More Education, Please

[mkozaka]

This site has helped me tremendously. Searching for an engagement ring on BN and have been using the HCA as a guide. I am confused by the outcome of my comparisons. Below is one example:

Diamond 1
1.26c, F, VVS1, Ideal cut, Excellent polish and symmetry, no fluorescence, thin to medium girdle, 61.3 Depth, 56 Table, 35 Crown angle, 40.8 Pavilion angle, 1.5 HCA, $12,075

Diamond 2
1.26c, F, VVS2, Ideal cut, Excellent polish and symmetry, no fluorescenece, thin to slightly thick girdle, 60.8 Depth, 59 Table, 34 Crown angle, 41.2 Pavilion angle, 3.4 HCA, $16,092

What am I missing? Thank you.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/9/2009 10:26:35 AM
Author:mkozaka
This site has helped me tremendously. Searching for an engagement ring on BN and have been using the HCA as a guide. I am confused by the outcome of my comparisons. Below is one example:

Diamond 1
1.26c, F, VVS1, Ideal cut, Excellent polish and symmetry, no fluorescence, thin to medium girdle, 61.3 Depth, 56 Table, 35 Crown angle, 40.8 Pavilion angle, 1.5 HCA, $12,075

Diamond 2
1.26c, F, VVS2, Ideal cut, Excellent polish and symmetry, no fluorescenece, thin to slightly thick girdle, 60.8 Depth, 59 Table, 34 Crown angle, 41.2 Pavilion angle, 3.4 HCA, $16,092

What am I missing? Thank you.

Basically the HCA is used for elimination, not selection. The aim is to score 2 or below in most cases, then diamonds which do are considered a " pass' and worth further evaluation pending the use of actual images such as Idealscope, ASET etc with satisfactory results. The second diamond scored 3.4 as it has a steeper pavilion angle, the HCA can penalize diamonds for this. I also prefer the proportions of the first diamond in this case. Without an Idealscope image would be very useful for the second diamond if you particularly wanted to investigate it for purchase, but regrettably BN don't offer them. It might be a good looking rock, but we can't really tell without IS.

Further reading on the HCA here - http://diamonds.pricescope.com/ideal.asp

Also the term Ideal Cut can be used loosely by some vendors and does not guarantee you a well cut diamond. The only recognized use of the term Ideal Cut pertains to AGS labs AGS0 Ideal cut grade.

 

[mkozaka]

Thank you, Lorelei. I will use that information to eliminate Diamond 2, especially with that price difference!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 1/9/2009 10:43:48 AM
Author: mkozaka
Thank you, Lorelei. I will use that information to eliminate Diamond 2, especially with that price difference!

You are most welcome! Just shout if you need any more help!