No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone?

[Tabbycat]

GIA EX/EX/EX, no fluorescence, VS1, HCA score = 1.2

What are the chances that this diamond is a "weak performer" with uneven or leaky hearts and arrows? I think they're pretty low, but is there a chance? We've looked at the inclusions, but should I be concerned that we've never seen the H&A (and I imagine they will be just about impossible to see once set?)

BTW, performance is the most important feature for me. It doesn't have to be the "very very best," but since I plan to stare at it trying to get it to catch the light a lot (magpie tendencies...heh) I really would like a "strong performer." It looked sparkly in the store..but I never know how sparkly they are going to look in real life. Even CZs in settings look sparkly in the stores!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

Can you post the specs of the diamond for us?

 

[ecf8503]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

That's a good HCA score, but the only real way to evaluate light leakage is with an IS image. (Will they provide IS/ASET?)

You can see arrows once it is set, but not hearts.

 

[Tabbycat]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

MissGotRocks, which specs would be helpful?

ecf8503, I don't think so. Do you think that ought to be a dealbreaker?

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

The specs from the cert - table size, crown and pavilion angles, depth of stone. With those measurements we would have a better idea of what you are looking at although they must be good to warrant a good HCA score.

 

[Tabbycat]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

MissGotRocks, ah I gotcha!

Table: 59%
Depth: 59.9%
Crown angle: 33.5 degrees
Pavilion angle: 40.8 degrees
Culet: none
It also has a thin - medium girdle, if that's useful info.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

Well, it looks like a very nice 60/60 type stone. Do you love the way it looks?

 

[Tabbycat]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

Oh good! I'm so glad you said that!

I think I love the way it looks... I only got to see it once in the store before BF has told me that he's taking over and doesn't want me back at the store (he wants some surprise in the process) but I know he hasn't formally committed to the stone yet and he would be willing to look for a different one if I had a reservation about it. Sounds like I can relax?

 

[Christina...]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

Based on the numbers alone it looks like it should be a nice bright stone. Ask to take a look at it outside of the bright jewelry store lights. Look at it outside, or by a window if they won't allow you to take it outside, ask to see it in their office lighting. Rock the stone back and forth and look for any areas that look 'dead' or dark. You can also order you own idealscope and take it to the jewelers with you and view it for yourself. Post the images here too and we can give you more feedback.

You sound incredibly excited! I hope this turns out to be THE one!

 

[lapelirroja]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

You're not "paying" for a H&A stone are you? Because if so, then you need to see those first. If it's just marketed as an ideal cut stone then I would go by the expert advice here!

 

[Tabbycat]

Re: No idealscope. Are the stats enough to choose this stone

Thanks Christina..! I am really excited for us to be engaged! It's so hard to wait!

lapelirroja, no, it's not marketed as an "H&A" stone. I understand how if it was, they should be able to show you those Hs and As you're paying a premium for. I'm just hoping this one has a lot of "life" in it and it sounds like it does. Fingers crossed, because I won't see it again till the proposal!

Thanks for the advice, everyone!