HCA

[culdiamond]

So, I thought I had a nice diamond picked out and then I learned about HCA and now I don't know what to do. For starters, none of the diamonds I have seen (10 or so, from 3 different companies, all GIA certs, most in with excellent cut grades) score under 2 on the HCA. Since I haven't seen one that is below 2, I don't have even have reference point for comparison. I am at the point of purchase on the diamond below but the HCA is 2.7 "Very Good - worth buying if price is right":

$24,600 - 2.03 carat VS2 G, Cut Grade: Ex, Ex, Ex, Depth: 62.4, Table 57, Crown Angle: 35.5, Pavilion Angle: 40.8

Is the price right? Would I notice a difference between something under 2 and 2.7? If yes, any recommendations on finding diamonds with HCA's below 2?

Great site! Thanks for any feedback!

 

[stone-cold11]

What is the lower half size?

 

[culdiamond]

Lower Half: %80

 

[stone-cold11]

Good chance that it will be fine with that lower half size. The price is quite good too.

Maybe get your own idealscope to check if you are paranoid.

 

[swigertj]

I am in the same boat as you. It sounds like it takes a lot of searching to find a nicely cut stone unless you move into the H&A which you will pay a premium for. I found a 2c H&A that is eye clean but its an "I" color. Ive taken a look at stones at the stores, sometimes I can see yellow, others not. A good cut definetly masks some of the color. I am at the point where I might have to scale down what size I can get, maybe a 1.7c so that I can get a "G".

I have noticed that the GIA-Excellent almost means nothing...you can get a HUGE range of angles and table/depth %.

 

[geckodani]

For what it's worth, my ering was purchased pre-Pricescope. It's a GIA Triple Ex. I wouldn't be able to HCA score it if I wanted to (no angles and % - cert's too old ). And it's gorgeous. And blingy, and sparkles. I'm not personally one that thinks H&A is the ONLY way to go. It's a good price for the stone, and 2.7 on the HCA is nothin to sneeze at, IMO. I think you've made a lovely choice.

If you want to go super ideal cut H&A, check out the branded cuts on websites like WF, BGD etc.

 

[D&T]

Well here is one less $$ than yours and it scores under a 2 sure to be a stunner and EYE Clean with an EXCELLENT Upgrade policy should you need to use it

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2275579.htm

ETA: and another. They are are out there

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230006

 

[stone-cold11]

Gecko, you mean 2 Ex right? Since that is before cut grade, so no cut grade how to be triple Ex?

 

[D&T]

and another at 2.23 ct below your price listed

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1334288.asp

 

[geckodani]

Gecko, you mean 2 Ex right? Since that is before cut grade, so no cut grade how to be triple Ex?

Edit: Hold that thought. Digging up my cert.

Yup, you're right Stone-cold. And actually, it's Ex, VG. I should check my cert more often.

 

[stone-cold11]

 

[culdiamond]

Hmm, just to make sure we are comparing apples to apples, the ones you listed are SI1, I was looking at VS2. I guess if they are EYE clean if its a fair comparison?

Well here is one less $$ than yours and it scores under a 2 sure to be a stunner and EYE Clean with an EXCELLENT Upgrade policy should you need to use it

http://www.whiteflash.com/loose-diamonds/round-cut-loose-diamond-2275579.htm

ETA: and another. They are are out there

http://www.briangavindiamonds.com/diamond/diamond-detail/?product_id=AGS-1040399230006

 

[D&T]

it is up to you, whether you are interested in EYE Clean SI1s or not, its a great value I think, but whether you are clarity conscious is personal preference.