Trying to decide on two very different e-ring options

[forestbrook]

I've been lurking on PS for quite a few years, but now I'm actually looking into picking out an e-ring of my own and it's much more difficult to decide than I thought it would be!!! The only ring I've ever worn regularly is my plain old college class ring, so this whole e-ring thing is presenting a lot of things to decide on and we're just starting the whole shopping process.

My/our wishlist:
<$4000, hopefully
lots of sparkle, size isn't too big an issue
don't have particular design preferences except absolutely no halo (too bling-y for me)
preferably pre-owned or lab-created (environmentally friendly plus some level price savings)


Option #1:
We've been contemplating picking something slightly more unusual: a colored lab-made diamond from D.NEA (the technology that goes into making the purples and pink is pretty awesome and we are scientists by profession). But, I'm not sure how to evaluate a deeply colored diamond -- is HCA still valid if it's a round? Will a diamond like this one (http://d.neadiamonds.com/lab-created-diamonds/PB04) look different than a ruby? More/less sparkly? I hope I don't get into too much trouble by asking in this thread since I assume evaluating the appearance of a lab-created colored diamond should be similar to evaluating a "natural" colored diamond. I'm hesitating because while I like the idea of colors, I also don't want to give up too much on sparkle since this ring will most likely be the only jewelry I wear daily. One fantasy idea I had was picking out a 3-stone setting with the outer stones being standard clear/colorless and the center stone being colored? But I'm afraid that might break our budget.

Option #2:
Since we started talking about getting engaged, I've been keeping an eye out for pre-owned rings/stones that seem to meet PS standards (especially avoiding mall jewelers, which seem to be the source of a lot of rings on sites like I Do Now I Don't). I saw this ring posted just a few days ago and it seems like it might fit the bill (http://diamondbistro.com/index.php?a=2&b=33494). The seller might be a PS member for all I know What do you all think? If I was designing my own ring, I probably wouldn't go with pave because I have a fairly active lifestyle, but if this e-ring is a good deal, I certainly wouldn't object!


Help! I feel like the options we're considering are so different, I don't know how to decide!!!

 

[justginger]

I've been lurking on PS for quite a few years, but now I'm actually looking into picking out an e-ring of my own and it's much more difficult to decide than I thought it would be!!! The only ring I've ever worn regularly is my plain old college class ring, so this whole e-ring thing is presenting a lot of things to decide on and we're just starting the whole shopping process.

My/our wishlist:
<$4000, hopefully
lots of sparkle, size isn't too big an issue
don't have particular design preferences except absolutely no halo (too bling-y for me)
preferably pre-owned or lab-created (environmentally friendly plus some level price savings)


Option #1:
We've been contemplating picking something slightly more unusual: a colored lab-made diamond from D.NEA (the technology that goes into making the purples and pink is pretty awesome and we are scientists by profession). But, I'm not sure how to evaluate a deeply colored diamond -- is HCA still valid if it's a round? Will a diamond like this one (http://d.neadiamonds.com/lab-created-diamonds/PB04) look different than a ruby? More/less sparkly? I hope I don't get into too much trouble by asking in this thread since I assume evaluating the appearance of a lab-created colored diamond should be similar to evaluating a "natural" colored diamond. I'm hesitating because while I like the idea of colors, I also don't want to give up too much on sparkle since this ring will most likely be the only jewelry I wear daily. One fantasy idea I had was picking out a 3-stone setting with the outer stones being standard clear/colorless and the center stone being colored? But I'm afraid that might break our budget.

Option #2:
Since we started talking about getting engaged, I've been keeping an eye out for pre-owned rings/stones that seem to meet PS standards (especially avoiding mall jewelers, which seem to be the source of a lot of rings on sites like I Do Now I Don't). I saw this ring posted just a few days ago and it seems like it might fit the bill (http://diamondbistro.com/index.php?a=2&b=33494). The seller might be a PS member for all I know What do you all think? If I was designing my own ring, I probably wouldn't go with pave because I have a fairly active lifestyle, but if this e-ring is a good deal, I certainly wouldn't object!


Help! I feel like the options we're considering are so different, I don't know how to decide!!!

I can only comment with my personal opinions in mind, so please feel free to take it or leave it!

