solasfera vs 8* vs a cut above

[LAdiamondHUNTER]

I’m in the market for a diamond. I’ve been reading this forum for a few months and here’s what I decided so far…

For color and clarity, about an H/I and VS2/SI1 should do the trick. Saw some examples at a B&M jeweler didn’t see much of a difference. Also I’m realistic about my budget and I’m not a stickler for perfection.

As for carat, my soon to be fiancé is very tiny (5’1” 100lb) with skinny fingers so a large stone might be obscene (I’m sure some people out there might disagree that there is such a thing). She is very low key and understated so I think a 1.3-1.5 will be a reasonable size.

Now for the most important feature, cut. I know she likes a classic round and given how important cut is, I’ve been looking into Solasfera, 8*, and a cut above. I like the peace of mind that comes with brand diamonds, but that peace of mind comes at a premium. What I’m not sure about is what the premium amounts to in $.

So, for a 1.3 ct, H/I, VS2/SI1, what should I expect to pay over a non-branded H&A for a solasfera, 8*, and a cut above?

Sorry in advance if this is a ridiculous question, I’m still trying to educate myself and this is my first post.

 

[JulieN]

While I understand that many consumers prefer branded goods over non-branded, a Solasfera, an Eightstar, and an ACA are not the same thing. They''re round diamonds. Other than that, they are not really similar.

 

[EricaR]

Actually, just an hour ago I watched this great video from GoG with some of the diamond cuts/brands you were looking at!

Choosing a Round Brilliant Cut with High Optics

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 12/17/2008 1:22:20 AM
Author: JulieN
While I understand that many consumers prefer branded goods over non-branded, a Solasfera, an Eightstar, and an ACA are not the same thing. They''re round diamonds. Other than that, they are not really similar.

I thought 8star is a brand similar to ACA, both modern round cuts? Solasfera is a modified round cut with extra facets?

 

[Ellen]

Date: 12/17/2008 4:56:42 AM
Author: Stone-cold11

Date: 12/17/2008 1:22:20 AM
Author: JulieN
While I understand that many consumers prefer branded goods over non-branded, a Solasfera, an Eightstar, and an ACA are not the same thing. They're round diamonds. Other than that, they are not really similar.

I thought 8star is a brand similar to ACA, both modern round cuts? Solasfera is a modified round cut with extra facets?

It is a modern cut, but it has a different personality. They have a broader, more noticeable on/off flash/scintillation, and broader dispersion, especially in low lighting. Some love them, some don't. They need to be seen.

To the OP, I'd just get a killer cut, regular diamond from one of the vendors.

 

[Kelli]

If she likes a classic round, I''d skip on the solasfera, because that one has extra facets. I''d go with an ACA, just because so many people (myself included) agree that they''re just stunning! You can also get expert selections from WF that are amazing stones too. I don''t know much about 8*. I always thought it was another hearts and arrows cut, but maybe I''m wrong. They always look great in pictures though

 

[neatfreak]

Date: 12/17/2008 7:44:12 AM
Author: Ellen

Date: 12/17/2008 4:56:42 AM

Author: Stone-cold11

Date: 12/17/2008 1:22:20 AM

Author: JulieN

While I understand that many consumers prefer branded goods over non-branded, a Solasfera, an Eightstar, and an ACA are not the same thing. They''re round diamonds. Other than that, they are not really similar.

I thought 8star is a brand similar to ACA, both modern round cuts? Solasfera is a modified round cut with extra facets?

It is a modern cut, but it has a different personality. They have a broader, more noticeable on/off flash/scintillation, and broader dispersion, especially in low lighting. Some love them, some don''t. They need to be seen.


To the OP, I''d just get a killer cut, regular diamond from one of the vendors.

Ditto. The ACA is the only "classic" round brilliant of those three, and also carries the lowest premium. Not to mention that Whiteflash''s customer service is fabulous and they have a lifetime upgrade policy. So it''s a no brainer for me.

Many people (myself included) find the other cuts much busier than the classic RB, so take that into consideration.

