue on the first picks I choose.
Click to expand...

Pavilion twist is a trick used by unscrupulous cutters to retain carat weight while knowing how to cheat most grading systems to still earn their diamond a top Excellent or Ideal cut grade.
And sorry, I forgot to comment on crystal quality: 332020022 is a blue nuance...look at it from the side profile in the 360 spin and you can see the blue body color - it becomes concentrated at the edges of the crown/girdle and easier to spot. The whole diamond has a grayish-blue hue to it, which it a pretty obvious indicator that the grower doped the growth chamber with boron to try and accelerate the growth process.


BlueNuance.png
 
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