shape
carat
color
clarity

Help required from those more knowledgeable than a noob!

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Hi all,

I am in Australia and have been searching through the web to find the best diamond for the cheapest price. As a result I have a couple of queries that you may be able to assist with. I will be coming to the US (LA, SF, Vegas, NY and Honolulu) so will also have the opportunity to physically inspect some diamond choices.

My search is for a diamond with the following characteristics:
Goal: Best diamond for a maximum budget; i.e. happy to pay less or get a better diamond if possible
Shape: Round Brilliant
Color: F - H
Clarity: SI2 and above
Carat: 1.70 and above
Budget: USD20k - may be willing to stretch for the right diamond :)

1. What are your thoughts as to finding a good clean (to the naked eye) diamond with good 'fire' and the best color with the above characteristics for the specified budget?

2. What are your thoughts as to the value of a 'TrueHearts' cut? Will an ideal cut that scores less than 2 on HCA be just as good?

3. What are your thoughts as to the following diamonds:
a) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1384419.asp
b) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/I-IF-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1388826.asp
c) http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1393098.asp
d) http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8081/
e) http://au.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD01969385
f) http://au.bluenile.com/round-diamond-2-carat-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-si1-clarity_LD01902889
g) http://au.bluenile.com/round-diamond-1-carat-signature-ideal-cut-g-color-vs2-clarity_LD01789333

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

Cheers,
Kevin
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I like your nickname.

I also like the stone from GOG very much. Seems to have everything and a good price to boot. The only one I could find that I liked as much is this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230017 But since you are going to NY, you can go to GOG yourself and see it yourself.

The ones from JA's are similar and the two I liked cost more than the GOG stone. And I still prefer the GOG stone to them.

I know you can get 2 carats at Blue Nile, but you aren't going know if the SI's are eyeclean until they get there. If you want two carats how about this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004

Are you planning on having it set here in the states or back in AU?
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1313724953|2994004 said:
I like your nickname.

I also like the stone from GOG very much. Seems to have everything and a good price to boot. The only one I could find that I liked as much is this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230017 But since you are going to NY, you can go to GOG yourself and see it yourself.

The ones from JA's are similar and the two I liked cost more than the GOG stone. And I still prefer the GOG stone to them.

I know you can get 2 carats at Blue Nile, but you aren't going know if the SI's are eyeclean until they get there. If you want two carats how about this one: http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004

Are you planning on having it set here in the states or back in AU?

Thanks for the suggestions Gypsy - both stones look quite nice on the screen. You are right about the fact that I will be able to assess the stones in person at GoG or JA which would make the whole experience of buying such a large ticket item with a greater sense of ease.

I wouldn't mind setting the stone in US as we are meant to be eloping in HNL at the end of our US trip :)

Oh, just in case you're wondering, I lost the original engagement ring 3 months after she accepted my proposal (in December 2010). <face palm> But she has kindly agreed to proceed with the 'wedding' with or without the engagement ring.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
It might be a good idea to pick a setting in advance...with the economy as it is jewelers don’t have stock settings sitting around and some settings can take a couple of weeks to make. Do you have an idea what you want and a budget... both GOG and BGD have nice setting choices.
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Very simple setting ... basically similar to a Tiffany knife edge solitaire.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Here are quite a few knife edge type solitaires. You might want to call and find out what the lead times are on the settings you like best at the vendors.

GOG:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/VAT-U113front225.jpg Has lots of potential (would need to see head on shot)

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Mark%20Morrell/Petite%20SunBurst/Petite%20SunBurst%20Collage.jpg very popular but takes time to make

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Mark%20Morrell/Torchiere/TM_Torch_Comp1b.jpg I adore this one.

[url=http://www.goodoldgold.com/im...SSIC/163 royal crown classic 3 view large.jpg
[/url]

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/GOG-04/pic8.jpg GOG-4, probably not knife edge but has potential

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Stuller%20238401/stuller%20238401%20collage.jpg Don't like the head on this one

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/VAT-U113front225.jpg


BGD:

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5336 Probably the closest to the Tiffany knife edge itself, it's almost an exact copy

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5540 My suggestion, if you want a very Tiffany setting, as knife edge is uncomfortable.


Other solitaires carried by the vendors that are lovely...

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5415 My personal favorite solitaire setting

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/Solitare%20w%20cushion%20ctr%202/pic4.jpg Really lovely setting

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5704

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/U-114-PP-075.jpg

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5414

http://www.goodoldgold.com/images/classicjewelry/GOG-03/pic4.jpg

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5369
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1313732499|2994059 said:
Here are quite a few knife edge type solitaires. You might want to call and find out what the lead times are on the settings you like best at the vendors.

