Help choosing great stone for solitaire engagement ring (without getting ripped off...)

[Shrga]

Hi guys,

I am looking for a lab grown diamond for a solitaire engagement ring. I've been devouring the wealth of information posted on Reddit, which prompted me to make an account here. The ring is going to be a 6-prong solitaire with a gold band and platinum prongs and I'm looking for a round cut stone around 2.5 carats, VS1+, probably F or better color but happy to be advised, and of course the best possible cut and optical performance. I'm hoping to end up with a diamond that looks icy, with great fire and brilliantly sparkly – aren't we all...

For weeks now I have been searching on LGD, Adiamor, etc, and had gotten to the point of "deciding" that only a GCAL 8X stone would do. However, looking at the Hearts and Arrows images on some, I'm still seeing twisting etc on various examples. I suppose I'm not sure what to prioritise or even what I'm really needing to poritise to end up with the result I want. This morning I've been reading about CVD vs HPHT so the lessons continue...

I've realised I'm stuck in a bit of analysis paralysis, in fact, I've been browing Pricescope threads for several hours before getting round to posting this. I realise there's a premium to pay for GCAL 8X and my budget is up to $1500-2000, it seems to go up the more that I look... but I'd also hope to get good value for money as well and have nothing against GIA-AGS or even IGA if the optical performance is there. The more I look, the more I realise that I could do with some much more informed assistance so I'm hoping that some of the experts here might be able to help me out!

Thanks in advance, and for all of the information I've received from you already.

 

[0515vision]

Do you have any top contenders from your browsing? If so, can you post them?

Yay on your search - although it can make you go cross-eyes sometimes lol

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, Shrga!
I found a great option for you to look at and compare with what you found.
When you're on the forum, I can post it.

 

[DejaWiz]

I've got a few link for you, Shrga

 

[Shrga]

Hi @DejaWiz, sorry for my slow response – I didn't get email notifications so assumed no one had replied, my bad! I'm on for a bit now then again tomorrow. ANy links greatly appreciated!

I spoke to my local jewleller today, who will likely be making the ring. He's of the opinion that there's no point going for anything other than IGA certification and that I would just be paying more for exactly the same performance... I suppose that's true if the proportions are there?

 

[DejaWiz]

Hi @DejaWiz, sorry for my slow response – I didn't get email notifications so assumed no one had replied, my bad! I'm on for a bit now then again tomorrow. ANy links greatly appreciated!

I spoke to my local jewleller today, who will likely be making the ring. He's of the opinion that there's no point going for anything other than IGA certification and that I would just be paying more for exactly the same performance... I suppose that's true if the proportions are there?

Hello, @Shrga - I'll have to run a new search in the near future....every single one that I had open for your thread has already been sold.

 

[Shrga]

Hi @DejaWiz – they must have been good! Sorry for the wasted effort on your part.

 

[DejaWiz]

Hi @DejaWiz – they must have been good! Sorry for the wasted effort on your part.

No bother at all! I'll hopefully be able to make as new list for you in the next day or two.

 

[Shrga]

Thanks @DejaWiz!

 

[Shrga]

Any thoughts on this one please, IGI certificate LG674548923?

It's retailing for the equivalent of $1,250 (inc the extra 20% VAT I'll pay importing)

 

[DejaWiz]

Any thoughts on this one please, IGI certificate LG674548923?

It's retailing for the equivalent of $1,250 (inc the extra 20% VAT I'll pay importing)

Here's the video:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

I'm on the fence about it...it has nice fiery proportions and the cut precision looks good, but it may be a blue nuance.
Kim N any thoughts?

 

[DejaWiz]

Shrga - I have a new list for you

 

[Shrga]

Shrga - I have a new list for you

Ah, interesting, is that down to the blue tones visible in the 360 rotation? To be honest, I suggested it based on the proportions you had previously posted in a Reddit comment!

Thank you, I’m excited to look at the list!

 

[DejaWiz]

Ah, interesting, is that down to the blue tones visible in the 360 rotation? To be honest, I suggested it based on the proportions you had previously posted in a Reddit comment!

Thank you, I’m excited to look at the list!

Yes, it's because of the possible light blue hue that can be seen out near the edges of the girdle when viewing the diamond from the side.
The proportions and angles are great, but the quality of the diamond crystal that the finished diamond was cut and polished from is in question.


Here you go!

Inventory

Shop your perfect lab grown diamond from thousands of ethically sourced certified lab created diamonds inventory.

www.loosegrowndiamond.com

Inventory

Shop your perfect lab grown diamond from thousands of ethically sourced certified lab created diamonds inventory.

www.loosegrowndiamond.com

Inventory

Shop your perfect lab grown diamond from thousands of ethically sourced certified lab created diamonds inventory.

www.loosegrowndiamond.com

You are being redirected...

You are being redirected...

Inventory

Shop your perfect lab grown diamond from thousands of ethically sourced certified lab created diamonds inventory.

www.loosegrowndiamond.com

You are being redirected...

Inventory

Shop your perfect lab grown diamond from thousands of ethically sourced certified lab created diamonds inventory.

www.loosegrowndiamond.com

 

[0515vision]

Here's the video:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

I'm on the fence about it...it has nice fiery proportions and the cut precision looks good, but it may be a blue nuance.
Kim N any thoughts?

