Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds?

[Anonymous6]

The price jumps seem to be substantial when you get to these signature H&A diamonds either white flash, brian gavin, etc...

I only ask because I noticed how color sensitive I was today. I was looking at some GIA certified Triple EX diamonds and Tripl VG... and couldn't tell a difference in cut to be honest. What I could see a difference in was color.

I looked at a Triple VG "G" color and a Triple EX "I" and "H"... and notice color more-so than anything else... I didn't really notice anything regarding the VG to EX comparison. In fact, the better color seemed to make it look more sparkly even as well as whiter.


When I search for signature H&A stones, they seem to be quite more expensive then when I just search for a Triple EX stone and raise the color 2-3 grades even...

It's just odd to me because I read about these signature ACA H&A stones all the time on PS, so I feel like I'm missing out on something awesome... but my eyes just couldn't see a huge difference in person (even though the stones I was looking at may not have been ACA H&A)

 

[Amys Bling]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

The price jumps seem to be substantial when you get to these signature H&A diamonds either white flash, brian gavin, etc...

I only ask because I noticed how color sensitive I was today. I was looking at some GIA certified Triple EX diamonds and Tripl VG... and couldn't tell a difference in cut to be honest. What I could see a difference in was color.

I looked at a Triple VG "G" color and a Triple EX "I" and "H"... and notice color more-so than anything else... I didn't really notice anything regarding the VG to EX comparison. In fact, the better color seemed to make it look more sparkly even as well as whiter.


When I search for signature H&A stones, they seem to be quite more expensive then when I just search for a Triple EX stone and raise the color 2-3 grades even...

It's just odd to me because I read about these signature ACA H&A stones all the time on PS, so I feel like I'm missing out on something awesome... but my eyes just couldn't see a huge difference in person (even though the stones I was looking at may not have been ACA H&A)

yes you are paying a premium as you are paying for a specific type of optical symmetry.

 

[Anonymous6]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

I guess I just realized how color sensitive I am...

so the difference you would see in an ACA H&A would be the sparkle factor, right? But would you really notice this when comparing to a GIA Certified Triple EX?

Wish I could have an ACA H&A diamond side by side to a Triple EX and Triple VG....

 

[decodelighted]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

Do you have a jeweler near you who carries "Hearts On Fire" branded diamonds? Those are probably the closest widely available H&A stones on the market that you could view w/o having them sent to you/an appraiser ... or traveling to see them yourself.

A jewelry store that carries HOF branded stuff is probably "nice" enough a place to ALSO have triple EX rated AGS or GIA stones *ALSO* -- so that you could make an in person comparison between the two. (Even if you don't want to pay the EXTREME markup for "HOF" stones ... or the regular markup for the brick & mortar experience).

ETA: For researching purposes ONLY http://www.heartsonfire.com/

 

[Anonymous6]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

That's great advice. I need to do this. Found a jeweler near me.

I'll be able to compare hearts on fire to a triple ex or triple vg certified diamond and get a better gauge

Thanks

 

[Karl_K]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

How many different kinds of lighting did you compare them under?
Do you have any specifics on the gia vg cut?
GIA VG can rank for very minor issues to some pretty bad performers.
The range is huge.

 

[D&T]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

Not sure if there is a Jareds near you, they carry AGS0 stones, in their PEERLESS collection (for comparison shopping purpose), ask to view those as well. But leave the wallet, its very high priced premium. I remember about two years ago it was around $7200 for about 1 ct or thereabouts

 

[Lula]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

You may not notice a difference in cut quality under jewelry store lighting. Jewelry store lighting is extremely misleading. Ask to compare the stones in an office, under incandescent or office lighting, and near a window. If the salesperson won't allow you to compare the diamonds out of the spotlight, simply ask for him/her to hold the diamonds below the showcase (@ knee level). Cup your hand over the diamonds (or ask the salesperson to do it) to shade the stones from the spotlighting. A well-cut diamond will look great even under low lighting; a poorly cut diamond will look dull and lose a lot of its sparkle.

I've also noticed that jewelry store lighting seems to make lower color diamonds (H-I-J) look worse than they do in natural light, office light, etc. Again, look at the diamonds away from the showcases, under natural light if possible.

Higher color diamonds cost more money and are more profitable for retail stores; it is in their advantage to have lighting that shows off their stones in a way that makes $$ for them.

That said, you may indeed be color sensitive, and if so, it's good to find that out now, before the stone is set and on her finger!

 

[yssie]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

What is H&A: https://www.pricescope.com/journal/hearts_and_arrows_diamonds_and_basics_diamond_cutting

 

[slg47]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

You are paying a premium for signature H&A diamonds, it takes longer to cut these stones, and you often are getting more than just the optical symmetry-these are often in-house, available, vendors have images/ASET/IS/Sarin/etc right there for you, and many times these come with a better upgrade policy. Ultimately you have to decide what YOU prefer. The numbers/angles can guide you but you have to pick what your eyes like best. Stone brings up a good point that you shouldn't immediately rule out GIA VG, some have nice proportions. Also Lula brings up another good point, make sure you compare them in different lighting conditions (try by a window and out of the spotlighting), because the spotlighting in jewelry stores makes everything look great and most people don't carry around spotlights on top of their rings all the time

 

[pixies]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

Ditto slg47. An upgrade policy could prove to be worth the premium in the future. If you don't want to pay the premium associated with H&A you could find a triple excellent diamond that scores well and have Whiteflash call it in and see if they'll consider it for the upgrade policy. Doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[slg47]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

best to see in person, but this video might be helpful as well (would be helpful to have the IS images/numbers to compare also)
http://www.vimeo.com/16444276

ETA another video that might also be useful http://vimeo.com/16771451

 

[MarkBroumand]

Re: Are you paying a premium just for signature H&A diamonds

That's great advice. I need to do this. Found a jeweler near me.

I'll be able to compare hearts on fire to a triple ex or triple vg certified diamond and get a better gauge

Thanks

Do this and you'll be able to decide whether H&A is a premium you think is worth paying for. Happy scoping!!