Second thought on my Tiffany ring, any help appreciated!

[rockman18]

I bought a Tiffany e-ring a month and half ago (just past the 30 day return period), without knowing anything about PriceScope and HCA score. Here are the numbers:
1.58 carat F VS1
Depth 62.2
Table size 58
Crown height % 15.1
Crown angle 35.1
Star length percentage 55
Pavilion depth % 43.2
Pavillon angle 40.9
Lower half length % 75
Girdle thickness slightly thick
Girdle finish faceted
Cutlet very small
very good symmetry and excellent on all other categories
HCA score 2.4

The ring is brand new, in a safe deposit box as I'm still planning for the proposal. However, after stumbling onto this website I realize maybe I should have done more research. I was under the impression the high price I pay for the diamond should ensure the best cut and shrines. I was disappointed when the HCA score is > 2. Should I go back and try to work with Tiffany SA for an exchange? Any feedbacks are appreciated! Thanks for the help!

 

[pearaffair]

I don’t think your ring looks ugly, does it? Comparison is the thief of joy!

Were you happy with it before you found PS?

 

[yssie]

You did great! You’re overthinking this.

HCA is a quick and dirty sort of tool: it doesn’t account for symmetry and lower half facets at all, and use of it demands acknowledging that you’re going to throw several babies out with the bathwater. Great way to blindly sort through hundreds of stones - you know you’ll be eliminating some beauties, but you’ve got to start somewhere!

You aren’t dealing with a large inventory to wade through, though. You bought a stone, and you presumably like the way it looks. Numbers on it are just fine. HCA is completely irrelevant.

My personal cutoff for HCA would be 3, not 2, anyway

 

[rockman18]

I don’t think your ring looks ugly, does it? Comparison is the thief of joy!

Were you happy with it before you found PS?

YES! I was happy before I found PS....I was comparing against two other rings with similar size, and colors in the store, I was able to notice the color difference of F compare to G and H, but I couldn't tell light performance between them because of the strong lighting in the store, they all look beautiful to me. I know based on what I read HCA is not everything, but it just bothers me that it's >2, and I would love to give my future fiancée best ring possible.

You did great! You’re overthinking this.

HCA is a quick and dirty sort of tool: it doesn’t account for symmetry and lower half facets at all, and use of it demands acknowledging that you’re going to throw several babies out with the bathwater. Great way to blindly sort through hundreds of stones - you know you’ll be eliminating some beauties, but you’ve got to start somewhere!

You aren’t dealing with a large inventory to wade through, though. You bought a stone, and you presumably like the way it looks. Numbers on it are just fine. HCA is completely irrelevant.

My personal cutoff for HCA would be 3, not 2, anyway

Thanks for your feedback! I agree I'm overthinking this a little .

 

[MollyMalone]

I would love to give my future fiancée best ring possible.

My suggestion would be that you slip the ring on her finger ASAP! I'm sure she would be delighted to begin wearing it sooner rather than later -- and seeing her reaction to the ring which reflects your love and care for her & your thoughtful generosity will doubtlessly put your mind at ease

 

[yssie]

but it just bothers me that it's >2, and I would love to give my future fiancée best ring possible.

It shouldn’t bother you. Not because you’ve already bought it so it’s less hassle, etc. to just settle for something “less than best”, but because HCA <2 does not mean best, by any definition - fluffy or technical. It is one means to the end of “best” - not the only means.

We don’t have enough information to judge what you do have, other than that it’s “perfectly fine by the numbers”.

 

[MissGotRocks]

There are lots of women that would love to have the real deal Tiffany ring and most would not know about the difference in HCA. Give it to her with pride - I am sure she will be over the moon with it!!

 

[Tophat1]

First, I’ll start by saying that even though Tiffany stones don’t always have Pricescope ideal stats - every single one that I have seen has been beautiful. I have a Tiffany jazz band ring with several tiny diamonds and they are all gorgeous. I am sure your ring is beautiful or it wouldn’t be Tiffany.

Secondly, if you think you will have regrets, work with your SA to exchange for something that you prefer. Since it is an exchange vs a return and the ring is unworn, I am sure they will work with you.

 

[marcy]

i think she will be thrilled with a Tiffany ring. They are gorgeous.

 

[rockman18]

Thanks for all the feedback and help!

