Narrow Selection

[knowverylittle]

Firstly can I say''Big Thanks for all the useful information from the regulars on this forum.'' Even just lurking is a great way to learn.

If anyone could spare a little time to evaluate my final selection it would be appreciated:

$6,545 1.06 E SI1 H&A Medium Girdle, MB Fluorescence, not sure if eye clean
$6,400 1.09 E SI1 not H&A, Thin-Med Girdle
$5,880 1.05 D SI1 almost H&A, Thick Girdle?, ''99 certificate
$6,500 0.97 E VS1 H&A, MB Fluorescence, Thick Girdle?

The target stone was a H&A D VS2 but exact matches are hard to find; these seem good compromises. Since perfect cultured stones will soon be produced in volume the SI1 grade is now more appealing.

 

[strmrdr]

I like the superbcert stone the best out of those.
Call Barry and have him verify that it is eyeclean.

 

[hoorray]

I agree, but I would call the vendors for the top 3 and have them talk you through the details of the stone, and send you more info if needed. Check on the Flour on the first stone. Probably not a problem, but always good to check.

 

[knowverylittle]

At a guess you both like the SuperbCert stone since it is a true H&A and a good size?

What about the D color GoG one? It is my personal favorite for being an inert D and eye-clean SI face up. Is there any reason you would not purchase it? The certificate is over four years old so many people must have passed by it already.

 

[Giangi]

The superbcert hands down!

Looks really pretty to me! Also, I am pretty sure that Barry stated that all SI-clarity SC's are eye-clean in face up position. In fact, our Patty just bought an INCREDIBLE I 1 and she cannot see the inclusion with her naked eye!

 

[Giangi]

To be honest, that D/SI 1 seems to be a great bargain, but the pavilion is too deep for my tastes (41.1'). Also, since you were looking for an H and A D/VS 2, the E/SI 1 SC is the closest to your parameters.

 

[knowverylittle]

>>that D/SI 1 seems to be a great bargain, but the pavilion is too deep for my tastes (41.1').
By now I should know what impact that really has, could you tell me again.

Barry is my vendor of choice because he is always prompt in answering emails etc, guess I am just trying too hard to get a D!

 

[aljdewey]

Hi, KVL:




I'd go with the 1.09 stone from NiceIce as a first pick, and the .97 E from GOG as second pick.




Why? Well, the 1.06 and the 1.05 both have pavilion angles over 40.9....and you can readily see how that distorts the pattern in looking at the 1.05 stone. If theses stones compensated for that in the price, then it might be worth it. But seeing that they all are fairly comparably priced, why not take the stone with the better proportions?




The 1.09 and the .97 both have great proportions and look to be like great performers.....but I think the 1.09 is a better value. I'd rather have the noticeable addition of .12 carat weight than the imperceptible increase to VS clarity. Plus, the 1.09 is less expensive to boot.




The 1.09 stone has the tightest proportions of all the stones - and it scores nicely on the HCA (1.3). Lastly, Robin & Todd do vigorously examine their stones, and will not put one out there that they couldn't be absolutely proud of, so you KNOW it's good.




I could starting going on here about how you could get better values in the G/H range.....but I won't. I trust you've been around long enough to hear the common thoughts on that, and that you've determined you want a high-color stone. Great choice, and good luck choosing. Let us know what you decide.




EDITED TO ADD: I hadn't completely read through the thread when I responded. If Barry is your first choice of vendor, then you should go with that. Also, just as a matter of reference....I'd be really surprised to find the 1.06 is an H&A and that the 1.09 isn't. The pavilion angle on the SC stone is 41...which is where the pattern starts to distort. I guess it depends on who's calling it H&A.....R/T are VERY strict about that term, and moreso than many.


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[Giangi]

Look, the difference between D and E is ABSOLUTELY minimal. At this point I think it's more a psychological thing? If it's so, there's nothing to worry about, it's understandable... But believe me, no one and I mean no one will see a difference between D & E once set. They are so close! I wouldn't be hesitant because of the color... I would much prefer a perfect H&A pattern instead of a 1 grade higher color 'simply' stone. That said, once again, let me stress that the D/SI 1 still remains a GREAT value and is competitively priced.
As for the pavilion: the difference is really small... What sold me on the superbcert is the combo of the slightly smaller depth and the very slightly shallower pavilion together with a very nice H and A pattern. Also, I think it's an excellent value for the money... Very fairly priced for its quality and cutting specs.