I think option two is a better choice for a daily wear, years and years and years sort of ring. Unless you STRONGLY feel that a colored stone is what you want for an engagement ring, you just might 'outgrow' it. Your tastes could change in a relatively short amount of time and you'll be wanting something a bit more traditional. Again, my opinion only - this is what would have happened to me. I like things that are different -- but not so different as to feel like a 'stage,' you know?

I really like that second ring and I think that for your budget it represents a good buy.

 

[Mayk]

The Diamond Bistro ring is beautiful and within your budget.... How lucky for you! It's a lot of blng for the buck!

 

[Niel]

have you seen this one on loupe troop? You can pop that in a solitaire and scrap the setting I bet.

http://loupetroop.com/listings/rings-natural-diamond-center/red-vintage-1920-s-platinum-oec-1-dot-15c-ring

 

[Niel]

My only reservation about lab diamonds is the fear of the bottom falling out. I have absolutely no problem with lab sapphires or diamonds, I would just be afraid in like 3 years they would find a way to do it cheaper and then youve ended up loosing all the value on the stone you've purchased. Lab gemstones sapphires and rubies were very expensive when they were first created, now the technology has increased and its done fairly inexpensively. But then again, if you dont plan on selling it, is that really even an issue?

 

[Niel]

or this, from the videos it looks bright, but then again its been for sale for a while, it might have a noticeable maltese cross
http://jewelsbyericagrace.smugmug.com/Jewelry/Rings-Antique-Vintage/The-Lynda-Engraved-Halo-Bezel/20399168_cFXTdV#!i=1716318485&k=mFqXf5B

 

[forestbrook]

My only reservation about lab diamonds is the fear of the bottom falling out. I have absolutely no problem with lab sapphires or diamonds, I would just be afraid in like 3 years they would find a way to do it cheaper and then youve ended up loosing all the value on the stone you've purchased. Lab gemstones sapphires and rubies were very expensive when they were first created, now the technology has increased and its done fairly inexpensively. But then again, if you dont plan on selling it, is that really even an issue?

We're not planning on selling it (I still wear jewelry I was given in middle school and I'm almost 30!) The main appeal to the lab diamonds, especially the colored ones, is that they are really freaking cool so I think even if they became cheaper to make, the manufacturing would still matter. In our scientist/geek circles, if we told people how the colored stone is made, they'd think it's awesome.

I guess the decision is in some ways between option #1 (will get ooh and ahhs from our immediate friends and colleagues while #2 would be "oh that's pretty") and option #2 (oohs and ahhs from family and most other people).

 

[distracts]

I like the James Allen ring on DB! I think if you want a three-stone, that's perfect. The stones are a good size, and if you find the pave isn't working for you, a plain three-stone setting shouldn't cost too much.

 

[distracts]

Oh also there is a section about lab diamonds on PS and if anyone posts there, they'd probably know more about lab diamonds than we do. I know nothing about them. Seems cool if that's what you want... and I do full support a three-stone no matter what. They're the best.

 

[Niel]

My only reservation about lab diamonds is the fear of the bottom falling out. I have absolutely no problem with lab sapphires or diamonds, I would just be afraid in like 3 years they would find a way to do it cheaper and then youve ended up loosing all the value on the stone you've purchased. Lab gemstones sapphires and rubies were very expensive when they were first created, now the technology has increased and its done fairly inexpensively. But then again, if you dont plan on selling it, is that really even an issue?

We're not planning on selling it (I still wear jewelry I was given in middle school and I'm almost 30!) The main appeal to the lab diamonds, especially the colored ones, is that they are really freaking cool so I think even if they became cheaper to make, the manufacturing would still matter. In our scientist/geek circles, if we told people how the colored stone is made, they'd think it's awesome.

I guess the decision is in some ways between option #1 (will get ooh and ahhs from our immediate friends and colleagues while #2 would be "oh that's pretty") and option #2 (oohs and ahhs from family and most other people).

Haha i understand completely. If this helps, I let what other people think influence my decision a little too much when i picked out my e-ring. Now i am just not a happy with it as i wish i was. Now I am starting all over and making a 3 stone with a lab created ruby. So as far as lab created stones go, i am all for them. I just think you have to really think, are you getting the ring for you or for your friends/family?

If YOU think lab diamonds are cool then i say absolutely go for it! if YOU would prefer a mined diamond than that DB JA one you did really like it.

 

[CharmyPoo]

For me, option #2 is the way to go. You will find that diamond rings don't always give you the ooh aahhs that you are expecting unless it's really a mega special huge rock. People will tell you it is nice and you will get compliments. So, I would never buy for the wow factor to other people. You buy for what you love and something that is timeless ... that you will love for a long time to come.

