Which one will have the most fire?

[HopeDream]

Hi lovely experts - long post!

I''m having trouble knowing my own mind! (LIW trying to decide on rock shape).

A while back I decided I wanted a Tiffany Lucida because the setting was clean and solid looking.

Since then I''ve read about Tiffany cutting their diamonds specifically for white light return, which seems a little boring to me. That, combined with the significant premium for the name, has me looking at other options.

I''m going to be perfectly honest - I''d like compliments on my stone from strangers at least once every two weeks. I want it to distract them with it''s colors.

I''d like a stone that has a lot of fire, and am considering both a GOG chunky OMC (broader flashes) and a square cushion hearts and arrows (smaller flashes, but greater precision of cut) . I''m planning to bezel the stone if that has any bearing on your decision. Video featuring the two here.

Q1. Which one would provide more fire overall ?

Q2. Which one would you choose? (Is there another option I''ve not heard about?)

Q3. Is there a continuum between fire (colored light return) and white light return?
I imagine that there''s only so much light entering the gem and it can be returned in one of two ways: white (together) or colored (spit), assuming very little light leakage.

I''m not looking for specific stones right now, just a general idea of what you think would be best.
(Rock size would probably be 1-1.5 ct ish, if that makes a difference)

Thank you for your time and help!

HD

 

[jet2ks]

For a good explanation of fire in diamonds with some graphics, check out John Pollard's post about halfway down in this recent thread

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/my-diamond-seems-to-sparkle-more-in-dim-light.122718/

 

[elle_chris]

Hi Hopedream-

There''s a video on GOG''s site that compares their cushion OMC with an H&A round. I think it does a pretty good job of showing you where the differences. here''s the link: http://www.vimeo.com/5512032 (credit goes to Lorelei for posting this in another thread as i never would have found it).

To be honest about strangers complimenting you on your ring, "I" think it has more to do with size and the setting, rather than how the stone performs. You have to understand that in the real world, people are not that into diamonds. And most don''t notice anything but size and style. A non-ideal stone could perform amazingly well given the right kind of lighting, these ideal cut stones are more about giving you an overall beautiful look regardless of lighting.

So if one of your main concerns is people admiring your ring (and i have to say that''s pretty honest of you

), I think I''d go for the largest, but lowest color i could tolerate, then go down to an SI1 clarity (it needs to be a well cut stone though) and put it in an elaborate setting.

 

[HopeDream]

Hi Jet2ks,

Yeah I had a look through that thread when it was first posted, but it didn''t realy answere my question.
I agree, it''s an excellent primer on the basics of fire!

best,
HD

 

[HopeDream]

Good point about what matters in the real word Elle!
I guess I get caught up in the PS bubble a little....

I''ll check out that video soon, but now I must dash to work.

Cheers all!

HD

 

[D&T]

what about the new OEC prototype that Jon is cooking up?

 

[HopeDream]

Hi D&T,

I had considered the new OEC, bit it''s a little too "Confetti" for my taste - too many high contrast circular facets. (My SO didn''t much care for it either)
An excellent modern approach to a classic look, I''m sure some folks will love it!

I''m just not that into rounds

Thanks,
HD

 

[jet2ks]

Date: 8/18/2009 12:06:08 PM
Author: HopeDream
Hi Jet2ks,

Yeah I had a look through that thread when it was first posted, but it didn't realy answere my question.
I agree, it's an excellent primer on the basics of fire!

best,
HD

It does get into the answer to question 3 above. There is a continuum and it is dependent on both how the diamond is cut and the environment. Shapes and cuts will perform differently depending on the lighting. What situation do you want the most fire? I believe that generally diamonds with higher crowns (within reason) tend to disperse light into the spectral colors a little better and in more lighting environments, which would lead me to the OMC. Call Jon and ask his opinion.

As far as others complimenting you, I have to agree with elle_chris. Most people will notice the size and then not concern themselves with your diamond any more. Occasionally someone may comment how "sparkly" and "pretty" it is. For me, it is more important to enjoy how the diamond performs and takes on new personalities over a variety of situations. That way it never gets boring for the person wearing it.

 

[Lula]

Ditto or thritto what elle_chris said! People notice "the total package" -- size, setting, sparkle.

 

[D&T]

totally ditto what Elle says. Great post.

hmm, I'm torn between square H&A and the new Chunky cushion, but because the cut is so "different" from your standards rounds, that you would definitely get noticed on the OMC

 

[HopeDream]

"I believe that generally diamonds with higher crowns (within reason) tend to disperse light into the spectral colors a little better and in more lighting environments which would lead me to the OMC."

Yes! Thanks Jet2ks - this is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. I'll definitely talk to Jon closer to actually buying a rock (calling before I'm ready to purchase seems improper.

The lighting environment really adds to the tangle of factors, doesn't it? I'll probably be spending most of my time indoors under fluorescent, (and in the future LED) lighting, but I also walk outdoors quite a bit (maybe avoid flouro?).

I am kind of leaning towards the OMC, but H&A light performance seems to be much lauded on these boards.

D&T, Sarahp333 and Elle:
I live in small town Canada so anything above .75ct is huge (It's even hard to find a 1ct in B&Ms unless you're talking TCW) .25-.5 is about the norm, so my rock will look good no matter what.

Great discussion so far! I truly appreciate all your opinions and suggestions.(keep em coming!)

HD