Hearts and Arrows Viewer
Hearts and Arrows is a visual phenomenon that appears in the finest Ideal Cut round brilliant diamonds when viewed in a Hearts and Arrows viewer or gemscope. Diamonds cut with precisely aligned and carefully shaped facets combined with optimum proportions produce an incredibly brilliant sight, called Hearts and Arrows.
The viewer is merciless when it comes to any deviation from perfection. Any detour from the correct path of light will result in the deformation or absence of either the hearts or the arrows. This device, as unassuming as it may appear can clearly show even the untrained eye how well or how poorly a diamond is cut.
Vivo Diamonds will give you (FOR FREE) a Hearts and Arrows viewer with every purchase of a Vivo Signature diamond larger than 0.5 carats.
OGI Megascope
The OGI Megascope is a high-tech, Electro-optical device used to analyze the cut parameters of precious stones. The software associated with this high-tech device makes several types of analyzing functions available. The technology has the capability of analyzing each and every facet as well as the diamond's diameter, crown angle and height, pavilion angle and depth, culet size, culet placement, table size, table placement, table depth, girdle thickness and other relevant characteristics.
The purpose is not only to confirm a diamond's cut grade, but also to allow you to expand on the cut information provided in the AGS report and numerically visualize the precise symmetry of our Hearts and Arrows diamonds.
Please note, this analytical device has a measurement accuracy of 0.2° for the crown and pavilion angle, 0.3% for the table and 0.015 mm for the diameter. Therefore, results may vary slightly from the AGS certificate. We consider the AGS certificate to be the authority when analyzing proportions though similar Sarin technologies used by the AGS have their own tolerances.
IdealScope
The IdealScope is a device that helps grade the cut quality and performance of diamonds. This little device shows you areas of light leakage in diamonds you are considering for purchase. Light leakage can be seen as areas of pure white within and around the diamond. It is important to note that all diamonds have some leakage, particularly under the table and around the diamond's edge. This minor leakage is seen as pale red areas or small white wedges near the edge of the diamond. What is important is to notice the presence or absence of large white spots in the IdealScope image. Large white areas are an indication of significant light leakage.
The pictures are not taken with scientific accuracy but are set up manually, leaving room for small optical inconsistencies.
Below is an IdealScope chart depicting the difference between excellent and poor performing diamonds.
This is what our diamonds typically look like through an IdealScope. Nearly all of our diamonds fall in the excellent to very good range.
Chart created by Ideal-scope.com
BrillianceScope
The BrillianceScope is a device that provides a comparative light performance evaluation of diamonds. Measuring the play of light in a diamond to determine its light performance from 6 different positions, the BrillianceScope analysis gives you an idea of how a particular diamond will perform in direct light conditions.
The analysis is based on a scale that compares three components of light performance to standards established for diamonds with the same shape. The result is a measurement of the percentage of the diamond returning various types of light. Note this is different from the percentage of light being returned to the observer.
Light performance takes into consideration three types of light return: white light, color light and scintillation.
The BrillianceScope measures the percentage of the diamond returning bright white light to the observer. Essentially this shows you how much of the diamond and what parts of the diamond exhibit brilliance.
Fire is another type of light return measured by the BrillianceScope and is determined by the percentage of the diamond returning bright color light to the observer.
The BrillianceScope also measures scintillation — the flashes of light you see when the diamond, the light, or the observer moves. The analysis measures the number of light points and determines how they change from position to position.
The Holloway Cut Adviser (HCA)
In the 1990s an Australian geologist named Garry Holloway introduced an online cut advisor that gained great popularity. Knowing only 5 measurements, it is possible to get an indication of predicted performance.
Click here to evaluate your diamond's proportions with the HCA
Note: The HCA is intended to be a tool for rejection of poor candidates, not final selection between well-matched ones.
DiamCalc Computer Simulation
A form of proportions assessment suited to collectors and analysts takes a 3D scan of a diamond and generates a virtual model that can be manipulated with Diamond Calculation software. One such program is DiamCalc by OctoNus. Cutters and analysts use such software to arrive at broad design and performance conclusions.
When evaluating a specific diamond scan accuracy and calibration make natural reflector photos and live analysis of the actual diamond preferable to assessment of this type of simulation. However, a great deal can be learned using this advanced tool.
GIA Facetware
As of 2006 the Gemological Institute of America provides a similar online cut estimator which mirrors their cut-grading system.
Click here to evaluate your diamond's proportions with GIA Facetware
When evaluating a specific diamond scan accuracy and calibration make natural reflector photos and live analysis of the actual diamond preferable to assessment of this type of simulation. However, a great deal can be learned using this advanced tool.