If you go with option #1, I suspect conversations will go somewhere like "oh cool ... is that a pink diamond". "No, it is man made ..." People go away thinking ... so it is fake? I don't think it really matters what people think but that is what I suspect the reactions will be.

 

[Smith1942]

The James Allen ring on DB is a really wonderful buy. Cut is GIA Excellent, and that is some serious caratage for the money - nice high-end colours, too!

I know you were considering the lab/colour other options, but would you still feel the same about the ring in all the decades to come? This ring is for life. Although I can understand how you might be interested in the other stones, but for an engagement ring, I wonder if it's a bit too much of a novelty buy and not enough of a classic? After all, you could always celebrate a significant anniversary or other occasion with a lab-created coloured stone.

I don't think the JA will last long at that price, so you'd better do some quick thinking about what your heart really desires!

 

[yennyfire]

The James Allen ring on DB is a really wonderful buy. Cut is GIA Excellent, and that is some serious caratage for the money - nice high-end colours, too!

I know you were considering the lab/colour other options, but would you still feel the same about the ring in all the decades to come? This ring is for life. Although I can understand how you might be interested in the other stones, but for an engagement ring, I wonder if it's a bit too much of a novelty buy and not enough of a classic? After all, you could always celebrate a significant anniversary or other occasion with a lab-created coloured stone.

I don't think the JA will last long at that price, so you'd better do some quick thinking about what your heart really desires!

I agree with all of the above....

 

[Niel]

For me, option #2 is the way to go. You will find that diamond rings don't always give you the ooh aahhs that you are expecting unless it's really a mega special huge rock. People will tell you it is nice and you will get compliments. So, I would never buy for the wow factor to other people. You buy for what you love and something that is timeless ... that you will love for a long time to come.

If you go with option #1, I suspect conversations will go somewhere like "oh cool ... is that a pink diamond". "No, it is man made ..." People go away thinking ... so it is fake? I don't think it really matters what people think but that is what I suspect the reactions will be.

I dissagree the conversation would go "is that a diamond " "yes"
If she wasnt to go into detail she can but it is a diamond so she wouldnt answer no to she question. Frankly if she is in the group with her friends that thinks its not just beautiful but also Interesting and a represents her interests and lifestyle i think it sounds perfect.

 

[tyty333]

I like the JA ring too and very nice price...but you have to decide. I could never wear a red stone everyday
because it would clash with a lot of my wardrobe (but that's the way I think, not you).
Does the red diamond have a good return policy? Perhaps you could order it and just check
it out for a few weeks and see if it fits the bill. Imagine wearing it for 10-15 plus years.
Take it and compare it with white diamonds. It seems like seeing it in person would be the
Only way to really decide.

Edit - we have a guy Kenny who has several natural colored diamonds. Perhaps he can
Give us some kind of interpretation oh how colored diamonds act vs. White diamonds.
( I'm sure mostly depends on cut but he may have a few words of wisdom to share) .

 

[Circe]

Ooo, cool, I didn't know the labs had gotten to red!

I wouldn't go with the JA one, since you say it isn't your style - I think it's a recipe for disaster, will bug you down the line and just cost more money to reset. A member here has a tag line that's so good it's become, like, a board proverb - a deal is only a deal if you're getting exactly what you want. TRUTH.

I love red, and wear rubies almost every day. I'm not sure how red diamonds would present in a round cut, though. Emeralds and radians look fab, though. Perhaps they could shoot you videos of the cuts they have, to help you decide?

 

[Niel]

Ooo, cool, I didn't know the labs had gotten to red!

I wouldn't go with the JA one, since you say it isn't your style - I think it's a recipe for disaster, will bug you down the line and just cost more money to reset. A member here has a tag line that's so good it's become, like, a board proverb - a deal is only a deal if you're getting exactly what you want. TRUTH.

I love red, and wear rubies almost every day. I'm not sure how red diamonds would present in a round cut, though. Emeralds and radians look fab, though. Perhaps they could shoot you videos of the cuts they have, to help you decide?

Agreed! If you think a halo is too blingy, i feel like a pave shank 3 stone is going to have the same effect, you know? sounds to me like a simple 3 stone might be more your cup of tea than one with a pave.

