Considering Exchanging Diamond / HCA scores

[Elauren279]

Hello All,

I have recently purchased a diamond ring from JA. Pictures and GIA report are attached. The HCA score is 2.6 — I only found out about HCA AFTER I purchased the diamond the two diamonds up for consideration have low HCA (below 1), so please let me know if that is TOO low and would be shallow.

Anyway, I don’t necessarily dislike the diamond I have, BUT I really would like more fire and brilliance. Not to be ungrateful, but I don’t want any doubts. So I am considering one of the following diamonds from JA to exchange.

The other thing is that in hindsight, I think a different vendor would’ve been better for the specs I am looking for (ideal cut diamonds w max light return). I know my soon to be fiancé would really not like the hassle of a full return, so trying to find something from JA that will meet my preferences —ultimately, I need to be happy though.

So I’m reaching out to this group to understand if these other diamonds will be better than the one I have or if I really just need to explain to my SO we need to go through a diff vendor.

Another thing I’m curious about, could the medium fluoro in the diamond I have be causing less fire/brilliance or is it the angles/proportions? The other diamonds do not have fluoro.

 

[Elauren279]

I also want to mention, I might just be a newbie/misinformed, but I’ve noticed the ring looks more white than clear, especially in pictures from farther away or when the camera lens isn’t super duper focused. I wouldn’t call it cloudy or hazy, but just a white round circle, ya know? Please let me know if that is normal, or if the cut really is playing into the optics! I understand the fluoro could play a part in that, but please advise.

 

[diamondsR4eVR]

I think the ring looks lovely on you. I really do! It has a nice presence on your finger too.

My stone has fire in certain lighting and I have SBF.

I know it’s so hard once you fall into a rabbit hole with all the wonderful resources here on PS.

My stone scored well on HCA but scored horribly on the cut score via StoneAlgo. I then started doubting my ring and searching for another. At the end you have to do what’s right for you. And if you can and want to return the ring then by all means do so. I’ll let the experts chime in on the stones you are considering.

I’m know for me there are times I have to step away from PS so I can appreciate what I have. GL! I think it’s a beautiful ring.

Lighting is a funny thing and so many factors impact a stone’s fire and brilliance.

 

[OoohShiny]

HCA score of over 2 is not an automatic fail - even Garry, the creator of the tool, has said that he'd be happy to consider up to mid-2s

I think it looks good in the picture

How have you found the performance? Does it appeal to your eyes?

You have secured an upgrade in colour and clarity because you have bought a stone with fluor - as you have surely noted, you will have to drop some grades if you wish to swap with a stone without fluor!