Help please - first time poster

[mattymcb]

I live in Chicago and I have a few weeks before I plan to propose to my girlfriend of 2+ years. I have an AWESOME proposal idea that I will come back and share with everyone when it happens. I know almost exactly what I want but I need some advice and clarification from the resident experts. I am working with a jeweler out of state so I don''t pay sales tax. He has a diamond broker that he works with here in Chicago that I saw today. I did not get a good feeling from the broker and he did not correctly answer some of my questions. I looked up the GIA report on the stone I saw today and the HCA rating on it is very good. The price I am getting from my jeweler out of state is not terrible but not great. The stone I looked at today is 0.73 carats, vs1, F, thin-sthk, Depth: 60.1, Table: 58, Crown ang: 33.5, Pav ang: 41, no fluor, characteristcs: Cloud, Feather. The HCA on this stone is Excellent in all categories. Total Visual Performance 1.1. So here are my drawbacks with this: price is slightly higher and the stone is not quite as big as I want it since a 0.8 would be ideal. I also don''t trust the broker that I met today even though I probably should. My other alternative is to independantly buy a stone online and have it appraised independantly then sent to my jeweler or another in state jeweler if he is upset about me doing this and decides not to work with me. I could also buy the stone and give him a few days to find a comparable match for a few hundred dollars more and eat the cost to appease him. I have looked online and I can find stones right in my size range for a few hundred dollars less with great HCA ratings. So my questions are these:

I know that the HCA says that 0-2 is considered excellent, but is there a common preference range( ie 1.4-1.6) that most people prefer?

I found a great stone online that has a rating of .7 and all excellents. Is there such a thing as being too low in the 0-2 HCA range or is the all "excellents" more important?

I noticed the graph points out the range for GIA and AGS excellent and ideal cuts on the picture. Is it more important to pick something that is in the middle of both on the graph or something that has a better HCA rating?

Is a VS1 rating versus a VS2 rating worth more than a slightly larger cut i.e .73 vs .81? My girlfriend does not care as long as she cannot see any inclusions with her visible eye.

Is a thin rating on the girdle something I should be really concerned about or is just apart of a good stone?

Should I be worried about my jeweler if I cut him out and buy online but still have him create the setting for me?

Should I buy the stone online and use part of the 30 day return period to allow him to offer a competing stone for a fairly comparable price?

Am I being completely unfair about it?

Thank you to anyone that answers my questions!

Matt

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Well, I can relate to your problem. I had also talked with a jeweler early on about a custom setting and I looked at his diamonds to compare to these and to learn what I like. He wasn't so happy when I mentioned I might buy a stone elsewhere and have him set it. But bottom line, are you going to overpay for a car because the salesman was nice? Probably not. So my aim is to find the best quality diamond within my budget from an honest vendor. And my preference is for the diamond vendor to set the diamond just so it is covered for any possible damages. I will buy from one of these vendors.

VS2 is fine...can't see inclusions unless using a loupe. Thin girdle is fine (avoid extremely thin or thick). I personally would want my stone to fall in the AGS lines (not sure about the Ideal HCA numbers within 0-2).Hopefully someone else can fill in the answers to the rest of your questions! Good luck!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I''ll show you a couple of possibilities (couldn''t find your specs at the other two I looked at):

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2410914.htm

http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/A-Cut-Above-H-A-cut-diamond-2410911.htm

 

[mattymcb]

These are the specs for Diamonds that I am considering. My apologies if it looks a bit cluttered.

This first Diamond is the one that I saw today that my Jeweler recommended.

I am leaning towards 3,4,or 5.

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 13911308
Report Type: GIA Diamond Dossier® Date of Issue: February 18, 2005Laser Inscripion Registry: GIA 13911308Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.83 - 5.88 x 3.52 mmCarat Weight: 0.73Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS1Proportions: Depth: 60.1 %Table: 58 %Girdle: Thin to Slightly Thick, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: Very GoodSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: NoneClarity Characteristics: Cloud, Feather Selected: 60.1% depth, 58% table, 33.5° crown angle, 41° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 1.1 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

Additional InformationCrown Angle: 33.5°Crown Height: 14 %Pavilion Angle: 41°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 80 %Cut Grade: Excellent

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 14241364
Report Type: GIA Diamond Dossier® Date of Issue: October 14, 2005Laser Inscripion Registry: GIA 14241364Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.88 - 5.93 x 3.57 mmCarat Weight: 0.75Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS2Proportions: Depth: 60.5 %Table: 58 %Girdle: Thin to Medium, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: Very GoodSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: NoneClarity Characteristics: Crystal, Cloud, Feather Factor Grade
Light Return Very Good
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.6 – Excellentwithin TIC range

Additional InformationCrown Angle: 35°Crown Height: 14.5 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Cut Grade: Excellent