 

[Moh 10]

What a wonderful selection
I have experience with all three.
They are all absolutely stunning but quite different looking.

You need to see them for yourself in person, preferably side by side, and make up your own mind.
Since you will never find one store that sells all 3 consider buying an ACA and and a Solasfera (from a vendor with a return policy) and carrying them into an Eightstar dealer.
Don't call first (they may not like the competition) - just walk in wearing the other two in those ring-clamps.
Do try to arrange it so all 3 are similar size though since it is hard to ignore the impact a larger diamond will have.

Return the runner-up(s) for a full refund.
This may seem extravagant but it is actually quite reasonable.
It will cost you the shipping and insurance, around $100, but that is chump change compared to the price of the diamond you are buying.

BTW the Eightstar is by faaaaaaaar the most expensive.
The Solasfera has 10 sections instead of the standard round's 8, so those little wedges of "contrast leakage" (white on the Idealscope images) seen in superb rounds like ACA are eliminated.
The Idealscope images of the Solasfera are solid pink too.
Eightstar has the standard 8 sections but achieve a solid pink Idealscope image by painting and digging, which is manipulating the angles of the facets near the girdle. (I think, please correct me if wrong.)

Some people feel that since the Solasfera has more facets it is only a good choice for larger diamonds.
That is arguable as many people are delighted with the crushed ice look of their relatively small cushions or radiants or princess cuts.
I think people who say only get a larger Solasfera are stuck in a mindset of how a round is supposed to look because they've seen so many standard ones.
Personally, I'm okay with a different look within that little circle. Viva la difference!
I also think the Hope diamond could use a few more facets.

Frankly, you could just save yourself some time and flip a coin because all 3 of these are winners.

 

[kimikocat]

I have always felt that the Eightstar stones exhibited a stronger arrow pattern -- the "eight star" in their name. Has anyone else found that to be true?

I think you should test out your preferences in a good B&M store and ask them to show you (1) Ideal cut round (this would be the classic round), (2) the Eight star, and (3) the Solasfera or something like it (there are other branded cuts w/ extra facets). If you are not familiar with the "crushed ice" look described by Moh 10, ask to see a Radiant. Radiants typically have a "bucket o'' ice" look in the middle, and though you won''t get to see the Solasfera that way, you''ll have a visual for the "ice" reference now, and that may help. Some people like a stricter geometry. Are you one of them? You might not like the crushed ice then.

Regarding being petite and wearing a larger stone. I''m very petite, just like your GF. I find that the size range you specified (1.3-1.5) to be very nice. I think in terms of diameter you''re looking at 6.5-7? You can print out a size chart and take a look. Or draw circles of varying diameters. The best way is to get your GF to actually try on a range, but if you''re out to surprise her...

As you go along, you might want to think about the setting too!

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/17/2008 10:48:43 AM
Author: kimikocat
I have always felt that the Eightstar stones exhibited a stronger arrow pattern -- the ''eight star'' in their name. Has anyone else found that to be true?

Yep. EightStar''s are generally cut with shorter lgf length (around the 75 zone) contributing to wider mains (arrows) and that coupled with the fact that those angles are also cut on the shallower side of ideals in the 40.5-40.7 degree zone cause the mains to reflect back more head/body shadow. This is what produces the "stronger" arrow pattern. If you are in dimly lit areas it becomes more pronounced.

I think you should test out your preferences in a good B&M store and ask them to show you (1) Ideal cut round (this would be the classic round), (2) the Eight star, and (3) the Solasfera or something like it (there are other branded cuts w/ extra facets).

Not many places in the world one could draw these comparisons. When folks are asking what our Hearts and Arrows look like I tell them to find the best looking Hearts on Fire diamond they can find. That will be most comparable. Insofar as EightStar and Solasfera ... to find these combo''s for a comparison *to see live* I only know of one place on the planet one could do this.

If you are not familiar with the ''crushed ice'' look described by Moh 10, ask to see a Radiant. Radiants typically have a ''bucket o'' ice'' look in the middle, and though you won''t get to see the Solasfera that way, you''ll have a visual for the ''ice'' reference now, and that may help. Some people like a stricter geometry. Are you one of them? You might not like the crushed ice then.

