Loosegrown so cheap! any alternatives?

[echelon6]

I've been out of the space for 2 decades. I want to buy something again, and I've been checking out LGD. I remember paying 15k usd in 2006 for a F SI1 1.6ct (AGS000 back in the day). Today, on LGD the same stats can be bought for 500usd. Absolutely amazing. Any alternatives to LGD so I can properly shop around? The usual vendors like James Allen etc seem to charge triple what LGD charges for the same stats, can someone help me understand the reason behind this? I don't mind paying more, but I need to understand why.

 

[MackPUK]

You could probably find the exact same stones for even less on Calavera New York website. It’s a pain to filter compared to LGD or Adiamor but the prices tend to be even lower.

Most sites including James Allen etc are buying the same stones from global inventory so there is often no need : benefit in buying the same stone (as in same lab number not just similar!) for 3x just for the website brand!

Edited to add - for very top quality cuts there are more premium vendors who cut their own if you want to look that route - Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, JannPaul, DistinctiveGem etc

 

[cashton13]

I've been out of the space for 2 decades. I want to buy something again, and I've been checking out LGD. I remember paying 15k usd in 2006 for a F SI1 1.6ct (AGS000 back in the day). Today, on LGD the same stats can be bought for 500usd. Absolutely amazing. Any alternatives to LGD so I can properly shop around? The usual vendors like James Allen etc seem to charge triple what LGD charges for the same stats, can someone help me understand the reason behind this? I don't mind paying more, but I need to understand why.

I really like Ruby harper! Stones there are about 2%less expensive then calavera. She's very helpful, if you use the filters on loose grown diamonds and message her with the Lg# she can pull it up if in the inventory and also price matches
There's a website and also an etsy shop . Most online retail except one will price match igi and you might be able to get the setting with them as well!

 

[echelon6]

You could probably find the exact same stones for even less on Calavera New York website. It’s a pain to filter compared to LGD or Adiamor but the prices tend to be even lower.

Most sites including James Allen etc are buying the same stones from global inventory so there is often no need : benefit in buying the same stone (as in same lab number not just similar!) for 3x just for the website brand!

Edited to add - for very top quality cuts there are more premium vendors who cut their own if you want to look that route - Brian Gavin, Whiteflash, JannPaul, DistinctiveGem etc

Thanks, great info. Roughly what would the % premium be for same stats but cut by one of those brands you mentioned? are we talking 20%, 100%, china tariff levels, etc

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks, great info. Roughly what would the % premium be for same stats but cut by one of those brands you mentioned? are we talking 20%, 100%, china tariff levels, etc

Start at around triple and it goes up from there, depending on the seller and the specialty cut.

 

[cashton13]

Thanks, great info. Roughly what would the % premium be for same stats but cut by one of those brands you mentioned? are we talking 20%, 100%, china tariff levels, etc

1.04 ct igi ideal , ex ,ex 230 (hpht)
1.01 to 1.09 ct around 1700 (hpht) not included tax , bank wire fee, tarrifs and fed ex handling fee . jannpaul 10 hearts and arrows