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5369

WOW, thanks for the list!!

I think http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/home/ring-details/?product_id=5369 is the closest to the one that she use to have. Will have to get her to have a look as I'm not 100% sure.

Have really appreciated your time Gypsy!

What's your thoughts on colours e.g. a H compared to a G?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
That's a lovely setting and with the size center you are looking at it will look great!

Thoughts on G versus H.

Hmm... color is a personal thing. MOST people I know, and that includes some very picky long time pricescopers would be and ARE very happy with an H in a super ideal round (which is what you are looking at with GOG and BGD).

I've actually been to vendors and looked at G and H super ideals side by side and face up unset and faceup there was no difference. But from the side-- keep in mind this is unset so I could really see the entire side of the diamond-- I would detect a very very slight difference that helped me say... this one is slightly warmer than that one. But the difference was so slight that I can honestly say that set on someone's hand I can't tell a G from an H (and I have pricescope friends here in San Fran who have both G's and H's in superideals and when set... can't tell at all, even from the side because it isn't next to anything).

For me, I'd be thrilled with a G or H and consider them both very 'safe' grades-- conservative enough because they are white face up, but without the premium of D or E stones.

99% of the rings I see, and I'm nosey about jewelry so I do look, are no where near the quality and color you are looking at. But, this is a big investment, so you need to be comfortable... not me. :wink2:

Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy to help!
 

centralsquare

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
2,216
Seems many people are happy with H color with super ideal cut...do you think there is a difference for just a regular GIA idea. Is the color more noticeable then?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
centralsquare|1313798918|2994639 said:
Seems many people are happy with H color with super ideal cut...do you think there is a difference for just a regular GIA idea. Is the color more noticeable then?

Is the question whether a "super ideal" (which is not a term used by any lab it's a term coined to cover a diamond that has ideal light return as well as precision cutting standards of a brand-- like a true hearts and arrows with certain strict tolerances for all measurements) is different from a GIA ideal with respect to color masking? GIA has only Excellent in grading not ideal, and their Excellent is more permissive than the AGS 000 performance grading (which is the certificate you will see with most 'super ideal' cuts, though not all). So yes, there could be a slight difference because there is the possibility of a steep/deep in the GIA excellent grade, which would compromise light return and might result in less 'color masking'-- how noticable it would be, I don't know. It could be very slight as to make no appreciable difference at all. If the GIA Excellent did check out with Idealscope images, ASET, and falls within the AGS000 tolerances though... no difference. But, some people think that GIA is more stingent on color than AGS though so... who knows. The two color grades are so close, if you have maximized light return you don't need perfect hearts and arrows or perfect precision cutting for get the color masking. It's the light return that determines the color masking, not anything else with a round brilliant. But... usually when we are looking at stones from vendors there is a markup for 'super ideal'... and when there is that markup we like to make sure that it's warranted (true hearts and arrows, not ones that are off or slightly wonky), that doesn't mean a stone with ideal light return but with goofy arrows isn't going to mask color as one with perfect arrows, it just means that the former shoudl be discounted to reflect that it isn't a 'super ideal'.
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I like both your choices very much but have a question about logistics. Are you wanting to see the diamond before you purchase it and it is set? And who are you planning on having set it?

Normally you would buy the diamond from GOG, insure it, then send it to BGD for setting-- then have it sent to you. GOG does charge a setting fee on outside diamonds. But if you want to see the diamond before you buy you would have to have BGD make the setting (and they make them to order, there is no stock, it's made to each stones individual measurements) and send it to GOG, and have them set it after you see it. This might void BGD's warranty on the setting, since it will be worked on by another bench, plus the setting wouldn't be returnable.

As for the eyeclean question... I'd call GOG and ask. I would also call BGD (ask for Lesley) and ask them about the setting lead time needed as you are on a tight timeline.

:wavey: I don't think GOG is in until Monday but BGD does seem to answer the phone on Sundays... at least that's what I seem to recall (memory might be fuzzy).
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1313917719|2995535 said:
I like both your choices very much but have a question about logistics. Are you wanting to see the diamond before you purchase it and it is set? And who are you planning on having set it?

Normally you would buy the diamond from GOG, insure it, then send it to BGD for setting-- then have it sent to you. GOG does charge a setting fee on outside diamonds. But if you want to see the diamond before you buy you would have to have BGD make the setting (and they make them to order, there is no stock, it's made to each stones individual measurements) and send it to GOG, and have them set it after you see it. This might void BGD's warranty on the setting, since it will be worked on by another bench, plus the setting wouldn't be returnable.