 

[CharmyPoo]

nielseel - my taste usually differs from yours so I am not surprised we also have a difference in opinion here. I find it deceptive to say a man made diamond is simply a diamond although I can see why it is one. Let's say the friend goes "that is so cool ... I didn't know diamonds came in red.". Anyways, don't know her fiends or yours. I don't buy things to impress my friends nor do I ever attempt to deceive them in anyway. I am pretty straight up.

I also didn't think we were allowed to talk about non-natural diamonds in this subforum. I have no problems with them but thought those were the rules.

 

[forestbrook]

nielseel - my taste usually differs from yours so I am not surprised we also have a difference in opinion here. I find it deceptive to say a man made diamond is simply a diamond although I can see why it is one. Let's say the friend goes "that is so cool ... I didn't know diamonds came in red.". Anyways, don't know her fiends or yours. I don't buy things to impress my friends nor do I ever attempt to deceive them in anyway. I am pretty straight up.

I also didn't think we were allowed to talk about non-natural diamonds in this subforum. I have no problems with them but thought those were the rules.

I wouldn't choose the red diamond just to impress my friends, but it's something that will make it more interesting and special in our minds. As a scientist, to me the MMD is chemically the same and has the added "cool" factor. I *like* the look of the JA ring but it some ways it seems less "us" and more "normal" than going with a red/purple/pink.

Anyway, eek! I don't want to start a debate about man-made diamonds but am more interested in feedback on choosing a colored diamond (regardless of origin) and what it would look like -- I'm not going to be able to find a colored diamond at Tiffany's to see in person so I'm hoping to get info on how to evaluate the potential light performance of a deeply colored stone vs a colorless!

It sounds like everyone thinks the diamonds in the JA ring should sparkle and look great (HCA score 0.5!) -- is HCA completely invalid for a deeply colored round diamond?

Alternatively, would it be insane to buy the JA ring, change out the center stone for a colored, keep the original stone and turn it into a pendant? (Uhhh yeah that might stretch the budget Or after getting that sort of work done, would it be cheaper to just purchase a custom 3 stone straight out?

 

[Niel]

nielseel - my taste usually differs from yours so I am not surprised we also have a difference in opinion here. I find it deceptive to say a man made diamond is simply a diamond although I can see why it is one. Let's say the friend goes "that is so cool ... I didn't know diamonds came in red.". Anyways, don't know her fiends or yours. I don't buy things to impress my friends nor do I ever attempt to deceive them in anyway. I am pretty straight up.

I also didn't think we were allowed to talk about non-natural diamonds in this subforum. I have no problems with them but thought those were the rules.

I wouldn't choose the red diamond just to impress my friends, but it's something that will make it more interesting and special in our minds. As a scientist, to me the MMD is chemically the same and has the added "cool" factor. I *like* the look of the JA ring but it some ways it seems less "us" and more "normal" than going with a red/purple/pink.

Anyway, eek! I don't want to start a debate about man-made diamonds but am more interested in feedback on choosing a colored diamond (regardless of origin) and what it would look like -- I'm not going to be able to find a colored diamond at Tiffany's to see in person so I'm hoping to get info on how to evaluate the potential light performance of a deeply colored stone vs a colorless!

It sounds like everyone thinks the diamonds in the JA ring should sparkle and look great (HCA score 0.5!) -- is HCA completely invalid for a deeply colored round diamond?

Alternatively, would it be insane to buy the JA ring, change out the center stone for a colored, keep the original stone and turn it into a pendant? (Uhhh yeah that might stretch the budget Or after getting that sort of work done, would it be cheaper to just purchase a custom 3 stone straight out?

To your first point, diamonds, even colored ones, do "sparkle" more than, lets say, a red ruby would. As for how much color effects it, i cant say.

As for the idea of buying the JA ring and swapping the center, its a good idea in theory, but not at all a budget saver at that point, you would have to get the same size MMD to replace it and that would cost you probably most of your original budget.

you could get a simple 3 stone in your budget, especially if size isnt your number 1 concern
I dont how lab diamonds work so who knows if they get new inventory often or not but say you chose this
http://d.neadiamonds.com/lab-created-diamonds/PB04

then just send it to a vendor to set it, I bet you ID jewelry could set you a nice 3 stone for 1.5k or so


And if you think that a MMD is more you, than go for it! Isnt that what a engagement ring is suppose to be ?