I'm no @Kim N by a long shot, but I'll bite on the touch of blue nuance on that one.

 

[DejaWiz]

I'm no Kim N by a long shot, but I'll bite on the touch of blue nuance on that one.

Thank you, 0515vision - you taking a look and giving feedback is appreciated!

 

[Shrga]

@DejaWiz – thanks very much for the list, I'm going to have a proper look through but would you mind removing them from your post in the mean time please? I guess I'm worried about them going before I've had a chance!

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz – thanks very much for the list, I'm going to have a proper look through but would you mind removing them from your post in the mean time please? I guess I'm worried about them going before I've had a chance!

Sure - I had to report my own post so that a moderator can edit it...it's past the 60 minute timer for user editing.

 

[Shrga]

Hi @DejaWiz and others – thanks for your help so far.

I've narrowed it down to these three from your list, Dejawiz, I know that my jeweler can get the first but not sure about the other two yet. My absolute top choice he couldn't get apparently but there's very little between them so I'm coming back to ask for any last thoughts about these three:

(reposting just certificate numbers as my reply keeps getting stuck waiting for mod approval – probably my fault).

IGI: LG670464482

GIA: 1519118346

GIA: 7501259514

Many thanks for any comments, pointing out of issues, etc!!

 

[DejaWiz]

Hi @DejaWiz and others – thanks for your help so far.

I've narrowed it down to these three from your list, Dejawiz, I know that my jeweler can get the first but not sure about the other two yet. My absolute top choice he couldn't get apparently but there's very little between them so I'm coming back to ask for any last thoughts about these three:

(reposting just certificate numbers as my reply keeps getting stuck waiting for mod approval – probably my fault).

IGI: LG670464482

GIA: 1519118346

GIA: 7501259514

Many thanks for any comments, pointing out of issues, etc!!

Hi, Shrga!
My own personal order would be:
2.84
2.60
2.68

 

[Shrga]

Hi, Shrga!
My own personal order would be:
2.84
2.60
2.68

Thank you @DejaWiz! Please could you tell me why (even if very briefly)? I appreciate your time. The 2.84 might be a little big... But I'm wondering why the 2.6 is less preferable... Do you think I could find a better 2.5-2.7c or is the 2.6 pretty decent in your opinion?

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you @DejaWiz! Please could you tell me why (even if very briefly)? I appreciate your time. The 2.84 might be a little big... But I'm wondering why the 2.6 is less preferable... Do you think I could find a better 2.5-2.7c or is the 2.6 pretty decent in your opinion?

It's just due to the bigger carat weight...any of these three would be fantastic, in my opinion - if the 2.6 has lassoed your attention, then scoop it up and enjoy!

 

[Shrga]

Hey @DejaWiz, I've just had a good chat with my hopefully soon to be fiancee and we've come to the conclusion that actually 2.5ct is the max that she would like. Could I possibly trouble you to send me some suggestions in the 2.3-2.5ct range please? Thank you again for your help.

Having looked at the ones you sent before and compared to those the jewellers we saw suggested, it's no contest (their offerings were much worse and more expensive...).

 

[0515vision]

Almost no one will be able to tell the difference between a 2.5 and a 2.6. 2.5's are in the 8.7mm range, and 2.6's are in the 8.8mm range. The 0.1mm size difference is basically indiscernible to the naked eye.

Also, once someone gets used to wearing a diamond, it doesn't seem so large. So if she's wiling to do 2.3ct now then in 1 year, 2.6ct will feel normal.

If that 2.6 is available and vetted by @DejaWiz, I'd scoop it up!

 

[Shrga]

Almost no one will be able to tell the difference between a 2.5 and a 2.6. 2.5's are in the 8.7mm range, and 2.6's are in the 8.8mm range. The 0.1mm size difference is basically indiscernible to the naked eye.

Also, once someone gets used to wearing a diamond, it doesn't seem so large. So if she's wiling to do 2.3ct now then in 1 year, 2.6ct will feel normal.

If that 2.6 is available and vetted by @DejaWiz, I'd scoop it up!

Thanks, I appreciate the input. Any reason to fret over the fact that the 2.6ct is the only one of the three not to have H&A on the certificate?

The worry about buying it and her first thought is it’s too big and I haven’t listened to her is real! Ha!

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks, I appreciate the input. Any reason to fret over the fact that the 2.6ct is the only one of the three not to have H&A on the certificate?

The worry about buying it and her first thought is it’s too big and I haven’t listened to her is real! Ha!

Is 2.3x carats at between 8.5 and 8.6 mm OK? I found some great diamonds for you to look at and consider, if you'd like to see them.

 

[Shrga]

Is 2.3x carats at between 8.5 and 8.6 mm OK? I found some great diamonds for you to look at and consider, if you'd like to see them.

Yes please! That would be brilliant.

 

[DejaWiz]

Yes please! That would be brilliant.

Here you go!

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

And a couple more that I found in the 2.4x realm:

Loupe360

loupe360.com

Loupe360

loupe360.com

 

[Shrga]

Thanks @DejaWiz , all lovely stones. The first one caught our eye and have enquired with my jeweller. Fingers crossed!