WF''s ACAs and Expert Selections

[reigndeerz]

Is anyone aware of the criteria used by WF in selecting their ACAs? From plugging in the numbers of quite a few of their non-ACA stones (Expert Selections) into the HCA, it does seem that their ES stones are extremely well cut stones too, so obviously cut is not the only criteria in defining the ACAs. What is it that demands the 10% premium over the ES stones then?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 7:43:03 AM
Author:reigndeerz
Is anyone aware of the criteria used by WF in selecting their ACAs? From plugging in the numbers of quite a few of their non-ACA stones (Expert Selections) into the HCA, it does seem that their ES stones are extremely well cut stones too, so obviously cut is not the only criteria in defining the ACAs. What is it that demands the 10% premium over the ES stones then?

ACA have to meet very strict standards in many areas, including but not limited to superior visual performance and balance, brand consistency, standards and precision of the hearts and arrows patterning etc. Some ES are in fact ' near miss' ACA's, as an example a heart might be a bit off which ' fails' it as an ACA but to the non expert viewer there is little to no discernible difference in beauty or performance. Therefore these can be an excellent choice for those desiring a beautiful top cut diamond but aren't bothered about the pedigree of an ACA or picture perfect h&a.

Read more here on the Whiteflash ACA brand.

 

[reigndeerz]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:02:19 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/19/2009 7:43:03 AM

Author:reigndeerz

Is anyone aware of the criteria used by WF in selecting their ACAs? From plugging in the numbers of quite a few of their non-ACA stones (Expert Selections) into the HCA, it does seem that their ES stones are extremely well cut stones too, so obviously cut is not the only criteria in defining the ACAs. What is it that demands the 10% premium over the ES stones then?

ACA have to meet very strict standards in many areas, including but not limited to superior visual performance, brand consistency, standards and precision of the hearts and arrows patterning etc. Some ES are in fact '' near miss'' ACA''s, a heart might be a bit off which '' fails'' it as an ACA but to the non expert viewer there is little to no discernible difference in beauty or performance. Therefore these can be an excellent choice for those desiring a beautiful top cut diamond but aren''t bothered about the pedigree of an ACA or picture perfect h&a.

To the naked eye, would there be a significant difference in visual performance stemming from the lack of picture perfect H&A symmetry? And also this pedigree of the ACA that you refer to, what exactly is this pedigree?

Thanks Lorelei...it is definitely an understatement to say that you''re one of the most helpful ones around this forum

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:08:21 AM
Author: reigndeerz

Date: 11/19/2009 8:02:19 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/19/2009 7:43:03 AM

Author:reigndeerz

Is anyone aware of the criteria used by WF in selecting their ACAs? From plugging in the numbers of quite a few of their non-ACA stones (Expert Selections) into the HCA, it does seem that their ES stones are extremely well cut stones too, so obviously cut is not the only criteria in defining the ACAs. What is it that demands the 10% premium over the ES stones then?

ACA have to meet very strict standards in many areas, including but not limited to superior visual performance, brand consistency, standards and precision of the hearts and arrows patterning etc. Some ES are in fact ' near miss' ACA's, a heart might be a bit off which ' fails' it as an ACA but to the non expert viewer there is little to no discernible difference in beauty or performance. Therefore these can be an excellent choice for those desiring a beautiful top cut diamond but aren't bothered about the pedigree of an ACA or picture perfect h&a.

To the naked eye, would there be a significant difference in visual performance stemming from the lack of picture perfect H&A symmetry? And also this pedigree of the ACA that you refer to, what exactly is this pedigree?

Thanks Lorelei...it is definitely an understatement to say that you're one of the most helpful ones around this forum

You are very kind, thank you so much!!! I try hard!!!

Although I can't say for sure without actual diamonds to compare, to the naked untrained eye there wouldn't be much visual difference assuming a non ACA and a ' near miss ACA' ES stone, I use the term pedigree to mean the brand name of the ACA, some as you know like to have brand names when they purchase an item, others don't mind if both diamonds are beautiful - some would rather spend a little less and have the non ACA.

 

[reigndeerz]

Just stating the facts my dear!

I''m so torn between paying that 10% premium for the brand name of the ACA and just picking that of the ES. And of course there''s also the next dilemma of picking between the ES and an Ideal Hearts from JA.

ARGH! Decisions decisions decisions!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:20:56 AM
Author: reigndeerz
Just stating the facts my dear!

I''m so torn between paying that 10% premium for the brand name of the ACA and just picking that of the ES. And of course there''s also the next dilemma of picking between the ES and an Ideal Hearts from JA.

ARGH! Decisions decisions decisions!

* blush*

I know its difficult to know what to do but you have two great vendors there and you can''t really get it wrong! I would throw this into the mix, both vendors have upgrade policies but the terms and conditions of each vary so if an upgrade might be a future possibility, I would read both and factor that into your decision.

Do you have any specific diamonds in mind right now?

 

[reigndeerz]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:26:33 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/19/2009 8:20:56 AM

Author: reigndeerz

Just stating the facts my dear!

I''m so torn between paying that 10% premium for the brand name of the ACA and just picking that of the ES. And of course there''s also the next dilemma of picking between the ES and an Ideal Hearts from JA.


ARGH! Decisions decisions decisions!