Arghhhhhhhhh!!!! DO NOT LIKEN SOLASFERA''S TO CRUSHED ICE APPEARANCE IN RADIANTS!!!

Crushed ice appearance in radiants are generally watery, NOT BRIGHT, and lack fire. A Solasfera is the antithesis to the appearance of a radiant. Look at the clip linked above and you''ll see what I''m talking about.

Kindest regards,

 

[Moh 10]

Sorry Rhino.
By crushed ice I''m just referring to having more smaller facets instead of fewer larger ones.
I''ll avoid the comparison in the future.

It was certainly not a slight to the superior look of Solasfera, which I love!

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/17/2008 2:24:05 PM
Author: Moh 10
Sorry Rhino.
By crushed ice I''m just referring to having more smaller facets instead of fewer larger ones.
I''ll avoid the comparison in the future.

It was certainly not a slight to the superior look of Solasfera, which I love!

LOL... I know that wasn''t your intent Moh but you can see how that can easily be misunderstood.

All the best,

 

[Dancing Fire]

Date: 12/17/2008 1:38:56 PM
Author: Rhino




Not many places in the world one could draw these comparisons. When folks are asking what our Hearts and Arrows look like I tell them to find the best looking Hearts on Fire diamond they can find. That will be most comparable. Insofar as EightStar and Solasfera ... to find these combo''s for a comparison *to see live* I only know of one place on the planet one could do this.

Kindest regards,

and that place is somewhere in Long Island name GOG

 

[Dancing Fire]

8* on my pinky...

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-have-an-8-on-my-pinky.39400/

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/17/2008 1:38:56 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 12/17/2008 10:48:43 AM

Author: kimikocat

If you are not familiar with the ''crushed ice'' look described by Moh 10, ask to see a Radiant. Radiants typically have a ''bucket o'' ice'' look in the middle, and though you won''t get to see the Solasfera that way, you''ll have a visual for the ''ice'' reference now, and that may help. Some people like a stricter geometry. Are you one of them? You might not like the crushed ice then.

Arghhhhhhhhh!!!! DO NOT LIKEN SOLASFERA''S TO CRUSHED ICE APPEARANCE IN RADIANTS!!!

Crushed ice appearance in radiants are generally watery, NOT BRIGHT, and lack fire. A Solasfera is the antithesis to the appearance of a radiant. Look at the clip linked above and you''ll see what I''m talking about.


Kindest regards,

Hehe. Well, I''ve never ever seen a Solasfera -- except in the clip -- I was just trying to explain to the OP what "crushed ice" looks like. Sorry Rhino!

But I still think if the OP likes a cleaner, crisper look, he won''t like your average radiant. I''m sticking to that!

I''ve seen the Eight Star stones next to HoF stones. They ARE very different... And I think it is totally worth the field trip and research time to go and look at the stones in person, because the aesthetics are so different, and taste is of course a personal matter.

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/17/2008 7:43:54 PM
Author: Dancing Fire
8* on my pinky...

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/i-have-an-8-on-my-pinky.39400/

neat pix DF.

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM
Author: kimikocat

Hehe. Well, I''ve never ever seen a Solasfera -- except in the clip -- I was just trying to explain to the OP what ''crushed ice'' looks like. Sorry Rhino!

I know you didn''t mean harm.

If you''d like to see the crushed ice effect that you do mention I''ve captured it in quite few vids on the subject of cushion cuts as there are many out there that are akin to the radiant look you describe though.

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM
Author: kimikocat

But I still think if the OP likes a cleaner, crisper look, he won''t like your average radiant. I''m sticking to that!

I''ve seen the Eight Star stones next to HoF stones. They ARE very different... And I think it is totally worth the field trip and research time to go and look at the stones in person, because the aesthetics are so different, and taste is of course a personal matter.

Absolutely. While I''ve captured the visual differneces between the pavilion mains and lgf''s I mentioned earlier you have to also add painting to the equation as it adds a different dynamic to the appearance of 8*''s as well.

