Poor GCAL 8X vs. Ideal IGI LAB Diamonds?

[laxbro822]

I have been looking into round GCAL 8x diamonds and have run into a question. When looking at a lower-quality round GCAL, how would that compare to an ideal round IGI diamond? Is there going to be a noticeable difference between the two? I have seen a decent amount of Ideal IGI I would potentially pull the trigger on, but I do not see a lot of GCAL within the size range (~7.5-7.6mm) that I am looking for. I am unsure if other people have run into this dilemma as well and if there is a clear choice.

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello, laxbro822!
If the proportions and angles fall within true ideal ranges, then it all depends on the cut precision.
We've seen a few examples of GCAL 8X with enough pavilion twist and elevated light leakages in spots that shouldn't have made the GCAL 8X grade, and we've seen quite a lot of IGI Ideal that suffer from quite a lot of issues.
Given the cost premium that GCAL 8X diamonds are being retail priced at, I see better deals on many GIA graded diamonds that have true ideal proportions and angles sporting rather impeccable cut precision and optics...the upper echelon of GIA 3X.

IGI is rolling out their new cut grading system with light performance analysis containing an Ideal-Scope image - fantastic stuff!

 

[laxbro822]

Hello, laxbro822!
If the proportions and angles fall within true ideal ranges, then it all depends on the cut precision.
We've seen a few examples of GCAL 8X with enough pavilion twist and elevated light leakages in spots that shouldn't have made the GCAL 8X grade, and we've seen quite a lot of IGI Ideal that suffer from quite a lot of issues.
Given the cost premium that GCAL 8X diamonds are being retail priced at, I see better deals on many GIA graded diamonds that have true ideal proportions and angles sporting rather impeccable cut precision and optics...the upper echelon of GIA 3X.

IGI is rolling out their new cut grading system with light performance analysis containing an Ideal-Scope image - fantastic stuff!

Hi DejsWiz!

Thank you for taking the time to respond to me! What you said was very helpful in thinking about my approach to this. Currently, I am looking at 3 diamonds, would you choose any out of these three? Is there a better GCAL 8x out there that I should be going for with a budget of ~$2k? I am trying to find as perfect of stone as I can!

GIA w/ AGS Report
https://www.gia.edu/report-check?reportno=1505586780
https://www.medialink.email/v1/admin/diamonds/105287307/non_orbit

IGI
https://www.igi.org/verify-your-report/?r=659400105
https://www.medialink.email/v1/admin/diamonds/105316679/non_orbit

GCAL 8x (I think I might see some graining on this one? It's CVD)
https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=340930258
https://www.medialink.email/v1/admin/diamonds/86862156/non_orbit

Thank you again!

 

[0-0-0]

I think the GIA/AGS looks better cut than the others.

 

[DejaWiz]

I think the GIA/AGS looks better cut than the others.

I agree!
The IGI appears to have some dullness/leakage under the table and the GCAL has some spots of pavilion twist.