Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamonds

[Thomas1987]

Hello,

I am looking to buy an engagement ring with a Clarity Enhanced diamond (I've done my research and am confident this is the right choice for me). Ideally, I would want to purchase (loose diamond or ring with diamond) from a company offering good, certified diamonds with a Lifetime Guarantee on the enhancement. I found a few sellers on Ebay but am unsure if they can be trusted to respect the guarantee in 5 or 10 years. Yehuda diamonds are the most obvious choice but they rely on a very small distribution network of jewelers with huge mark-ups (for example, only 1 in NYC and prices close to non-enhanced diamonds).

Any recommendations that you could provide on retailers that I should look into would be greatly appreciated.

With thanks,
Thomas

 

[denverappraiser]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

This is a topic that's SPECIFICALLY outside of the rules for discussion on this board so I'm going to dance around it a bit. This still might get deleted.

1) You mentioned you want 'certified'. Be aware that this is a highly loaded word in this business and the recommended labs specifically won't grade CE stones. You are 100% relying on the vendor to tell you what's what.

2) Ebay is an advertising venue. Period. Plenty of dealers advertise there, and plenty don't, but this does not, of itself, say very much about them. Follow their trails. Google them. Look over their websites. If they have a store, consider a visit. Beware that the ebay feedback system doesn't tell you as much as most people think it does.

 

[John P]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

...the recommended labs specifically won't grade CE stones...

A small clarification. GIA and AGSL will accept and grade diamonds with permanent clarity-enhancements such as laser-drilling.

Yehuda was mentioned and their process is not permanent: First they drill to remove or wash the inclusion. Then they fill the drill-hole with material having the same refractive index as diamond. This is called fracture-filling. It's not permanent since that material can be melted and fall out, so Neil is correct when stating that such diamonds won't be accepted for grading by the top labs.

 

[Tourmaline]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Basically, no one here will recommend clarity enhanced diamonds.

 

[diamondseeker2006]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

There is a sub-forum here called Lab Grown Diamonds. I'd strongly suggest exploring that rather than CE if you won't go with a non-enhanced natural diamond.

 

[Thomas1987]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Thank you both for your input. All good points.

In terms of certification, I was thinking EGL would be ideal (respected lab, even if not on par with GIA). Certifications from other “labs” are tricky.

Fair point on possibility that it will fall out or get damaged. That’s why I am looking for a well-established retailer that will respect its “guaranteed for life” policy.

 

[Thomas1987]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Though a lab-grown diamond is an interesting option, I would like a natural diamond. But I would prefer to avoid the whole debate about CE vs non-clarity enhanced, and what is natural and what isn't. I've done my research and feel confident about my decision. I just need help finding a good retailer. Thanks.

 

[Skhii]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Hello,

I am looking to buy an engagement ring with a Clarity Enhanced diamond (I've done my research and am confident this is the right choice for me). Ideally, I would want to purchase (loose diamond or ring with diamond) from a company offering good, certified diamonds with a Lifetime Guarantee on the enhancement. I found a few sellers on Ebay but am unsure if they can be trusted to respect the guarantee in 5 or 10 years. Yehuda diamonds are the most obvious choice but they rely on a very small distribution network of jewelers with huge mark-ups (for example, only 1 in NYC and prices close to non-enhanced diamonds).

Any recommendations that you could provide on retailers that I should look into would be greatly appreciated.

With thanks,
Thomas

Good Old Gold should be able to help you find a CE diamond. Please keep us updated on your journey.

 

[heididdl]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Thank you both for your input. All good points.

In terms of certification, I was thinking EGL would be ideal (respected lab, even if not on par with GIA). Certifications from other “labs” are tricky.

Fair point on possibility that it will fall out or get damaged. That’s why I am looking for a well-established retailer that will respect its “guaranteed for life” policy.

EGL is far from respected. In fact, only EGL USA is still allowed to sell stones on Rapnet all other EGL have been banned.


I am trying to find the words. If your significant other is on board with this that is one thing. I have had several friends check out their engagement rings (years and years later ) when they find out how involved I am with my jewelry.

To their dismay they found that they had drill holes, or color enhancement. They were extremely disappointed in their spouse. Wishing instead to have a smaller naturally flawed diamond.

I know you said you did your research. But I am hoping it began with your significant other.

I am so sorry I could not hold my tongue.

 

[Thomas1987]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Absolutely. And yes, she's totally on board.

 

[tuckie]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

I think what some others may be trying to delicately suggest is, what has led you to determining the CE is the best option for you? This forum is full of highly knowledgeable and experienced consumers and tradespeople. Perhaps sharing your priorities and goals with this group might offer additional, alternative solutions you had not yet considered. Maybe you still decide CE is your preference - but seems like there may be real value in utilizing the board's collective expertise.

In any case - good luck with your search

 

[Karl_K]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

If you buy a CE diamond you must tell everyone who ever works on the ring that it has a CE diamond in it.
Bad things can happen if you don't.

My opinion:
CE diamonds like mmd have a place in the market and if someone wants one after being fully informed and
the diamond is clearly marketed and priced as such then there is nothing wrong with doing so.

Sorry cant help finding a retailer because of the forum rules.

 

[tyty333]

Re: Recommendations on retailers of Clarity Enhanced diamond

Perhaps you can ask for a GIA graded stone that is drilled but has no "filler" in it. I think that would be a better option than one
that has filler that could be damaged. GOG has had CE stones...you should talk to them.

Good luck...