Did I make a mistake passing on this (vintage looking) asscher?

[diamondhoarder]

I have been on an asscher hunt for a very long time, and recently found this asscher which fits my criteria. There is no ASET and I can't post a video but based on the initial photos I was quite excited:




I was a little suspicious of the steps under the outer part of the table and wondered if I was seeing leakage. The crown facets are very bright and crisp and then the first few steps visible under the table look less crisp and a little hazy before starting look more crisp towards the centre of the table.

These images taken against a black background seem to show areas under the table where the background is visible through the stone



So my question is: am I being unrealistic to expect not to see any background through the table on a vintage style asscher like this? I have been weeding out asschers that show any leakage in the face-on position but I'm wondering if asschers without this actually exist at all. I have been told several times that with asschers you always get some kind of leakage effect just inside the table when viewed face on, but that this can also disappear at a slight tilt angle. Can asscher owners chime in on this please? @Karl_K ?

 

[Karl_K]

if the background was red you would have a different opinion.
A lot of the back is obstruction from the camera not leakage.

 

[diamondhoarder]

if the background was red you would have a different opinion.
A lot of the back is obstruction from the camera not leakage.

Hi Karl So the areas I highlighted in purple in the last photo are not showing the black background behind the stone, but showing camera reflection instead?

 

[Karl_K]

Hi Karl So the areas I highlighted in purple in the last photo are not showing the black background behind the stone, but showing camera reflection instead?

could be either.
Its partial and common in that area.
Have to see it in motion to really tell if it has potential.
Did you see it in person?
I dont see anything vintage about it does it have a backstory?

 

[diamondhoarder]

could be either.
Its partial and common in that area.

I assume partial is good if its leakage or contrast?

When you say its common in that area does that mean that its acceptable and to be expected? Is it unrealistic to look for an asscher which does not have this at all?

Have to see it in motion to really tell if it has potential.
Did you see it in person?
I dont see anything vintage about it does it have a backstory?

I haven't seen it in person. It is covered by a return policy but I''m wary of jumping in because its an international purchase so I want to be pretty sure.

No back story - its a cut cornered square step cut per GIA with 3 pavilion steps and a steep crown with depth in the mid-60's. It just reminded me of a few vintage stones I have seen.

Here is a short video although I'm not sure how helpful it is.

 

[LLJsmom]

I would love to see an even bigger culet.

 

[monipod]

I'm almost OCD about Asschers having the perfect 1:1 ratio so this isn't my ideal stone. I don't mind culets on Asschers but this stone's is quite small and too obviously rectangular (ie: not 1:1 ratio). If it sparkles like a demon though, it could be a good buy

 

[Karl_K]

I assume partial is good if its leakage or contrast?

When you say its common in that area does that mean that its acceptable and to be expected? Is it unrealistic to look for an asscher which does not have this at all?

If its leakage partial leakage or partial obstruction or obstruction its contrast which forms patterns.
With slight tilt it flashes and the overall patterns and look is pleasing face up then its fine.
Even my design has leakage face up added there by me in exchange for overall 10% higher brightness vs removing it.
There are no free lunches.
Its all a matter of where and how much and does it flash.
That said there is not enough info to draw any conclusions on this one.

 

[diamondhoarder]

If its leakage partial leakage or partial obstruction or obstruction its contrast which forms patterns.
With slight tilt it flashes and the overall patterns and look is pleasing face up then its fine.
Even my design has leakage face up added there by me in exchange for overall 10% higher brightness vs removing it.
There are no free lunches.
Its all a matter of where and how much and does it flash.
That said there is not enough info to draw any conclusions on this one.

Thanks Karl_K, if you added leakage face up to your own design (and I have seen how amazing that looks ) then that tells me that attempting to find zero leakage in the face up position is not necessarily the correct goal. I do see what you are saying about how contrast is very important for the flashing on/ off patterns. I'm going to see about getting a better video of this one as it may yet have potential.

 

[diamondhoarder]

I'm almost OCD about Asschers having the perfect 1:1 ratio so this isn't my ideal stone. I don't mind culets on Asschers but this stone's is quite small and too obviously rectangular (ie: not 1:1 ratio). If it sparkles like a demon though, it could be a good buy

I'm less concerned about the perfect 1:1 ratio, but I am hoping for "sparkles like a demon" and some amazing flashing steps.

Based on this new video I'm thinking this could be the one! I'm loving the side profile, and the steep crown, and I see all kinds of pastel colours coming off the crown facets in the video.

 

[monipod]

I'm less concerned about the perfect 1:1 ratio, but I am hoping for "sparkles like a demon" and some amazing flashing steps.

Based on this new video I'm thinking this could be the one! I'm loving the side profile, and the steep crown, and I see all kinds of pastel colours coming off the crown facets in the video.

Ahh! That's a better video and promising indeed Settings help to either square up or elongate a non 1:1 Asscher too. Let us know if you pull the trigger!