Final Battle: Supercert vs the local guy. Sarin/Mega for both.

[moolman]

Hi,
I''m down to the last 2 diamonds finally, thought about 1.2 but going for 1.3 or so. The two condenders are:

From Supercert/Exceldiamonds

AGS:
1.36
7. 10-7.14x4.41
D: 61.9
T: 54
G: 1.5 to 2.5
C: pointed
Ideal 000
VS2
G
FL: negligible

Megascope:
1.354
7.13(7.10-7.16)
TD: 61.7
TS: 55.4
CA: 34.0
PA: 41.0
CS: 0.4
G: 2.2
HCA is 1.4 Ex, Ex, Vg, Vg

The local guy''s:

GIA:
1.32c
7.12-7.14x4.29
D: 60.2
T: 57
G: Thin to Medium, Faceted
C: none
P: Excellent
S: Excellent
VS2
F
FL: Faint
Sarin:
1.327c
7.13(7.13-7.15)
TD: 60.3
TS: 57.3
CA: 34.0
PA: 40.8
PD: 43.0
CS: 0.6
GM: 1.1
GM: 1.7
GA: 1.4
PG: 0

The HCA comes out to 1.0 Ex, Ex, Ex, Ex

My main question is a 1.0 possible? Just curious because the best HCA I found online for supercert, whiteflash, niceice, etc is 1.2 and usually 1.4, just worried the numbers could be fudged to satisfy me. The sarin report looks similar in format to the one used by goodoldgold.com, there is a descrepancy though. On the chart the Crown Angle is 34.0 but on the drawing of the diamond next to the chart the Crown angle is listed as 34.2, which changes the HCA to 1.1, no big deal but that''s what make me think, the numbers could be fudged. Any opinions on this?

Is a good H&A pattern at all related to the HCA?

So any comments, opinions?

Thanks

Alex

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Here's a few things to consider Alex:

I would trust what the sarin and megascope data shows you. Sometimes numbers are rounded when figuring out averages which is why you probably see the small discrepencies from the lab cert and the actual sarin/megascope data for each stone.

A good Hearts and Arrows pattern isn't related to a stone receiving a good HCA score.

Second thing is you are going to have to list a price between the 2 for anyone to make any sort of comparison.

Three and this is the most important. Are the 2 stones similiar in cut quality. Barry from SuperBcert stocks Ideal-cut Hearts & Arrows diamonds. In comparison is the stone the local guy selling you a Ideal-Cut Hearts and arrows stone?

Lastly it is possible to get an even lower HCA score. I have seen scores which range from ..2-.5.. The HCA is a tool to help you weed out known poor performers. The score a stone receives is also largely dependent upon the crown and pavilion angle. Stones receive more of a penalty based on the ranges between these 2 angles.

With this in mind I caution you to use the HCA as a pre-liminary tool. There are many qualatative and quantatative aspects in evaluating diamonds. Most of the tools on the market will help you ultimately make a decision with your eyes. You have done well so far..Go from here and we will see if we can add more insight based on your selections.

 

[moolman]

Thanks, so I went to Downtown LA today, took the above local stone to Charles Carmona.

Let me tell you how I spent my $45. He just said that the diamond was within ideal proportions so it's good. I asked him to compare the dimaond I brought in with the millions he's probably seen and specifically with the dozens if not more supercert, whiteflash, etc diamonds that he's seen. Especially Supercert since they list him as an authorized appraiser, where they will send the stone to him before you pay. His whole thing is that diamond is just as good because it falls in the ideal cut range. I asked specifically if he thought the diamond has the same amount of brillance/light performance in his opinion by looking at it. He said it looks fine, more or less.

