Realized our T & Co diamond has a 2.7 HCA Score

[shelliemay]

Hello All, we just realized that our Tiffany E ring has a 2.7 HCA score. We did not know about the HCA tool prior to purchasing the E ring and we received the certificate of the diamond only after the purchase. During our search for an E ring, we did not know about the ideal % of the crown angle, pavilion angle etc. and found out only recently. We realized that our diamond which is a triple Ex on the certificate has depth, crown angle, and pavilion depth not within the ideal range. It's been quite a few months since our purchase and their refund policy is within 30 days. Could you please advise on whether our E ring is not a nice stone and what we should do? Should we bring up our concern to our SA and see what they could do? Do you have a similar experience?

Table size: 56%
Total depth: 61.9%
Crown angle: 33.8
Pavilion angle: 41.2%
Lower half length: 80%

Thank you!

 

[MissGotRocks]

Do you love the ring? If so, wear it and enjoy it. Do you have any images of the ring up close? I doubt that Tiffany will let you return the ring for a refund at this point. You might be able to take advantage of their trade up policy to get another diamond. However, they may only offer that once, so make very sure that you are really unhappy with the ring in order to do that.

I am assuming you loved the diamond before coming here? If so, just wear it and enjoy it for the beauty you saw in it when it was purchased. The numbers aren't perfect for the HCA, but they are not so off as to say your diamond isn't beautiful!

 

[shelliemay]

Do you love the ring? If so, wear it and enjoy it. Do you have any images of the ring up close? I doubt that Tiffany will let you return the ring for a refund at this point. You might be able to take advantage of their trade up policy to get another diamond. However, they may only offer that once, so make very sure that you are really unhappy with the ring in order to do that.

I am assuming you loved the diamond before coming here? If so, just wear it and enjoy it for the beauty you saw in it when it was purchased. The numbers aren't perfect for the HCA, but they are not so off as to say your diamond isn't beautiful!

Yes, I loved it before coming here and learning the ideal percentages and numbers. (Sigh). I like it still due to its sentimental value as fiancé proposed to me with this ring.

I also don’t think they will allow us to return the ring that’s why I don’t know what to do. Their upgrade policy is that we have to get another ring double of the OG ring price. I don’t think upgrading is an option for us at the time being since the OG ring price already exceeded our budget.

I’ve attached a pic of the diamond up close. Will also take one under the sunlight later! This pic was taken indoors under a desk lamp. Thank you for your response!

 

[DejaWiz]

Yes, I loved it before coming here and learning the ideal percentages and numbers. (Sigh). I like it still due to its sentimental value as fiancé proposed to me with this ring.

I also don’t think they will allow us to return the ring that’s why I don’t know what to do. Their upgrade policy is that we have to get another ring double of the OG ring price. I don’t think upgrading is an option for us at the time being since the OG ring price already exceeded our budget.

I’ve attached a pic of the diamond up close. Will also take one under the sunlight later! This pic was taken indoors under a desk lamp. Thank you for your response!

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, shelliemay!
Seriously, don't sweat it: the diamond has a 41.2/33.8/56 combo which can work just fine with high cut precision, and your diamond looks just fine in the picture that you posted. Keep it...it has a meaning imbibed into it that can never be replicated or replaced.
There are always super high quality LGDs out there if you want to grow your collection at extremely cost effective price points, only if you're OK with LGDs.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Yes, I loved it before coming here and learning the ideal percentages and numbers. (Sigh). I like it still due to its sentimental value as fiancé proposed to me with this ring.

I also don’t think they will allow us to return the ring that’s why I don’t know what to do. Their upgrade policy is that we have to get another ring double of the OG ring price. I don’t think upgrading is an option for us at the time being since the OG ring price already exceeded our budget.

I’ve attached a pic of the diamond up close. Will also take one under the sunlight later! This pic was taken indoors under a desk lamp. Thank you for your response!

The time to research is always before purchase. Frankly, I would enjoy the diamond just as you did before coming here. The numbers are not that far off to stop you from enjoying its performance. Don't let comparison be the thief of your enjoyment!

Tiffany's prices are generally pretty high compared to some other sources, but people still buy and enjoy their diamonds. You chose to buy from them, loved the diamond and should still do so. Don't drive yourself crazy or feel that you have a subpar diamond. It looks beautiful so wear it and enjoy it. Let the rest go!

 

[freddyboston]

Nice and Bright .... six-prong T&Co. setting ........ nothing wrong with that

 

[lovedogs]

If you are happy with it then please don't worry! It doesn't look problematic from your pic, and if you were happy before coming here then please don't let an HCA score make you unhappy. 2.7 isn't bad and certainly doesn't make it a "bad diamond"

 

[Dreamer_D]

It looks quite nice in the pictures and Tiffany is a brand name with its own cache. If you wanted super ideal specs you can do that for a pendant or something down the line.

