Trade for August Vintage or Keep Current Stone

[djslik]

Here is sunny picture number 1

 

[djslik]

Here is sunny picture number 2

 

[djslik]

Here is the last sunny picture

 

[Dreamer_D]

In the shade under a tree pics?

 

[djslik]

Here is another video shot outside. I apologize as my video camera is not as good as Jon's.
http://www.vimeo.com/11475312



So the final decision is going to be the Hearts and Arrows. Here is a short breakdown of why to help any other customers out there.

1. I like the "faster" scintillation of a Hearts and Arrows when compared to an August Vintage. I felt I had to turn the August
Vintage stone to the correct angles to get the blasts of fire. The Hearts and Arrows were always sparkling and shooting off
colors at more angles so I felt that at any angle I caught light, color, and sparkle.

2. I could notice the warmth of the August Vintage and for my personal taste it was just a tad too warm. My girlfriend agreed
that the color was too warm for her. This is a personal preference so each buyer needs to inspect in person and make that
decision on their own.

3. The hearts and arrows seemed to sparkle and produce fire in more lighting conditions than the August Vintage at least from my
observations. Even though you would get brilliant flashes of light and color from the August Vintage it would only be in
certain lighting conditions such as direct sunlight or direct hard light. The Hearts and Arrows seemed to catch light in
almost all conditions.

4. The size was not an issue in this case because my ideal diamond CT weight is between 1.25 and 1.5 CT's. My girlfriend wanted
1 CT only and was surprised I was going to a larger size already. She does NOT want anything larger than 1.5 CT because she
said that it did not fit her personality and lifestyle.

These are all my observations of the actual stones I had in my possession. I don't know if all Hearts and Arrows or August Vintage stones act the same way. Both stones are absolutely gorgeous and I don't think either stone would have been a let down. Compared to all stones I have seen in person either at a store or on someone's hand, these stones blew them out of the water hands down. I think anyone in my shoes should spend as much time as possible inspecting diamonds because I have learned a great deal about diamonds in a very short time thanks to this site and also to Jon at Good Old Gold. I wanted to say Thank You to everyone who has helped educate me and I feel that I have purchased the best diamond I could afford. I will update you guys with the Engagement story and final setting when I have chance.

 

[djslik]

Date: 5/4/2010 4:53:37 PM
Author: dreamer_d
In the shade under a tree pics?

Unfortunately I don''t have any trees at my exact location. I will have to update pictures when I get a chance. I am sending the August Vintage back this week but I will take some time to get High Def Pictures up before I do for you guys.

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/4/2010 5:02:26 PM
Author: djslik

Date: 5/4/2010 4:53:37 PM
Author: dreamer_d
In the shade under a tree pics?

Unfortunately I don''t have any trees at my exact location. I will have to update pictures when I get a chance. I am sending the August Vintage back this week but I will take some time to get High Def Pictures up before I do for you guys.

Another great place for photos is with a window behind you, no flash!

Great summary and pictures, you must have had fun and I know it will help other consumers, so good for you!

 

[djslik]

Are you asking for a diffused lighting photo. My Kitchen is a perfect place for diffused lighting because of the lighting panels. I can also shoot it in a light box if I have the urge to pull out all my photography gear.

 

[djslik]

Update 1

 

[djslik]

Update 2

 

[djslik]

Update 3

 

[Dreamer_D]

Date: 5/4/2010 5:46:52 PM
Author: djslik
Are you asking for a diffused lighting photo. My Kitchen is a perfect place for diffused lighting because of the lighting panels. I can also shoot it in a light box if I have the urge to pull out all my photography gear.

Yes, and your new additions looks great! I love that lighting because it really lets you see the facet patters

 

[djslik]

Update 4

 

[djslik]

Update 5

 

[djslik]

Update 6

 

[caroleena]

Thanks for all the pics and opinions, djslik! It''s much appreciated

 

[Rhino]

Excellent shots dj and thanks for your honest and candid review. In the pics (sun and ambient) it''s tough to see color difference though I know they are there but yes ... it is easy to see the faceting between the 2. I''m glad you were able to view the 2 side by side. When you are in shaded daylight (ie. ambient light) are your eyes still drawn to the faster scintillation of the H&A? When we''re showing this comparison in the store in natural day lighting like that is when many consumers are really tossed but usually when a definitive decision can be made about which they want on their hands. Thanks for your feedback.

Kind regards,

 

[djslik]

The color difference is very slight when viewing the diamonds face up so most people would never notice. I think the performance under direct light is really the deciding factor for me. I actually like the performance of the August Vintage in Ambient/Diffused light because it seems brighter. The Hearts and Arrows seems to be darker, but I think that really is the contrast of the cut. At least that is how I interpret it. This was a good learning experience for me and hopefully others out there can use this in their diamond search.

I also want to thank everyone at Good Old Gold for all the wonderful advice and awesome customer service. If you are looking for an Old English Cut I can think of no finer place than Good Old Gold. Thanks again everyone and I''ll be posting soon with my stone in its final setting. My setting is coming in tomorrow I might throw a pic on here for you guys.