I guess I was just disappointed because he couldn't give me hard evidence, such as maybe the angles were different, hearts and arrows were off, etc. His whole thing is that the GIA specs is all that matters, if they fall within the ideal range, excellent, excellent, polish and sym. He says the supercerts, whiteflash, is all name branding and hype and that I should not pay attention to the numbers. He didn't really bother to look at the H&A pattern, I asked to use his idealscope but it was useless because it was too dark, no good light source. He didn't seem to concerned how it looked in either the H&A viewer or the idealscope. He doesn't have a Sarin or Megascope but mentioned it wasn't important and each machine will give a different number and maybe in the future he'll get one since people seem so intent on getting Sarin numbers. So when I asked him to maybe verify the Sarin numbers I got, he couldn't.

Bottom line, the GIA specs are right on for ideal, so the diamond is perfect. That's what I got from him. He's a nice guy and has years of experience and dozens of credentials, so take his opinion as you will.

Alex

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Hi moolman:

First the numbers on the sarin do matter and there are many stones which fall under the ideal proportions set by certain labs (which are in the middle of a good change by the way) which are not the best performers. Just because a stone falls within the ideal range does not mean that the performance will be great.

Looking at both your sarin reports the numbers presented for these 2 stones conclude they might be great performers and don't raise any red flags. I like the 1st stone listed from Superbcert because of the smaller table and the quality I have seen in Barry's stones.

A very important thing to look at in branded diamonds is the quality control and the performance of the product. SuperBcert has a good reputation and if you skim through the testomonials you will see his product performs with some of the finest diamonds on the branded Hearts & Arrows market.

It is important for you to tell me whether the local stone is a hearts & Arrows. I like comparing apples to apples. If it is ideal without the Hearts & Arrows symmettry I think the price should reflect the premium which will differ from many branded H&A's diamonds and SuperBcert will probably be more expensive.

What are you getting, what are your priorities, and what you are paying for are a couple things I would keep in mind. If you are focused on getting a nice ideal-cut diamond which looks good to your eyes but doesn't have the H&A's branding you are going to save yourself some money if your budget is important to you. If you want a diamond with strict cutting standards and great H&A's optical symmettry you are going to be paying a premium for the better cut stone.

A sarin machine will perform correctly if calibrated properly.

I think you should stick around here more and ask more questions. We will try to guide you in the best way possible.

Right now as it stands if you want the best cut stone I would choose SuperBCert. If you want an ideal cut diamond which appeals to you which shouldn't have the premium price attached and are looking to save money I would choose the local guy. What do your eyes tell you. Have you seen the stone from SuperBCert. Ask Barry to ship it to you to take a look at, Tell him Josh from Alaska sent you. Barry's an old boxing partner of mine

This way you can take a look at both stones side by side and you will get an idea of which stone speaks to you. Barry's stone will probably stand out as the better contender, but again know what is important to you. The best with no priority on budget, or the best within your budget if your looking to save some money. Personally I love Heart's & Arrows stones and would choose the SuperBcert hands down

I also like the fact that Barry has blown up photos, sarin data, Brilliancescope results, and some great tools to help make your decision easier.

 

[moolman]

Thanks, you've been very helpful. I agree about Supercert, I've been exchanging a couple of emails with Barry, he knows his stuff.

The local diamond does have a hearts and arrow pattern. The only viewer that I've seen it through is a tall blue tinted one. Charles Carmona had the same one. I wanted his opinion in how it looked through it but he didn't seem to concerned about it.

To the best of my ability, it looks okay but I'm no expert, I've seen diamonds that don't have a H&A pattern so I know that this diamond does since I've seen the ones without it.

Price wise, it's not really an issue, they are about the same taking into account that one is a F and the other a G. Just getting some info to give everyone a fair chance to get my money. haha..


Thanks again.

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Moolman:

I appreciate your inisight into your purchase but am puzzled at what you truly want from your last post. You say both are Hearts & Arrows ((OK)). You say Price is not an issue ((OK)) You say both are the same except for the g or f ((OK)).

Since price is not really an issue are you just interested in which is the better stone or better performer. You can decide this by having the stones to look at side by side. I think the quality control and Hearts & Arrows optics in diamonds and the standards set by the different brands vary. Some tolerances of cutting and optics are different than others.

With this in mind if you are interested in one of the best brands on the market SuperBcert I would choose Barry. There are many different vendors which have an internet presence, but cannot and will not reply to this thread because of the rules of self promotion not being allowed.

