Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pics.

[Dizz17]

So I'm still on the hunt for my hearts & arrows RB diamond. I'm starting to think I just need to pull the trigger already before I drive myself crazy. I will say I have learned a ton along the way! So today I think I found what I'm looking for. Its eye clean but the only thing holding me back is the large feather (see GIA report). Although under magnification I was barely able to see the feather (not that it means much, i'm a newbie). Is the reason I am getting a good deal because of the feather? What do you consider a "good deal" for this stone? Should I be concerned? I have read many articles that all pretty much say the same thing; as long as its not breaking the surface I should be fine especially being a VS2. Other say they won't look at a fractured diamond. Please let me know your input. Based on what you tell me, will decide if I buy it tomorrow!

Quality of Hearts and Arrows?

Should I worry about the Canadian inscription? What does it mean? Any reason to worry about that?

Just FYI. I am looking for an Ideal, 1.25-1.30 Hearts & Arrows, VS2, I, GIA w/ excellent polish and symmetry and sub 2 HCA.

Info of Diamond:

ROUND BRILLIANT

Measurements: 6.96 - 6.99 x 4.32 mm
Carat Weight: 1.28 carat
Color Grade: I
Clarity Grade: VS2
Cut Grade: Excellent
HCA: 1.6
PROPORTIONS

Depth: 62.0%
Table: 55%
Crown Angle: 35.0°
Crown Height: 15.5%
Pavilion Angle: 40.8°
Pavilion Depth: 43.0%
Star Length: 45%
Lower Half: 80%
Girdle: Medium, Faceted (3.5%)
Culet: None
FINISH
Polish: Excellent
Symmetry: Excellent
Fluorescence: None

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Two More.

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Thanks Julia. I may just have to try that. I'm mainly concerned about the larger feather. I saw the diamond in person and it checks out to my newbie eyes. If purchase I would have it checked out by another, non biased jeweler.

 

[John P]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

All signs are positive.

A GIA VS2 feather should not pose an issue. For peace of mind, get that assurance from an expert with the diamond in-hand, but VS from the GIA has reliably indicated no clarity-based durability problems for me.

I regularly remind people that diamonds are sawed, bruted and polished in the manufacturing process. They undergo so much pressure and friction that they turn white-hot on the polishing wheel. Normal wear will not even come close to what it has already been through. A significant feather can cause a diamond to drop to I1 clarity or lower if it threatens durability... With that said, every diamond has natural cleavage planes. Verify that your diamond is covered by the seller while being set, and have a good insurance policy for daily wear. A knock the wrong way - by you or someone else - can cause any diamond to chip or incur damage whether it has inclusions or not. That's why insurance is a good idea for any diamond you wear around town, just as it is for your car.

RE the Inscription: It resembles Maple Leaf's inscription, which is intended to indicate provenance. Maple Leaf diamonds come from the Ekati mine in the Northwest Territories. ML diamonds are often accompanied by a CanadaMark symbol, meant to ensure Canadian origins through a tracking system. I can't say this is ML for certain, but unless you are specifically seeking a diamond from Canada it's just interesting information.

Big compliments to your jeweler on going the extra mile to provide the reflector images. Those are extremely difficult to produce at a high level. Since he/she is taking the images through a handheld scope they don't have the "pro" look that more practiced internet-focused sellers do, but there is enough information here to make a strong endorsement of that diamond as a performer. The Ideal-Scope and ASET are nice, and correctly reflect what I'd expect to see given the diamond's primary numbers.

From the hearts image, it's not at the highest level of 3D cut-precision, but in my experience it's in-line or better than the majority of diamonds being sold as "Hearts & Arrows" in the mainstream. This assessment area (3D precision) is another which - if you are pedantic about it - requires in-hand examination.

One of my primary duties is training showroom jewelers to "get involved" with demonstrating cut-quality to their clients like this. I don't know if this is a bricks-and-mortar seller, but if it is you've found one that's providing great service. I hope you will consider giving them credit here eventually.

