Absolute Newb: Where to start?

[Jmlleiva]

Depth was 62.8 and pavilion angle was 41.2

Parameters:
table: 60 or less

depth: 62.4 or less

crown angle: 33.5-35.0

pavilion angle: 40.6-40.9 (sometimes 41.0 if the crown angle is close to 34)

And the angles should be complimentary, which is what this tool (HCA) checks for you: https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca Any score under 2.0 is a pass within the above parameters. This is pass/fail test. No score under 2 is better than any other.

Yes, ringo is correct. I know if doesn't seem like much, but tiny increments can make a big difference. But, yes, as far as clarity goes, it does look eye clean.

Sorry if I sound ignorant, but if it's eyeclean, why does it need to pass the HCA test?

So the diamond could not be eye clean yet pass the HCA test? Wouldn't that look bad?

So the combo that I am looking for is a diamond that is eyeclean as well as a diamond that passes the HCA test?

 

[msop04]

Just to give you my personal experience... The last diamond I had scored a 2.7 on the HCA. I thought it was beautiful. My new stone scores a 0.7 on the HCA. I think it's gorgeous. I can see a difference, but I still think my old stone was very pretty. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a stone bc of the HCA score if my eyes thought it was beautiful... especially if the price point was great.

That said, I believe you can find a diamond that checks all the boxes. Don't worry. The people on PS will help you.

 

[Jmlleiva]

Just to give you my personal experience... The last diamond I had scored a 2.7 on the HCA. I thought it was beautiful. My new stone scores a 0.7 on the HCA. I think it's gorgeous. I can see a difference, but I still think my old stone was very pretty. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a stone bc of the HCA score if my eyes thought it was beautiful... especially if the price point was great.

That said, I believe you can find a diamond that checks all the boxes. Don't worry. The people on PS will help you.

Checklist:
HCA: 0-2
Eyeclean: Must Pass
Budget: $10K with Setting

 

[msop04]

Just to give you my personal experience... The last diamond I had scored a 2.7 on the HCA. I thought it was beautiful. My new stone scores a 0.7 on the HCA. I think it's gorgeous. I can see a difference, but I still think my old stone was very pretty. I wouldn't turn my nose up at a stone bc of the HCA score if my eyes thought it was beautiful... especially if the price point was great.

That said, I believe you can find a diamond that checks all the boxes. Don't worry. The people on PS will help you.

Checklist:
HCA: 0-2
Eyeclean: Must Pass
Budget: $10K with Setting

I gotcha, OP!

 

[msop04]

OP, PUT THIS STONE ON HOLD NOW. HCA 0.7 and as clean as it gets with a VVS2!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1074377

It's an IGI cert, so have JA check the color for you.

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, PUT THIS STONE ON HOLD NOW. HCA 0.7 and as clean as it gets with a VVS2!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1074377

It's an IGI cert, so have JA check the color for you.

ah man, these people jump on it so fast, it's no longer available. Should I give you my email address so you can email me next time?

I tried to put it on hold via online but it was telling me to checkout. I called them and talked to a lady she said they don't do holds but can set up payment and have it cover for 48 hours, is that what you mean by on hold?

 

[msop04]

OP, PUT THIS STONE ON HOLD NOW. HCA 0.7 and as clean as it gets with a VVS2!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1074377

It's an IGI cert, so have JA check the color for you.

ah man, these people jump on it so fast, it's no longer available. Should I give you my email address so you can email me next time?

I tried to put it on hold via online but it was telling me to checkout. I called them and talked to a lady she said they don't do holds but can set up payment and have it cover for 48 hours, is that what you mean by on hold?

I've never heard of JA charging to hold??!!

 

[msop04]

Click Diamond Inspection and talk with a rep. Or call again. It still shows available. JA hold a stone for inspection, so I have no idea what they were talking about. They hold stones all the time. Call again.

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, PUT THIS STONE ON HOLD NOW. HCA 0.7 and as clean as it gets with a VVS2!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1074377

It's an IGI cert, so have JA check the color for you.

ah man, these people jump on it so fast, it's no longer available. Should I give you my email address so you can email me next time?

I tried to put it on hold via online but it was telling me to checkout. I called them and talked to a lady she said they don't do holds but can set up payment and have it cover for 48 hours, is that what you mean by on hold?

I've never heard of JA charging to hold??!!

Nevermind, I think I got it. It looks like it was in my cart and when I talked her over the phone it said it wasn't available because it was already in my cart. Holding it right now. Cross your fingers.

 

[msop04]

OP, PUT THIS STONE ON HOLD NOW. HCA 0.7 and as clean as it gets with a VVS2!

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.40-carat-i-color-vvs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1074377

It's an IGI cert, so have JA check the color for you.

ah man, these people jump on it so fast, it's no longer available. Should I give you my email address so you can email me next time?

