Will This Diamond Lack Sparkle?

[gwhizz75]

I am looking at the following diamond, but using the HCA tool, it only scored 3.1 which was "very good" on all factors. Should I disregard it for this reason? The most important thing for me when choosing my diamond is it's sparkle, so if it doesn't perform well then I feel like I wouldn't be getting a good deal. Is 3.1 a no go score?

Round Brilliant
Measurements: 6.13 - 6.21 x 3.85 mm

Carat Weight: 0.90 carat
Color Grade: D
Clarity Grade: VS1
Cut Grade: Excellent

Proportions:
Depth: 62.4%
Table: 57%
Crown Angle: 34.0°
Crown Height: 14.5%
Pavilion Angle: 41.2°
Pavilion Depth: 44.0%
Star length: 50%
Lower Half: 75%
Girdle: Slightly Thick, Faceted
Culet: None

Finish:
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

 

[kelpie]

It is a tad deep. Have you seen it and liked it?

What about this diamond? Scores 1.1 and faces a bit bigger.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1332065.asp

 

[MissGotRocks]

The pavillion angle is greater than 41 so that brings down the HCA score. Do you have IS images for this stone?

 

[yssie]

It could be just fine. Can you request an IS? It is the 41.2 pav pulling the HCA score down as MGR & kelpie say, but GIA averages and rounds so don't hold the HCA score too dear, you have your eyes and other technologies and most tools have some cracks that let some beauties slip through.


I do not like the stone kelpie linked. The painting is obvious in the photo and it is not a look I favour, as the stone looks lifeless to me without the usual contrast at the girdle - and there is nothing to gain in appearance by painting a slightly shallow stone - but those extra long lgfs can store some extra carat which is excellent when selling the stone..

 

[gwhizz75]

I am actually in the UK, and I haven't seen the diamond yet but it is an option. It would involve a bit of travel but probably worth it given the nature of the purchase.

I have just taken a look on the James Allen website and oh my god, diamonds are SO much cheaper in America. The diamond I am looking at in the UK is around $2000 more expensive and that is by far the best price I have been given. It's a pity about import duty or I would seriously be considering buying from a US site.

Can I just ask, what do you mean by painting?

 

[gwhizz75]

Also, as the GIA rounds the pavilion angle up to the nearest multiple of 0.2, that means the true angle could be 41.1. If I use this figure in the HCA tool, it gives me a much more favourable score of 2.3... This makes me think that the diamond is definitely worth taking a look at.

 

[yssie]

yup def worth taking a look at IMO.


brillianteering (painting/digging on crown/pavilion/both): http://www.goodoldgold.com/4Cs/NewCutGrading/PaintingandDigging/

 

[kelpie]

I have to admit having read that article I still don't understand exactly what painting is and why it's done.

If you find a diamond you like on a U.S. site, the price savings may still be worth it even with the import duties (What is it like 20%?). I think there are several folks on here from the UK who buy from the US you could inquire with or maybe find it in the search function.

 

[yssie]

wrt appearance - it is until a point personal preference - GIA will reduce cut grade b/c of brillianteering at the least provocation. AGS is apparently more critical in its examination - I have not seen any painted AGS0s in person but I hear they are out there..