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Mall stores stone sizing

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vanman1013

Rough_Rock
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Sep 4, 2006
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Will all diamonds be called the same size, is their a universal measurement that even mall places can''t fiddle with? The reason I ask is, I went to some mall stores (to get some ideas and they were the only places open) and 1/2 carat looks plenty big for my g/f''s small hands. I was hoping that malls have the same sizing requirements as other, real, diamond stores. I know this is kind of a stupid question, but from reading this board I almost expect these stores to do something to the size.

Thanks
 
Diamond size is a weight. A carat can be .99-1.01, meaning there can be some play. Size is a bit misleading, because a stone can be poorly cut to spread more or deep and look smaller. Think of three people who all weigh 125 pounds, but one is 5 fett, one is 5 foot 5 etc...the weight is the same but it is distributed differently. That is why some of the other numbers have value when evaluatig a stone. I am not sure if this makes a ton of sense but I am not a jeweler or gem expert, so I am trying to be as clear as I can!
 
This makes a lot of sense, actually. So how would I find out what a good 1/2 carat is suppose to be like. For example, I want a 1/2 carat good (g-i, vs1-s1, etc) diamond. What should I ask about to ensure that the diamond is cut well and that they aren''t trying to increase the size by making bad cuts? I don''t know if that makes sense, bascially what should i ask the sales person to ensure that it''s a good diamond. (not just mall stores, but everywhere)
 
I think there is a tutorial here, and it would give you the range that is good for that size. You want sparkle and light return, and there are numbers here that the experts stay away from. I am sure some of them will weigh in. I do not know the parameters, like do not go above or below X for depth, but they will. The issue is you need to decide on what cut, she should try on different things so you know what shape she likes best and what looks best on her hand. I think, generally, rounds look biggest for their actual size.
 
I''m looking through the FAQ, and haven''t found anything, but i''m going to keep looking. It''s going to be a surprise, so it''ll be impossible for her to try it on, but I''m going to take her sister (who looks quite similar) and see if we can''t find something. I think I''m looking for a round or princess cut (is that what you we''re talking about?). Thanks, I''m going to look for the best perameters for a small stone.
 
can you play detective ans see what shape she likes? Or maybe have the sister pretend a friend of hers is getting engaged and bring up the subject of shapes...maybe your girl would weigh in , like, Oh, when I get engaged I want a round stone or I hate blank...then you might have a good sense.
 
we are going to try, but she''s studying abroad and I''m trying to make it a real big surprise. She''s a fan of more simple cuts, her sister thinks round or princess (and I agree (I think)) But yeah, my plan is to get a better idea of what she may like.
 
A princess will look smaller than a round when both are well cut and the same carat weight.

Just something to keep in mind.
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Plug the depth, table, crown and pavilion angles into HCA. If it''s under 2, then it has good spread.
 
what''s HCA?
 
that''s over my head. I don''t understand that
 
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