As for the eyeclean question... I'd call GOG and ask. I would also call BGD (ask for Lesley) and ask them about the setting lead time needed as you are on a tight timeline.

:wavey: I don't think GOG is in until Monday but BGD does seem to answer the phone on Sundays... at least that's what I seem to recall (memory might be fuzzy).

I must admit I'm not sure as to my final course of action yet. I will most likely contact GoG tomorrow to get further details.

Just to confuse the matter some more :) ... how do you think this compares? http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2561977.htm

Thanks,
Kevin
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Okay.... hmmm.

I think the WF H looks nice. It is an ES so it's not going to have the same benefits (upgrades and buy back policies) as the GOG stone or the BGD Signature line or WF's own ACA line. And I don't see a significant enough decrease in price to make it more attractive than the GOG H VS2 stone. If it were me, the GOG H VS2 would trump this stone. I would not go for the WF I or the G. If you were going for an I color diamond I would want to hit the two carat mark personally, so I would prefer the BGD Blue as it has fluorescence and hits two carats without a 25K price tag of the G http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004... And the WF G is beautiful stone... but really expensive without (in my opinion at least) giving you THAT much more for the several thousands of dollars you would be putting out.

I know that if it were ME-- I'd be much happier with a 1.7-1.8 range H diamond in a lovely setting and the extra money either in the bank-- or in another piece of jewelry-- a pair of studs or a lovely pendant. I wouldn't want that much more money sunk in my ring without a significant increase in size and color and clarity to show for it.
 

nelly81

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 16, 2011
Messages
40
Hi gypsy,

i hate to hijack this topic, but your advice looks SO detailed and helpful!!! I have just recently posted a topic deperately seeking some advice. If you have a few minutes, your advice/ thoughts woudl be greatly appreciated!! Please let me know if this is inappropriate so i weont do it again!! ;o) (nelly81)
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1314162927|2998063 said:
Okay.... hmmm.

I think the WF H looks nice. It is an ES so it's not going to have the same benefits (upgrades and buy back policies) as the GOG stone or the BGD Signature line or WF's own ACA line. And I don't see a significant enough decrease in price to make it more attractive than the GOG H VS2 stone. If it were me, the GOG H VS2 would trump this stone. I would not go for the WF I or the G. If you were going for an I color diamond I would want to hit the two carat mark personally, so I would prefer the BGD Blue as it has fluorescence and hits two carats without a 25K price tag of the G http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004...... And the WF G is beautiful stone... but really expensive without (in my opinion at least) giving you THAT much more for the several thousands of dollars you would be putting out.

I know that if it were ME-- I'd be much happier with a 1.7-1.8 range H diamond in a lovely setting and the extra money either in the bank-- or in another piece of jewelry-- a pair of studs or a lovely pendant. I wouldn't want that much more money sunk in my ring without a significant increase in size and color and clarity to show for it.

Yet again some valuable information and sanity check there from you Gypsy.

I am unsure which GoG stone you are referring to as the only one we've referenced is http://www.goodoldgold.com/diamond/8081/ which is a H SI1. The problem with this stone is that GoG provided me some additional close up of the stone and the inclusion looks quite obvious and black. What do you think?


The I 2ct from BGD looks interesting but I am unsure about the I coloring although the blue fluorescence should theoretically make it whiter? Although I do realise how silly that sounds considering I had linked to a WF I diamond - I just keep debating whether an I will be too 'colored'.

I do apologise for the endless questions and indecisions but it's just hard to do it all over the net. On a positive note, I think your thoughts are helping to steer me to a final solution :)

DSCN4274.JPG
 

centralsquare

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Jan 18, 2009
Messages
2,216
Is the black spot noticeable further away, at more common viewing distances? What does GOG say about it?
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
you have gotten a lot of good advice...I would recommend (if possible) getting the stone and setting from the same vendor. It will make things easier with shipping/insurance/etc.

Also I believe the WF stone is eligible for buyback/upgrades (from WF website)
We are so confident in the quality and value of the diamonds we buy for our stock that we offer this valuable benefit on all diamonds in our three in-house categories: A CUT ABOVE® , Expert Selection, and Premium Select.
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
centralsquare|1314194684|2998181 said:
Is the black spot noticeable further away, at more common viewing distances? What does GOG say about it?

This was the response
"
I passed the diamond around to people I work with. Everyone including myself agreed that even when you know where it is the inclusion is difficult to see from about 5 inches away. The only way to see it clearly is if you really make an effort and take the time to find it. If you take the time to look for it (with any SI1) you will eventually see it.
"
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Sorry! I thought the GOG was a VS2 for some reason. My bad. It doesn't sound eyeclean 'enough' for me considering your circumstances. If you were in the US and weren't on a deadline I'd say... give it a gander. But you aren't so, I wouldn't take the risk.

