Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamond?

[JamesT14]

Hi there! I am considering purchasing the diamond below, but I just discovered that it doesn't do very well in the HCA scoring system (measures light performance). I ran it through the HCA calculator and it scored a "Good" of 5.2

Is this be a deal breaker? I know light performance is one of the most key factors for sparkle, so now I'm concerned! Is this stone (see details below) worth $21,600? Just looking for some guidance!! Thank you.

Round Brilliant: ex/ex/ex by GIA
$21,600
1.86 ct
G color grade
VS2
Depth %:62.6
Table%: 56
Crown Angle: 36
Pavilion Angle: 41.2

 

[JulieN]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

yes, dealbreaker.

 

[kay1]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

Yes definitely. How about these two?

1.92 / H / VS2 / $21,850 / HCA 1.6
http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-3075969.htm?source=pricescope
(it's their cut above range with Hearts and Arrows)

Or if you really want a G:
1.87 / G / VS2 / $21,342 / HCA 1.3
http://www.b2cjewels.com/dd-4837629-1.87-carat-Round-diamond-G-color-VS2-Clarity.aspx?sku=4837629&utm_source=pricescope.com&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pricescope.com

They look like much better choices to me (i'd go for the H personally)

 

[JamesT14]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

Thanks for the quick replies! I'm glad I checked in here before rushing to a decision. To help my understanding, can you give some insight into why it's a dealbreaker? It shocks me that a diamond that is so well rated in all other aspects has such a bad HCA score!

 

[marymm]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

Well, from my understanding, the GIA range for XXX is broader than for example the AGS triple 000 ideal-cut range - and here, your stone is rather deep at 62.6 (most PSers use 62.3 as a cutoff for total depth), and the 36/41.2 crown/pavilion angle combo generally equates to leakage under the table - so although it squeaks in as a GIA Triple X stone, it doesn't actually have the cut parameters required for a top-performing diamond.

 

[kay1]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

Generally the triple excelent is just the first stage of approval. After that you should look at idealscope images or an ASET image (if you look at the whiteflash page you can see those for that first one i posted). If you look at the first one i posted its actually got an AGS certificate which also rates light return. That gives it a grade of 0 (best), which makes the HCA score irrelevant.

GIA doesn't rate light return, so you need to ask for a separate image from the vendor, like the ASET and Idealscope.

If you have neither, then the HCA tool is your next best option.

 

[TC1987]

Re: Is low HCA score a dealbreaker on round brilliant diamon

But if you look at AGS 000 graded stones, OP, you don't have to worry about HCA score because AGS lab has already evaluated the light performance. If they gave it 000, then no worries.