 

[shelliemay]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your responses, advise, opinions, and input! It makes me feel so much better. I think I’m really going crazy after learning all about the ideal range, HCA, hearts and arrows diamonds etc. I wish we had done our in depth research and come over for advise before purchasing. Our T&Co SA also did not mention anything about ideal table %, crown & pavilion angle. She only educated us on colour & clarity.

We went to Tiffany’s from the start because fiancé did not want to purchase an engagement ring online like James Allen, Blue Nile etc. He wanted to select in person and we have a wonderful SA that we’ve been working with at Tiffany’s for quite some time.

The hearts and arrows diamonds that I came across online recently look gorgeous and I think my OCD is messing with me as I don’t see the star effect on mine Here is my diamond in natural lighting.

Another question I have is about fluorescence. It says in the certificate that our diamond has faint fluorescence. Is it better to have one without any fluorescence? Does it affect performance? I noticed our diamond look more white under the sun and clearer indoors.

 

[shelliemay]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, shelliemay!
Seriously, don't sweat it: the diamond has a 41.2/33.8/56 combo which can work just fine with high cut precision, and your diamond looks just fine in the picture that you posted. Keep it...it has a meaning imbibed into it that can never be replicated or replaced.
There are always super high quality LGDs out there if you want to grow your collection at extremely cost effective price points, only if you're OK with LGDs.

I would love to grow my diamond collection and am okay with LGDs for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, other rings etc. I am pretty set on having a natural diamond for my engagement ring xD With this combo, it still sparkles nicely with fire in certain lightings. Thank you so much for your kind response!

 

[jjca]

Thank you so much, everyone, for your responses, advise, opinions, and input! It makes me feel so much better. I think I’m really going crazy after learning all about the ideal range, HCA, hearts and arrows diamonds etc. I wish we had done our in depth research and come over for advise before purchasing. Our T&Co SA also did not mention anything about ideal table %, crown & pavilion angle. She only educated us on colour & clarity.

We went to Tiffany’s from the start because fiancé did not want to purchase an engagement ring online like James Allen, Blue Nile etc. He wanted to select in person and we have a wonderful SA that we’ve been working with at Tiffany’s for quite some time.

The hearts and arrows diamonds that I came across online recently look gorgeous and I think my OCD is messing with me as I don’t see the star effect on mine Here is my diamond in natural lighting.

Another question I have is about fluorescence. It says in the certificate that our diamond has faint fluorescence. Is it better to have one without any fluorescence? Does it affect performance? I noticed our diamond look more white under the sun and clearer indoors.

My original ER had faint fluorescence and I literally -not one time in 25 years - ever noticed it. My one side stone had medium and also - never noticed it. To be fair - I don’t go to raves… maybe if I did I would have noticed it
Looks so bright! Congrats

 

[0-0-0]

The arrows are less prominent in a 33.8/41.2 combo. It’s just a different look compared with H&A cuts centered around 34.5/40.8 combos.

Assuming good cut precision a 33.8/41.2 combo would look like something in between a 34.5/41.0 and 34.5/41.2 in the following comparison.

Pa variation for Ca34.5

cutwise.com

 

[MissGotRocks]

I am pretty sure you would see arrows in your diamond with a hearts and arrows viewer. I don’t think the faint fluorescence diminishes your diamond at all. You can only see the hearts when a diamond is unmounted and laid down face first - no need to do that!
There are many that would love to have a Tiffany diamond as their engagement ring. Bear in mind that it is a decision that the two of you made together - one of many, many to come in married life - and cherish it for its intent. We don’t know the size, color or clarity of your diamond but it looks beautiful!

I hope you take away some comfort and reassurance from this thread so that you can move forward happy and satisfied! Will you be shopping at Tiffany for a wedding band? We would love to hear about all of the possibilities!

 

[lavenderdragonfly23]

I love your ring, the setting has an incredible history in itself, introduced in 1886, it is what ultimately put Tiffany on the map. Your stone is beautiful, wear her, enjoy her!

Use your new found knowledge to help you with further purchases. If you need ideas, let us know, we will be happy to bombard you, lol!

And the fluorescence thing can be bad (hazy or milky looking) or really good. Yours is in the really good category. I specifically sought out faint flor because it has this incredible ability to pull warmth out of a stone… which in my case meant I could go warmer, aka: bigger for the same price

 

[DejaWiz]

I would love to grow my diamond collection and am okay with LGDs for earrings, necklaces, bracelets, other rings etc. I am pretty set on having a natural diamond for my engagement ring xD With this combo, it still sparkles nicely with fire in certain lightings. Thank you so much for your kind response!