Hmm... that leaves the WF and the BGD 1.7 H SI stones. Have you talked to WF about the stone? I know BGD says theirs is eyeclean and the feather is safe.... but then I get confused with why, if you can't see it, you would want to prong the feather.... so maybe it's not eyeclean... it might be worth a call to BGD to see what they say. And call WF about the ES H SI as well.

As for the 2 carat I with strong blue fluorescence. What was her original stone and was she happy with it? I know you are doing a replacement so I want to make sure you are getting something that will be beautiful to both your eyes.
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1314229365|2998595 said:
Sorry! I thought the GOG was a VS2 for some reason. My bad. It doesn't sound eyeclean 'enough' for me considering your circumstances. If you were in the US and weren't on a deadline I'd say... give it a gander. But you aren't so, I wouldn't take the risk.

Hmm... that leaves the WF and the BGD 1.7 H SI stones. Have you talked to WF about the stone? I know BGD says theirs is eyeclean and the feather is safe.... but then I get confused with why, if you can't see it, you would want to prong the feather.... so maybe it's not eyeclean... it might be worth a call to BGD to see what they say. And call WF about the ES H SI as well.

As for the 2 carat I with strong blue fluorescence. What was her original stone and was she happy with it? I know you are doing a replacement so I want to make sure you are getting something that will be beautiful to both your eyes.

I spoke to WF and BGD but forgot to enquire about the SI1 diamonds and only asked about the following:
2.002 I VS2 http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=BLAGS-104049675004
1.796 G VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2632198.htm
1.712 H VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2680528.htm
1.733 I VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2676052.htm

They were all eyeclean from at least 3 inches away.

BGD and WF were really helpful and WF also provided a better price by providing the setting (http://www.whiteflash.com/engagement-rings/solitaire/sleek-line-solitaire-engagement-ring-432.htm setting) for the same diamond only pricescope price.

I must admit that I have only been concentrating on VS2 as picking eyeclean stones without actually seeing it in real life is just a little too difficult due to my inexperience. The VS2s seems to have been a safer bet especially with regards to the stones above. Bad idea?

The original ring was an uncertified 1.6 H/I Si1 which I was never really happy with but it was at a great price from a known reputable vendor and Denise fell in love with the ring as a whole. I felt that the color was a little too tainted after the purchase but in hindsight it may have been attributed to the lack of an ideal cut; hence my uncertainty with 'I' colored stones. As it was me that lost the ring I have decided that we would obtain a higher quality stone both for my tastes and as an apology to my very understanding fiance :)

We have decided that we will go diamond window shopping this weekend and ascertain how color sensitive we are with respect to G, H and I stones.

I am leaning towards the 1.796 G VS2 as I have been assured that the single inclusion is eyeclean but it is still slightly overpriced. Does the inclusion look too obvious to you? However, if we are happy with an 'I' color after the weeknd then we may consider the 2ct BGD instead. Some people think that women are indecisive but I am definitely worse! :lol:

Thanks yet again!
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
An ideal cut I will not be similar to the "I" you had before.

When you go look at rings... see if you can go to Hearts on Fire. That's going to be the best judge of what either an ACA or a BGD signature will look like.

Let's talk after you guys go out and look at the diamonds in real life.

Don't look at uncertified stones. And don't bother with anything that's not ideal cut.
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Gypsy|1314335284|2999950 said:
An ideal cut I will not be similar to the "I" you had before.

When you go look at rings... see if you can go to Hearts on Fire. That's going to be the best judge of what either an ACA or a BGD signature will look like.

Let's talk after you guys go out and look at the diamonds in real life.

Don't look at uncertified stones. And don't bother with anything that's not ideal cut.

Well we managed to have a look at some stones and I think we would rather stick with an F or G - maybe a high H at a stretch. Personally when comparing an E to a G there was little difference from the top but it was a noticeable difference from the side. I am aware that most people scrutinise a diamond from the top but I know that I will see the diamond on her hand from the side more often than not.

I know many of you will think that I am slightly mad to not want an 'I' but I think ultimately it's not a compromise I am willing to take.

So at least now the search has been refined.
F - G (may consider H)
VS2
1.7ct+

The one that meets that criteria so far is:
1.796 G VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2632198.htm
and maybe 1.712 G VS2 http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2680528.htm

What are your thoughts on the inlcusion and the hearts photo esp of the 1.796?
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
I wouldn't even consider the 1.79 .