Cheers,

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

John Pollard thank you for your thorough post. I am dealing with a sponsor from this forum who is local to me and has a brick/mortar shop. The reviews are overwhelming positive for who I am working with and will gladly give them credit along with a detailed review.

The seller does not object to getting a light performance test done. Based on what you see here, would you guess the brilliance, fire, and scintillation to be on the higher end?

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Double Post !

 

[John P]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

John Pollard thank you for your thorough post. I am dealing with a sponsor from this forum who is local to me and has a brick/mortar shop. The reviews are overwhelming positive for who I am working with and will gladly give them credit along with a detailed review. The seller does not object to getting a light performance test done. Based on what you see here, would you guess the brilliance, fire, and scintillation to be on the higher end?

You're welcome for the feedback. The seller is providing great information.

RE performance: From the information given it's a firecracker. The crown is sweetly configured for a strong balance of fire in the performance qualities which, of course, enhances colored-flash potential in the scintillation, depending on lighting.

If you're talking about deducing the AGSL light performance grade the primary numbers are technically just into AGS1. But your jeweler has provided more than the primary numbers and that data works in its favor. As an example, while the charts say AGS1 now, if the average PA is actually 40.9 (which GIA would round to the 41.0 given) then it is actually an AGS0 candidate. Also favorable are (a) the limited variation from given averages per the reflector views (b) normal indexing (c) good cut-precision and (d) complimentary minor-facet lengths. As a cut-nerd my impression is that the 45% given for stars is closer to 47% rounded down, per the ASET, but this is inconsequential and I say it only to scratch my nerd-itch. Based on the information given I'd be surprised if was not rated AGS0 for performance.

Bear in mind that, for a seller, providing extra cut information like this is a double-edged sword: It reveals more about the diamond than the vast majority of other sellers will ever reveal, but the images and info also open the door for nit-picky technical comments. I've seen shoppers get so distracted by minutia that they freeze in the moment, effectively "punishing" the person who gave the information. The pedigrees are solid. Moreover, you have the advantage of seeing it in-person, which trumps anything we can contribute here-from-afar. How does your seller plan to test the light performance? Is this convenient/worth the time and effort?

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Thanks again John. It boggles my mind how all the variation of numbers can mean so much.

I spoke to the seller who is attempting to get a GCAL done for me which will rate light performance. I have even requested them to rate the hearts and arrows.

Additionally it is a true canadian diamond accompanied with the certificate.

All signs seem positive so far. The only thing stopping me was the large feather.

 

[John P]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Thanks again John. It boggles my mind how all the variation of numbers can mean so much.

I spoke to the seller who is attempting to get a GCAL done for me which will rate light performance. I have even requested them to rate the hearts and arrows.

Additionally it is a true canadian diamond accompanied with the certificate.

All signs seem positive so far. The only thing stopping me was the large feather.

You're welcome again. The feather should be no problem.

From what I know a GCAL analysis will only be a "feel-good" move at this point. Your jeweler has given data beyond their assessments. The ASET, especially, gives the diamond's brightness information in a harsher environment than GCAL and provides further critical information on obstruction dynamics and overall angular spectrum. As for H&A, GCAL's standards appear softer than the (also-soft) assessments routinely made on this forum.

As a simple comparison, consider that your jeweler has already given height, weight, measurements, photos and personality information for the diamond. You've already seen "her" in person. Asking her to walk through a cardboard cutout at this point seems superfluous to me.

 

[Dizz17]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

Well after thinking it over... I purchased the Diamond today. My setting will begin to be made within the next few days. I decided on something similar to the Sleep Micro Pave style. Many pictures and seller review when complete.

Below are the GCAL results.

Thanks again!!!

 

[Christina...]

Re: Help me analyze this RB H&A 1.28 I VS2 Large feather? Pi

I think that you made a beautiful choice and hope that you will be very happy with it. Looking forward to seeing lots and lots of photos!