 

[strmrdr]

aljdewey,
Did you actualy compare the h&a photos between the two?
Doing so will show why one is and the other isnt.
The 1.09 shows a lot more distortion of the h&a.

The 1.06 also has better b-scope results.

 

[knowverylittle]

Thanks again all. Yup, I know D/E colors are very close and can see that G/H are better value, it is a personal thing wanting the high color. Some desire an IF and I think they are nuts too!

NiceIce's postings + the information on his website impressed me immensely. Just from reading those he gets the highest score for trust even though I have never corresponded in any fashion.

There are odd things about SC that irk me. They told me no discount was available for cash, but the website clearly states 2% discount for bank wires:
http://www.superbcert.com/Information/Payment_Policy.cfm
Maybe it is a new policy? I would have used the Visa and made them pay the commission otherwise.

 

[aljdewey]

aljdewey,
Did you actualy compare the h&a photos between the two?
Doing so will show why one is and the other isnt.
The 1.09 shows a lot more distortion of the h&a.

I beg your pardon? Where are you seeing the hearts pattern for the 1.09? I'm looking directly at the NiceIce site, and from what I see, there *isn't* one, so how can you compare what isn't there?

The 1.06 also has better b-scope results.

Again....what? How can you compare b-scope results when the 1.09 doesn't show one?

I think you're confusing the stones. The 1.09 is the stone from NiceIce. Show me where you see b-scope results and where you see a "hearts" pattern image to compare with.

 

[knowverylittle]

LOL! Posting 4 stones at once was maybe a little confusing. The Nice Ice one is 'only' a triple zero. I love his site and postings but in general found that their H&As were pricey. There again you often get what you pay for and they could be more stringent.

 

[strmrdr]

ugh just ignore me today.
Sorry aljdewey I dont know what I was thinking.
Think im heading back to bed.

 

[aljdewey]

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On 1/7/2004 3:00:41 PM knowverylittle wrote:
LOL! Posting 4 stones at once was maybe a little confusing. The Nice Ice one is 'only' a triple zero. I love his site and postings but in general found that their H&As were pricey. ----------------

KVL.....I knew what you meant. The point I'm making is that a stone that someone else might call H&A might not pass muster for Robin & Todd to call an H&A in good conscience. Since there are no "regulated" guidelines, it's kind of subject to interpretation....so some will CHOOSE to interpret it more loosely.

My point was this: given the numbers on the NiceIce stone, I'd wager that the "pattern" on that stone is at least as good as the 1.06. Why.....because the 1.06 has a 41 degree pavilion angle, and that is the point at which the pattern starts to distort. The best way to know for sure? Ask NiceIce if they can supply an image of the symmetry pattern where hearts would typically be and compare them.

Do I think this will necessarily make a discernable visual performance difference in the mounted stone? No. But....you said you wanted an H&A with superideal proportions.....and while the definition of "H&A" may vary from vendor to vendor, the superideal proportion parameters don't. Of the stones you listed, the proportions were closest to superideal on the 1.09 from NiceIce and on the .97 from GOG. Also, I felt the 1.09 was better priced.....same color and clarity as the 1.06, but a few more points of weight and LESS money. Hence my feedback.

 

[aljdewey]

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On 1/7/2004 3:09:24 PM strmrdr wrote:










ugh just ignore me today.
Sorry aljdewey I dont know what I was thinking.
Think im heading back to bed.

----------------


Uh-oh! I hope this doesn't mean you've got that vicious flu that's going around!

 

[strmrdr]

----------------
On 1/7/2004 6:02:50 PM aljdewey wrote:



----------------

On 1/7/2004 3:09:24 PM strmrdr wrote:











ugh just ignore me today.

Sorry aljdewey I dont know what I was thinking.

Think im heading back to bed.


----------------


Uh-oh! I hope this doesn't mean you've got that vicious flu that's going around!

----------------

Had it for 3+ weeks now.
Will be feeling great for 2-3 days then lousy for 1-3 days repeat.
Last couple days have had a sinus headache so bad that at times it hurts to blink.
Tried a bunch of different meds and nothing is touching it.
Called my doc and he doesnt have any appointments available for 6 weeks.
Said if it gets too bad go to the ER which if I do they will just tell me to go see him.
The health system in my city is soo messed up several of the major hmo groups that most of the doctors belong too are bankrupt or close too it.
1/2 or better of the hospital beds are unusable due to lack of nursing staff.
It isnt pretty right now.

Any way enough whining and sorry for the off-topic post.