If your truly looking to compare do a pricesearch for the different vendors who sell branded Hearts & Arrows stones with either GIA or AGS certificates and compare the prices to SuperBcert. I think you should give Barry the opportunity to make you happy if you are satisfied with his diamond. There might be a cheaper vender selling a stone for less, but you have picked a quality brand with excellent cutting standards with a vendor who has given and invested time to build a repor and relationship with helping you decide. I'm not saying you shouldn't shop around but Barry is right up there with the best of the H&A's diamonds.

Shop and compare prices and then see how the different vendors appeal to you if you really want to shop around. make sure you know what your comparing though.

I hope this helps..Post more Questions if you have them..

 

[moolman]

Bottomline, I guess I was trying to figure out if a local guy's diamond can possibly be comparable to one of the Super Duper Diamonds. I want to support the local B&M as much as possible. Without them I could never see a diamond in person to know what the different color grades and clarities are, I would of never seen the setting I wanted, an internet picture doesn't compare to the real life thing in your hands. So I want to give a fair shake to the local guy and see if they could provide the same product at a comparable price. Maybe the answer is NO.

Thanks

 

[Maxine]

Are the prices similar? Also, if you want to go with the local guy he might come down in price to match the internet pricing....It all depends on what you want, and how they look....

 

[Lord Summerisle]

Wouldn’t totally discount it right away. The numbers aren’t bad. It’s got a good depth meaning your seeing close to maximum spread for weight – which is why it is that tiny little bit larger in diameter than the SC stone.

When I asked the chap who appraised my Rock, his answer to the accuracy of the Sarin was he could run the stone 2 times though the Sarin, and come out with 3 slightly different answers… with no way to tell which is the *correct* one… I guess really do it scientific – run it 5 times… discount the top and bottom values, and take a mean of the others – that’ll be about as accurate as they can get ATM. As it is – the discrepancies are small enough for a single test to be run… and the slight difference acknowledged as that.

The HCA does state that once we’re at scores below 2 – it is really up to your eyes to determine which one to go for - not the one with the lowest score. You may find you prefer a stone that scored 1.9 over one that scored 0.5 – or vice versa.

If you desire it to be a ‘true’ H&A then go with Barry – the brand guarantees it’ll be up to his exacting standards, in the same way an ACA conforms to Whiteflash’s standards… same with an 8*

But then that’s not to say your local man’s stone isn’t H&A – see Good old Gold, they carry many excellent unbranded H&As.

Check it with the Ideal scope too… fairly easy to read what you’re seeing – don’t need any special light source – just hold it in tweezers up to the light of a window.

Looking at other aspects of the specs…

Barry’s – larger rock…
Local – smaller rock
Verdict – sarin measured same diameter… so either way will look the same. From top.
Barry’s – smaller table
Local – larger table
Verdict – the smaller table can give more fire… but does score Vg on the HCA to Ex for the local….
Both have excellent grades for polish and meet point symmetry
Both VS2….
Barry – Lower colour, but no flor – tho excellent cut will allow it to hide its colour extremely well.. plus the lower colour might be more pleasing to the eye…
Local – Higher colour, but has a faint flor.
Verdict – tough one to call G is only a grade difference from F… I believe flor isn’t favoured in these higher colour grades, and AGS has on occasion graded colour stricter than GIA If I remember the survey report on labs published on here. Which means it might be an F or very close to an F by GIA standards… denpends on how close it is to the grade border – but its only a small thing… or else the F could be close to G in colour… in reality not something to decide on, but does have an effect on price… a F *should* be more per ct, but flor has an effect on knocking it down a little, how much I don’t know off hand.

So really, bottom line – on price – is local guy lower of higher than Barry – and are you happy with that price, and the fact that you can go in, buy and get it set all in one go.. or go with Barry, then you can either pick one of his rings, or take it loose to someone to set in a ring of your choice…

And really – which would you be happy with? A Branded H&A which you know is a H&A – or a unbranded one which to your eyes appears to show the patterning, and might well be a H&A too. Just without the brand name on it.

