Thoughts on these 2 Idealscopes?

[dawgcatching]

Interested mostly in relative light performance here; Are these both comparable and top performers? Both grade as AGS 000


Both are around 2.2ct. The one with the fatter facets is clarity grade 6 (strong SI2), the other is 7 (more included SI2). The first is eye clean, 2nd has a feather on the facet that can be seen when looking for it under certain light. Am very happy with the clarity of both; no need to pay more for something we can't appreciate.

1st scores 1.4 on the HCA, as does the second. First has a taller crown, 35.6; 2nd is 35.1. Both have 40.7 for pavilion and 61/55 depth and table

 

[John P]

Both have promising ideal-scopes.

The one with the fatter facets is clarity grade 6 (strong SI2), the other is 7 (more included SI2).

I'm glad you brought up this distinction. It's a nice feature of AGSL; separating high SI2 from low SI2 on their reports. Do give extra attention if the clarity grade is "based-on" clouds (or another characteristic) not shown. For that matter, I habitually scrutinize when anything "not-shown" appears in SI comments. The AGS metric is a great performance indicator, but those results come from a computer ray-trace of a 3D model, with no accounting-for clarity characteristics within the diamond. This is not usually a worry in AGSL SI grades, but it's worth inspection in-person to verify that transparency and optical performance are not hindered.

First has a taller crown, 35.6; 2nd is 35.1. Both have 40.7 for pavilion and 61/55 depth and table

Similar performers. Examine them together in point-source lighting (small intense lights above, like a jewelers' showroom) and see if you detect any subtle difference in perceived fire. In low-lighting see which you prefer, if either, in terms of overall brightness when they're not drawing from a direct light source.

Nice candidates.

 

[emmebee]

Agreed on the IdealScopes. Sorry, not to harp on the clarity grade - but I would just confirm that the vendor you're working with has the same definition of "eye-clean" as you. i.e. From how many inches away, only top down or from all sides, etc.

 

[dawgcatching]

Both have promising ideal-scopes.

The one with the fatter facets is clarity grade 6 (strong SI2), the other is 7 (more included SI2).

I'm glad you brought up this distinction. It's a nice feature of AGSL; separating high SI2 from low SI2 on their reports. Do give extra attention if the clarity grade is "based-on" clouds (or another characteristic) not shown. For that matter, I habitually scrutinize when anything "not-shown" appears in SI comments. The AGS metric is a great performance indicator, but those results come from a computer ray-trace of a 3D model, with no accounting-for clarity characteristics within the diamond. This is not usually a worry in AGSL SI grades, but it's worth inspection in-person to verify that transparency and optical performance are not hindered.

First has a taller crown, 35.6; 2nd is 35.1. Both have 40.7 for pavilion and 61/55 depth and table

Similar performers. Examine them together in point-source lighting (small intense lights above, like a jewelers' showroom) and see if you detect any subtle difference in perceived fire. In low-lighting see which you prefer, if either, in terms of overall brightness when they're not drawing from a direct light source.

Nice candidates.

Thank you. I got to see them side by side, and overall light return was perhaps best on the first. Just a touch more from diffused lighting. Face up in bright lighting they were both great. First had the edge in fire as well. The grade 6 is definitely eye clean, very noticable under magnification; grade 7 I could see the feather on the crown, that was all. The first is also an I, vs J on the second; being that it was the marginally better performer, and cleaner, I thought it worthy of the $800 price difference. Could have lived with either.

I haven't compared next to a super ideal, but these look awfully nice. I was a little worried that I should go that direction and not "cut corners" on cut with "only" an AGS 000, but your comments reassure me, and I am not getting anything close to this size in a super ideal on my budget.

Thank you for your comments. I know by finding a clean Si2 I was able to get into an AGS 000 I color over 2ct for under my budget of $14k. While not everyone would agree with me, I can't see the inclusions, and she will likely be happier with an eye clean 2.1ct vs a VS2 1.7ct. Note to others too, do your homework and you may find something eye clean si2 that has been overlooked out of hand simply because it was SI2.

I am glad I ran it by the experts here, gives me reassurance that I am getting a great performer and very good value with this one. It looks a heck of a lot more expensive than a $13,600 diamond. This board rocks!

 

[dawgcatching]

Agreed on the IdealScopes. Sorry, not to harp on the clarity grade - but I would just confirm that the vendor you're working with has the same definition of "eye-clean" as you. i.e. From how many inches away, only top down or from all sides, etc.

Did an inspection: the grade 6 was eye clean. Couldn't find anything in 20 minutes of trying with the naked eye. The pin pricks on the table were transparent and the cloud also didn't stand out (would be under a prong at any rate) Grade 7 I could see the feather only, from the side, in specific light. Still would have been ok with me.

 

[emmebee]

Congrats! Sounds like you really found a great one