IS Photo for 4th and Final Selection--Any Comments??

[Robbenz]

This is my final choice (so far

Based on what kinda feedfack I get my search could begin a new. Appreciate your help and comments.


STONE 4
Report: GIA-13681344
Shape: Round Ideal
Carat: 1.10
Color: H
Clarity: VS2
Depth: 59.9
Table: 56
Crown Angle: 34.5
Crown %: 14.9
Pavilion Angle: 40.7
Pavilion %: 40.8
Girdle: Thin to Medium, Thin Faceted
Polish: Very Good
Symmetry: Very Good
Culet: None
Fluorescence: No
Measurements: 6.73-6.79X4.05
It scored an EX EX EX EX – 1.1 on the HCA

 

[strmrdr]

You really need to round these up into one thread.
Id drop this one it isnt in the same class as the other 3.
very good but a step down.

 

[Robbenz]

Thanks Strmrdr...That is the kinda of feedback I was soooooooo hoping for. This sure helps me to narror the field!

I spent the last 2 hours figuring out how to attach the IS photos. Then once I finished composing my message I found that I could not attach more than one photo at a time. Had to start all over again. If there is a way to do it, I just couldn''t figure it out

At home I''m working on a much slower pc than I use at work so it takes much longer to accomplish the simplest tasks.

Would you also comment on the first selection. I''m still leaning toward that particular choice above the others.

 

[strmrdr]

hit reply then attach the next photo to the reply not the main post.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Frankly you are splitting hairs - these are all exceptional goods.

 

[valeria101]

So.... here's the line up

Nothing to add to what Garry said: I was preparing the same sort of comment...

It sounds like grading Harts and Arrows is of no concern to you (well ?), and aside that there is no telling between these guys here. They seem just as bright under the 'Scope.
I would not worry about the slight size difference - if you are not confortable with that "strong blue flyorescence" on the cert, that's that for #2. To me it may be tempting, but that's me - it will take calling this diamond in and looking at what that feature means to judge. If you are ok with that, why not. Otherwise, there isn't much left to make a choice between the other three!

I have not looked at prices, but that's all there is left to look at , I guess.

 

[Robbenz]

DUHHHHh, didn''t think to do it that way

Sure would''ve saved me ALOT of time. Thanks to you all for the comments I do so appreciate them all. CUT NUT, truly I didn''t know I was splittin hairs until told. That too is what I need to hear. Thanks Again!!

I think SOON and very soon I might be able to post some pics of my fabulous purchase uh (gift). Can''t hardly wait. The funny thing is that he (my boyfriend) doesn''t even know that he is buying it yet. Figured I''d do the legwork first and then make my presentation. That will be the defining moment for sure!

 

[Rhino]

Diamond #1 has more light exiting at the high angles and would be the the diamond with the greatest DCLR (dispersed colored light return). You should also see greater scintillation within this diamond as well in direct light conditions. Yes the optical symmetry is lacking in that stone from the others but it''s face up appearance you may find more pleasing.

 

[Robbenz]

Thanks to All for your truly helpful comments.

Ana...I really appreciate your lining these pics up side by side. With regard to concern over grading the hearts and arrows, this may well have been a factor I overlooked. Diamond number 4 was the only one that listed (and is inscribed) as a "a cut above hearts and arrow." Since the other 3 are listed as "round ideal" I don''t think they have the H&A cut pattern. Am I mistaken?

Also, I read up on the H&A tutorial and John''s checklist/standards for H&A cuts. Now when I view the H&A pattern on diamond number 4 it doesn''t appear to be that good. Per item #7 on the checklist the arrowheads look a bit misshapen. Would you and others please comment on the H&A pattern for diamond number 4?

 

[JohnQuixote]

Hi Robin. I sent Ana a PM last night thanking her for crafting this collection.

Bear in mind that these images provide a passable look at arrowheads, but were taken through an IdealScope, not a H&A viewer.

Strmrd - you asked about the lightness in some of the images. This also has to do with the system of photographing IS images. The first two examples in Ana's collage were taken using Garry's new system, which we love, as it allows much more clear and balanced images. #3 and #4 were done under the old system (obviously not as clear).

Rhino - I will check on stone #1 to see if your analysis lines up.