I speak as someone who went with a branded H&A – since the UK hasn’t really heard of H&A yet… so I wanted to know what I was getting was what I was paying for… and I wanted a H&A, plus I liked the guys who I worked with – I gave my local guy a fair chance, but he said he couldn’t get what I wanted so, he was happy for me to source the stone, and he set it.

 

[fire&ice]

Are you saying that the F & the G are the same price? Does the local stone speak to you?

 

[hoorray]

Too bad you didn''t get more expert opinion info from Charles. Your experience is fairly similar to mine, although he did spend some time on the H&A with us. There was a thread recently about how appraisers differ in whether they will give you opinions as well as just the facts. Some will, some don''t seem to want to.

I guess I''m confused. You''ve seen both stones now, right? If so, have you seen them side by side? H&A and ideal specs are all good, but at the end of the day, it''s about what appeals to your eyes the most. Especially in lots of different lighting -- away from the B&M halogen lights.

Barry is known for having beautiful stones, so that is a pretty sure thing. It doesn''t mean that your local guy doesn''t have equally beautiful stones tho. The B&M channel has been around for much longer than the Internet channel, so many B&M vendors have equally good access to great stones, and the knowledge and experience to pick them. It just depends on whether your guy has, and it certainly looks promising with this stone.

At the end of the day, it is easy to split hairs over these things (I have to remind myself of that periodically.) If you don''t have an idealscope, why don''t you order one overnighted, and use it to help you judge light return. It''s a more true measurement than the numbers, and takes the risk out of potentially fudged numbers or minor discrepencies between machines.

 

[aljdewey]

Date: 3/8/2005 5

1:42 AM
Author: moolman
Bottomline, I guess I was trying to figure out if a local guy''s diamond can possibly be comparable to one of the Super Duper Diamonds. I want to support the local B&M as much as possible. Without them I could never see a diamond in person to know what the different color grades and clarities are, I would of never seen the setting I wanted, an internet picture doesn''t compare to the real life thing in your hands. So I want to give a fair shake to the local guy and see if they could provide the same product at a comparable price. Maybe the answer is NO.

Thanks

From the information you''ve provided, I think the answer is YES.

Not only is it possible for him to provide a comparable product.....but from the information you''ve given, it looks like the local guy''s diamond is just as worthy a candidate. These stones really can go toe-to-toe together on paper. You really cannot go wrong with choosing either. Scientifcally, these stones are really a "coin-flip". All that''s left is to look at both and decide which appeals more to *your* eye.

I, of course, haven''t seen either stone, but if I had to choose between these stones just based on the data you''ve given, I''d choose the F stone from the local guy for the following reasons:

1. It''s a grade better in color
2. Compared to the local stone, the Superbcert stones seems to be hiding a bit more weight in the girdle. It doesn''t mean the stone isn''t beautiful, but I think you''re getting more spread for the money and a more optimal girdle on the local stone.
3. The local stone has fluorescence, and I just hear wonderful things about how such stones look "plugged in".
4. The table on the local stone is a bit bigger, which many folks seem to prefer.

But again, that''s really all semantics.....which looks best to you? You *cannot* make a "wrong" choice here......which is GREAT news!

A quick note to you about the HCA: Don''t get obsessed with splitting hairs over the "score". As long as it''s under 2.0, you''re FINE. A score of 0.7 isn''t "better" than a score of 1.5, for example......it''s just which your eye prefers.

In the case of these stones, you can achieve your objective of supporting your local jeweler without sacrificing a darned thing on the stone quality.

Good luck, and let us know which one you select.

 

[noobie]

Date: 3/8/2005 10:49:42 AM
Author: lop
Too bad you didn''t get more expert opinion info from Charles. Your experience is fairly similar to mine, although he did spend some time on the H&A with us. There was a thread recently about how appraisers differ in whether they will give you opinions as well as just the facts. Some will, some don''t seem to want to.

