Is this what leakage looks like?

[TitanCi]

Titan, I think your diamond looks great, personally! It has very nice contrast and sparkle.

Well, thanks Laila619 - do you live in San Diego, BTW?

Sometimes... ignorance is bliss. But the internet opens up Pandora's Box to knowledge we never knew was out there. Reading all these articles on 35/41.2 angles and blah blah blah, makes my head hurt! Why? Because the diamond in question has those angles! I think I am trying to convince myself that I see leakage based on those two numbers alone.

And in reality, I am thinking to myself... gee, does 0.2 deg REALLY make that much of a difference (and to the cut purists here, I am sure it does), but then I second guess myself when I am reading all these interesting threads and topics.

That's why when I took some of those pictures against the light green bkgrnd, and red, and see it come up under the table, I'm thinking... oh snap! That's leakage?! I never knew of that until a few weeks ago! Better learn more now and do something about it IF need be!

 

[Rockdiamond]

titan- have you heard about the controversy regarding immunizing children?

Basically, one celebrity has a "feeling" her child was harmed from taking a measles vaccination and writes a lot about it. Goes on Oprah.
Before you know it new cases of measles- that have not been seen for many years- start cropping up. Why- if a case is presented passionately, people may buy into it, even if there's no scientific proof. People believed what was written, and did not have their children immunized.
Heck, I was nervous having it done to my sons even though I know it's safer that NOT doing it.

Obviously this is FAR less serious.

I agree with Laila- it's not going to be possible to find stones graded EX cut grade, or AGS 0 that show detrimental leakage patterns which can be seen with stereoscopic human vision.
Yet, sometimes we still have people warning of "leakage under the table" in such stones- causing doubts in people...like you!

 

[yssie]

Titan, I think your diamond looks great, personally! It has very nice contrast and sparkle.

Well, thanks Laila619 - do you live in San Diego, BTW?

Sometimes... ignorance is bliss. But the internet opens up Pandora's Box to knowledge we never knew was out there. Reading all these articles on 35/41.2 angles and blah blah blah, makes my head hurt! Why? Because the diamond in question has those angles! I think I am trying to convince myself that I see leakage based on those two numbers alone.

And in reality, I am thinking to myself... gee, does 0.2 deg REALLY make that much of a difference (and to the cut purists here, I am sure it does), but then I second guess myself when I am reading all these interesting threads and topics.

That's why when I took some of those pictures against the light green bkgrnd, and red, and see it come up under the table, I'm thinking... oh snap! That's leakage?! I never knew of that until a few weeks ago! Better learn more now and do something about it IF need be!

Ideally, the way to see leakage would be to somehow suspend the stone face-up directly above a red paper. Where the paper (or skin) actually touches the stone, the stone ceases to manipulate light in the way that it would in a non-contact situation (it's not just internal reflection per critical angle anymore, the reflectance of whatever material is touching the stone/whatever residue that material leaves on the stone, like skin oils, will also have some effect...)

Actually your way was fantastic, punching a hole in the paper means minimal contact! And your stone *is* lovely Those numbers on the GIA report are averaged around eight sections of stone, then averaged, then a cut grade is determined from those rounded averages, so without more detail the numbers don't give the more nitpicky among us the full story we're looking for, but they'll give you a pretty good idea!

 

[Dreamer_D]

I have been arguing for a while that GIA Ex plus an HCA score under 2 means that you don't need an ideal scope. The odds of a fugly rock slipping past both of those tests seems pretty slim. For most consumers I think GIA Ex is even sufficient. Yes, this is an opinion that has developed over the years for me as I have lived with an enjoyed a wider range of diamond cuts. I personally prefer precision H&As in my RBs because I appreciate the perfection of the cut and the specialization of the cut. But for most people, narrowing the cut field to GIA Ex is likely to be enough. Narrowing further by using the HCA, or an ideal scope, or one's eyes (with caveat), seems sufficient. You do not really need all the tools. A few is enough.

Caveat: I would not go so far as to suggest that beauty is wholly in the eye of the beholder when it comes to RBs -- not when someone has only seen one or two diamonds in their life, or they are only comparing two OK diamond to one another. I think the eyes need a little training, the same way one's palat needs training when you are selecting wine. Sure, the two dollar bottle from the drug store tastes ok when you compare it to Bud Light But compare it to a really high quality bottle and I wager anyone would be able to taste the difference. Whether someone can taste the difference between a really fine vintage and a really really fine one... that is an empirical, and likely ideosyncratic, matter.