Robin - We guarantee true patterning in every ACA. If there was a problem with any aspect of the arrowheads it would not have been branded thusly. Another important point is that with these cuts the pavilion, or hearts, patterning is infinitely more important than the arrows. Good arrows are a result of true hearts patterning. To this end, let me see if I can scare up some H&A images on this guy for you.

Bear in mind that this is a matter of best value for the money. You have to weigh what you're getting. When you measure the stats of any stone against another in the same class and category you can split hairs on price - but comparing ES to ACA is 2 different levels in our book.

Garry had the most sage observation - they are all beautiful. Any of them will look ridiculo-stunning.

 

[JohnQuixote]

This is for Strmrdr.

We just photographed the IS image of this ACA again (#4 from Ana's collage, above). You can see the remarkable, positive difference Garry's new system makes. The old and new images both demonstrate a good IS footprint, but the new image has much better contrast and crispness.

This is an important lesson in how lighting, focal length, etc. can impact such imagery.

 

[valeria101]

Date: 12/20/2004 11:52:11 AM
Author: Robbenz

With regard to concern over grading the hearts and arrows, this may well have been a factor I overlooked...

Since the harts immages are nowhere is in sight, I am with you saying that these are.... "arrows" diamonds.

"A Cut Above" is a Harts and Arrows brand, so that stone is expected to be true Harts and Arrows - the rest, is anyone''s guess.

Anyway, I thought you have willingly forgone the H&A benchmark because the light return signature of these guys is so darn good, H&A or no H&A. It would be quite some news if Jonathan''s prediction that diamond #1 is the brightest turns out true - it definitely can.

There is some weight under H&A branding with rather expensive labels (Eight Star, Harts on Fire... others ?) selling such diamonds. This doesn''t mean that these guys are the only capable to make the goods - there are many more options with lesser markup and just as "Harts and Arrows" as they get. It so happens that there are four diamonds lined up here, with more or less precise H&A patterns but all with great optics

Lucky you !

 

[Robbenz]

Yhea lucky me

Truly I learn more and more each time I post and you all respond. I''ve a much better appreciation for the H&A branding now! In earlier posts didn''t realize that the H&A pattern is viewable with an H&A viewer and not via the IS pics. DUH... live and learn. Thanks again to you all for your time in imparting such valuable feedback.

John...newbie me certainly should not have been trying to judge the pureness of an H&A pattern, particularly knowing what little I do know now

l You''ve given me enough to chew on now to go ahead and consider which of these might sit lovely on my finger. (I''ll be in touch shortly!!) Have to now gently break the news to my boyfriend. These things must be handled very very delicately

Will check back to see what you find about the brightness of diamond number 1.

Thanks again to you all. Will follow-up with an update if discussion with the boyfiend pans out.

 

[JohnQuixote]

LOL... Well Robin, for a newbie you have done a great job of compiling, comparing and considering.

I took the liberty of getting the hearts photo from the oft-mentioned ACA in this thread (attached). Just more chewing material for you, as requested

If I have a break before I leave I'll get back to you on the performance of #1 as well.

(Tell me now...you must LOVE being able to pick your very own finger blinger!)

 

[Robbenz]

Why thanks for the compliment! If you''re serious I''ve chosen well via the knowledge provided from the PS tutotorials and all of the posters that participate in providing so much valuable assistance. Many hours were also put into this process. I appreciate your taking the time to provide the H&A photo. Something else to CHEW on...

Truth be told I''m a bit conflicted about choosing my own rock. Part of me wishes he was completing this task (or had already done so) and planning to surprise me

But, Hey when its time its time and a girls gotta do what a girls gotta do. He can always choose to not go along with the program, but as I said before my presentation will surely be HIS defining moment! OTOH, no WAY would he have invested the time and energy into coming up with such beauties as I think I''ve found

 

[strmrdr]

Thanks sir John I wondered about that.
But it did tend to show more on the new style.
The new set up looks much better.

I still like the ES w/ strong flourecence.
Which i believe is number 2 in vals collection.
I havent looked at the pricing but if its properly discounted it should be a lot of bang for the buck.
If you were shooting for the super-ideal label then one of the aca's would be a better pick.

The real bottom line is that you cant go wrong with any of the 4.
Each has its own strenths but each is great in my opinion.

You did a real good job in the selection process.