So this was awkward...

[Ally66]

Earlier this year I bought two lab diamonds from Ritani and made them into studs. Last week I sold them via LT. And then the buyer contacted me to say that he took them to both a jeweler and a pawn shop for testing. One tested as diamond, but the other tested moissanite. I felt awful! He's returning them to me, of course, and I have been trying to figure out how to approach Ritani.

Both diamonds are (supposed to be) laser inscribed, so it should be easy to verify them? And I read (on the internet, so it has to be true) that moissanite doesn't have inscribed identifying marking?

One of the certificates says the stone was grown via CVD process and "may include post-growth treatment Type IIa." Is this something that might skew the testing to moissanite even if it is a lab grown stone?

This is all my folly. I wanted big studs, got them for a good price, and clearly didn't do appropriate research. Lesson learned. Just wondering if anyone has thoughts to share?

 

[seaurchin]

I have no idea what's going on here of course but what crossed my mind is it's all that- or the buyer is trying to scam you. Just a thought fwiw. Good luck with it!

 

[Ally66]

I have no idea what's going on here of course but what crossed my mind is it's all that- or the buyer is trying to scam you. Just a thought fwiw. Good luck with it!

I can understand that thought. I truly don't think that's the case but it's only natural to have that cross our minds. Goes both ways -- I hated the thought that he would think I was scamming him!

 

[yssie]

How did this jeweller test these stones?

Those hand held testers that you push up against a stone are hot garbage. I wouldn’t trust one as far as an infant could throw it.

Much more likely the testers are crap than Ritani selling you simulants...

You can get a (reliable) appraisal done if you’re uncertain yourself. From an independent appraiser. There’s a list under Resources - or if you’re comfy sharing your general location people might have recommendations.

 

[HerefortheBling]

Lab grown diamonds can test as moissanite, especially after being set. I went through this when buying my first one from Ascot. I saw a review online about Ascot selling a lab diamond that tested as moissanite, and I was freaked out. It turns out after research and even a jewelers opinion, that it most definitely can happen, but it doesn't mean that it's not a diamond (most likely the tester).

If I remember correctly, I think HPHT stones were more likely to have it happen.

 

[Ally66]

@yssie , that makes sense. And I would bet that's the kind of tool they used? That's a good idea, to do an independent appraisal. I will take a look! Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Ally66]

@HerefortheBling , Wow! Very interesting. I did minimal reading after this issue came up, but I should go look for more info.

 

[Rfisher]

My experience with moissanite was years and years ago
but isn’t there a marked difference in ‘look‘ to moissanite compared to a lab diamond? I mean the good kind of moissanite. Not the weirdly odd color stuff that was out for awhile.

no advice on how both seller and buyer can come off as winners and who pays for any authentication that may be needed. Unless the buyer is open to suggestions on learning more from forums/review sites as has already been stated.

im sorry for the situation, OP. It’s Sucky. for the buyer, too, I’m sure.

Edit- oops. Missed the fact the buyer is already sending them back to you.

 

[Ally66]

@Rfisher, thanks for your thoughts! Yes, he didn't want to keep them and I understand that; I'm not sure if any of this information would have swayed him but it's ok. Can't decide if I will relist them and try to explain this, or just hush up and keep them and wear them. They are very pretty (and I agree that moissanite would probably show itself in some way). And of course @yssie's suggestion of an appraisal would help if I wanted to try to sell again. Then no explanation would be needed?

 

[lovedogs]

@Rfisher, thanks for your thoughts! Yes, he didn't want to keep them and I understand that; I'm not sure if any of this information would have swayed him but it's ok. Can't decide if I will relist them and try to explain this, or just hush up and keep them and wear them. They are very pretty (and I agree that moissanite would probably show itself in some way). And of course @yssie's suggestion of an appraisal would help if I wanted to try to sell again. Then no explanation would be needed?

Ritani isnt going to risk their reputation selling moissanite as lab diamond. It just doesnt make sense. If you or a jeweler w a loupe can find the inscription then they arent moissanite.

 

[yssie]

Ritani isnt going to risk their reputation selling moissanite as lab diamond. It just doesnt make sense. If you or a jeweler w a loupe can find the inscription then they arent moissanite.

This. 100%.

 

[Kim N]

Lab grown diamonds can test as moissanite, especially after being set. I went through this when buying my first one from Ascot. I saw a review online about Ascot selling a lab diamond that tested as moissanite, and I was freaked out. It turns out after research and even a jewelers opinion, that it most definitely can happen, but it doesn't mean that it's not a diamond (most likely the tester).

If I remember correctly, I think HPHT stones were more likely to have it happen.

I heard this as well from a reputable jeweler, that a normal diamond tester will test HPHT diamonds as not diamonds.

 

[Rfisher]

Ritani isnt going to risk their reputation selling moissanite as lab diamond. It just doesnt make sense. If you or a jeweler w a loupe can find the inscription then they arent moissanite.