 

[Niel]

nielseel - my taste usually differs from yours so I am not surprised we also have a difference in opinion here. I find it deceptive to say a man made diamond is simply a diamond although I can see why it is one. Let's say the friend goes "that is so cool ... I didn't know diamonds came in red.". Anyways, don't know her fiends or yours. I don't buy things to impress my friends nor do I ever attempt to deceive them in anyway. I am pretty straight up.

I also didn't think we were allowed to talk about non-natural diamonds in this subforum. I have no problems with them but thought those were the rules.

Well I am just saying in your scenario of someone coming up to you and saying "is that a diamond", the answer is yes. For you sounds like you would answer "Yes but...." but that does not mean she has to. it is not deceptive at all to answer a yes or no question with simply that; yes or no. And in fact it is a diamond at the end of the day. She embraces and enjoys the fact that something she loves and takes interest in helped to create such a beautiful thing. Doesnt sound like shes trying to pass it off as something else. She likes how it was created, sounds like. I imagine its the same reason you like mined diamonds.


Also i dont think she is doing it to "impress" her friends. I think of it the same way as that person with that "r2d2" ring. Would i want a star wars ring, no. But I would bet the person who bought it thought it was the coolest thing ever, and I bet that their friends could appreciate it more than the average person would. She just knows in her group of friends it would be more appreciated than in the average group of people. Which i completely understand

 

[04diamond<3]

nielseel - my taste usually differs from yours so I am not surprised we also have a difference in opinion here. I find it deceptive to say a man made diamond is simply a diamond although I can see why it is one. Let's say the friend goes "that is so cool ... I didn't know diamonds came in red.". Anyways, don't know her fiends or yours. I don't buy things to impress my friends nor do I ever attempt to deceive them in anyway. I am pretty straight up.

I also didn't think we were allowed to talk about non-natural diamonds in this subforum. I have no problems with them but thought those were the rules.

I have to agree with this and also think that there's a HUGE difference between man made and natural diamonds but will not go into it on here. Personally I wouldn't suggest getting a color center stone if you have no idea what it'd be like because the performance is extremely different. I do think you should get the JA ring and if you'd like later get the colored one and the colorless one into a pendant (as you mentioned). The 3 stone look is also a classic design and I don't think you'll think it's too much bling and you may actually come to like it and be glad that you got it. DDS sets in very fast!!! If you got bigger stones than I think it'd be a bit much, but this size for someone that's not into big looks is a nice look. I think that you may regret having a colored stone...something else to keep in mind is that colored stones look smaller (your local jeweler would probably have a colored diamond so I'd go see it).... And I would agree that you shouldn't get something to impress ANYONE but yourself. Anyways, I hope this helps.

 

[brellymom]

I know even less than nothing about lab created stones, but I agree with those who say - buy what YOU like (or she likes . If you/she likes a three stone - what about a lab created center with natural diamond sides - or the other way around - a diamond center with lab created sides - getting the best of both ideas!

 

[diamondseeker2006]

I just honestly don't like the color I am seeing on that red stone. I have seen lab rubies and sapphires that were gorgeous, though.

I prefer the three stone diamond ring, but I prefer diamonds for e-rings and colored stones for RHR's. I'd probably go for a real ruby or sapphire if I wanted a small colored center stone for an engagement ring and save the lab ones for the right hand.

 

[Niel]

Im going to be honest, i think this advise is slightly skewed by some peoples opinions of MMD. Maybe shoot a post over to the MMD forum as well?

So i guess just remember this, none of us are wearing this, and non of us are going to be wearing this ring every day, looking at it a hundred times a day. And when you think of your ring, do you want to look at it and see just a diamond, or do you want the mental aspect of "this diamond was created this cool way."


As for a sapphires, i think that is a bad idea. It doesnt have the same color or light performance, nor does it have any of the aspects of a MMD that was the driving reason for the OP to pick one

 

[04diamond<3]

Im going to be honest, i think this advise is slightly skewed by some peoples opinions of MMD. Maybe shoot a post over to the MMD forum as well?

So i guess just remember this, none of us are wearing this, and non of us are going to be wearing this ring every day, looking at it a hundred times a day. And when you think of your ring, do you want to look at it and see just a diamond, or do you want the mental aspect of "this diamond was created this cool way."