* blush*

I know its difficult to know what to do but you have two great vendors there and you can''t really get it wrong! I would throw this into the mix, both vendors have upgrade policies but the terms and conditions of each vary so if an upgrade might be a future possibility, I would read both and factor that into your decision.


Do you have any specific diamonds in mind right now?

I''ve still got a half a year before I plan to propose, so time''s still on my side.

I pretty much know the budget and range of diamonds I would like to go for now, but I''m reluctant to start looking specifically yet as I do not want to be holding on to a diamond waiting for the right time. Heh. That is bound to be a harrowing experience trying to keep my mouth from blabbing! Haha.

I do not intend to upgrade the diamond at any point, hence I''m not terribly concerned about the various upgrade policies. Why have 1 big diamond when you can have 1 small and 1 big one?!

Rest assured, I will start hounding this place once I''m ready to officially begin my diamond search! In the meantime tho, it''s just ogling at diamonds, comparing the different ranges of diamonds by different vendors, and most importantly, desperately trying to find some inspiration for my setting!

I swear I''m falling in love with diamonds though!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:43:27 AM
Author: reigndeerz

Date: 11/19/2009 8:26:33 AM
Author: Lorelei

Date: 11/19/2009 8:20:56 AM

Author: reigndeerz

Just stating the facts my dear!

I''m so torn between paying that 10% premium for the brand name of the ACA and just picking that of the ES. And of course there''s also the next dilemma of picking between the ES and an Ideal Hearts from JA.


ARGH! Decisions decisions decisions!

* blush*

I know its difficult to know what to do but you have two great vendors there and you can''t really get it wrong! I would throw this into the mix, both vendors have upgrade policies but the terms and conditions of each vary so if an upgrade might be a future possibility, I would read both and factor that into your decision.


Do you have any specific diamonds in mind right now?

I''ve still got a half a year before I plan to propose, so time''s still on my side.

I pretty much know the budget and range of diamonds I would like to go for now, but I''m reluctant to start looking specifically yet as I do not want to be holding on to a diamond waiting for the right time. Heh. That is bound to be a harrowing experience trying to keep my mouth from blabbing! Haha.

I do not intend to upgrade the diamond at any point, hence I''m not terribly concerned about the various upgrade policies. Why have 1 big diamond when you can have 1 small and 1 big one?!

Rest assured, I will start hounding this place once I''m ready to officially begin my diamond search! In the meantime tho, it''s just ogling at diamonds, comparing the different ranges of diamonds by different vendors, and most importantly, desperately trying to find some inspiration for my setting!

I swear I''m falling in love with diamonds though!

No probs, just stick around and have fun and when you are ready the right diamond will be waiting for you!

 

[Laila619]

Hi reigndeerz,

For my upgrade diamond, I bought an 'almost ACA' from WF. It is close except the crown is off a bit (steeper). It was a great value in my opinion, because had I bought an ACA of the same size, it would be several thousand more. It was still a pretty stone with excellent IS and ASET images.

 

[boots7]

I to bought a near miss ACA. My lower girdle was 81-82% and the pavilion was 41 instead of 40.9. I think the Pavilion angle lead to the >80% lower girdle but it is an amazing stone. My only complaint was I wanted at least a 2.5cts stone so the selection above that is slim picking for an AGS000 cut stone from WF.

I posted my WF photos a little while ago and am now struggling with taking real photos

 

[reigndeerz]

Seems like there are a fair bit of ''Near ACA'' purchasers out there too

Sure comforts me in knowing that I''m not alone in questioning the sanity of paying a premium for something as minimal and barely noticeable as this! Heh.

Though if I had the money, that''d be a whole different story!

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 11/19/2009 9:50:26 AM
Author: reigndeerz
Seems like there are a fair bit of ''Near ACA'' purchasers out there too

Sure comforts me in knowing that I''m not alone in questioning the sanity of paying a premium for something as minimal and barely noticeable as this! Heh.

Though if I had the money, that''d be a whole different story!

You are definitely not alone and the more knowledge you have the better so you can make an informed choice and be really pleased with your purchase for many years to come.

 

[Allison D.]

Reigndeerz, many fine contributions in this thread! Hope they have helped you.

ACA are our branded H&A line; they carry the AGS Platinum report, meet the brand requirements for H&A pattern, and are display superior visual balance across the widest array of lighting conditions.

ES stones are stones that would earn the AGS0 grade based on light performance/cut proportions but have missed qualification in our brand for one reason or another. They are amazing performers as well.

 

[saveurbuck]

Date: 11/19/2009 8:20:56 AM
Author: reigndeerz
Just stating the facts my dear!

I'm so torn between paying that 10% premium for the brand name of the ACA and just picking that of the ES. And of course there's also the next dilemma of picking between the ES and an Ideal Hearts from JA.

ARGH! Decisions decisions decisions!

Hi,

I just received my WF ES ring.
Here are the different threads where I discussed it before buying:

ES Diamond Specs

Hearts Image

The Ring, As recieved

I had to finally choose between a F, SI1 ACA and this ES, E VS2 ring. The ACA was cheaper by $200. Bob suggested if would go with a better color and clearity, between a ACA and ES as the ES has missed the ACA grading by a hair.

Hope it helps.

Thanks

PS: At pricesope forums, I felt that Lorelei and StoneCold11 either work for pricescope or one of the recommended vendors. However, I still thank pricescope in helping me make a better and informed decision.