two stones, bought one before checking HCA

[slangofoil]

Hi all, first post here but I've been lurking for a few weeks.

I already bought this first diamond for an engagement ring and was pleased with its appearance when I received it (though I'm not a diamond expert or anything...this is my first one).

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1278158.asp

But I have since plugged it into the HCA and it only got "Fair" for scintillation and fire. It got "Very Good" for light return and spread. Overall score of "4.8 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion".

I'm considering changing it out for this one, which gets "Good" on scintillation and fire, and "Very Good" on light return and spread. Overall score of "3.3 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right".

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268702.asp

Both have "excellent" for cut, polish, and symmetry. There is a $340 difference between the two, which is not a prohibitive increase, but I'd just as soon save myself the hassle of changing the stone if it's not a big deal. Anyway I was hoping someone could give me some advice. Do you think there will be a big difference in the performance of these two diamonds? Since I am working within a budget (and kind of already going over it) I want the best for what I can afford in terms of light performance in this general size range. But I know there are some factors the HCA doesn't account for.

Thank you so much for any comments.

 

[stone-cold11]

Request for Idealscope image from JA and you will see the difference in light return between these 2.

I would suggest these 2.
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1273485.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268881.asp

Same thing, request for Idealscope image and ask if it is eye-clean.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/3/2010 10:57:27 AM
Author:slangofoil
Hi all, first post here but I've been lurking for a few weeks.

I already bought this first diamond for an engagement ring and was pleased with its appearance when I received it (though I'm not a diamond expert or anything...this is my first one).

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1278158.asp

But I have since plugged it into the HCA and it only got 'Fair' for scintillation and fire. It got 'Very Good' for light return and spread. Overall score of '4.8 - Good - Only if price is your main criterion'.

I'm considering changing it out for this one, which gets 'Good' on scintillation and fire, and 'Very Good' on light return and spread. Overall score of '3.3 - Very Good - Worth buying if the price is right'.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268702.asp

Both have 'excellent' for cut, polish, and symmetry. There is a $340 difference between the two, which is not a prohibitive increase, but I'd just as soon save myself the hassle of changing the stone if it's not a big deal. Anyway I was hoping someone could give me some advice. Do you think there will be a big difference in the performance of these two diamonds? Since I am working within a budget (and kind of already going over it) I want the best for what I can afford in terms of light performance in this general size range. But I know there are some factors the HCA doesn't account for.

Thank you so much for any comments.

Hi slangofoil and welcome!

Actually the first stone isn't too bad, it looks from what I can tell, better than the numbers suggest. However it is undeniable that you could do better but the other stone isn't it, it is showing definite light leakage even in the loupe image which isn't the best way to judge admittedly as an Idealscope image is the best tool for this, but personally I wouldn't bother with this diamond.

If you give us your budget for the stone and other preferences, would you like some suggestions of well cut diamonds you could consider?

 

[slangofoil]

Well I originally wanted to keep the whole thing under $3,000 but went to $3070 with that first stone. I think maybe I could justify going to $3,500 now if I get a really great stone.

Thanks a lot.

 

[slangofoil]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. The setting was $700, so the budget for the stone would be $2,800.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/3/2010 11:15:52 AM
Author: slangofoil
Well I originally wanted to keep the whole thing under $3,000 but went to $3070 with that first stone. I think maybe I could justify going to $3,500 now if I get a really great stone.

Thanks a lot.

Ok, will take a look for you!

This one could work that SC posted above, with the other one the report isn''t loaded yet which we need to evaluate the stone properly so you would need to ask for it to be added to the diamond''s page or emailed to you if interested.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268881.asp

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/3/2010 11:18:07 AM
Author: slangofoil
Sorry, I should have been more clear. The setting was $700, so the budget for the stone would be $2,800.

Ok no problem.

Here we go, check the one below is eyeclean to your standards and that the grade making clouds aren't impacting performance, rare but best to check,

With all request Idealscope images if interested, you can have up to 3 free of charge on most diamonds if the images aren't already provided.

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1257621.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-VS2-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1279576.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/H-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1255566.asp

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1244089.asp this one has potential, you would need to request the report.

 

[stone-cold11]

Date: 2/3/2010 11:07:20 AM
Author: Stone-cold11

http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/D-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1273485.asp

Opps, this is the reportcheck link for this stone.
http://www2.gia.edu/reportcheck/index.cfm?fuseaction=home.showReportVerification&reportno=2111362609&weight=0.77

 

[Dreamer_D]

SC and Lorelei have made good recommendations for you. I just want to add my support to the idea of attempting to find a better performing dimamond. It really makes a difference when you talk about the stones optical performance accross a broad range of lighting environments. Your future fiance, and you, will be happy you took the extra time to make sure it was the best diamond you could find

 

[slangofoil]

Date: 2/3/2010 11:19:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

Ok, will take a look for you!


This one could work that SC posted above, with the other one the report isn''t loaded yet which we need to evaluate the stone properly so you would need to ask for it to be added to the diamond''s page or emailed to you if interested.


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268881.asp

I know I need to get the Idealscope images, but in general, you think this one could be better despite only having "Very Good" for symmetry and polish? I thought when I bought the first one that I was going to be all-set because it had three "Excellent"s (and in fairness I prob would never have had a problem with it if I hadn''t done the HCA).

I just find it interesting. Whenever you run the HCA of course it says "The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish". So "very good" symmetry is good enough?

Thanks so much for your and SC''s suggestions.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 2/3/2010 12:34:43 PM
Author: slangofoil

Date: 2/3/2010 11:19:45 AM
Author: Lorelei

Ok, will take a look for you!


This one could work that SC posted above, with the other one the report isn''t loaded yet which we need to evaluate the stone properly so you would need to ask for it to be added to the diamond''s page or emailed to you if interested.


http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/G-SI1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1268881.asp

I know I need to get the Idealscope images, but in general, you think this one could be better despite only having ''Very Good'' for symmetry and polish? I thought when I bought the first one that I was going to be all-set because it had three ''Excellent''s (and in fairness I prob would never have had a problem with it if I hadn''t done the HCA).

I just find it interesting. Whenever you run the HCA of course it says ''The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish''. So ''very good'' symmetry is good enough?

Thanks so much for your and SC''s suggestions.

Glad to help! If you look at my post above, I have added some more selections for you.

Concerning symmetry and polish, the naked untrained eye cannot normally discern any difference between good/ very good and above, more important are the overall proportions of the stone. Read more on symmetry and polish by clicking on the links.