 

[TitanCi]

^ I can appreciate all of the three above responses. Thanks to everyone that helped me understand a little more on this one stone.

I'm glad I found this forum and all the opinions in it. Typically on forums, many have the "same views" and I'm glad this forum has a mix of differing opinions (although the general consensus IS diamond cut is king, and I guess I wanted to make sure I fit into that theory as well!).

Fun stuff!

 

[Karl_K]

Ok, so I punched a little hole in a red folder, and seated the cutlet in the hole, so the diamond is standing on it's on 100% (+/-). Is this demonstrating leakage?



And I don't know how dead on from being at 0 degrees from the table I was either...

yea at a few small places but your also getting some red reflections from the camera lens or there is red in the environment.
back the camera off a bit.
It is highly doubtful any leakage would be visible with a 2 eyed view.

 

[Karl_K]

blue arrow I am 100% certain that red is being reflected from the camera lens from the background back into the diamond.
green arrow is most likely partial leakage.
The rest I can not be certain of from the picture.

 

[TitanCi]

^wow, that analysis makes things so much easier to understand. if I can get a better image, I most certainly post it up! Thanks for the analysis, Karl!

 

[Rhino]

Hey Titan... I took it upon myself to take an ideal cut. tilt it as close as I could to your pic, note the darker areas in the sim pic then check out the simulated idealscope image. It is leakage.

Just an FYI ... leakage does exist in virtually all diamonds (especially at tilt angles like this example shot) and does not present a problem if it is minor. Even the most perfectly cut, 57 faceted, Hearts & Arrows exhibits leakage around the upper halves. When it is extraneous it produces visual effects that most layman do not prefer, especially when comparing to a diamond that doesn't exhibit it. I have recorded what this phenonema looks like in countless high definition videos in virtually every shape under the sun ranging from asscher's, cushions, radiants, rounds, princess cuts, etc. The feedback we get both via our vids and most importantly in store is the same and is consistent.

 

[TitanCi]

Hey Rhino, thanks for posting that picture up. IT helps me understand tilt and the phenomenon better!

I figured it was leakage, but is it horrible? I sure hope not, and I understand diamonds leak light, I just don't want this stone to be one where the leakage is even near excessive.


Thanks!

 

[Rhino]

Hi Dave,

Just a few comments...

Here is a great example of major leakage that even a novice would be able to see:

You can see skin right through the diamond. David, you can't argue with this one, lol.

Stats: 64% table, 62.5% depth, 36.5° crown, 41.8° pav

Good photo of a badly cut RBC Laila- it's definately displaying an unattractive leakage pattern!!

But my request was for a GIA Triple EX, of AGS0 cut grade stone showing detrimental leakage.

There is no such thing as an AGS 0 cut grade with detrimental leakage. GIA X yes. AGS 0 no. If you take the time to study the AGS cut grading system this is basic knowledge Dave. Since GIA is more liberal there are many examples of GIA XXX with extraneous leakage.

Karl, if reflectors show leakage the eye can't see, is it an important concern?
If so, why?

Some people want the best they can get.
Simple as that.

[/quote]

To add to Karl's comment, many tradesmen and prosumers on this forum respect AGS' opinion. Leakage is one of the optical factors AGS takes into account in their cut grading. AGS Ideal *light performance* is important to people who are seeking out the most beautiful diamonds visually. I agree if leakage exists that is only visible under a scope but not visible to the individual, no big whoop. Having said that however, in the realm of cut grading, purists like myself do not want to shell out the same capital for leaky diamonds than non leaky diamonds.

Interesting Karl- you're suggesting that "invisible leakage" somehow detracts from a stone- or that such a property removes the possibility of it being considered "the best".

OR- the way I read it- innocent consumers asking a question are led to believe they should spend more for something they can't ever see......simple as that.

Not true. In GIA XXX where extraneous leakage can and does exist, it is in fact visible and able to even be recorded in their very own lighting environment for judging optics.

On the flip side and to use your own argument ... say leakage exists that is not visible yet scientifically shown & proven to exist? At this very moment Dave you and I pay hundreds to tens of thousands more for things you can't see and the layman certainly can't see with regards to clarity & color. VVS1 vs VS1, D vs F, EX vs VG in polish/symmetry etc. Cut grading should not be treated with any less scrutiny than the other C's that are graded about diamond.

All the best,
Rhino

 

[Rockdiamond]

Hi Dave,

Just a few comments...