The 1.71 is 6.7 mm the 1.79 is 6.8mm. There is no way on God's green earth I would pay $2,500+ dollars for .1 mm. It's not a visible difference at all. The eye starts noticing size difference at .2 mm. So... yeah. I'd get the 1.71 and call it a day. It's an AGS0 Expert Selection which, as others have stated, comes with the same policies as the ACA.

Save the money. Enjoy your ring. And please post pics! Especially hand pics! Congratulations! :appl:
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
Gypsy|1314589825|3004186 said:
I wouldn't even consider the 1.79 .

The 1.71 is 6.7 mm the 1.79 is 6.8mm. There is no way on God's green earth I would pay $2,500+ dollars for .1 mm. It's not a visible difference at all. The eye starts noticing size difference at .2 mm. So... yeah. I'd get the 1.71 and call it a day. It's an AGS0 Expert Selection which, as others have stated, comes with the same policies as the ACA.

Save the money. Enjoy your ring. And please post pics! Especially hand pics! Congratulations! :appl:


Sorry I just noticed the 1.71 is an H. I would still go for the 1.71 if it is mindclean for you both. But if not, I would consider the once suggested by slg... I like her picks.
 

fuzzylogic

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 17, 2011
Messages
16
Thanks slg47 and gypsy yet again. I think I got caught up in the whole ACA ideal cut aspect of the diamond. Going from the HCA tool the second choice from slg47 seems to be the pick but yes, I will definitely have another chat with WF.

Last question ... well it should be my last one ... what do you think of this stone which I can source locally? After getting my taxes back it works out to be about the same price as the other 2 suggestions from slg47. It's a 1.732 F VS2 AGS1 but scores nicely on the HCA tool.


Ok - this is the last question ... how important is it to get a good score from the HCA tool, i.e.
1.79 scores EX, EX, EX, VG - I take it this is reflected on the price premium?
1.705 scores EX, VG, VG, VG
1.702 scores VG, VG, VG, VG
1.732 scores EX, VG, VG, VG

How much of a difference will there be in terms of pure light performance from the above stones?

The end is finally in sight!!!

AGS 01040405910006 1.732ct FVS2 1100 EX EX EX VG.JPG
 

Gypsy

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Aug 8, 2005
Messages
40,225
It's an F... so you have to ask yourself if you consider the higher color grade worth a reduction on light performance. Of the three AGS0 grading criteria... light performance, symmetry and polish... light performance is the one I would not, personally want to sacrifice. BUT... you would be getting a higher color grade, and you can source it locally (which is a big deal considering you are overseas). I can't tell you what to do on this one.

ETA: I would post the certificate in another thread and ask for experts on the numbers to weigh in. I'm not a maths person... but we do have those people who can tell you exactly what TYPE of compromise on light return you are likely to get just by looking at the angles. I'd post the certificate with this title: "RB numbers experts assistance requested" and then ask them if they can tell you what type of diminished light return you can expect given the numbers of the stone.

HCA is a rejection tool and an AGS0 certificate trumps it. The HCA basically tells us if the diamond is worth investigating with an IS or an ASET. If you have a 0 in light performance on the certificate you are good. As for spread... you can evaluate that yourself. The differences are minute. I would give the certificates, the ASET and the Idealscope images the most weight.
 

slg47

Ideal_Rock
Joined
Apr 4, 2010
Messages
9,667
Gypsy|1314604298|3004312 said:
It's an F... so you have to ask yourself if you consider the higher color grade worth a reduction on light performance. Of the three AGS0 grading criteria... light performance, symmetry and polish... light performance is the one I would not, personally want to sacrifice. BUT... you would be getting a higher color grade, and you can source it locally (which is a big deal considering you are overseas). I can't tell you what to do on this one.

ETA: I would post the certificate in another thread and ask for experts on the numbers to weigh in. I'm not a maths person... but we do have those people who can tell you exactly what TYPE of compromise on light return you are likely to get just by looking at the angles. I'd post the certificate with this title: "RB numbers experts assistance requested" and then ask them if they can tell you what type of diminished light return you can expect given the numbers of the stone.

HCA is a rejection tool and an AGS0 certificate trumps it. The HCA basically tells us if the diamond is worth investigating with an IS or an ASET. If you have a 0 in light performance on the certificate you are good. As for spread... you can evaluate that yourself. The differences are minute. I would give the certificates, the ASET and the Idealscope images the most weight.

ditto, I would not worry about the individual factor grades on HCA being VG vs. EX...HCA is just a model and other models we have give more information. I hope some of the real experts can help you with why this one is AGS1 and what differences you may see. Another option is to have the vendor call in an AGS0 maybe in G or H color and let your eyes pick.
 
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