Is HCA Grade important to you?

[eggrolled]

Just wondering how many people here consider HCA grades before making a purchase? Specifically the tool that Pricescope provides over at https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca

Thanks in advance...

 

[Dreamer_D]

I do for GIA excellent cuts. For AGS0 it is less important because there ar very few AGS0s that would score under 2. If you have an idealscope you do not need the HCA, also, because images trump the HCA. It is one tool among many to assess cut: lab report cut grade, photos, ideal scope, HCA, your eyes. The more tools you use, the narrower the range of diamodns you will be considering.

 

[kenny]

Yes.
Step 1, reject rounds that score over 2 on HCA.
Get Idealscope pic on those that score under 2 since crown and pavilion angles we input into HCA are just an average of 8 numbers each.
They may all be the same or be all over the place - which the Idealscope pic would reveal.

 

[Ravinmad]

the HCA as the others have said is just making your first cuts off the team roster. Under 2 makes it onto the playing field, over 2 but below 3 put on the 1st alternative list depending on some criteria and your budget and stone requirements and if the field is very narrow, over 3 and well, perhaps it can play in another league

 

[Christina...]

I agree with the others, specifically when shopping online and you can't see the stone first hand. It simply helps you determine which stones you want on your short list.

 

[Black Jade]

I agree with the others, specifically when shopping online and you can't see the stone first hand. It simply helps you determine which stones you want on your short list.

Ditto.
It's a great tool for shopping online, properly used.
Unimportant if you can see before you buy.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Yes.
Step 1, reject rounds that score over 2 on HCA.
Get Idealscope pic on those that score under 2 since crown and pavilion angles we input into HCA are just an average of 8 numbers each.
They may all be the same or be all over the place - which the Idealscope pic would reveal.

Actually, step 1 pick GIA Ex cuts or AGS0 cuts

 

[diamondseeker2006]

It is a good screener, but I now realize what some of the jewelers were saying about it not being the end-all because there are great GIA XXX stones that score a little over 2. A very good and technical explanation is here:

http://www.goodoldgold.com/content.php?c=159

 

[Amys Bling]

I think it's important when buying sight unseen.

 

[tyty333]

I agree with the others, specifically when shopping online and you can't see the stone first hand. It simply helps you determine which stones you want on your short list.

Ditto.
It's a great tool for shopping online, properly used.
Unimportant if you can see before you buy.

Ditto
And you know what to look for!