Which would you pick? Please HELP!!!

[tach]

Hi All,

Long time follower, first time poster. I've read through all the info in the knowledge sections and have narrowed down my search. Wondering which would you pick from the followingor if you have recommendations, I'm open also.)

Thanks!

Both Eye Clean.

1. GIA $12,500
Round Brilliant
measurements: 7.28-7.32x4.55mm
Carat weight 1.51
color E
Clarity SI1
Cut Ex.
Polish Ex.
Symmetry Ex.
Flur. None

Table 58%
Crown 15%
Crown angle 35.5%
Pav. 43.5%
Pav angle 41.0%
Depth 62.4%
Girdle medium-slightly thick faceted 4.0%
culet none

2. GIA $12,999
Round Brilliant
measurements: 7.35 - 7.36 x 4.55 mm
Carat weight 1.51
color E
Clarity SI1
Cut Ex.
Polish Ex.
Symmetry Ex.
Flur. None

Table 58%
Crown 15%
Crown angle 35.5%
Pav. 43.0%
Pav angle 40.8%
Depth 61.8 %
Girdle medium-slightly thick faceted 3.5%
Star 50%
Lower half 80%
culet none

 

[Gypsy]

Round Diamonds 101:

The entire purpose of faceting a diamond is to reflect light.
How well or how poorly a diamond does this determines how beautiful it is.
How well a diamond performs is determined by the angles and cutting. This is why we say cut is king.
No other factor: not color, not clarity has as much of an impact on the appearance of a diamond as its cut. An ideal H will out white a poorly cut F. With round diamonds even a GIA triple Excellent is not enough. And you must stick to GIA and AGS only (HPD in Europe is good as well). EGL is a bad option: [URL='https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/']https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/egl-certification-are-any-of-them-ok.142863/[/URL]
So how to we ensure that we have the right angles and cutting to get the light performance we want?
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/diamond-cut
Well one method is to start with a GIA Ex, and then apply the HCA to it. YOU DO NOT USE HCA for AGS0 stones generally, though you can. In general, AGS0 trumps HCA though as one examines the actual stone and the other does not.
https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/holloway-cut-advisor
The HCA is a rejection tool. Not a selection tool. It uses 4 data points to make a rudimentary call on how the diamond may perform.
If the diamond passes then you know that you are in the right zone in terms of angles for light performance. Under 2 is a pass. Under 2.5-2.1 is a maybe. 2.6 and over is a no. No score 2 and under is better than any other.
Is that enough? Not really.

So what you need is a way to check actual light performance of your actual stone.
That's what an idealscope image does. https://www.pricescope.com/wiki/diamonds/firescope-idealscope
It shows you how and wear your diamond is reflecting light, how well it is going at it, and where you are losing light return. That is why you won't see us recommending Blue Nile, as they do not provide idealscope images for their diamonds. BGD,BE, James Allen, GOG, HPD, ERD and WF do.

The Idealscope is the 'selection tool'. Not the HCA.
So yes, with a GIA stone you need the idealscope images. Or you can buy an idealscope yourself and take it in to the jeweler you are working with to check the stones yourself. Or if you have a good return policy (full refund minimum 7 days) then you can buy the idealscope, buy the stone, and do it at home.

Now if you want to skip all that... stick to AGS0 stones and then all you have to do is pick color and clarity and you know you have a great performing diamond. Because AGS has already done the checking for you. That's why they trade at a premium. Some AGS0's are better than others though, so pay attention to any ASET or IS provided.

In general with rounds, you will want a table 60% or less. A depth between 59 and 62.4. Crown angle 33.5-35. Pavilion Angle: 40.6-40.9 (there is a little give on this). And the crown and pavilion angles must be complimentary which is what the HCA checks for you.

 

[RockBrat]

If those are your only two choices, then I'd choose number 2.

 

[tach]

Thanks for all the info Gypsy! Ill look at it through the ideal scope today. The jeweler has one on hand for me to use.

Thanks again and your help is greatly appreciated!

 

[Gypsy]

Make sure it is an idealscope. The arrows should be BLACK. If the arrows are WHITE it is a hearts and arrows viewer. That is NOT the same thing. An idealscope evaluates light performance. A H&A viewer evaluates patterning precision. Two completely different things.

 

[Diamond_Hawk]

Make sure it is an idealscope. The arrows should be BLACK. If the arrows are WHITE it is a hearts and arrows viewer. That is NOT the same thing. An idealscope evaluates light performance. A H&A viewer evaluates patterning precision. Two completely different things.

+1 - from time to time, you will find sales staff in a jewelry store that do not know the difference.