Here is a great example of major leakage that even a novice would be able to see:

You can see skin right through the diamond. David, you can't argue with this one, lol.

Stats: 64% table, 62.5% depth, 36.5° crown, 41.8° pav

Good photo of a badly cut RBC Laila- it's definately displaying an unattractive leakage pattern!!

But my request was for a GIA Triple EX, of AGS0 cut grade stone showing detrimental leakage.

There is no such thing as an AGS 0 cut grade with detrimental leakage. GIA X yes. AGS 0 no. If you take the time to study the AGS cut grading system this is basic knowledge Dave. Since GIA is more liberal there are many examples of GIA XXX with extraneous leakage.

Karl, if reflectors show leakage the eye can't see, is it an important concern?
If so, why?

Some people want the best they can get.
Simple as that.

To add to Karl's comment, many tradesmen and prosumers on this forum respect AGS' opinion. Leakage is one of the optical factors AGS takes into account in their cut grading. AGS Ideal *light performance* is important to people who are seeking out the most beautiful diamonds visually. I agree if leakage exists that is only visible under a scope but not visible to the individual, no big whoop. Having said that however, in the realm of cut grading, purists like myself do not want to shell out the same capital for leaky diamonds than non leaky diamonds.

Interesting Karl- you're suggesting that "invisible leakage" somehow detracts from a stone- or that such a property removes the possibility of it being considered "the best".

OR- the way I read it- innocent consumers asking a question are led to believe they should spend more for something they can't ever see......simple as that.

Not true. In GIA XXX where extraneous leakage can and does exist, it is in fact visible and able to even be recorded in their very own lighting environment for judging optics.

On the flip side and to use your own argument ... say leakage exists that is not visible yet scientifically shown & proven to exist? At this very moment Dave you and I pay hundreds to tens of thousands more for things you can't see and the layman certainly can't see with regards to clarity & color. VVS1 vs VS1, D vs F, EX vs VG in polish/symmetry etc. Cut grading should not be treated with any less scrutiny than the other C's that are graded about diamond.

All the best,
Rhino[/quote]

Hi Amigo!
First, I think it's awesome to discuss these issues- they're truly interesting.
Let's look at some of the areas where you and I see things differently- resulting in a very diverse discussion.
I agree- many people here on PS- and virtually all the Expert trade members that post here favor AGSL.
It's easy to see why. In the internet age, more info is better.
AGSL reports do provide more info.
In the case of RBC diamonds, AGS reports offer a special value.
Generally speaking, branded super precise cut diamonds, will be AGS graded.
It's a pedigree. I might compare this to the difference between a VVS1 and VVS2.
The same diamond with a GIA 'Triple EX" is , on average, worth a little less than the same diamond with an AGSL 0
I also agree that the range within GIA EX cut Grade is surprisingly wide.

Having said all that- I have still not seen these examples of GIA EX cut grade round diamonds showing what could reasonably be viewed as "detrimental leakage" that would be noticeable enough to demonstrate on photos.
It's almost a moot point, since we agree that every modern polished diamond has leakage, and the term "detrimental" is subjective it's nature.
But if we had photos to evaluate, it would help.
I think we all agree that nothing in the photos titan posted indicate a "detrimental leakage"

AGS Ideal *light performance* is important to people who are seeking out the most beautiful diamonds visually.

We also diverge about such a statement.
I agree, purists will want to go with an AGSL RBC.
I would say these people are seeking the very best cut- even though they understand they might not be able to see some of the finer points that go into that grade with the naked eye
But that does not mean that people who don't want that are not seeking the most beautiful diamonds visually.
It still makes great sense for people at diamonds in real life.
My experience with many consumers is that some will pick a stone GIA graded EX, yet one that can be shown to be less well cut based on reflector tests.

Basically, I don't like when jewelers try to "up-sell" consumers.
When showing a GIA EX , and a super Ideal AGSL- which is justifiably more costly- it needs to be done "blind"
Some consumers will pick the less well cut stone.
Its not less beautiful, it's simply less well cut to a degree similar to VVS1-VVS2- either not visible to the naked eye- or rather a subjective decision

 

[TitanCi]

I appreciate all posts. I think most points are well put.

The diamond I posted is a GIA XXX.

56 table
35 CA
41.2 PA
62.89 depth
CD 15.4? (I can't remember off the top of my head)
PD 43.8 (can't remember)
M-stk faceted girdle.

uhm...I don't remember the other specs, and I tried very hard to look at all of Jon's photos of GIA steep/deeps (the nine diamonds he showed face up in his comparison study).