I tried to put it on hold via online but it was telling me to checkout. I called them and talked to a lady she said they don't do holds but can set up payment and have it cover for 48 hours, is that what you mean by on hold?

I've never heard of JA charging to hold??!!

Nevermind, I think I got it. It looks like it was in my cart and when I talked her over the phone it said it wasn't available because it was already in my cart. Holding it right now. Cross your fingers.

AWESOME!!!! I was just chatting with a rep about it!! Great news!!

 

[msop04]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond and spent a few months researching told me this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

He says GIA or AGS only

 

[msop04]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond said this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

Which is why I'd have JA check the color. The cut is beautiful and it's clearly eye clean. [emoji4]

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond said this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

Which is why I'd have JA check the color. The cut is beautiful and it's clearly eye clean. [emoji4]

How do I go about asking them to check the color? Do I just ask the lady I am communicating with to do it for me?

 

[msop04]

At that size, very little tint will show. But, I would still have them check the color. I have a 3.33 ct I color, and it is WHITE. Even if it were a J (which it may or may not be), I'd have them see if it were a "high J".

Color sensitivity varies, of course, but the diamond is very nice, should you decide to go for it.

 

[msop04]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond said this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

Which is why I'd have JA check the color. The cut is beautiful and it's clearly eye clean. [emoji4]

How do I go about asking them to check the color? Do I just ask the lady I am communicating with to do it for me?

Yes, have her compare it with a GIA I stone with no fluorescence. Ask her if it is more tinted or if it looks to be graded correctly. Ask if there is a difference in the colors since it's IGI.

Please don't feel like I'm pressuring you. If you feel uncomfortable with it simply bc it's IGI, then I totally understand! I just thought it was an AMAZINGLY cut stone and thought it should be considered.

 

[msop04]

Maybe someone else will chime in on that stone or offer some more suggestions for you. Like I mentioned, don't sweat it -- this community loves to help people find lovely diamonds!

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond said this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

Which is why I'd have JA check the color. The cut is beautiful and it's clearly eye clean. [emoji4]

How do I go about asking them to check the color? Do I just ask the lady I am communicating with to do it for me?

Yes, have her compare it with a GIA I stone with no fluorescence. Ask her if it is more tinted or if it looks to be graded correctly. Ask if there is a difference in the colors since it's IGI.

Please don't feel like I'm pressuring you. If you feel uncomfortable with it simply bc it's IGI, then I totally understand! I just thought it was an AMAZINGLY cut stone and thought it should be considered.

No pressure man. I appreciate all the help. I would be totally lost without the help. I want more of it.

 

[msop04]

No pressure man. I appreciate all the help. I would be totally lost without the help. I want more of it.

You'll get plenty of help here. This community is really helpful. It really thrills us to see others get a great diamond/ring!

 

[Jmlleiva]

OP, I really hope that stone works for you! A sub-1 HCA score gives a larger spread too! Notice that stone was 7.32 x 7.28 mm (at 1.4 ct) and the one that got away was 7.12 x 7.17 (at 1.41 ct)...

I'm super excited for you!!!

My friend who just bought a diamond said this:

IGI sucks
you're overpaying for something that's probably not graded properly
so while you think you are getting I vvs2 its really j vs2

Which is why I'd have JA check the color. The cut is beautiful and it's clearly eye clean. [emoji4]

How do I go about asking them to check the color? Do I just ask the lady I am communicating with to do it for me?

Yes, have her compare it with a GIA I stone with no fluorescence. Ask her if it is more tinted or if it looks to be graded correctly. Ask if there is a difference in the colors since it's IGI.

Please don't feel like I'm pressuring you. If you feel uncomfortable with it simply bc it's IGI, then I totally understand! I just thought it was an AMAZINGLY cut stone and thought it should be considered.

My friend told me this:
If you ask them, that's up to you
personally, that's not what JA is there for. sure they can give their opinion on it
but I highly doubt they'll take responsibility for it

what about grading cut or clarity
how is JA going to do that
GIA or AGS = no games
IGI = might have to jump through hoops to verify. may stumble across something and get lucky
who knows

 

[msop04]

My friend told me this:
If you ask them, that's up to you
personally, that's not what JA is there for. sure they can give their opinion on it
but I highly doubt they'll take responsibility for it

what about grading cut or clarity
how is JA going to do that
GIA or AGS = no games
IGI = might have to jump through hoops to verify. may stumble across something and get lucky
who knows

Okay... fair enough. I didn't know that they wouldn't be able to compare the color for you. Regarding cut and clarity, the stone is an absolute winner in my book. It looks amazing to my eye, and that's why we ran the HCA. My only question would be color. Quite frankly, even if it was a GIA "J", it looks to be a high J, but that is only my opinion. I typically wouldn't suggest any stones other than GIA/AGS, but this one just looked so great to me...

