How to narrow down my search for best cut?

[richtraff]

Like many people on this forum, I'm looking at selecting a diamond online, for an engagement ring. I can buy the diamond online, have it delivered to the showroom or my home address, then return it if I don't like it. The plan is to buy 2, perhaps 3 within my budget, then keep the one I like the most after viewing them.

I've decided on all the factors I'm willing to sacrifice (colour & clarity) and I'm now focusing all my energy on selecting the best cut I can afford.

When selecting a diamond: many seem to fall within the GIA 'excellent' cut category - so, I'm not really narrowing things down much. I've tried using the HCA tool to select a diamond with optimum light performance, but I've read this isn't the best method anymore.

Is there some other method or selection tool I can use to help narrow down my search?

 

[chrono]

Doing the method you suggested ties up a lot of funds; if each diamond costs $5K, then you are tying up $15K to look at all 3 diamonds at once and there is no guarantee any will be well cut if you plan to toss out the HCA right off the bat.

HCA is an initial weeding out tool. It is the first step to making the pool of diamonds smaller. Yes, it can toss out a good one once a while but it is still a good tool; just not the final and only tool to be used. GIA EX has both nice diamonds and not so nice diamonds due to rounding so I wouldn't rely on just GIA EX.

Once you have narrowed down your choices with the HCA, ask the vendor to provide you an Idealscope picture. The IS is the best tool for modern round cuts. Not all vendors will provide the IS though. If the vendor already provides the IS, you don't need the HCA.

 

[canvasback]

Are we talking about a modern round brilliant? You may choose to narrow things down by looking for AGS0 stones online. You can also narrow stones down by looking at IdealScope and Aset images. If you want to further narrow your search, look at branded stones like WF's ACA, Brian Gavin, GOG signature hearts and arrows, and Crafted by Infiniti diamonds.

 

[richtraff]

Thanks for the input people.

I've ended up sticking with the HCA tool to 'weed out' the hopefully not-so-good diamonds.

Only trouble with the AGS diamonds is that they suddenly fall out of my budget!

 

[cflutist]

Thanks for the input people.

I've ended up sticking with the HCA tool to 'weed out' the hopefully not-so-good diamonds.

Only trouble with the AGS diamonds is that they suddenly fall out of my budget!

With almost everything in life, you pay for what you get imo.

If you want the very best cut quality and the best performing diamond, then you will need to drop carat weight, color, and or clarity.

I made a similar decision recently and got a smaller diamond but went for the very best cut that I could afford.