Why is this WF diamond rated 4 stars (ES) with an HCA of 5.4?

[JayDee]

Hi,

Great forum you have here. I''m not very knowledgeable about diamonds and engagement rings, but I''m doing my best (with pricescope''s help) to remedy this as I''m searching for an engagement ring for my girlfriend.

I''ve got a quick question regarding this diamond offered by Whiteflash. http://www.whiteflash.com/round/Round-cut-diamond-680218.htm

It is from their Expert Selection, which I understand to be their hand picked, in-house diamonds that didn''t quite make the ACA grade but are still great stones. Whiteflash gave the diamond four stars.

I understand the HCA calculator is to be used as an initial screening. I''ve put this stone''s numbers in the HCA calculator and it gets a score of 5.4. It seems the general consensus is to stay within the 0-2 range.

So the question is, why does a diamond with an HCA of 5.4 get a 4 star rating from Whiteflash?

Perhaps I''m misunderstanding the HCA, Whiteflash''s rating system, or using the HCA calculator incorrectly. I''d appreciate any help.

Here are the stone''s stats according to WF:

. Report: GIA
. Shape: Round
. Carat: 1.78
. Depth %: 61.1
. Table %: 60
. Crown Angle: 34.5
. Crown %: 13.5
. Star : 50
. Pavilion Angle: 41.4
. Pavilion %: 44
. Lower Girdle %: 80
. Girdle: Medium
. Measurements: 7.80-7.85X4.78
. Polish: Excellent
. Symmetry: Excellent
. Culet: None
. Fluorescence: None

 

[swingirl]

I am no expert but my guess is it probably a reasonable pretty stone but has a large table so it doesn''t score well on the HCA. If you are looking for stone that size and in that price range is could be a good choice. You can probably tell stones that size are usually way more expensive. If you want the real scoop call WF and find out what they say. They''ll be very honest in their description.

 

[Allison D.]

Date: 5/12/2008 1:36:57 PM
Author:JayDee

It is from their Expert Selection, which I understand to be their hand picked, in-house diamonds that didn''t quite make the ACA grade but are still great stones. Whiteflash gave the diamond four stars.

Jay, our Expert Selection stones are handpicked to be excellent values for the money. Most of the inventory that goes to our ES collection are indeed stones that just missed the ACA brand, but it''s not limited to that.

The stone you''ve listed is still an above-average cut and would earn a 2A under the AGA cut grading charts....not a top-make, AGS0 comparable stone, but a bit below that and priced accordingly.

Cut Grading Report for Round Cut Stones
Shape: Round
Table % 60.0% Grade: 1B
Crown Angle 34.5° Grade: 1A
Crown Height % 13.5% Grade: 1B
Pavilion Depth % 44.0% Grade: 2A
Girdle Thickness Medium to Thick Grade: 2B
Total Depth % 61.10% Grade: 1A
Polish Excellent / Very Good Grade: 1A * Not a primary determining factor.
Symmetry Excellent / Very Good Grade: 1A * Not a primary determining factor.

Final Grade: 2A

The fact that it isn''t a super-duper-louper means it can be offered at a significantly lower price and therefore represents great value for the money.

Hope this helps.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I would say this is a 3 star bumped up because it is a really rare size at 1.78ct

 

[Isabelle]

I was just with Brian Gavin and I will tell you that this diamond has a GIA Ex, Ex which makes it difficult also for categorizing. The 4 takes into account all factors, as their website states. IMO, it''s a good stone for the price but you could get better cut and then it would seem pay a lot more than the cost of this stone.

 

[JayDee]

Thanks everyone for your responses.