This is exactly the route my wife and I took: we kept her natural diamond from when we were married, then started growing her diamond collection with LGDs: two additional rings, earrings, and working on a pendant. Heck, I've even got a diamond of my own that I'm using for a gent's ring to be commissioned in the near future.

 

[Karl_K]

The numbers actually can work and are right at the edge so specifics matter.
The hca does not take fine details into account and is conservative because some variations of that combo are not that great.
There are safer combos so its not one that is recommended here but you own it and there is no reason to feel bad about it.
The pic looks good so just love it!!

 

[lovedogs]

Faint fluor makes no difference at all (neither does med usually)

 

[shelliemay]

My original ER had faint fluorescence and I literally -not one time in 25 years - ever noticed it. My one side stone had medium and also - never noticed it. To be fair - I don’t go to raves… maybe if I did I would have noticed it
Looks so bright! Congrats

That’s good to know! Thank you so much!

 

[shelliemay]

I am pretty sure you would see arrows in your diamond with a hearts and arrows viewer. I don’t think the faint fluorescence diminishes your diamond at all. You can only see the hearts when a diamond is unmounted and laid down face first - no need to do that!
There are many that would love to have a Tiffany diamond as their engagement ring. Bear in mind that it is a decision that the two of you made together - one of many, many to come in married life - and cherish it for its intent. We don’t know the size, color or clarity of your diamond but it looks beautiful!

I hope you take away some comfort and reassurance from this thread so that you can move forward happy and satisfied! Will you be shopping at Tiffany for a wedding band? We would love to hear about all of the possibilities!

Thank you so much! Your messages are so comforting and assuring! :’)

Our diamond is a 1.08 H VS1, we didn’t go with a higher color or clarity because the F and E VVS diamonds that SA showed us look exactly the same as an H and VS diamond.

Yes! We will be shopping at Tiffany’s for a wedding band. I like the fact that we got a classic Tiffany setting so it goes well with a lot of different bands. The one I’m currently eyeing is the Tiffany Forever Band Ring Half Circle of Diamonds. I’m pretty rough with my hands so I prefer not getting a full eternity band for everyday wear lol. I’ll love to have one some day for going out and date nights though :p I also want something that would stand out for when I don’t wear my engagement ring. This one we tried on in the store has bigger, more noticeable diamonds.

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thank you so much! Your messages are so comforting and assuring! :’)

Our diamond is a 1.08 H VS1, we didn’t go with a higher color or clarity because the F and E VVS diamonds that SA showed us look exactly the same as an H and VS diamond.

Yes! We will be shopping at Tiffany’s for a wedding band. I like the fact that we got a classic Tiffany setting so it goes well with a lot of different bands. The one I’m currently eyeing is the Tiffany Forever Band Ring Half Circle of Diamonds. I’m pretty rough with my hands so I prefer not getting a full eternity band for everyday wear lol. I’ll love to have one some day for going out and date nights though :p I also want something that would stand out for when I don’t wear my engagement ring. This one we tried on in the store has bigger, more noticeable diamonds.

You chose well! That band is gorgeous and makes such a classic, timeless look. However, I will caution you to make certain that the girdles (edges) of the diamonds in the band don’t make contact with the prongs of the engagement ring. Diamonds can ‘saw’ through platinum prongs and we have seen that here. It can damage prongs and eventually compromise the safety of your diamond. It could require that you wear a thin spacer between the two rings. Just check it all out thoroughly when you go to try on the band with your ring.
I am glad your mind is at ease about your beautiful new ring! Enjoy and congrats on your engagement!

 

[shelliemay]

I love your ring, the setting has an incredible history in itself, introduced in 1886, it is what ultimately put Tiffany on the map. Your stone is beautiful, wear her, enjoy her!

Use your new found knowledge to help you with further purchases. If you need ideas, let us know, we will be happy to bombard you, lol!

And the fluorescence thing can be bad (hazy or milky looking) or really good. Yours is in the really good category. I specifically sought out faint flor because it has this incredible ability to pull warmth out of a stone… which in my case meant I could go warmer, aka: bigger for the same price

Thank you so much for reassuring me! I feel so much better reading your messages! I will definitely enjoy and appreciate her more now.

Going forward, we’ll for sure consider the ideal table size, depth, crown and pavilion angles etc. in our next big diamond purchase ^^ Will definitely come here for advice too, you guys are all so helpful and knowledgeable in this subject. Wish I knew earlier before our engagement ring purchase lol

I think that’s our case, we chose a warmer H stone and something a little bigger than what we intended to get. No wonder the H stone still looks pretty white… maybe the faint fluorescence helped a bit?

