New to all this, how did I do? James Allen lab grown purchased today

[NicholasJ]

Complete newbie here,

I bought this today for $3220, how did I do?

Does this classify as a hearts and arrows?

Lab-Created 1.82 Carat round diamond

This 1.82 carat Lab-Created round diamond G color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[lovedogs]

This isnt a stone most of us would recommend, unfortunately. It's not bad, but definitely not great either. I wouldn't consider it h&a, and I think we can help you find a better option. Are you open to canceling the order and letting us help?

 

[NicholasJ]

Well that goes to show I don’t really know what I’m doing. I thought for the size I wanted with the somewhat hearts and arrows look (certificate says H&A on it) that I did okay but I trust your opinion. If I did really badly I may be open to canceling. I was able to get the setting on sale yesterday so the Diamond + setting came out to $4334.05 after tax and I felt like I got a deal.

 

[NicholasJ]

This isnt a stone most of us would recommend, unfortunately. It's not bad, but definitely not great either. I wouldn't consider it h&a, and I think we can help you find a better option. Are you open to canceling the order and letting us help?

Do you have any examples of a better Diamond in the 1.75+ size range for under $3500?

 

[lovedogs]

Yup, there are many examples. GCAL 8x is a good thing to look for.

1. GCAL 8x and lovely. https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.79-ct-G-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D50176614?rfr=search

2. Bigger option, also GCAL. https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.84-ct-G-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49726421?rfr=search

3. Another bigger option. https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.85-ct-G-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49723762?rfr=search

4. Might have blue nuance but it gets you more size. https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.91-ct-G-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49725075?rfr=search

5. I like this one a lot. https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.77-ct-G-VS2-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49724382?rfr=search

 

[lovedogs]

Ps. Of the ones I linked above, my personal favorite is the 1.79 I think.

 

[NicholasJ]

Ps. Of the ones I linked above, my personal favorite is the 1.79 I think.

Do you think that one would be eye clean? Will the overall performance be better than the one from James Allen? I notice some small inclusions in the magnified view.

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, NicholasJ!
Found some great GCAL 8X contenders at FD for you to have a peek at, listed below.
Along with the options that lovedogs posted, you can't go wrong with any of these - whichever one jumps out at you the most is absolutely a safe choice for top optical performance!

1.76 E VS1

diamond-LGA2644702JA | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.8 E VS2

diamond-LGA1203126JA | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.78 E VS2

diamond-LGA430807JA | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[NicholasJ]

I did go ahead and cancel my order to look around more. Thanks for all the suggestions so far! The idea of a vs2 with better cut at a slightly lower price point like y’all suggested is appealing but I don’t know if I can get over seeing those inclusions in the magnified view. For that reason I lean a little more towards a vs1.

 

[NicholasJ]

Curious what y’all think about this stone?

Frank Darling 1.77 E VS1

 

[Kim N]

I did go ahead and cancel my order to look around more. Thanks for all the suggestions so far! The idea of a vs2 with better cut at a slightly lower price point like y’all suggested is appealing but I don’t know if I can get over seeing those inclusions in the magnified view. For that reason I lean a little more towards a vs1.

This one looks beautiful and only $3000 for a VS1.

1.86 Carat G VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 313420408 Affinity Cut - D49725443

www.adiamor.com

 

[Kim N]

Curious what y’all think about this stone?

Frank Darling 1.77 E VS1

It looks fantastic!

 

[NicholasJ]

It looks fantastic!

Should I worry that it’s a GIA LGDR report and seems less detailed than a GCAL 8x report?

 

[Kim N]

Should I worry that it’s a GIA LGDR report and seems less detailed than a GCAL 8x report?

I do prefer to see the cut analysis on the GCAL 8x report, but the video and proportions on this stone look very good.

 

[NicholasJ]

I do prefer to see the cut analysis on the GCAL 8x report, but the video and proportions on this stone look very good.

This may be the one I go with at $2584 it seems like a great value.

 

[NicholasJ]

Would anyone be able to run the HCA test with the specs to see what it says? I had 3 when I signed up but I only ran 2 and somehow the 3rd got used up.

Curious what y’all think about this stone?

Frank Darling 1.77 E VS1

 

[Kim N]

This may be the one I go with at $2584 it seems like a great value.

I agree. Frank Darling's pricing seems inconsistent across stones with similar specs--you'd be using it to your advantage.

 

[NicholasJ]

Would anyone be able to run the HCA test with the specs to see what it says? I had 3 when I signed up but I only ran 2 and somehow the 3rd got used up.

Nevermind I do have one left so I can run the test

 

[Kim N]

Would anyone be able to run the HCA test with the specs to see what it says? I had 3 when I signed up but I only ran 2 and somehow the 3rd got used up.

 

[NicholasJ]

That looks good to me. Say the word and I’ll pull the trigger on this one!

 

[Kim N]

That looks good to me. Say the word and I’ll pull the trigger on this one!

It's a gorgeous diamond. Pull the trigger!

 

[NicholasJ]

Here goes! Thanks so much for your help! And all of you who replied.

 

[DejaWiz]

Curious what y’all think about this stone?

Frank Darling 1.77 E VS1

Reach out to Frank Darling and ask for ASET images of it - they just did that (along with a host of pictures and videos in different lighting conditions) for someone that I was helping to find an LGD for. I was completely blown away by the time and effort taken by the FD staff to get any and all info that was requested!

 

[lovedogs]

I like the one you ended up picking!