All the best,

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/17/2008 11:57:27 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


I know you didn''t mean harm.

If you''d like to see the crushed ice effect that you do mention I''ve captured it in quite few vids on the subject of cushion cuts as there are many out there that are akin to the radiant look you describe though.


Aw! I didn''t mean any harm. I''ve watched your videos comparing the various cushion cuts and they are very helpful.

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


Absolutely. While I''ve captured the visual differneces between the pavilion mains and lgf''s I mentioned earlier you have to also add painting to the equation as it adds a different dynamic to the appearance of 8*''s as well.

I am not familiar with the way that painting works on the appearance of a stone. Where can I learn more?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 12/18/2008 10:46:35 AM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 12/17/2008 11:57:27 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


I know you didn''t mean harm.

If you''d like to see the crushed ice effect that you do mention I''ve captured it in quite few vids on the subject of cushion cuts as there are many out there that are akin to the radiant look you describe though.


Aw! I didn''t mean any harm. I''ve watched your videos comparing the various cushion cuts and they are very helpful.

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


Absolutely. While I''ve captured the visual differneces between the pavilion mains and lgf''s I mentioned earlier you have to also add painting to the equation as it adds a different dynamic to the appearance of 8*''s as well.

I am not familiar with the way that painting works on the appearance of a stone. Where can I learn more?

Right here with this thread.

http://journal.pricescope.com/Articles/45/1/Visible-Effects-of-Painting--Digging-on-Superideal-Diamonds.aspx

 

[kimikocat]

Hi Lorelei,

Thanks! That article is just what I needed. I had no idea that painting/digging the girdle could change a diamond''s appearance so much.

kimi

 

[Rhino]

Date: 12/18/2008 10:46:35 AM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 12/17/2008 11:57:27 PM
Author: Rhino

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


I know you didn''t mean harm.

If you''d like to see the crushed ice effect that you do mention I''ve captured it in quite few vids on the subject of cushion cuts as there are many out there that are akin to the radiant look you describe though.


Aw! I didn''t mean any harm. I''ve watched your videos comparing the various cushion cuts and they are very helpful.

Date: 12/17/2008 11:04:53 PM

Author: kimikocat


Absolutely. While I''ve captured the visual differneces between the pavilion mains and lgf''s I mentioned earlier you have to also add painting to the equation as it adds a different dynamic to the appearance of 8*''s as well.

I am not familiar with the way that painting works on the appearance of a stone. Where can I learn more?

Lorelei gave you a good link. You can also want to put in a request with that video guy as time allows.

 

[MissDimity]

Awesome video above comparing the different branded cuts!

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/19/2008 12:07:25 AM
Author: Rhino

Lorelei gave you a good link. You can also want to put in a request with that video guy as time allows.

Ah yes, maybe that wonderful video guy would like to show us painting/digging using some beautiful stones...

I''m embarrassed to admit that I actually watched almost all of that video guy''s videos one day, when the boys were watching Sunday football. I told them I was "working." I had to stop because they got hungry. Very addictive.

kimi

 

[EricaR]

Date: 12/19/2008 10:40:37 PM
Author: kimikocat

Date: 12/19/2008 12:07:25 AM
Author: Rhino

Lorelei gave you a good link. You can also want to put in a request with that video guy as time allows.

Ah yes, maybe that wonderful video guy would like to show us painting/digging using some beautiful stones...

I''m embarrassed to admit that I actually watched almost all of that video guy''s videos one day, when the boys were watching Sunday football. I told them I was ''working.'' I had to stop because they got hungry. Very addictive.

kimi

I did the same thing the other night!!! It was cold outside so I was curled up on the couch with my laptop while my FI played video games. Was a perfect way to spend an evening.

 

[kimikocat]

Date: 12/20/2008 2:09:18 AM
Author: EricaR

Date: 12/19/2008 10:40:37 PM

I did the same thing the other night!!! It was cold outside so I was curled up on the couch with my laptop while my FI played video games. Was a perfect way to spend an evening.

Erica! You''re a girl after my own heart.

kimi