Radiants (symmetry question

[gisellem]

I'm wondering if the symmetry on a radiant diamond is as important as it is for other shapes. The reason I ask is I like the random cracked ice look of certain radiants, and I'm assuming that comes from "unsymmetrical" facets. I know that the symmetry rating on a GIA cert takes lots into account, but is "Good" symmetry on a radiant almost to be expected? How would a "Very Good" symmetry radiant compare?

 

[pyramid]

Hello gisellem Welcome to Pricescope

I don't know the answer to your question. I think most here prefer Excellent symmetry but Very Good would be nice too I think. Take this with a large grain of salt because I do not know much about fancy shapes but I think I may have read about the crushed ice look being the reflection of the girdle, not as in a fish eye but in the same way that we see the crushed ice in the ends of the marquise shape and it is I have read the reflection of the girdle. I am just adding that because someone can correct me if I am wrong but in that case it may be a proportions thing as in crown, pavillion angles of that particular shape (not bad crown, pavillion) rather than symmetry.

Thought I would bump your post and see if someone here could answer you. There are lots of discussions about Cushion shaped diamonds, maybe if you post in one of these threads, they appear all the time, someone there would know the answer, if they don't see this post.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 7/17/2007 4:53:27 PM
Author:gisellem
I''m wondering if the symmetry on a radiant diamond is as important as it is for other shapes. The reason I ask is I like the random cracked ice look of certain radiants, and I''m assuming that comes from ''unsymmetrical'' facets. I know that the symmetry rating on a GIA cert takes lots into account, but is ''Good'' symmetry on a radiant almost to be expected? How would a ''Very Good'' symmetry radiant compare?

Your insight is pretty good.

If the stone had a dead spot on one side, corner or end, that would be bad visual or optical symmetry. But GIA dfoes not always take that into account. So you (we?) need to see images - a photo helps, but an ASET is best, and if not that then an ideal-scope image - they will tell about light return as well as major sym flaws.

 

[gisellem]

Thanks Pyramid and Garry!
I don''t have a specific diamond in mind for this question, I just want to know... if I''m looking for a radiant diamond with an excellent quality cut, should I rule out "Good" symmetry in the search process?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

No, include them

 

[Nicrez]

Date: 7/18/2007 11:05:13 AM
Author: gisellem
Thanks Pyramid and Garry!
I don''t have a specific diamond in mind for this question, I just want to know... if I''m looking for a radiant diamond with an excellent quality cut, should I rule out ''Good'' symmetry in the search process?

May I point out that you will be searching for years...? I did this same search years ago. I did a similar search recently for another friend of a friend. No such animal. The best you will get is Very Good or Good nowadays, and any "Excellent" symmetry stone is a rarity more than anything.

Radiants need to be seen. I can''t stress that enough. Go to the biggest source of them you can find. See as many as you can. Note the visual look and the crown heights and depths you prefer. Then start the search with a bit more in your arsenal.

Good luck and remember numbers are not everything on fancies. If you are really concerned with "excellent" quality cuts or don''t have the patience, fancies may not be a good option.

I personally love fancies and think they are often worth the wait and the "imperfections". it makes them far more spellbinding!

 

[gisellem]

Thanks, Nicrez!
I didn''t mean an actual grading of "Excellent", I just want a generally excellent cut quality including all aspects. Your diamond is absolutely stunning, where was it purchased from (if you don''t mind my asking)? Since crown height isn''t on the GIA reports, how do you calculate that from the given info... or can you? How would you describe the visual look of your diamond?