I know this diamond is on the upper limit of most of the ranges (rates as AGA class 1b), and it appears no one has really stated anything negative on this stone, which is a sigh of relief for me!

 

[Rockdiamond]

Titan, how does it look to you?
That's the bottom line.
Part of what I think gets lost in the dissection of diamonds is the bottom line.
You have to look at the thing and love it.

A GIA graded Triple EX is a stone that has it's own pedigree- no matter the discussion here, the broader market would not devalue a GIA EX cut grade due to the factors being discussed here.

 

[TitanCi]

I think it's great! It's a very clear, colorless F VS1 stone. I am pretty sure I got a VERY good price for it, so I'm not too worried there. It seems like for a 1.36 F VS1 ACA or any "Ideally light performing" stone is going to be a thousand (+/-) more than what I paid.

Overall, I think the stone rocks! I just have that nagging thing in the back of my mind that goes... "hmmm... according to all these experts on here, these dimensions are in the upper end of the ideal cut range; do I need to find one that is 0.5 deg less PA and 0.5 deg less crown angle, and so so, and by then aren't we splitting hairs?"

I saw the stone, analyzed it with my own eyes (i'm an O.D. and I see tons of eyes everyday, so no details get passed my eyes), and thought this rock is super awesome. I've seen VS2 stones' inclusions with my own eyes, I've seen color in H graded stones... my eyes are super sensitive to picking out things that shouldn't be there. The only drawback I encountered is none of people I've dealt with have Idealscopes or ASETs and they usually don't house AGS stones.

So naturally when I read on the subject and angles (doing more research than I need), I was actively trying to look for these things (i.e leakage). Overall, I think I did great... just trying to convince myself that I see leakage, and if it's bad, should I do anything about it?

When I showed the forum that nasty princess cut I initially bought (the soon to be LOVES them), I was very open to getting rid of it (I don't really care for Princess cuts)! In fact I've always liked RBC, and was able to convince the GF that they are way better!

So I posted the pic up to see if what I was seeing is this leakage I was reading about because of the numbers..

 

[Rockdiamond]

OK- so let's make this easy- say you saw the AGS 0 stone considered to be "the best"
If you noticed the difference, how big a visual difference would it have to be for the price difference to be worth it.

I have no doubt that the rock you're looking at in person is a great stone.

I mean- don't throw rocks at me for asking this now- but why not find a nice looking princess cut if that's what she has her heart set on.
They're not my favorite, but my taste is irrelevant.

I just think its ......well, there's something wrong with placing technical reasons above reasonable taste considerations.
IOW- If a person prefers the look of a stone deemed to be "less well performing" by experts, it could very well fall under the category of taste.
A salad is better for you- but if you want the steak, well.....you only live once. Sometimes not even.

 

[TitanCi]

RD: Again, I think the stone is great! I was trying to see IF what I saw in the original picture was that dreaded leakage everyone tries to avoid.

I was able to take another picture of the rock. It's sitting in this green thing called a "greenie" (used to hold hard contact lenses in the manfacturing process), and the greenie completely surrounds the diamond's pavilion. So it's dark and green under the diamond. I think this is the best shot I've taken to show maybe I'm not seeing the leakage as I thought I did when the diamond was *tilted* (as Rhino explained) Hope this helps anyone else that may be wondering the same thing I was about a "steep/deep" GIA XXX. If you compare the first image I posted to this, the image under the table is completely different in this monocular view!

**disregard the pen mark at 9:30, it's to show where the laser inscription is **

 

[Texas Leaguer]

Here's an informative article that John Pollard wrote a few years ago. It features photos, Ideal scope and ASET images of a set of carefully selected diamonds including GIA EX and AGS 0. You can correlate leakage seen in the photos with what the reflectors reveal, as well as get a feel for the tightness of the cut grade criteria between the two labs.


https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn%E2%80%99t_show

 

[TitanCi]

^Thanks Texas, I've read that. Like twice or thrice.

 

[John P]

Here's an informative article that John Pollard wrote a few years ago. It features photos, Ideal scope and ASET images of a set of carefully selected diamonds including GIA EX and AGS 0. You can correlate leakage seen in the photos with what the reflectors reveal, as well as get a feel for the tightness of the cut grade criteria between the two labs.


https://www.pricescope.com/journal/laboratory_cut_grades_what_report_doesn%E2%80%99t_show

Tip of the hat Bryan.
And I agree completely with your comments.

 

[Rhino]

Bryan thanks for posting that article. It is really a great one and sir John, good to see you man.