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 14670675

$3005

Report Type: GIA Diamond Dossier® Date of Issue: March 17, 2006Laser Inscripion Registry: GIA 14670675Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.96 - 5.98 x 3.68 mmCarat Weight: 0.80Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS2Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.6 %Table: 57 %Crown Angle: 34°Crown Height: 14 %Pavilion Angle: 41°Pavilion Depth: 43.5 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 85 %Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: Very GoodSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: NoneClarity Characteristics: Crystal, Indented Natural, Cloud Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.5 – Excellentwithin TIC range

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 15020041
Report Type: GIA Diamond Grading Report Date of Issue: May 05, 2006Round BrilliantMeasurements: 6.06 - 6.11 x 3.65 mmCarat Weight: 0.81Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS2Cut Grade: Very GoodProportions: Depth: 60.0 %Table: 56 %Crown Angle: 33.5°Crown Height: 14.5 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 85 %Girdle: Thin to Medium, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: ExcellentSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: None
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Excellent
Total Visual Performance 0.7 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 14739248
Report Type: GIA Diamond Dossier® Date of Issue: April 28, 2006Laser Inscripion Registry: GIA 14739248Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.99 - 6.02 x 3.71 mmCarat Weight: 0.81Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS2Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.8 %Table: 55 %Crown Angle: 34.5°Crown Height: 15.5 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Girdle: Thin to MediumCulet: NoneFinisholish: ExcellentSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: NoneClarity Characteristics: Crystal Selected: 61.8% depth, 55% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.3 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 15032097
Report Type: GIA Diamond Grading Report Date of Issue: May 09, 2006Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.96 - 5.99 x 3.65 mmCarat Weight: 0.79Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS1Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.1 %Table: 56 %Crown Angle: 34.5°Crown Height: 15 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Girdle: Thin to Medium, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: ExcellentSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: None Selected: 61.1% depth, 56% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.2 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 15032056
Report Type: GIA Diamond Grading Report Date of Issue: May 09, 2006Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.90 - 5.96 x 3.67 mmCarat Weight: 0.79Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS1Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.9 %Table: 56 %Crown Angle: 34.5°Crown Height: 15 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Girdle: Medium to Slightly Thick, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: Very GoodSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: None
Selected: 61.9% depth, 56% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.3 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

Comments: Additional clouds are not shown.

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Report Check forGIA Report Number: 14875282
Report Type: GIA Diamond Grading Report Date of Issue: February 21, 2006Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.95 - 6.00 x 3.62 mmCarat Weight: 0.78Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS1Cut Grade: Very GoodProportions: Depth: 60.6 %Table: 57 %Crown Angle: 35°Crown Height: 15 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 80 %Girdle: Very Thin to Thin, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: GoodSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: None
Selected: 60.6% depth, 57% table, 35° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.5 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

Comments: Clouds are not shown. Surface graining is not shown.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Okay, I believe with my limited knowledge I would choose one of these two (#5, 6):

Report Check forGIA Report Number: 14739248
Report Type: GIA Diamond Dossier® Date of Issue: April 28, 2006Laser Inscripion Registry: GIA 14739248Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.99 - 6.02 x 3.71 mmCarat Weight: 0.81Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS2Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.8 %Table: 55 %Crown Angle: 34.5°Crown Height: 15.5 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 43 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Girdle: Thin to MediumCulet: NoneFinisholish: ExcellentSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: NoneClarity Characteristics: Crystal Selected: 61.8% depth, 55% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.3 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

************************************************************************6

Report Check forGIA Report Number: 15032097
Report Type: GIA Diamond Grading Report Date of Issue: May 09, 2006Round BrilliantMeasurements: 5.96 - 5.99 x 3.65 mmCarat Weight: 0.79Color Grade: FClarity Grade: VS1Cut Grade: ExcellentProportions: Depth: 61.1 %Table: 56 %Crown Angle: 34.5°Crown Height: 15 %Pavilion Angle: 40.8°Pavilion Depth: 42.5 %Star length: 55 %Lower Half: 75 %Girdle: Thin to Medium, FacetedCulet: NoneFinisholish: ExcellentSymmetry: Very GoodFluorescence: None Selected: 61.1% depth, 56% table, 34.5° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angleThe result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polishHCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.
Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spreador diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.2 - Excellentwithin TIC range
Click here to read usage warnings and information.

 

[mattymcb]

Thanks for the advice. Both of your suggestions look great.

Does anyone have any advice to the ideal range for the HCA advisor? i.e 1.3-1.7 etc.

Is it more important to have an all excellent ratings or a range of 1-2 etc?

Thanks!

 

[hoorray]

If you do some searches, you''ll find lots of discussion on the HCA. Generally, it is considered a tool to help eliminate possible poor performers, not make the selection between probably good performers. It is not considered to be accurate enough below 2.0 to be used to make a selection between a 1.3 and a 1.5 or whatever. At that point, you should ask for other info, such as picture of an idealscope image, info on the inclusions, and light return tool reports that the vendor may use, etc.