As for a sapphires, i think that is a bad idea. It doesnt have the same color or light performance, nor does it have any of the aspects of a MMD that was the driving reason for the OP to pick one

Well...why not? I mean, a "red" MMD I can't imagine would perform anywhere close to what a colorless diamond does so if she wants a dull performing stone she can pay less to get the same size in a sapphire. Even sapphires can be better performers... and I totally agree with DS, the color on that stone looks terrible! I think the OP has plenty of opinions and will just have to decide for him/herself.

EDIT - one more thing, based on the below info, this is a really bad cut stone:
Depth:57.9%
Table:63.0%
Crown:12.6% 34.6°
Pavilion:41.0% 39.5°
Polish:Very Good
Symmetry:Very Good
Girdle:Medium
Culet:None
Fluorescence:Medium
Ratio:1.00
Color Origin:Irradiation

When put into the HCA tool, assuming these numbers are correct you get a 4.7 which is absolutely horrible (literally says "fish eye, should not be considered for purchase)! Even without the ugly color we would never suggest buying a stone with these dimensions. Also, when flipped around (63% depth), it says it can't come up with a score because these numbers would suggest a far too thick girdle.

 

[Niel]

As for a sapphires, i think that is a bad idea. It doesnt have the same color or light performance, nor does it have any of the aspects of a MMD that was the driving reason for the OP to pick one

Well...why not? I mean, a "red" MMD I can't imagine would perform anywhere close to what a colorless diamond does so if she wants a dull performing stone she can pay less to get the same size in a sapphire. Even sapphires can be better performers... and I totally agree with DS, the color on that stone looks terrible! I think the OP has plenty of opinions and will just have to decide for him/herself.

that is the only red one on there site at the time. look at periwinklegirl's collection (half way down the page), they have many lovely shades
" (the technology that goes into making the purples and pink is pretty awesome and we are scientists by profession)"

Meaning what was most important to her was the way it was made, not the color. Seeing as how she was open to many different variations of the color. A natural sapphire is the complete opposite of a man made diamond.

 

[forestbrook]

Well...why not? I mean, a "red" MMD I can't imagine would perform anywhere close to what a colorless diamond does so if she wants a dull performing stone she can pay less to get the same size in a sapphire. Even sapphires can be better performers... and I totally agree with DS, the color on that stone looks terrible! I think the OP has plenty of opinions and will just have to decide for him/herself.
<snip>
When put into the HCA tool, assuming these numbers are correct you get a 4.7 which is absolutely horrible (literally says "fish eye, should not be considered for purchase)! Even without the ugly color we would never suggest buying a stone with these dimensions. Also, when flipped around (63% depth), it says it can't come up with a score because these numbers would suggest a far too thick girdle.

So since you're using the HCA tool, does that mean I *can* use HCA to evaluate colored stones? Or does color performance change the "optimal" properties?

I'm not necessarily fixed on that particular stone, just using it as an example since I don't know how to pick a good one (yet). I'm female, but my boyfriend is leaving the selection up to me.

 

[forestbrook]

I know even less than nothing about lab created stones, but I agree with those who say - buy what YOU like (or she likes . If you/she likes a three stone - what about a lab created center with natural diamond sides - or the other way around - a diamond center with lab created sides - getting the best of both ideas!

That's kinda a neat idea -- I guess we'd buy the three stones separately and then get it set by a 3rd party?? Who should I go to get such a ring set???

 

[Niel]

Well...why not? I mean, a "red" MMD I can't imagine would perform anywhere close to what a colorless diamond does so if she wants a dull performing stone she can pay less to get the same size in a sapphire. Even sapphires can be better performers... and I totally agree with DS, the color on that stone looks terrible! I think the OP has plenty of opinions and will just have to decide for him/herself.
<snip>
When put into the HCA tool, assuming these numbers are correct you get a 4.7 which is absolutely horrible (literally says "fish eye, should not be considered for purchase)! Even without the ugly color we would never suggest buying a stone with these dimensions. Also, when flipped around (63% depth), it says it can't come up with a score because these numbers would suggest a far too thick girdle.

So since you're using the HCA tool, does that mean I *can* use HCA to evaluate colored stones? Or does color performance change the "optimal" properties?

I'm not necessarily fixed on that particular stone, just using it as an example since I don't know how to pick a good one (yet). I'm female, but my boyfriend is leaving the selection up to me.

I dont know about your question regarding if the HCA works the same, what i can say is that mined colored diamonds are rarely cut for optimal light performance, they are cut to hold color. Im wondering if that is the same for MMD