How are you Dave? Thanks for your response and always a pleasure to discuss. My thoughts between the lines.

Hi Amigo!
First, I think it's awesome to discuss these issues- they're truly interesting.
Let's look at some of the areas where you and I see things differently- resulting in a very diverse discussion.
I agree- many people here on PS- and virtually all the Expert trade members that post here favor AGSL.
It's easy to see why. In the internet age, more info is better.
AGSL reports do provide more info.
In the case of RBC diamonds, AGS reports offer a special value.
Generally speaking, branded super precise cut diamonds, will be AGS graded.
It's a pedigree. I might compare this to the difference between a VVS1 and VVS2.

Only one grade exists between VVS1 and VVS2. I've seen GIA Ex's that get AGS 3 and it's probably possible to even find a 4. The divide in my opinion is greater. Of course one must bear in mind that there are GIA Ex's that I would consider equal to or better than AGS Ideal's too. Each diamond must stand or fall on its own merits.

The same diamond with a GIA 'Triple EX" is , on average, worth a little less than the same diamond with an AGSL 0
I also agree that the range within GIA EX cut Grade is surprisingly wide.

It sure is. If I had to amend your comment above I would say ... "There are GIA Ex's that are => AGS 0's but due to the comparison of a 5 grade system to an 11 grade system there are GIA Ex's that also range from being a little less in value to A LOT LESS in value." If one does a search on GIA Ex's in any given carat/clarity/color range it is very possible to find variances in value by over 30%. Amen?

Having said all that- I have still not seen these examples of GIA EX cut grade round diamonds showing what could reasonably be viewed as "detrimental leakage" that would be noticeable enough to demonstrate on photos.
It's almost a moot point, since we agree that every modern polished diamond has leakage, and the term "detrimental" is subjective it's nature.

I have HD video that demonstrates it rather plainly in more than one video and with leakage that does not embody the whole circumference of the table. Unfortunately forum rules prohibit me from posting links, otherwise I am happy to share. In my clip on the FireScope is one such example starting about 9:30 in the clip.

But if we had photos to evaluate, it would help.
I think we all agree that nothing in the photos titan posted indicate a "detrimental leakage"

I never pass judgment on a diamond that I have not personally inspected.

AGS Ideal *light performance* is important to people who are seeking out the most beautiful diamonds visually.

We also diverge about such a statement.
I agree, purists will want to go with an AGSL RBC.
I would say these people are seeking the very best cut- even though they understand they might not be able to see some of the finer points that go into that grade with the naked eye
But that does not mean that people who don't want that are not seeking the most beautiful diamonds visually.
It still makes great sense for people at diamonds in real life.
My experience with many consumers is that some will pick a stone GIA graded EX, yet one that can be shown to be less well cut based on reflector tests.

I don't doubt that. Of course the question is always raised in my own mind "What exactly is it they were comparing?" But I do agree that tastes vary from individual to individual.

Basically, I don't like when jewelers try to "up-sell" consumers.
When showing a GIA EX , and a super Ideal AGSL- which is justifiably more costly- it needs to be done "blind"
Some consumers will pick the less well cut stone.
Its not less beautiful, it's simply less well cut to a degree similar to VVS1-VVS2- either not visible to the naked eye- or rather a subjective decision

I would agree with you that there are GIA Ex non H&A diamonds that do in fact have optics on par with the best H&A's but at the same time there are GIA Ex's that are absolutely different looking where leakage detracts from the brightness, contrast, fire and sparkle with it taking a hit in AGS light performance that correlates. If you search out my clip on the subject and go to the reference you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.

All the best,
Jonathan

 

[Rhino]

edit... double post

 

[TitanCi]

Where might I find said videos that show the leakage? I've searched GOG already. Could you point me in the right direction?

 

[Christina...]

I think it's great! It's a very clear, colorless F VS1 stone. I am pretty sure I got a VERY good price for it, so I'm not too worried there. It seems like for a 1.36 F VS1 ACA or any "Ideally light performing" stone is going to be a thousand (+/-) more than what I paid.

Overall, I think the stone rocks! I just have that nagging thing in the back of my mind that goes... "hmmm... according to all these experts on here, these dimensions are in the upper end of the ideal cut range; do I need to find one that is 0.5 deg less PA and 0.5 deg less crown angle, and so so, and by then aren't we splitting hairs?"

