HCA vs CUT

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Y

Yokochic

O.G.
Sep 22, 2009
128
0
#1
Hi all,

I have been doing some reading and research and found that HCA score is a good guide as to the quality of diamond.

I am in abit of dilemma and appreciate if you can give me your opinion.

1.06 carat E VVS2. Excellent/very good/very good. HCA score 0.8
Girdle Thickness - Thin / Girdle Finish - Faceted

1.04 carat G VVS1. Excellent / Excellent / Excellent. HCA score 1.9
Girdle Thickess - Medium to slightly thick / Girdle Finish - Faceted

The first one has a super low HCA score but the 2nd one has 3 excellent.

Which is more important - HCA or Cut?

Thanks!!
 
#2
Cut. The HCA is a weeding out tool to help you identify better cuts. But it's not the final deciding factor. Anything under a 2.0 is "equal" in terms of HCA Score. It's the words that are more important than the number though.

Just looking at the info you posted, I'd go with the first one because the girdle is thin, vs Medium to Sl Thick. That means it will have the proper amount of spread, vs be thick in the middle, if that makes sense. What is the rest of the info for these stones? Angles and percentages, specifically.

What were the words above the HCA score? There should be four categories with something like Excellent, Very Good, Good or Fair.

Also, is there any particular reasoning for choosing VVS clarity? You can go down to a VS and get a slightly larger stone, and without a loupe you couldn't tell a difference.
 
#4
ame said:
Cut. The HCA is a weeding out tool to help you identify better cuts. But it's not the final deciding factor. Anything under a 2.0 is "equal" in terms of HCA Score. It's the words that are more important than the number though.

Just looking at the info you posted, I'd go with the first one because the girdle is thin, vs Medium to Sl Thick. That means it will have the proper amount of spread, vs be thick in the middle, if that makes sense. What is the rest of the info for these stones? Angles and percentages, specifically.

What were the words above the HCA score? There should be four categories with something like Excellent, Very Good, Good or Fair.

Also, is there any particular reasoning for choosing VVS clarity? You can go down to a VS and get a slightly larger stone, and without a loupe you couldn't tell a difference.
Click to expand...

Thanks ame, you are definitely the expert in diamonds.

1.06 carat E VVS2. Excellent/very good/very good. Total depth percentage 60.8%, table size percentage 55%, crown height precentage 15.4%, crown angle 34.2 degrees, star length percentage 55%, pavilion depth percentage 43.0%, pavilion angle 40.7 degrees, lower half length percentage 80%, thin girdle, faceted girdle finish, cutlet none.

1.04 carat G VVS1. Excellent/Excellent/Excellent. Total depth percentage 62%, table size percentage 57%, crown height precentage 15.3%, crown angle 35.1 degrees, star length percentage 50%, pavilion depth percentage 43.0%, pavilion angle 40.8 degrees, lower half length percentage 80%, medium to slightly thick girdle, faceted girdle finish, cutlet none.

The HCA score for both are less than 2 but one is with 3 excellent but the other ex/very good/ very good.

I have always been told it is difficult to find ex/ex/ex cut.

Please let me know your thoughts.

Thanks!
 
#5
It is VERY rare to get 4 EX. usually there's 3 EX and a VG. As is the case here with #1.

I actually got different HCA than you...here's what I got:

#1:
Selected: 60.8% depth, 55% table, 34.2° crown angle, 40.7° pavilion angle
The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish
HCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.


Factor Grade
Light Return Excellent
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Excellent
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 0.8 - Excellent
Click to expand...

#2
Selected: 62% depth, 57% table, 35.1° crown angle, 40.8° pavilion angle
The result is for a symmetrical diamond with a medium girdle and very good polish
HCA scores were adjusted Dec. 15, 2001 and Feb. 6, 2003.


Factor Grade
Light Return Very Good
Fire Excellent
Scintillation Very Good
Spread
or diameter for weight Very Good
Total Visual Performance 1.9 - Excellent
Click to expand...

ON PAPER, Id go DEFINITELY #1. Will you be able to see either in person?
 
#6
Unfortunately these are in two different countries, won't have a chance to see either of them.

May i know why do you pick the #1? The score for #2 is pretty good too, and it comes in excellent cut, polish and symmetry. Any particular reason for not picking that one?
 
#7
#1 has a 55% table, and a 60.8% depth. That to me is like ideal ideal. Add the thin girdle, and you have, IMO perfection. According to the HCA, #2 didn't get more than one Excellent.

Not sure which vendor you are using but I'd be asking for photos and possibly ASET/IdealScope images.
 
#8
ame said:
#1 has a 55% table, and a 60.8% depth. That to me is like ideal ideal. Add the thin girdle, and you have, IMO perfection. According to the HCA, #2 didn't get more than one Excellent.

Not sure which vendor you are using but I'd be asking for photos and possibly ASET/IdealScope images.
Click to expand...
Ame knows her stuff cold....I highly recommend following her advice.
 
#11
Lol I need to get better and take more bench classes so I can make my own stuff and stop dealing with less than steller craftsman like I have been!
 
#14
My personal preference would be stone #2. It has more of the proportions and features i am attracted to. But Ame is a good judge of a pretty stone in general so if you can't see them in person I would take her advice.
 
#15
Hermesaholic - I totally agree! Ame is the expert in diamond!

Ame - What is the most important in a diamond? Are the words in HCA more important or the certificate showing excellent cut, excellent polish & excellent symmetry?

lilmountaingirl- May i know what features / proportions you are attracted to?

Sorry guys, very fresh in diamond and would like to know more before investing in it.

Thanks!
 
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