Not to deter the thread, but I think you raise a good point lop. Often we get here and on vendor sites with all of the fancy scopes, gadgets and the like and expect the same things at the appraiser''s, when in reality most of them rely on a microscope and their experience and training. Sometimes we forget that the IS, BS, MS, ISee are to help us by something sight unseen and we don''t wear or use these gems in one of them. How it looks in the piece to the individual is the most important. We end up splitting hairs to the nth degree. I know that many don''t like to give persoanl opinions about stones, but it''s too bad Charles didn''t answer the comparison questions more directly.

moolman,

I think you got two great stones and I''m more of aljdewey''s opinion and lean locally. I bought two stones with somewhat similar variations in the angles of the two stones you posted. I could not tell them apart when loose and when mounted, not a chance. They look the same.

 

[Sashabella]

I would get the local stone. You have seen the stone and you like it. You have had it appraised and everything is fine with it. You have experience with the vendor and you are obviously satisfied. It''s a better colour grade (my eyes are very color sensitive so I am biased on this one).

I just don''t think it''s makes much sense to go for a lower grade, sight unseen stone for the possibility you may like it more.

You are comfortable with the F stone, the appraisal came back positive and you have experience with the vendor. It sounds like a winner to me!

My only personal concern would be about the slight flourescence in the F stone but, if it doesn''t bother you it''s a non-issue.

 

[Hest88]

As was said, a lower Sarin doesn''t mean it''s a better stone--if the number is under two. I think when you''re at this point in the game, with two equally fine stones, you have to really go with things outside of pure performance. Which vendor are you more comfortable with? Which one has given better service? Even though both prices are within your range, is one cheaper than the other? Do you have an emotional attachment to higher color or higher clarity? Which jeweler is more convenient? Which stone, in your gut, makes you *feel* better?

 

[JohnQuixote]

Date: 3/8/2005 12:52:59 PM
Author: noobie

Not to deter the thread, but I think you raise a good point lop. Often we get here and on vendor sites with all of the fancy scopes, gadgets and the like and expect the same things at the appraiser's, when in reality most of them rely on a microscope and their experience and training. Sometimes we forget that the IS, BS, MS, ISee are to help us by something sight unseen and we don't wear or use these gems in one of them. How it looks in the piece to the individual is the most important. We end up splitting hairs to the nth degree. I know that many don't like to give persoanl opinions about stones, but it's too bad Charles didn't answer the comparison questions more directly.

Noob,

I am so with you on this. I also wish that everyone in the trade spoke the "analysis" language the same way but the EYES must decide.

I am not intending to interrupt a compelling (and instructive) consumer discussion, but I would briefly go ahead and represent the designers and analysts here as to the why's and wherefore's of the gadgetry and why it's a part of our world...

The reason today’s cutters, appraisers and sellers are using scopes and other assessment tools is to learn more about diamond performance through a broad range of illumination scenarios. Cutters committed to precision patterning, aka H&A, are working on facet construction designed for precise alignment of the mirrors (the pavilion mains) and even further - experimenting with minor facet combinations to maximize a balance of visual qualities in all lighting conditions.

It’s not about making “Hearts & Arrows” pictures, it’s about aligning the mirrors in the stone so precisely that maximum performance occurs, even in difficult lighting conditions.

So, the scopes and numbers (H&A viewer, IdealScope, Sarin, Helium, and light performance machines) are being used by cutters, appraiser and informed sellers to further understanding of such facet construction. It is not hype, it is design. Remember that precision patterning (H&A) is still relatively young.

Still, Moolman, you're the end-user of the scope and number info. Noob and Lop hit the nail on the head. View them both in an abundance of light conditions and let your eyes decide.

 

[hoorray]

Date: 3/8/2005 1:22:19 PM
Author: JohnQuixote

Noob and Lop hit the nail on the head.

I just love it when that happens

.

 

[moolman]

If it makes a difference to your opinion, the local stone is a little less than a thousand dollars cheaper than the Supercert stone. You can find the diamond and GIA cert in pricescope actually, just do a search for 1.32 F VS2 and check out the dimensions for it 7.12-7.14, the price is a couple of hundred less than the lowest internet price.

