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Question re: Re-cutting

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Luffbunny

Rough_Rock
Joined
Aug 9, 2021
Messages
4
Hi everyone! I was hoping to see if folks here have had any experience with getting a lab grown diamond re-cut for better light performance. I love my ring and stone (and I love the person who gave it to me even more!) but after spending the last few months reading/researching extensively, have come to understand (sort of! it's all so complex!) why the stone performs the way it does. It doesn't have optimal light performance, but the spready table makes it look very large. I'd love to consult with someone to see whether or not my stone is a good candidate for re-cutting (and I'm fine with losing weight for better light/cut/sparkle because I plan on keeping this forever).

Here is the stone's grading report: https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG445046434

If anyone could recommend a reputable jeweler who specializes in lab diamonds in the NYC area to consult with, I'd really appreciate it! As a side note, I'm interested in getting the stone re-set anyway because let's just say the e-tailer we bought it from didn't do a very good job lol so it'd be great to get all done with one jeweler.

Thank you for taking the time to read this =)2
 
I highly recommend Southwest Diamond Cutters in Dallas. They have re-cut a number of PSers' stones, including at least two lab diamonds.
 
Thanks for the shoutout @DejaWiz !!

@Luffbunny ....I say this with the best intentions.....step away from your computer!!
Look at your diamond. Please tell me what it's lacking.
58.5% is NOT a large table.
Part of the downside of the highly detailed discussions of cut here is that sometimes remarkably tiny details can seem like HUGE problems.......when in reality, many or even most observers would not find a deficiency....
Can you put into words what you feel is missing?
 
@Rockdiamond Hello there! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my post and responding.

Rockdiamond said:
I say this with the best intentions.....step away from your computer!!
Click to expand...

^ I probably should do that as I've definitely spent way tooooooo much time reading all these forums etc ^^;;

I guess I didn't realize that 58.5% wasn't considered a larger table! And you're definitely right, as it seems like I'm just trying to min-max my stone's stats at this point haha. I think my main observation from having my stone for several weeks is that it seems to lack sparkle/life in certain settings - for example during modestly cloudy days it takes on a sort of glassy / dull look. When I look at it straight on, from top down, I can't really see the beautiful dark/light contrasts inside or arrows that I've observed in videos of superbly cut stones. Instead it seems a bit grey within Even before entering my information into the HCA, I just had a feeling that this stone didn't exhibit the best light performance and the HCA results sort of confirmed that.

Maybe I am really overthinking it and just a little sad that my stone doesn't fall into this range of perfect/ideal stats I've been reading about all these months! I could attach a few pictures and videos if you'd like.
 
Luffbunny said:
Even before entering my information into the HCA, I just had a feeling that this stone didn't exhibit the best light performance and the HCA results sort of confirmed that.
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OK....not that it's going to give us definitive answers but...what was the HCA score?
Here's the issue: It's possible ( even likely) that a "Super Ideal" cut diamond might have disappointed you in the same way your diamond did on that cloudy day.


Some people are super sensitive to minor differences in cut.....but they are in the minority.
Discussions on a forum like this can exaggerate differences based on people's perceptions- perceptions that can vary wildly from one person to the next...but statements of perception are made in a way that sounds like a positive, factual statement.....reasonably leading a critical thinking person to believe they have some sort of leaky lump of coal on their finger......when in reality, you might actually prefer the way your stone looks to a "Super Ideal".
 
To be honest, my suspicion is that the table isn't the issue at all. If you see any issues in your stone, my guess is that the steep crown + steep pav together is the problem. If you don't love the stone then I think it's worth acknowledging that! However, I agree with David that sometimes we get overly caught up in perfect stats on paper and ignore our eyes.
 
Luffbunny said:
I guess I didn't realize that 58.5% wasn't considered a larger table!
Click to expand...

You probably weren't around back then.....but years ago there were savage fights...I mean debates, about cut.
I argued that 60 table/60 depth would yield the best cut, when all the other aspects were correct. This was based on my training- going back to the '70's...at Harry Winston.
I contend to this day that the 60/60s of my youth would compare favorably with the best cut stones of today...but it's a moot point.
Nowadays practically all diamonds are cut deeper than 60, with smaller tables.
The 60/60s of my youth would generally spread 6.5mm. Sometimes even 6.6
Nowadays average "triple Ex" 1.00ct diamonds average 6.3mm.

so...look at your gem with fresh eyes. No diamond looks great in every lighting environment.
 
Rockdiamond said:
.but years ago there were savage fights...I mean debates
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Hah, I can only imagine based on all the spirited conversations I see online.

The HCA score was 4.4 based on the figures from the IGI report! I know it's a useful "rejection tool" as opposed to a "selection tool" but turns out my partner didn't utilize any of pricescope's resources before he made the purchase. But I brought up my thoughts to him and he's curious as well about the re-cut possibility. And hey if it's not a possibility, I will not love this gem any less, that's for sure!

lovedogs said:
If you see any issues in your stone, my guess is that the steep crown + steep pav together is the problem.
Click to expand...

Yes it seems that way based on the all the "ideal" numbers on various charts that are available online for us to use as reference! I posted an another forum and users there also pointed out the crown + pavilion. Still, like you said it is very easy to get caught up in stats, isn't it? I am a sucker for stats even though they are simply not a replacement for actually observing the gem with your own eyes!

I appreciate folks taking the time to chime in :pray: and will sleep on the matter some more/keep looking with fresh eyes.

@Rockdiamond while I still adore, and always will, the way my gem looks (how could I not? :P) I would still love to hear an expert objectively rate its performance (the nerd in me wants to know!) Also maybe my brain is part magpie and would just like to know whether or not it's a good candidate for re-cutting when losing some weight is not a huge concern. I see your business is in a nearby neighborhood! If curiosity gets the best of me, maybe one day I could stop by for a consult?
 
Luffbunny said:
I see your business is in a nearby neighborhood! If curiosity gets the best of me, maybe one day I could stop by for a consult?
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Sure!!!
But we do work by appointment- so please reach out by phone or email to make an appointment before you come
 
Luffbunny said:
I will definitely call/email to make an appointment beforehand! Thanks again!
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I’m super jealous! David is the best- definitely stop by if you can. I’m sure he will give you an honest opinion and show you some options if you really want to change things up.
 
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