 

[TreeScientist]

First, I’ll start by saying that even though Tiffany stones don’t always have Pricescope ideal stats - every single one that I have seen has been beautiful. I have a Tiffany jazz band ring with several tiny diamonds and they are all gorgeous. I am sure your ring is beautiful or it wouldn’t be Tiffany.

Secondly, if you think you will have regrets, work with your SA to exchange for something that you prefer. Since it is an exchange vs a return and the ring is unworn, I am sure they will work with you.

Second this. While not every Tiffany diamond is perfect, they certainly do not sell crap stones. They have a reputation to uphold, as they are able to charge an arm and a leg because most of the general public views them as the penultimate E-ring source. Selling poor quality stones would eventually hurt this reputation, as the relative consistency of their diamonds (along with very clever marketing) is how they have been able to stay at the top of the industry for so long.

I've only seen a few real Tiffany rings in my lifetime, but I can also say that all have been beautiful. So while the diamond you bought may not perfectly fit within the standard "SuperIdeal" range, it's still going to be beautiful. But if you do want to exchange, I'm sure that the Tiffany reps would be willing to work with you if you're unhappy as @Tophat1 said, especially if you spent slightly more money on the exchange stone (Tiffany won't say no to more money haha).

Enjoy the proposal experience, and post pictures after the proposal!

 

[MaisOuiMadame]

You have received excellent advice from the other posters already. It's great and speaks volumes that you want the best for your fiancée - she's a lucky woman.
Please post pictures of your ring after proposal and let the PS family help you out on any future purchases. You're definitely on the right track now!!

 

[david b]

If you were happy with it at start why put negative karmas in it?

If it is Excellent cut you got a top 95% diamond, it should have a lot of brilliance and beauty.

There is no end to pursue of perfection.



David

 

[sledge]

I agree with the others. You shouldn't let an HCA score define the rings worth. If you keep digging, you will notice a score up to 3 can be acceptable with the right conditions.

In the same regards, I certainly understand the feeling of paying the "best" money for what you consider "near best". Its less about the number of dollars and more about ensuring you got the quality you thought for those dollars spent.

The reason your stone is likely hitting a 2.4 is because the pavilion angle of 40.9 is a little steep when paired with a 35.1 crown. Normally we try to pair a shallower 40.6 pavilion with a higher 35 crown. In fact I just checked and the HCA with a lower pavilion is 1.2.

Rather than jump to a bad conclusion I would encourage you to consider buying an ASET scope and seeing how that image looks. I say this because many super ideal vendors push stones with high crowns and high pavilions like your Tiffany ring. An ASET will trump the HCA as the HCA is just what it states -- an elimination tool. Things like an ASET image, review by your own eyes, etc is the next step in confirming if a passing HCA stone is really one you buy or not.

As a guy I will tell you this. Make sure you are solid with your choice BEFORE you propose, as she will likely never want to take it off or trade AFTER she's received it.

Again, I think I would let things be as is because I truly think you have a great stone, but if you must pursue this let us know how we can further help.

 

[david b]

I agree with Sledge but do not think you should look any further, a GIA Ideal Cut is a perfect diamond

 

[motownmama]

GO IT!!!

 

[doberman]

Chill dude.
The ring is going to be absolutely beautiful. HCA is not the be-all, end-all. It's a Tiffany, she'll be thrilled. But don't forget the defibrillators if you decide to tell her the price.

 

[mrs-b]

I agree with Sledge but do not think you should look any further, a GIA Ideal Cut is a perfect diamond

Not in my book. And not all GIA triple ex stones are equal. At all.

 

[rockman18]

Thanks again for all the feedback. I'm going to keep the ring and trust Tiffany's quality control at this point. Here are couple pictures of the ring in the box (I used a cellphone camera so the diamond looks more yellowish in the third photo than real life).

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

There is no yellow in your photo. There is only a beautiful Tiffany diamond engagement ring chosen by a loving partner who made a solid decision. Thank you for sharing your story.

Now, after you propose, come back with hand shots!!! (or I might, post facto, claim to see yellow.....lolol)

cheers--Sharon

 

[MissGotRocks]

It looks beautiful - I'm telling you she is gonna be thrilled! Please come back with the story and pictures!!

 

[Tophat1]

Love those chunky arrows!

 

[HappyNewLife]

I’m drooling (and I have a superideal diamond)! You did GREAT! It’s a special diamond all around - Tiffany, big, F color. Look at those arrows! She’s going to love it!