Is it possible to get a real nice diamond from the pricescope search, this is found when the H&A is not click on the search but it has the H&A pattern.

 

[Lord Summerisle]

in truth - personally. i do like the specs of your local chaps stone - well certainly the depth. i do tend to go for those that hit the 59-60.5% depths...

other than that... really everythign seems to add up to the local chap has it down for ya. good size, a colour your happy with, a clarity your happy with. good proportions to my untrained ideas and a good HCA score...

 

[fire&ice]

Date: 3/8/2005 3:42

0 PM
Author: moolman
If it makes a difference to your opinion, the local stone is a little less than a thousand dollars cheaper than the Supercert stone. You can find the diamond and GIA cert in pricescope actually, just do a search for 1.32 F VS2 and check out the dimensions for it 7.12-7.14, the price is a couple of hundred less than the lowest internet price.

Is it possible to get a real nice diamond from the pricescope search, this is found when the H&A is not click on the search but it has the H&A pattern.

I''m feelin the love for the local stone. Cheaper, better color & local. No brainer to me.

 

[noobie]

Date: 3/8/2005 3:42

0 PM
Author: moolman
If it makes a difference to your opinion, the local stone is a little less than a thousand dollars cheaper than the Supercert stone. You can find the diamond and GIA cert in pricescope actually, just do a search for 1.32 F VS2 and check out the dimensions for it 7.12-7.14, the price is a couple of hundred less than the lowest internet price.

Is it possible to get a real nice diamond from the pricescope search, this is found when the H&A is not click on the search but it has the H&A pattern.

moolman,

I''ll ask again. How did the stone look to you? Did you look at it in direct and indirect lighting conditions. If you think it looks good and it''s $1,000 less, and a higher color grade and you can see it before buying and it''s local.... what are you waiting for? (unless you think you may use Superbcert''s trade up policy or other services that are worth $1000)

FWIW, my first three online stones comprised of one with all the pictures H&A photos and IS photos. It was stunning. The other two did not have H&A photos or IS photos. The IS shots look great and the H&A patterns are great.

 

[Regular Guy]

Alex,

I found my option this way (using the equivalent of that search, not checking H&A), and am quite happy. Have I optimized completely? Could I have done way better? I don''t have the answers to these questions. I am happy...and happy to be not shopping any longer.

John,

You know, even expert doctors, who we grant are experts...if you believe the doc TV shows...will wear big magnifiers on their glasses.

Re your point about the strategy of H&A-ing...would you say this is only one of possibly several techniques for achieving the effect you''re describing?

If not...how else to interpret the AGS (and GIA?) position on the lack of association between H&Aing and improved performance? They really were trying to look at that question and relationship, right?

Thanks for your thoughts (and I have more I''m chewing on, too.)

 

[moolman]

The diamond looks as good as any other diamond I have seen, if not better, I guess, The supercert diamond, I have not seen. Thanks for all the advice.

I think I learned a lesson, don''t go to an appraiser to ask about cut unless he has a sarin/megascope.

 

[JohnQuixote]

Hi Ira,

Date: 3/8/2005 4:36 PM
Author: Regular Guy

John,

...Re your point about the strategy of H&A-ing...would you say this is only one of possibly several techniques for achieving the effect you're describing?

The starting point for patterning begins with precise alignment of the mains with sets of proven major proportions. The minors are specifically targeted within those proven proportions - for some cuts UGs are adjusted - and observations are made... Then back to the starting point with adjustments.

The alternative would be making observations about non-precise, 'random' patterning (is this what you're asking?). The very premise of the randomness precludes the same starting point that precise patterning provides.

If that was working and all diamonds performed well in all light conditions there'd be less need for jewelry store lights to help the poor performers 'perform.'

If not...how else to interpret the AGS (and GIA?) position on the lack of association between H&Aing and improved performance? They really were trying to look at that question and relationship, right?

Thanks for your thoughts (and I have more I'm chewing on, too.)

