----------------
On 9/24/2004 9:50:15 AM Paul-Antwerp wrote:
Garry, I agree but I disagree.
When you are talking about parcels of small stones, you are right that you will find more H&A-patterns than some years ago.
But if we are talking about bigger stones, that you look at individually, the story is not the same. Especially in this case, the comparison is between a Whiteflash-H&A and an ideal-cut.
Unfortunately, too many people in the trade refer to what we call 'super-ideals' as 'H&A'. If this is a Whiteflash A Cut Above, with ideal proportions, great symmetry and the resulting H&A-pattern, I value it much more than a stone with ideal average proportions, but without H&A-pattern.
Live long,----------------
----------------
On 9/24/2004 8:04:33 AM chrono wrote:
For me, I cannot visually see the difference between a true H&A and a diamond that exhibits a strong H&A pattern, so I get my money's worth by buying an unbranded H&A (H&A pattern almost perfect) without the H&A markup. Only your eyes can tell if you can see the difference. ----------------
----------------
The independent appraiser who appraised my ring told me that he thought the H&A is just a fad in his opinion and it's up to the individual to determine what is beautiful to them. Also he said that the average person that looked at your ring wouldn't even notice the H&A unless you pointed them out to them so its up to the buyer. He said of course that there are those buyers who want the absolute best no matter what and that is what they should get.
In the end I really think it's a mental thing. I have had my cousin and my friend inspect and compare my ring extensively to my diamond pendant and they both said that they can tell that difference but only because the diamond jewelry were side by side and because of the platinum prongs on the ring vs the 18k yellow gold prongs on the pendant.----------------
----------------
On 9/24/2004 1:40:41 PM JohnQuixote wrote:
----------------
The independent appraiser who appraised my ring told me that he thought the H&A is just a fad in his opinion and it's up to the individual to determine what is beautiful to them. Also he said that the average person that looked at your ring wouldn't even notice the H&A unless you pointed them out to them so its up to the buyer. He said of course that there are those buyers who want the absolute best no matter what and that is what they should get.
In the end I really think it's a mental thing. I have had my cousin and my friend inspect and compare my ring extensively to my diamond pendant and they both said that they can tell that difference but only because the diamond jewelry were side by side and because of the platinum prongs on the ring vs the 18k yellow gold prongs on the pendant.----------------
Imurden,
I’m going to jump on a box o’ soap for a minute (let me get my balance):
1. “Fad”
Hearts & Arrows are not a ‘fad.’ There is consumer demand for internal symmetry. GIA and especially the new AGS standards are rewarding symmetry, so cutting physically (and therefore optically) symmetrical stones is a logical pursuit of excellence in the craft, as well as good business sense. Better-cut stones are valued more. Hearts & Arrows, when cut precisely, are a guarantee of cut quality, therefore a guarantee of higher value.
For that matter, Hearts & Arrows have been defined as such for over a decade. The fact that tools and measuring devices have evolved is a contributor to consumer awareness, but consumer awareness has not sparked the premium: The high performance exhibited in the precise cut has.
Thusly, Ripped jeans, body piercing and flip-flops are fads. The evolution of diamond cutting to the superb standards is not.
2. “Individual Preference”
I agree 100%. Yes, it is individual preference. When buying diamonds you are buying something which has been crafted by a human to perform for you, just as you would an automobile. To that end, the most precisely cut and refined Hearts & Arrows are a ‘fad’ in the same way Porsche, BMW, Mercedes and Ferrari are fads.----------------
----------------
On 9/24/2004 1:56:08 PM rothana wrote:
Sorry to interject a question in this thread... When buying a diamond with ideal proportions and excellent symmetry but not having a perfect hearts and arrows pattern, will this diamond perform worse than a similar diamond having the hearts and arrows pattern? ----------------