Importance of HCA score (1.0 vs 5.5)?

[curious_tim]

Another important consideration is on the return policy. I have checked and there is a one month return policy (same value or higher, or for store credit).

I will definitely post back with a shortlist of the best stones I can find in the boutique/s, and most probably decide on a stone that is already available in the boutique, so even if my gf doesn't like it, she can choose one from 'set for you' (made to order), since I don't think they will allow returns if I bought the made to order.

Just a thought, am getting slightly nervous now since there is so much more to finding the right ring than I had first thought!

Thanks all for pointing me in the right direction!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

My measurements mostly agree with the ones you found, but I virtually never see a superideal cut stone with a 59 depth, but you will see many with depths of 61.8 and 62.3. I personally try to stick with 60-62 for my own stones. And no pav. angles of 40.5. I do not think you'll find a BG Signature or WF ACA with that pav. angle. And nothing wrong with a crown angle of 35.

The HCA is a screener but it guarantees nothing because GIA rounds numbers. They are also not measuring every single facet on the diamond. Those are reasons why you can have a diamond with a little leakage even though the numbers seem good. But I am going to say that you probably cannot buy a dud diamond with those measurements that I gave, which will result in an HCA score under 2. A score of 1.0 is not necessarily better than 1.5, so don't think that the lower the number the better. There are nice GIA X stones that score in the 2-3 range, but I wouldn't look at those unless I could see the idealscope image.

 

[CharmyPoo]

Slight side track ... I just noticed this quote on DS's signature. How true ... gotta love Mike. Not pushing you away from Cartier .. it's always cool saying "it's Cartier!" but below is really why so many of us love a uniquely designed and custom made ring. We always have a story with every project.

"You know what, it is really just that more special to have a ring that has been created by an artist rather than something that's cast in the thousands, it sort of gives the piece a soul and is a real luxury (to me this is what jewellery is about)." ...Mike Robinson

 

[curious_tim]

Just came back from a different Cartier boutique, I gave them my criteria 1.3+ cts., G-H, VS1-VS2 and increased my budget to $27k, just to see what the other options are.

Frustratingly, there weren't too many other e-rings or loose diamonds (in France) that fit my criteria. There weren't many G colored e-ring in my budget, so the best matching ones she could find were:

1) 1.25 cts, G, VS1, 3Ex
$22k, HCA score of 3.6

2) 1.34 cts, G, VVS2, 3Ex
$28k

3) 1.42 cts, G, VS1, 3Ex
$28.5k

The first ring was in another store, but after getting the depth/table and crown/pavilion angles, I worked out the HCA rating was not that great (3.6), interestingly when the SA checked, that ring was already on hold for another customer!

I didn't ask for the dimensions for the 2nd and 3rd rings to calculate the HCA rating, since they are above my budget and were made to order.

I was hoping to find to find a G colored ring and slightly larger (1.30 cts), within my budget, but unfortunately the SA just couldn't find any in the inventory system.

 

[JulieN]

I just want to say that a GIA-based HCA score of 3.6 can still make for a very attractive stone.

 

[curious_tim]

My measurements mostly agree with the ones you found, but I virtually never see a superideal cut stone with a 59 depth, but you will see many with depths of 61.8 and 62.3. I personally try to stick with 60-62 for my own stones. And no pav. angles of 40.5. I do not think you'll find a BG Signature or WF ACA with that pav. angle. And nothing wrong with a crown angle of 35.

Is there any particular reason why it's not a good idea for pavilion angles of 40.5? (or over 41 for that matter)?

Didn't have much luck in searching for more options for diamonds today, even after changing clarity criteria to VS2/VS1.

So I'm now left to decide between two stones which I will start a new thread for and put the GIA certif number, so that you and others can hopefully take a look and offer some suggestions/opinion.