AGS has said "inconclusive evidence." GIA's late symmetry comments are restricted to meet point symmetry. It's unlikely the labs will take a conclusive position on this for obvious reasons...

 

[Colored Gemstone Nut]

Date: 3/8/2005 4:49:57 PM
Author: moolman
The diamond looks as good as any other diamond I have seen, if not better, I guess, The supercert diamond, I have not seen. Thanks for all the advice.

I think I learned a lesson, don't go to an appraiser to ask about cut unless he has a sarin/megascope.

Hi Moolman:

Again I would look at both stones side by side. This is the only true way your going to be able to distinguish which stone really appeals to you.

I think both stones have merit and you should take a look at both too see what you think and see if one stone appeals more to you than the other.

I would also like to add that there are many idependent appraisers who specialize in evaluating the type of diamonds you are looking at purchasing. I would have either stone or both sent to an appraiser of your choice to see what they say. I believe that you dealt with an appraiser who definitely did not address all your needs. There are appraisers who have been in the business for a long time who "Do their Job Well" and there are those who "Do their Job". I frown that you kind of received a glance at job.

There are many appraisers who work much harder for their money.

So keep this in mind and don't let this one bad experience ruin any faith you might have in a future independent appraisal. Many appraisers are used to grading color, clarity, size and do a general work up to see if the stone matches the certification it received from the lab. There are other appraisers who have much more broad experience in the field and cater to the nuances which surround the Hearts & Arrows market and those customers purchasing them.

Hope this helped!

 

[strmrdr]

Im going to tell you what you want to hear.
But there is a reason for that not just cuz im a nice guy :}

Buy the local diamond.
You have learned the lessons well and picked 2 awesome diamonds.
You sound very convinced the local one is awesome so get it.

 

[Mara]

Both diamonds sound like they will be stunning.

You ask: Can a local diamond compare to a 'Super Duper Diamond'.

It's important to note that some vendors do cut their own stones...so they have a say in how their brand is carried on and perpetuated right from the beginning.

SuperbCert does not cut their own stones. They look at well-cut stones and cherry pick the best out of the bunch. Then they brand them with their name.

So in reality, a local stone CAN be as good as a SuperbCert stone...because chances are a local stone could have started out exactly where a SuperbCert did....at the same cutter or one just as good.

Could a local diamond be as precisely cut as some of the other branded H&A stones where the cutter may be held to a higher standard? Maybe not. But maybe so.

Can your naked, consumer eye pick up minute differences between a SuperIdeal, branded, unbranded, H&A etc? Probably not. If the stone is well cut with great angles and a good H&A pattern and good light return, all your eye sees is that it sparkles and looks fabulous.

I would probably buy the online diamond because I prefer all the reports and numbers and images that come with such a purchse, BUT if you feel more comfortable purchasing locally then by all means do it. The local stone seems from numbers that it would be great looking, you noted it has an H&A pattern, probably has great light rerturn, nice HCA score, etc. What would be the reason to go online for you?

Lastly, don't know if anyone else mentioned this but it certainly is possible to get a 1.0 on the HCA, in fact there have been some scores as low as 0.4 before, though many agree that 1.0 is the 'sweet spot'.

Good luck!

Oh and edited to add that I did not like your tale about the independent appraiser. What kind of answers are those that he gave you? Vague ones! I would expect more...as someone else noted there are other appraisers who do have the machines to gauge accuracy of the cert and reports etc...and give you a very good feel for the diamond rather than just saying 'it looks good, numbers are good, gia cert is good'.

 

[ForteKitty]

Hey, you''re in LA? If you don''t want the local B&M stone I might know someone who would love to buy it!

It sounds wonderful!

 

[moolman]

Fortekitty,
You or anyone else can have it, just email me. It's at a Los Angeles store in downtown.

[email protected]

 

[Dancing Fire]

if i''m reading moolman correctly, i think he wanted to hear from the appraiser,does his stone perform like a top cut h&a stone but the appraiser wouldn''t give him the time of the day.