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What is the difference in these brands?

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Maggiemeans

Shiny_Rock
Premium
Joined
Dec 17, 2017
Messages
278
Through my PS reading I can't figure out what the difference is between the hearts and arrows from:
Crafted by Infinity
Brian Garvin Signature
Whiteflash A Cut Above
Not sure if I am missing any.

If it's hearts and arrows doesn't that automatically mean it's ideal cut?

What makes CBI super ideal? Why has this been a more popular coversation on PS it seems?

Thanks in advance. I can't figure this out through searching.
 
These are all “super ideal” brands. One is not better than the other based on diamond quality, they all produce amazing, amazing diamonds. There are some differences between the identity of the brands, their upgrade policies and sometimes their prices.

Lately, there has been more talk about CBI/HPD because a few fellow PSers purchased diamonds and one even compiled a lovely video comparing a HPD stone to other ideal cut diamonds. However, it is important to note that there are subtitle differences even in the super-ideal world based on crown/pavilion angle combos, table size, etc. That does not mean that one brand produces better diamonds compared to others. Stones always need to be examined individually. You cannot go wrong with either brand. HPD/CBI and WF has very generous upgrade policies, that allow you to trade back a diamond for a 100% credit as long as the new diamond is $1 more expensive. HPD even has a long term buy-back policy. BGD required that 2 of 3 diamond qualities are upgraded to qualify for an upgrade, but I have never had issues with upgrades with them. They also have a 1year buy back program.

If you tell us your budget and general requirements, we can help you find several super ideal options to review!
 
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These are vendors that sell super ideals. Sometimes it's a balance of available stock and upgrade policy, as well as clicking with the rep that may sway a client to go with one vendor over another.
 
Whiteflash clearly lists out parameters for specs which meet the the A Cut Above designation here: https://www.whiteflash.com/a-cut-above-diamonds-specifications-and-qualifications/

As far as I know, it is the only vendor that gives specific details on the cut specs. (I would be glad to learn if other vendors also provide the detailed ranges for specs such as table %, crown angle, etc.)

Victor Canera also does H&A diamonds.
 
Thanks. I am not in the market. I just like learning quite honestly. SimoneDi, if the video link is handy I would love to see it.
 
Matthews1127 said:
@whitewave, @diamondseeker2006, @ILikeShiny:
Calling you for experienced advice!!!
Click to expand...
Aw, @Matthews1127, you're sweet to think of me! I'll be the first to admit thought that I'm not as well versed on rounds as I am on step-cuts. That being said, I'd echo all the comments so far; from what I've seen, the difference between ideal and super ideal is nominal but those who notice small details would probably benefit from the super ideal (given cut is their priority over other C's). The precision of the hearts and arrows is stunning and the colors they throw are gorgeous.

Here's a short write-up by BG that also adds to the discussion - https://www.briangavindiamonds.com/news/compare-diamond-pictures-of-ideal-vs-super-ideal-cuts/
 
All of the superideals will fall mostly within the same parameters. Obviously there are differences in individual stones such as table size, depth, and angles, but if you lined up three stones from three vendors with the exact same measurements, I think you'd find it hard to tell them apart. All of the superideals by these vendors will have AGS Ideal cut grading. But what we call super-ideals are just the top tier of ideal cut.

I have been a customer of Whiteflash for about 11 years or so now, so I give them a very high recommendation considering the number of times I have upgraded my diamonds with them. They generally have the best selection of stones of any of those three vendors and often have the best prices. They have a first class facility and staff and I had the pleasure of visiting a couple of years ago. So I always go to them first. I also have a lot of respect for CBI/HPD for the quality of their stones and the people I know who work for them, such as John P and Wink. Both of these have strict requirements for their top tier stones, the best upgrade policies, and both are Pricescope sponsors, so I choose them first.

Victor Canera and Good Old Gold carry some super-ideals as well, so I'd check out and compare what they have, and I'd definitely look at Victor's if I wanted a setting made by him.
 
I think the above posters have already covered the major points.

Splitting hairs really... I don't known much about Crafted by Infinity.

However, all are 'super ideals' - i.e. ideal diamonds that have an even tighter requirement for dimensions, light performance and eye-cleanliness etc...

