What if you can''t get an IS image? Is HCA enough?

[Picabia]

If you couldn''t get an IS image but were able to see the stone, would the HCA# give you enough confidence to decide which stones to check out in person? There are all these wonderful tools (ASET, IS, H&A), but when stones are coming through vendors rather than in house they aren''t always available. What do you do in these cases?
Thanks!

 

[stone-cold11]

Depends on you comfort level, time-line and how good the vendors'' return policy are.

If you have the time and the vendor''s return policy is long, buy yourself an idealscope and learn how to use it. Then buy the stone and view it yourself and if you do not like it, send it back for a refund.

 

[Dreamer_D]

I would first limit the pool to diamonds that are GIA Ex or AGS0 for cut. Then run the numbers through the HCA and call in 3-4 stones that score under 2 and have your desired specs otherwise. Then let your eyes choose! Look at them in a bunch of different lighting environments -- jeweler lighting, shaded under your palm, by a window, outside. Those steps should result in a great diamond.

But most PS vendors can provide an IS image and other imaging for diamonds they call in for you...

 

[slg47]

it depends on what you are looking for in a diamond. if you have the ASET/IS image that can really help you evaluate the cut because it shows you the light return.

however, most stores do not carry these, and plenty of people buy diamonds without them. it just depends on how much of an informed consumer you want to be and how much you trust the vendor.

you have to weigh the important factors to you...is it more important to have local service or more important to go with an online vendor that can provide this information? no right answer

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Date: 5/3/2010 9:13:51 PM
Author:Picabia
If you couldn''t get an IS image but were able to see the stone, would the HCA# give you enough confidence to decide which stones to check out in person? There are all these wonderful tools (ASET, IS, H&A), but when stones are coming through vendors rather than in house they aren''t always available. What do you do in these cases?
Thanks!

I would never do it

 

[yssie]

Date: 5/3/2010 9:45:14 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 5/3/2010 9:13:51 PM
Author:Picabia
If you couldn't get an IS image but were able to see the stone, would the HCA# give you enough confidence to decide which stones to check out in person? There are all these wonderful tools (ASET, IS, H&A), but when stones are coming through vendors rather than in house they aren't always available. What do you do in these cases?
Thanks!

I would never do it

and this is coming from the creator of the software...



learn what the numbers mean. The HCA is a fantastic tool, but a tool none the less.

 

[kenny]

Post all the 4 parameters needed for the HCA, and any other info you can get, preferably a jpg of the lab report.

I suspect a few people here (not me) practically have idealscopes in their brains by now from so much experience comparing the numbers to the IS images.

Also, some sets of numbers are more safe than others (for instance the narrow range of ACA stones); some sets are borderline and really need IS images.

Yours may be safe.

 

[slg47]

or you could just go with an online vendor that provides this information, for peace of mind that you have all the info, and you will probably get a better price

 

[Picabia]

I actually am going with an online dealer. Eternity Diamonds has been great helping me put together a custom setting, and they're offering great prices on the various vendor stones searchable on this site. However they aren't yet in the habit of generating ideal scope images. Perhaps I can push them in the right direction...

Could I just buy the ideal scope (not the ideal light) and use it when I get to physically see the stones? Should they have lighting I can use along with the scope, or would I be at a real loss without the ideal light?

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 5/3/2010 9:45:14 PM
Author: Garry H (Cut Nut)

Date: 5/3/2010 9:13:51 PM
Author:Picabia
If you couldn''t get an IS image but were able to see the stone, would the HCA# give you enough confidence to decide which stones to check out in person? There are all these wonderful tools (ASET, IS, H&A), but when stones are coming through vendors rather than in house they aren''t always available. What do you do in these cases?
Thanks!

I would never do it

Neither would I, if there was a trusted expert to be my eyes then that would be different but for myself no.