I saw the stone, analyzed it with my own eyes (i'm an O.D. and I see tons of eyes everyday, so no details get passed my eyes), and thought this rock is super awesome. I've seen VS2 stones' inclusions with my own eyes, I've seen color in H graded stones... my eyes are super sensitive to picking out things that shouldn't be there. The only drawback I encountered is none of people I've dealt with have Idealscopes or ASETs and they usually don't house AGS stones.

So naturally when I read on the subject and angles (doing more research than I need), I was actively trying to look for these things (i.e leakage). Overall, I think I did great... just trying to convince myself that I see leakage, and if it's bad, should I do anything about it?

When I showed the forum that nasty princess cut I initially bought (the soon to be LOVES them), I was very open to getting rid of it (I don't really care for Princess cuts)! In fact I've always liked RBC, and was able to convince the GF that they are way better!

So I posted the pic up to see if what I was seeing is this leakage I was reading about because of the numbers..

Hi Titan, I just wanted to say that I completely get that 'nagging' feeling you mentioned about your diamond. I actually went a step further than you and purchased a GIA VG. 55/62.4/36/40.5 (which oddly (or not so oddly) has dimensions that would make it a candidate for an AGS ideal.) I knew that I wanted a diamond with a lot of fire, and specifically with a small table and high crown, and I came across this GIA VG and as you said was much less expensive than an EX or ID. Even though I posted and got a favorable response from some very respectable members of the community, I couldn't get passed the fact the it was only a VG cut. So, when it arrived I critiqued the h*ll out of it and thought that I found a huge area of leakage just under the table, turns out it's just table reflection and in the back of my head I knew that it couldn't be leakage but thought that because I didn't have the highly sought after super ideal cut that is so valued here on PS I should visibly see this huge difference in my stone. Truth is, I got caught up knowing that my stone didn't come with pedigree papers and therefore isn't as highly regarded as such and therefore there must be something less beautiful about it. But, honestly I can't see where she could possibly be visually out performed by a super ideal so I've decided not to continue to be hung up on the cut grade and focus more of my energy admiring the gorgeous stone with the proportions that I wanted! You said that you love your stone and it looks fabulous, I think that you did an amazing job educating yourself and making well informed decisions and they paid off, you purchased a beautiful diamond that makes both you and your gf smile, that my friend is what purchasing and wearing diamonds is supposed to be about!

 

[0-0-0]

Where might I find said videos that show the leakage? I've searched GOG already. Could you point me in the right direction?

GOG posts a lot of videos on vimeo and youtube:
http://vimeo.com/diamondinfo
http://vimeo.com/diamondlab
http://www.youtube.com/user/DiamondInfoMan

I think Rhino is talking about this one: http://youtu.be/4iloC38zxAo

Here's another one: http://vimeo.com/album/100992/video/8606375

 

[TitanCi]

Hi Christina! It was your post that me post this GIA EX up. What you said nails it on the head! We shopped for the diamond together, and she fell in love with RB over her original 'love' for princesses. Luckily, I educated myself before going and felt I got the XXX for a great deal. Now I'm just waiting on the setting from ERD!

 

[Rhino]

thbmok... you must be a mind reader. Those are the first 2 clips that came to mind I was thinking about.

 

[TitanCi]

Rhino, I watched those videos. Good stuff. Wish more online vendors were as thorough as you are with your products.
What do you think of the latest photo I posted up there? Did I do a better job getting a shot with less tilt?

 

[0-0-0]

thbmok... you must be a mind reader. Those are the first 2 clips that came to mind I was thinking about.

Just a huge fan of your videos. Thank you for posting them. They are immensely helpful!

 

[Rockdiamond]

It's an interesting debate.
John's article is excellent.
Stone number 5 is an interesting case to examine.
It's the type of stone that can be identified as having leakage under the table- therefore not as well cut by that virtue.
Knocked by AGSL, and HCA.
Yet included in GIA EX Cut grade.
Longer LGF's obsuring patterns like hearts and arrows.
Compare this to stone number 6- which is an incredible specimen of precision cutting.
How many consumers will pick number 5 based on it's visual attributes?
I know I'd probably like the way it looks in real life.
But I can appreciate the attributes of perfect AGS 0 cutting- and also those of GIA Excellent cutting standards.

I agree that doing what it takes to cut the super ideal rounds is worth the difference in price- and also that for those people who's focus is perfect cut, no compromise should be taken.
Sometimes it's a better buy for a consumer to go for a slightly larger, less Ideal cut, other times not.

Titan- maybe you should go for a stone that has less leakage considering that it is a real priority for you.