 

[Bianca201]

Adding something I wrote when I described my own ring purchase. And quite honestly - if the 2.8 HCA diamond I was looking at was Tiffany branded? I'd have gone for the 2.8 in a heartbeat. It was so well cut, it was super hard to tell the difference between the 1.0 HCA and the 2.8 HCA. That's not always the case, but it was that well cut.

"Our final decision was between two diamonds, exact same size/color/clarity/cut. The diamond we were originally getting scored a 2.8 on the HCA. It had been very carefully chosen, and was beautiful and sparkly, but there was a very slight difference between the 1.0 and the 2.8. They were so very close in sparkle, both so incredible, that if I ended up with the wrong one - I probably never would have noticed."

 

[shelliemay]

The numbers actually can work and are right at the edge so specifics matter.
The hca does not take fine details into account and is conservative because some variations of that combo are not that great.
There are safer combos so its not one that is recommended here but you own it and there is no reason to feel bad about it.
The pic looks good so just love it!!

Thank you! ^.^ May I ask what are the specifics you are referring to? Is it the color, clarity? Or is it the crown height %, star length %, pavilion depth % etc.? I’d love to learn more.

 

[Karl_K]

Thank you! ^.^ May I ask what are the specifics you are referring to? Is it the color, clarity? Or is it the crown height %, star length %, pavilion depth % etc.? I’d love to learn more.

Lower girdle%
3d cut precision
The numbers are averages and rounded so can represent different variations with the same averaged and rounded numbers. How the numbers are rounded can make a huge difference.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Your ring is beautiful. And I love my fellow PS'ers for providing you with assurance over your purchase. All good and congrats.

cheers--Sharon

 

[shelliemay]

You chose well! That band is gorgeous and makes such a classic, timeless look. However, I will caution you to make certain that the girdles (edges) of the diamonds in the band don’t make contact with the prongs of the engagement ring. Diamonds can ‘saw’ through platinum prongs and we have seen that here. It can damage prongs and eventually compromise the safety of your diamond. It could require that you wear a thin spacer between the two rings. Just check it all out thoroughly when you go to try on the band with your ring.
I am glad your mind is at ease about your beautiful new ring! Enjoy and congrats on your engagement!

Thank you for letting me know! We wouldn’t have thought about this. We will make sure the diamonds on the band don’t touch the prongs of my engagement ring when we try it on. What kind of thin spacer do you recommend? I don’t think I’ve seen those before. Thank you so much for your blessings and setting my mind at ease on my new ring! ^^*

 

[shelliemay]

Adding something I wrote when I described my own ring purchase. And quite honestly - if the 2.8 HCA diamond I was looking at was Tiffany branded? I'd have gone for the 2.8 in a heartbeat. It was so well cut, it was super hard to tell the difference between the 1.0 HCA and the 2.8 HCA. That's not always the case, but it was that well cut.

"Our final decision was between two diamonds, exact same size/color/clarity/cut. The diamond we were originally getting scored a 2.8 on the HCA. It had been very carefully chosen, and was beautiful and sparkly, but there was a very slight difference between the 1.0 and the 2.8. They were so very close in sparkle, both so incredible, that if I ended up with the wrong one - I probably never would have noticed."

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! Fascinating! The only difference is probably due to their depth & table percentages, crown & pavilion angles. I’ve heard that diamonds that have an above 2 score on HCA is mainly due to their pavilion angles exceeding 41 degrees. Just like mine. Please correct me if I’m wrong.

I feel much more assured now that even though my diamond is a 2.7 on HCA, it’s not considered a “bad” one :’)

 

[shelliemay]

Lower girdle%
3d cut precision
The numbers are averages and rounded so can represent different variations with the same averaged and rounded numbers. How the numbers are rounded can make a huge difference.

My diamond has following specs:

Lower girdle: 80%
Girdle thickness: medium to slightly thick
Precision of cut, symmetry, polish: Ex, Ex, Ex

That’s interesting to know! Thank you!

 

[shelliemay]

HI:

Your ring is beautiful. And I love my fellow PS'ers for providing you with assurance over your purchase. All good and congrats.

cheers--Sharon

Hello Sharon, thank you so much for your lovely comment! I really enjoy chatting and learning from you all. It really helps ease my mind on our purchase

 

[MissGotRocks]

Thank you for letting me know! We wouldn’t have thought about this. We will make sure the diamonds on the band don’t touch the prongs of my engagement ring when we try it on. What kind of thin spacer do you recommend? I don’t think I’ve seen those before. Thank you so much for your blessings and setting my mind at ease on my new ring! ^^*

I think Tiffany may sell a thin spacer. Many other places do as well - particularly Etsy. I am truly happy for you!!