Question on HCA cut adviser

[kmklos]

I''m in currently conducting a search for a 2.5 carat RB diamond and have a question on the HCA cut adviser. From what I''ve read, I understand that you should use the results to help narrow down your search versus helping select any individual diamond. My question is more around diamonds that score "Worth buying if the price is right". What does that mean? I want a really well cut stone, but it doesn''t have to be H&A. Probably right around the fringes of an ideal cut would be ok with me. With that perspective on my preferences, would anyone steer me away from buying a stone that scores 2.3 or 2.6 for example on the HCA cut adviser?

And does size matter when it comes to the score? For example, is scoring in the two''s ok for 1 carat or less but is more of a factor over two carats? Or is that completely irrelevant?

Thanks for the advice.....

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[Kelli]

From what I understand, size is irrelevant, of course I could be wrong. I have also read that many times, stones with a score of up to 3 can be very good stones. It helps if you have other things to look at, for example an idealscope image. You don''t need a H&A stone for it to be a good performer, but you do want it to have excellent light performance. Maybe one of the experts will chime in. Good luck!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/14/2008 9:21:39 AM
Author:kmklos
I'm in currently conducting a search for a 2.5 carat RB diamond and have a question on the HCA cut adviser. From what I've read, I understand that you should use the results to help narrow down your search versus helping select any individual diamond. My question is more around diamonds that score 'Worth buying if the price is right'. What does that mean? I want a really well cut stone, but it doesn't have to be H&A. Probably right around the fringes of an ideal cut would be ok with me. With that perspective on my preferences, would anyone steer me away from buying a stone that scores 2.3 or 2.6 for example on the HCA cut adviser?

And does size matter when it comes to the score? For example, is scoring in the two's ok for 1 carat or less but is more of a factor over two carats? Or is that completely irrelevant?

Thanks for the advice.....

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' src="http://www.pricescope.com/idealbb/images/smilies/34.gif" align=absMiddle border=0>

You can certainly find some lovely diamonds scoring 2 or over, assuming the diamond has excellent symmetry and you have other info available such as Idealscope, expert vendor/ appraiser recommendation or your own eyes.

The size of the diamond doesn't matter as the HCA is predicting how well a set of proportions might work together regardless of size, it can't see the diamond and can't predict the individual personality of a stone. The basic aim with HCA is to find a diamond which scores 2 or below regardless of size, then you evaluate with IS or other methods. But you may find those which score over 2 can still be worth consideration in some cases.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Could be OK - get an ideal-scope etc
if the stone is painted a little and has great symetry then should be nice. If it is dug out a little the ideal-scope will show it

 

[sarah95]

kmklos, I had the same concern as you about the HCA. The diamond I recently purchased scored 2.3, but both Michael and Chris at Gem Appraisers told me the cut was great. They couldn''t stop raving about it. The diamond is GIA graded excellent cut, symmetry, and polish. So, from my experience I wouldn''t discount a stone that scored around 2. Though I will admit, in the back of my mind it kind of bothers me that the diamond got that score.

 

[Lorelei]

Oh kymklos, you may be interested to know my diamond scores a 2.8 - I get complimented wherever I go!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 9/15/2008 3:53:17 AM
Author: Lorelei
Oh kymklos, you may be interested to know my diamond scores a 2.8 - I get complimented wherever I go!

And what do people say about your diamond Lorelei?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 9/15/2008 4:31:15 AM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 9/15/2008 3:53:17 AM
Author: Lorelei
Oh kymklos, you may be interested to know my diamond scores a 2.8 - I get complimented wherever I go!

And what do people say about your diamond Lorelei?

How sparkly it is! It has a shallower crown angle and steeper pav. It has more unorthodox measurements compared to many, but it results in a very pretty diamond. I am in good company also as KristyDarling's fabulous rock scores the same!