why do some prefer a HCA score of close to 2 (rather than under1)?

[fran]

Can someone explain why, for some people, an HCA score closer to 2 is preferable than, say, a .05 or .06? And, assuming, everything else is equal, how would one decide between 2 diamonds - one scoring a 1.4, one a.06?

 

[Regular Guy]

I haven''t heard a satisfying answer. It is explored here, and in the thread(s) leading from it...where it''s theorized that a 3D sarin could clarify. But the HCA author shoots down that particular hypothesis in this thread as well.

 

[belle]

you can click on the hca ''warnings'' on the result page to read more about the specifics of scoring or search for one on the many threads already out there on the subject. i guess maybe a good way to sum it up is.. weather temperatures in the 80''s make for a nice day. some people prefer the mid-low 80''s and some prefer mid-high. neither is better but most people will have a definite preference and no one really likes the extremes.
you need to find what you like in each diamond. the best way to decide would be to see them for yourself. if you can''t do that, get an idealscope image and make an educated guess.
best of luck!

 

[Bluehammer]

I have viewed stones below and above 1. All were good. I recommend seeing them for yourself. I thought in my search that there was a perfect way to get a stone "by the numbers". It really comes down to your eyes. The numbers mainly put you on the right eye clean and mind clean path.

 

[strmrdr]

Date: 8/20/2006 10:14:56 AM
Author: belle
you can click on the hca ''warnings'' on the result page

or click here is ya lazy like me....
http://diamonds.pricescope.com/ideal.asp

 

[Mara]

i try to get as close to 1 without really going under 1 but it's such a nitpicky personal preference thing...i wouldn't toss a stone out just cuz it had a 1.7 score or something. but if a stone has great #'s AND images AND it's something like 1.2 then i'm verra happy!

also they say that scores of ~0.6 or lower could have loss of contrast in the stone...so that is partially why closest to 0 is not the 'ideal'. brian gavin at WF once told me that his absolute sweet spot for the HCA was 1.0. so that's also why i like to be close to 1...brian is smart.

oh and on on the Q you asked re: 1.4 or 0.6...i'd probably get the 1.4 because it is a great score and i already mentioned the whole 0.6 loss of contrast thing. why even chance it IMO if you have a 1.4 scoring stone, assuming it has stellar #'s and images or looks fab in person.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Now you would not start getting all anal on us would you Mara?

Date: 8/23/2006 2:00:05 AM
Author: Mara
i try to get as close to 1 without really going under 1 but it''s such a nitpicky personal preference thing...i wouldn''t toss a stone out just cuz it had a 1.7 score or something. but if a stone has great #''s AND images AND it''s something like 1.2 then i''m verra happy!

also they say that scores of ~0.6 or lower could have loss of contrast in the stone...so that is partially why closest to 0 is not the ''ideal''. brian gavin at WF once told me that his absolute sweet spot for the HCA was 1.0. so that''s also why i like to be close to 1...brian is smart.

oh and on on the Q you asked re: 1.4 or 0.6...i''d probably get the 1.4 because it is a great score and i already mentioned the whole 0.6 loss of contrast thing. why even chance it IMO if you have a 1.4 scoring stone, assuming it has stellar #''s and images or looks fab in person.

This is not quite what you were all saying over on this thread?
Stop the INSANITY!

 

[WinkHPD]

Date: 8/20/2006 9:14:35 AM
Author:fran
Can someone explain why, for some people, an HCA score closer to 2 is preferable than, say, a .05 or .06? And, assuming, everything else is equal, how would one decide between 2 diamonds - one scoring a 1.4, one a.06?

By looking. I doubt that most here could separate the two visually, both are likely to be incredible stones. You would definitely need to look at them to know for sure, and although there can be problems with the too low numbers, I have not seen many that were not stunning in the 0.6 range. In fact I have not actually seen any, but Gary assures me that they can be there and since it is his system I believe him.

Wink

 

[Mara]

HAHA Garry...it''s a woman''s perogative to be anal when she wants to...

you obviously missed this line that i wrote over in that thread:

"anyway, i''d much rather have a nitpicky bunch of PS''ers who scrutinize more than is really necessary than someone random going ''well if your eyes love it, then just get it!''"