How To Request ASET Images From James Allen?

Diamonds are one of the heftiest investments that you can make, and you most definitely would want to do it right. The diamonds that are used in fine jewelry, particularly, need to meet certain standards in terms of cut and light reflection for the jewelry to look lavish. It is for this reason that a myriad of grading and testing tools are now employed in labs and reliable institutes such as the American Gemological Society.

While the 4C grading system has been used for the longest time, in recent years the most authentic, reliable and widely used indicator for judging the brilliance and fire of a diamond has been the ASET image. Most of the big and trusted brands, including James Allen, provide you with the option to get the ASET images of a diamond before you buy it.

If you are looking to buy a diamond from James Allen and wish to obtain the ASET images, here is all the information that you need.

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What Are ASET Images?

ASET stands for Angular Spectrum Evaluation Tool, which generates images that quantify and display the light reflection of a diamond. The light reflection, in turn, is indicative of the spark and brilliance of the diamond. In short, ASET images are an estimate of the amount of light that is effectively used and reflected back by a diamond.

To produce ASET images, the diamond is viewed from the top through a hemisphere which is painted in four different colors. Each color depicts a certain angular range. Thus, light reflected through different angles is visible in different colors.

This allows you to know precisely which parts of the diamond will reflect more light than the other, and which parts will not reflect light at all. Have a look:

How To Read ASET Images?

To make the most out of any testing modality, you need to know how to read it. With ASET images, there are some technicalities that you need to be aware of but all in all it is very basic.

The image that is produced by the testing tool displays four colors in a diamond; red, blue, green and black/white. Red areas represent parts of the diamond that reflect the most light and thus, shine the brightest. Therefore, you would want a whole lot of red on your ASET images.

Blue, on the other hand, represents areas of contrast. These need to be well-balanced and symmetrical if the diamond is to appear lustrous. Green areas are those that do reflect light, but to a lesser degree. Finally, black/white color represents areas of light leakage, where there is zero reflection. Naturally, a good diamond should have a minimum of black/white areas on ASET images.

Is it Necessary to Get ASET Images While Purchasing a Diamond?

Are ASET images a must while buying diamonds? No.

Are they recommended? Absolutely yes.

With all the different testing modalities available in today’s world, it is not hard for you to get to know the quality of a diamond without the ASET images. However, it is important to know that each grading system and scope is designed for a different purpose, and gives accurate information about a specific parameter of the diamond. If you wish to gather all the information about the fire and sparkle of a diamond, ASET images are in fact, your best bet. They are the most advanced and reliable means for this specific parameter.

How to Request ASET Images from James Allen?

James Allen is a leading diamond retailer and most of its diamonds are certified by AGS. Since AGS is the lab that introduced ASET images, the good news is that you can get ASET images of most of the James Allen diamonds.

For some James Allen diamonds, particularly in their True Hearts collection, the ASET images are present on the grading certificates. In this case, you are lucky and most of the hassle is prevented.

However, if the ASET images are not present on the grading report, you will need to request James Allen for them. All you have to do is choose the diamond that you are interested in, and then reach out to James Allen’s customer service via call, email, or direct chat option on their official website.

The agent will then put the diamond of your choice on hold, and then get the process for ASET images started. Usually, you get the images in 2 to 3 business days, and get additional 24 hours to make up your mind while the diamond is still on hold for you.

Pro tip: choose the diamonds wisely, as you get free ASET images for only 3 diamonds. You will have to pay for more.

James Allen Refusing to Send ASET Images

Obtaining the ASET images for a diamond from James Allen is a straightforward and smooth process in majority of the times.

If James Allen does not provide you with these upon your request, it is likely that the ASET images for those diamonds do not exist. This can be due to the diamond being a round cut, as ASET images are only available for fancy cut diamonds such as princess cut, cushion cut etc. It is also possible that the diamond is certified by GIA and not AGS, in which case GIA is unable to provide these images.

However, if none of the above is the case and James Allen advisor refuses to send ASET images, it should raise alarm. Under such circumstances, you should email the brand or reach out to a different agent/supplier. It is advisable that you do not make the purchase until you get the images or a valid explanation.

Nonetheless, if you are not much concerned about the ASET images, you can make the decision based on other testing modalities such as the 4C grading system and ideal scope images.