The fact that you can see the stones on JA is a huge help. IGI on another site with no images/vids = NO!
Absolutely not. Your friend is right... It's not that other labs have bad stones, it's that they are inconsistent in their grading.
It's up to you at this point. JA has a wonderful return policy if you decide you don't like any stone...

And we can always scrap that stone now and continue to look with only GIA/AGS, no problem.

 

[msop04]

FYI, fluorescence makes a stone look whiter under certain light (sunlight, for one). It is your friend. In very few cases it can make a stone appear hazy or milky, but that is rare. I LOVE fluro!!

 

[artdecolover71]

Whoa that's a beaut! Gorgeous cut and size. I would definitely get that and if for some reason you aren't happy, they take it right back.

 

[farrahlyn]

i LOVE the IGI stone. But i can't say i would go with such a low color stone if you don't know what your GF color sensitivity is. MANY women prefer a white stone with no tint. There are many that don't mind but are you willing to take the risk? i think it's safer to stick to an AGS or GIA I or better and i do think you can find a BEAUTIFUL stone without compromising on color.

That said, i love a warmer stone (owning a K colored stone is on my wishlist) and WOWZA, it's gorgeous.

 

[Jmlleiva]

My friend told me this:
If you ask them, that's up to you
personally, that's not what JA is there for. sure they can give their opinion on it
but I highly doubt they'll take responsibility for it

what about grading cut or clarity
how is JA going to do that
GIA or AGS = no games
IGI = might have to jump through hoops to verify. may stumble across something and get lucky
who knows

Okay... fair enough. I didn't know that they wouldn't be able to compare the color for you. Regarding cut and clarity, the stone is an absolute winner in my book. It looks amazing to my eye, and that's why we ran the HCA. My only question would be color. Quite frankly, even if it was a GIA "J", it looks to be a high J, but that is only my opinion. I typically wouldn't suggest any stones other than GIA/AGS, but this one just looked so great to me...

The fact that you can see the stones on JA is a huge help. IGI on another site with no images/vids = NO!
Absolutely not. Your friend is right... It's not that other labs have bad stones, it's that they are inconsistent in their grading.
It's up to you at this point. JA has a wonderful return policy if you decide you don't like any stone...

And we can always scrap that stone now and continue to look with only GIA/AGS, no problem.

Yeh,

I put it on hold, but I would like to continue searching with a new Checklist:

Checklist:
HCA: 0-2
Eyeclean: Must Pass
Budget: $10K with Setting
Certs: GIA/AGS

 

[msop04]

Yeh,
I put it on hold, but I would like to continue searching with a new Checklist:

Checklist:
HCA: 0-2
Eyeclean: Must Pass
Budget: $10K with Setting
Certs: GIA/AGS

No problem... We'll keep looking.

 

[msop04]

All of these will look exactly the same size... I would go with the one that is the least expensive.

My choice (1.7 HCA) ... I also feel this is the cleanest stone, but they all should be eye clean.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.34-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-excellent-cut-sku-1063540 $8010


Others (all are AGS Ideal, so no need to run HCA)... They are in order of price, not my preference.

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.31-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1006241

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-vs1-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-940755

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1006239

http://www.jamesallen.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut/1.32-carat-i-color-vs2-clarity-ideal-cut-sku-1006245

 

[Jmlleiva]

i LOVE the IGI stone. But i can't say i would go with such a low color stone if you don't know what your GF color sensitivity is. MANY women prefer a white stone with no tint. There are many that don't mind but are you willing to take the risk? i think it's safer to stick to an AGS or GIA I or better and i do think you can find a BEAUTIFUL stone without compromising on color.

That said, i love a warmer stone (owning a K colored stone is on my wishlist) and WOWZA, it's gorgeous.

What does color sensitivity mean?

I think I'm going to stick to AGS/GIA. I'm sure I can find one that meets my prerequisites.

 

[rubybeth]

Color sensitivity is just a term we use on Pricescope to mean that some people don't mind lower colored white diamonds vs. people who prefer higher colors. Some people really can see color more than other people. If your girlfriend isn't color sensitive, or a lower color won't bother her, then the lower end of the colorless range can be your friend in terms of getting a larger stone in the I-J-K color range vs. paying for a D-E-F colored stone. All of these grades are technically 'white' in terms of diamonds (vs. fancy colored yellow stones), but some people really prefer higher colors vs. lower colors.

 

[msop04]

Color sensitivity is just a term we use on Pricescope to mean that some people don't mind lower colored white diamonds vs. people who prefer higher colors. Some people really can see color more than other people. If your girlfriend isn't color sensitive, or a lower color won't bother her, then the lower end of the colorless range can be your friend in terms of getting a larger stone in the I-J-K color range vs. paying for a D-E-F colored stone. All of these grades are technically 'white' in terms of diamonds (vs. fancy colored yellow stones), but some people really prefer higher colors vs. lower colors.

I had a post for this, but rubybeth explained it much better than I did!