If the buyer doesn’t want to have the jeweler do this (should be) simple diagnostic…….
I think something else maybe is going on with the buyer and their wish to return.

 

[Ally66]

@lovedogs and all, exactly! I can't imagine it would be a honest mistake AND I can't imagine them knowingly doing that.

 

[diamondyes]

Moissanite is doubly refractive so under a microscope very easy to identify.

 

[MightyDucks]

HTHP lab diamonds that contain boron can be electrical conductive and test as moissanite on certain diamond testers.

 

[dk168]

Moissanite is doubly refractive so under a microscope very easy to identify.

That's my thought too, did the jeweller look at the stones under magnification or only tested using a tester?

DK

 

[Toys4tots16]

Hi all!
I just found this post and I’m actually the buyer in this situation. First, the OP has been great to work with and I fully trust what she’s told me.

First, quick disclaimer that im not very knowledgeable about jewelery and am looking to buy stud earrings for my wife. This will be the first real piece of jewelry that I’m buying for her other than her engagement ring which I bought from a local jeweler for cheap when we were young and broke.

As to these earrings, I took them to two places. First, I took them to a jewelry store. The person used a hand held thing that touched the stones and said what they were. One came back as diamond and the other as moisanite. He also looked at it with a little microscope thing.

I also took them to a pawn shop that advertises that they purchase a lot of jewelry and they used a similar looking handheld thing which had the same results. They then used a boxy looking thing where they put the earrings in it and then it showed an image of them. One of them was green and the other had no color. They said that meant one was a lab diamond and the other wasn’t a diamond at all.

I read the comments above and don’t know what to make of it. It sounds like the testing tools could be wrong? It just seems so strange to me that one would test one way and the other wouldn’t. The image from that box tester thing was so clearly different. One was a bright green color and the other had nothing at all.

Idk, this jewelry buying stuff is really stressing me out and her birthday is only in a few weeks

 

[diamondyes]

Hi all!
I just found this post and I’m actually the buyer in this situation. First, the OP has been great to work with and I fully trust what she’s told me.

First, quick disclaimer that im not very knowledgeable about jewelery and am looking to buy stud earrings for my wife. This will be the first real piece of jewelry that I’m buying for her other than her engagement ring which I bought from a local jeweler for cheap when we were young and broke.

As to these earrings, I took them to two places. First, I took them to a jewelry store. The person used a hand held thing that touched the stones and said what they were. One came back as diamond and the other as moisanite. He also looked at it with a little microscope thing.

I also took them to a pawn shop that advertises that they purchase a lot of jewelry and they used a similar looking handheld thing which had the same results. They then used a boxy looking thing where they put the earrings in it and then it showed an image of them. One of them was green and the other had no color. They said that meant one was a lab diamond and the other wasn’t a diamond at all.

I read the comments above and don’t know what to make of it. It sounds like the testing tools could be wrong? It just seems so strange to me that one would test one way and the other wouldn’t. The image from that box tester thing was so clearly different. One was a bright green color and the other had nothing at all.

Idk, this jewelry buying stuff is really stressing me out and her birthday is only in a few weeks

Kudos for doing your due diligence! Does your city have a gemologist? A certified gemologist should be able to confidently tell you what you have.

My DH gets stressed with jewelry buying, too. Hugs to you and way to go for doing this for your wife! It’ll get figured out and you have a good community here willing to help you

 

[DejaWiz]

Hi all!
I just found this post and I’m actually the buyer in this situation. First, the OP has been great to work with and I fully trust what she’s told me.

First, quick disclaimer that im not very knowledgeable about jewelery and am looking to buy stud earrings for my wife. This will be the first real piece of jewelry that I’m buying for her other than her engagement ring which I bought from a local jeweler for cheap when we were young and broke.

As to these earrings, I took them to two places. First, I took them to a jewelry store. The person used a hand held thing that touched the stones and said what they were. One came back as diamond and the other as moisanite. He also looked at it with a little microscope thing.

I also took them to a pawn shop that advertises that they purchase a lot of jewelry and they used a similar looking handheld thing which had the same results. They then used a boxy looking thing where they put the earrings in it and then it showed an image of them. One of them was green and the other had no color. They said that meant one was a lab diamond and the other wasn’t a diamond at all.

I read the comments above and don’t know what to make of it. It sounds like the testing tools could be wrong? It just seems so strange to me that one would test one way and the other wouldn’t. The image from that box tester thing was so clearly different. One was a bright green color and the other had nothing at all.

Idk, this jewelry buying stuff is really stressing me out and her birthday is only in a few weeks

Hi and welcome to PriceScope, Toys4tots16!
There should be a laser inscription with the grading report number etched into the girdle of each diamond. Take them to a local jewelry store with a graduate gemologist on staff for definitive identification.

