- Joined
- May 1, 2008
- Messages
- 3,563
Dear lovechild,lovechild|1425518855|3842014 said:This is my first Dear John letter
Dear John,
Please elaborate on symmetry of an old cut (European) - if symmetry is rated "Poor" should I run screaming? This is in a 2 carat +/- stone, which "looks" pretty fabulous, but the GIA cert rating of symmetry is frightening me!
Thanks for any/all input! (I figured this was as good a place to ask this as any!)
How can you leave me? (boo hoo)
If you're charmed by the look then no worries: Lab graded symmetry covers 'facet symmetry,' which is a judgment of whether the facet lines are clean, the meet points precise and the facets well-shaped. It also covers 'proportions symmetry,' which is a judgment of the crown in relation to the pavilion, how each main meets its opposite, how the break facets pair, whether there is any “twist" top to bottom, and if extreme variances exist in the facet groups.
Given the situation of antique cuts - some of which were produced prior to modern girdling, scaifes with no vibration, etc. It's not surprising to see such grades. In terms of precision and modern craftsmanship they're not the same animal. But they have a completely different charm. If you love that look no one will ever worry about the technical grade a modern lab gave the work of someone operating in a different age.