Whiteflash are very responsive. Their videos are more sparkly than practical but they are transparent in their ASET/IS/Certificate/Sarin and definitions. They also have the diamonds on hand so you can ask your rep honest questions and they will retrieve the stones and answer them. e.g. "what is your honest opinion about stone A vs stone B ; is it eye clean at a closer distance or from the side/angle ; can you take more photos for me"

However, if you don't ask, they can assume it doesn't matter. Their custom Pt settings are mostly cast platinum/iridium which may or may not be your thing. Their aftercare is also fantastic. We lost a Plat earring backing which fell off in surgery and they posted one complimentary to us some years down the track!

They have an appropriate price premium for their ACA branded cuts.

I have also been a customer (repeat customer at that) of WF for many years.
 
Maggiemeans said:
Thanks. I am not in the market. I just like learning quite honestly. SimoneDi, if the video link is handy I would love to see it.
Click to expand...

@Drizzle spent the time to compare various ideal cut diamonds and she did a great comparison summary between all of them. Here are her posts with videos included:
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...nfinity-wf-aca-and-james-allen-gia-3x.235609/
https://www.pricescope.com/communit...lor-clarity-or-compromise-cut-with-ja.235191/
 
What everyone else has said above. Those three vendors along with Good Old Gold and Victor Canera all sell Ideal Cut MRB’s (and sometimes other cuts) that are ridiculously good light performance wise. All without the wallet breaking cachet of Hearts on Fire.
 
Diamond cutting and modeling technology has reached the point where it's no secret what makes a diamond superideal and what it takes to cut one. Obviously not anyone can do it, but there's nothing Crafted by Infinity (etc.) can do that Whiteflash (etc.) can't.

There may be small differences in appearance, but there are small differences in appearance for every stone anyhow, and if you're talking about a stone mounted in a ring held several feet away from you in all sorts of lighting, all that stuff will drown out any differences inherent to the cutting anyhow. (Inherent to the cutting of Whiteflash vs. Canera vs. GOG vs. BG I mean, not the difference between a bad cut and a really good cut.)
 
Came across this post about CBI which I found interesting:

Elepig said:
I found a place by me that carries them and went to see how they compared to my ACA and if they measured up to the hype. The few I saw were beautiful and one in particular had a little more something something, danced a little more, than mine did.
CBI - CA -34.1/15.2, PA - 40.9/43.2, T - 55.1. F VS1 1.11ct
My ACA - CA - 34.8/15.3, PA - 40.6/42.8, T - 56. F VS2 1.23ct

So then I went home, brought highperformancediamonds up on the internet, and went down the list of diamonds. The specs they consistently shoot for, it seems -
CA - usually 34 - 34.5, PA - usually 40.7-40.9, the star usually 49, 50, 51, T - mostly in 55-55.9 range (a few lower, few higher)
Click to expand...
https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/thoughts-on-these-2-wf-diamonds.228711/#post-4131739
 
A little late but thanks so much for all if the responses... this has really helped.
I had forgotten I even posted this, then I was thinking of this question today.. and decided to search for an answer before posting. ... and my own darn question popped up first, with all these great responses:wall:.. Maybe time to have the brain checked.
 
ChristineRose said:
Diamond cutting and modeling technology has reached the point where it's no secret what makes a diamond superideal and what it takes to cut one. Obviously not anyone can do it, but there's nothing Crafted by Infinity (etc.) can do that Whiteflash (etc.) can't.
Click to expand...

Technically yes. But diamond is thorny and fine-tuning requires more time, more expense of weight and higher skill and there are levels atop levels to that.

Remember that most sellers of these top brands are selecting from multiple productions. That means the quality-control for those brands is only happening after the diamond reaches their stores. Some get rejected and others get chosen, which is why you find different levels of eye-clean, some variations in the cutting.

Meanwhile Crafted by Infinity has only one focus, which is their specific fantasy-diamond. The quality-control starts before crystal selection and continues through final execution. It’s how every CBI is so reliable and consistent. Mind you, I am not disagreeing about the great brands and top visual appearance. I’m just illustrating a core difference. For me, it explains why Wink and CBI have testimonies from people who have seen these great brands together and wind up gravitating toward Crafted by Infinity.
 
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