Would you like Face-Up color grading?

[oldminer]

Thanks for the clarification on continued use of what I'd refer to as "side view color grading" along with some new method for describing a face-up color grade. Such an additional grade would include this added detailed information on reports beneficial to both dealers and consumers.

Years ago, Stephen Hoefer had a Colored Diamond Laboratory in NYC that manually graded the various zones of face-up color intensity and hue on every diamond they graded. Their plots were maps of where each color type was visible. Very detailed, and way to far ahead of its time. Maybe consumers are more ready and the market may be more willing to refresh itself. Possibly, automation could make the color plots rapidly, too.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

I wonder how we would get GIA to add face up. Another poll perhaps?
87% in favor from our well informed consumer base!
1. All other labs add face up
2. consumers protest infront of GIA offices and labs?

 

[missy]

Yes! Both would be helpful

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

Since we are communicating on the same wavelengths, how about these question for Garry and others who have interest?

For those of you who have experience grading D-E-F-G and H color diamonds either when mounted or especially when loose, do you think you can successfully grade these narrowly divided grades reliably and repeatedly from their top view alone?

Consumer here. D to F, no; D to G, rarely. F to H, can do.

I think such a group of diamond graders might like to grade I/J to Z colors with a top view strategy, but they might feel differently about the top four to five colors. Do you think grading from the side should be a part of top colorless stone grading or be retained for all diamond grading from D to Z? Do you see it another way?

No strong opinion on color grading from the side but IMHO consumers need to learn to demand images from the side view and check that angle. Adding side-view color grading to reports might help with the education and also preserve the value of some diamonds as prices otherwise fall.

Thanks for the clarification on continued use of what I'd refer to as "side view color grading" along with some new method for describing a face-up color grade. Such an additional grade would include this added detailed information on reports beneficial to both dealers and consumers.

Years ago, Stephen Hoefer had a Colored Diamond Laboratory in NYC that manually graded the various zones of face-up color intensity and hue on every diamond they graded. Their plots were maps of where each color type was visible. Very detailed, and way to far ahead of its time. Maybe consumers are more ready and the market may be more willing to refresh itself. Possibly, automation could make the color plots rapidly, too.

This idea could be valuable not just for people who want even color but also for people who like color zoning.

Any opinions on disclosing bow ties, for color purposes or otherwise?

 

[lulu_ma]

Okay, so I have to admit that I voted "No" for selfish reasons.

As an old cut diamond lover, I am afraid that vendors will up-charge for whiter face ups

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

This idea could be valuable not just for people who want even color but also for people who like color zoning.
Any opinions on disclosing bow ties, for color purposes or otherwise?

There is a great photo of a diamond with a strong color band in my book.
I have a US patent application under review for bow tie classification (there are two types) and assessment.
Remember a bow tie is exactly the same as 1. the 8 arrows in a round brilliant cut or 2. the nailhead effect in a very deep pavilion diamond.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Okay, so I have to admit that I voted "No" for selfish reasons.

As an old cut diamond lover, I am afraid that vendors will up-charge for whiter face ups

Hahahaha - you mea-culpa-red Lulu.
Consider this another way - if there is a big difference between an upside down and right way up color grade - then you can use this to find the absolute best cut performance!

 

[lulu_ma]

Hahahaha - you mea-culpa-red Lulu.
Consider this another way - if there is a big difference between an upside down and right way up color grade - then you can use this to find the absolute best cut performance!

Oh @Garry H (Cut Nut) you that "best cut" performance is quite subjective for old cuts!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Consumer here. D to F, no; D to G, rarely. F to H, can do.

From my book- photo 30 or more years ago:


However for modern digital color grading instruments this should be a non issue as GIA announced in 2008 that they had been using colorimeters for 8 years and now GIA graders on linked in keep telling me they and hundreds of others are being laid off.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Oh @Garry H (Cut Nut) you that "best cut" performance is quite subjective for old cuts!

OK, you best explain that - maybe in another new thread Lulu?
I understand the wonky historical aspect, wonky diamonds, and had great debates with my mate Scott Sucher over the Wittlbasch, 26 hours ago on the way to drop him at the airport.

Wittelsbach – Museum Diamonds

So I understand your PoV.
However having just repolished a clients dead as a dodo old European cut, I am a fan of recutting the dead ugly ones. While respecting the better cut stones.

 

[lulu_ma]

OK, you best explain that - maybe in another new thread Lulu?
I understand the wonky historical aspect, wonky diamonds, and had great debates with my mate Scott Sucher over the Wittlbasch, 26 hours ago on the way to drop him at the airport.

Wittelsbach – Museum Diamonds

So I understand your PoV.
However having just repolished a clients dead as a dodo old European cut, I am a fan of recutting the dead ugly ones. While respecting the better cut stones.

Any chance you have a before and after pic of the dodo OEC?

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Any chance you have a before and after pic of the dodo OEC?

I have a great video the cutter made - it was a very shallow oldmine variant.

Just uploaded the video to YT

 

[Ibrakeforpossums]

Seriously? And I am SO no expert, can hardly see to tie my shoes.

 

[lulu_ma]

I have a great video the cutter made - it was a very shallow oldmine variant.

Just uploaded the video to YT

Thanks for sharing @Garry H (Cut Nut). I am crying inside a little bit. If it were my stone, I would have stopped after the girdle was cleaned up to 9.45 mm

I guess I'm a potato lover!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Thanks for sharing @Garry H (Cut Nut). I am crying inside a little bit. If it were my stone, I would have stopped after the girdle was cleaned up to 9.45 mm

I guess I'm a potato lover!

I have seen the owners twice in the past week, and in their eyes its a beauty - "almost as good as Garry's stones"
It is a long way off good in any cut scale, but kept it +3ct which was part of the breif!