Please help me look at this stone from Cartier, bad HCA

[jacana]

Hi all, I've been following the forum for a while and finally it's time to find my perfect bling bling!

It's round cut from Cartier (Solitaire 1983), 1.12ct, H, VS1, triple ex. The price is a good bargain comparing to similar rings that we've seen at Cartier. As I don't care that much about color, everything looks pretty good until I calculated the HCA score--4.9! I haven't seen the ring yet, but just want to hear your opinion!

Depth: 62.5%
Table: 57%
Crown angle: 35
Pavilion Angle: 41.4

tks!!!

 

[hearts-arrows_girl]

I would ask Cartier to bring in some other stones to look at. Maybe that's why this one is cheaper, because the cut could be better.
(For the same money as you'd pay for this Cartier ring, you could get a 1.5 - 2ct stone that is not a name brand, but better cut, online)

 

[SMC]

Yeah, you're paying a premium for the brand name but if it's worth it to you and the diamond is something you'll be happy with, you should go for it. I think you should ask Cartier to show you a few different diamond options though, so you can pick the one that looks the best to you. Try to compare it under different lights as well (like maybe under the counter where there's no direct jewelry store light shining on it).

I'm not sure if Cartier carries SI1 diamonds, but they might carry VS2 diamonds. Maybe see if they can find you a H VS2 diamond - that would probably save you some money as well.

 

[jacana]

Thanks for the advice! I'll def comparing it with other stones. Is there anything in particular that lead to the bad HCA score? Or it's a bad cut in general?

I would ask Cartier to bring in some other stones to look at. Maybe that's why this one is cheaper, because the cut could be better.
(For the same money as you'd pay for this Cartier ring, you could get a 1.5 - 2ct stone that is not a name brand, but better cut, online)

 

[SB621]

Thanks for the advice! I'll def comparing it with other stones. Is there anything in particular that lead to the bad HCA score? Or it's a bad cut in general?

I would ask Cartier to bring in some other stones to look at. Maybe that's why this one is cheaper, because the cut could be better.
(For the same money as you'd pay for this Cartier ring, you could get a 1.5 - 2ct stone that is not a name brand, but better cut, online)

I'm just saying from someone that loves cartier and owns a few pieces. I would much rather have a non-Cartier diamond that is larger and pair it with a cartier weddind band. That way I get the both of best worlds- a cartier wedding band and a big diamond ering.

 

[04diamond<3]

Thanks for the advice! I'll def comparing it with other stones. Is there anything in particular that lead to the bad HCA score? Or it's a bad cut in general?

I would ask Cartier to bring in some other stones to look at. Maybe that's why this one is cheaper, because the cut could be better.
(For the same money as you'd pay for this Cartier ring, you could get a 1.5 - 2ct stone that is not a name brand, but better cut, online)

I'm just saying from someone that loves cartier and owns a few pieces. I would much rather have a non-Cartier diamond that is larger and pair it with a cartier weddind band. That way I get the both of best worlds- a cartier wedding band and a big diamond ering.

a BIG +1...do you have to buy the stone from there? What's your budget for the stone?

 

[SMC]

Thanks for the advice! I'll def comparing it with other stones. Is there anything in particular that lead to the bad HCA score? Or it's a bad cut in general?

I would ask Cartier to bring in some other stones to look at. Maybe that's why this one is cheaper, because the cut could be better.
(For the same money as you'd pay for this Cartier ring, you could get a 1.5 - 2ct stone that is not a name brand, but better cut, online)

I think it was dinged on the HCA score because it's:
1. too deep - you want below 62%
2. crown angle - you want below 35%
3. pavilion angle - you want below 41

That's just my opinion though, maybe others have some as well. These are the rules that I follow from this Nice Ice article: http://niceice.com/brian-gavin-select-vs-signature-diamonds/
Total depth between 59 – 61.8% and maybe up to 62%
Table diameter between 53 – 58%
Crown angle between 34.0 – 35.0 degrees and I truly prefer 34.3 – 34.9 degrees
Pavilion angle between 40.5 – 41.0 degrees and I truly prefer 40.6 – 40.9 degrees

 

[Laila619]

It's getting dinged because of that pavilion angle. Too deep.

I really don't like that cheat sheet, because there is nothing wrong with a steeper than 35 degrees crown angle. In fact, some people love a high crown. It just needs to be paired with a shallower pavilion.

Are you really set on buying from Cartier?

 

[diamondseeker2006]

You can get a setting like that and a MUCH better diamond and a larger diamond if you decide not to go with Cartier. I have a Tiffany repro setting for my e-ring and a real Tiffany wedding band. I really recommend considering that option.