 

[Toys4tots16]

I already put them in the mail back to the seller, but I’m really intrigued to find out what’s etched into them now

 

[Ally66]

I already put them in the mail back to the seller, but I’m really intrigued to find out what’s etched into them now

@Toys4tots16 , you have been great too! I hope to get to a jeweler soon to see if they can find the inscriptions with the stones in the settings. And will try to find the appropriate person to do an appraisal. I'm definitely learning through experience! I will share what I learn!

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

I already put them in the mail back to the seller, but I’m really intrigued to find out what’s etched into them now

that's awsome you are buying new earings for your wife
she certainly got good wear out of that first pair
if you want please feel free to start a thread regarding searching for the new earings, as plenty of people would like to help you

 

[Jax172]

Yeah thats a thing. Handheld testers can read lab grown as Moissanite. A good jeweler knows this though. All of my lab grown diamonds from lightbox tested as moissanite when I took them in to be set by a jeweler. The jeweler wasn't phased though as he said that is common with lab grown diamonds. Since I purchased directly from Lightbox and they are a De Beers company I very highly doubt they are passing off moissanite as lab grown diamonds.

 

[ariel144]

This. 100%.

YES!
Ritani inspects each stone sent to them from another vendor to confirm that it is the certed stone you ordered BEFORE they send it to you. Not only by the inscription but also by the IDENTIFYING INCLUSIONS. (Another good reason to buy a slightly included diamond! HA!)

They will be inscribed. You don't need a "tester" which is not accurate anyway. I wouldn't think a Knowledgeable jeweler would use a tester on a certified stone. I assume your buyer has the IGI or GIA cert. in his possession.

I would tell the guy to take them to another jeweler who has a loupe and to find the inscriptions and matching inclusions. You should have done this before you sold them so you would know what you had in your hand. He is either scamming you or simply ignorant of certified lab diamonds.

Before I would accept his return you should have him read this thread on PS. Maybe he just changed his mind about buying them and is looking for a lame excuse to return them.

I would call Ritani and ask their opinion...they have probably heard every kind of scam out there. If you do take them back I would not return his money until you made sure they were the certified stones you sent him.

Ooops! I now see the buyer is already reading this thread! LOL!

 

[MightyDucks]

YES!
Ritani inspects each stone sent to them from another vendor to confirm that it is the certed stone you ordered BEFORE they send it to you. Not only by the inscription but also by the IDENTIFYING INCLUSIONS. (Another good reason to buy a slightly included diamond! HA!)

They will be inscribed. You don't need a "tester" which is not accurate anyway. I wouldn't think a Knowledgeable jeweler would use a tester on a certified stone. I assume your buyer has the IGI or GIA cert. in his possession.

I would tell the guy to take them to another jeweler who has a loupe and to find the inscriptions and matching inclusions. You should have done this before you sold them so you would know what you had in your hand. He is either scamming you or simply ignorant of certified lab diamonds.

Before I would accept his return you should have him read this thread on PS. Maybe he just changed his mind about buying them and is looking for a lame excuse to return them.

I would call Ritani and ask their opinion...they have probably heard every kind of scam out there. If you do take them back I would not return his money until you made sure they were the certified stones you sent him.

Ooops! I now see the buyer is already reading this thread! LOL!

You make a very valid point. Every time I have sold jewelry to a jeweler they have never used those handheld testers and always used a loupe to inspect the diamond or precious metals. The only time I have encountered a handheld tester was returning a pendant at costco.

 

[RitaniCustomerCare]

Earlier this year I bought two lab diamonds from Ritani and made them into studs. Last week I sold them via LT. And then the buyer contacted me to say that he took them to both a jeweler and a pawn shop for testing. One tested as diamond, but the other tested moissanite. I felt awful! He's returning them to me, of course, and I have been trying to figure out how to approach Ritani.

Both diamonds are (supposed to be) laser inscribed, so it should be easy to verify them? And I read (on the internet, so it has to be true) that moissanite doesn't have inscribed identifying marking?

One of the certificates says the stone was grown via CVD process and "may include post-growth treatment Type IIa." Is this something that might skew the testing to moissanite even if it is a lab grown stone?

This is all my folly. I wanted big studs, got them for a good price, and clearly didn't do appropriate research. Lesson learned. Just wondering if anyone has thoughts to share?

HI Ally,

Oh no! Both of your stones from us are 100% real and should have the certificate number laser inscribed inside the girdle of the stone.
At time although very rare lab diamonds especially ones made with the CVD method can come back with a false negative. However, it is recommended to get it tested somewhere for a second opinion. Not all diamond testers are equip to test lab diamonds as some CVD stones will have a lower nitrogen level that is undetected by specific testers creating this false result. I apologize this happened, please have a jeweler look into the stone to verify the diamond certificate is inside of the stone. That's a good tip to keep in mind too especially if you are shipping the stones back and forth to potential buyers so you can ensure you are getting the same stone back
If you have any other questions at all please don't hesitate to contact us at [email protected] - we are always here to help!

 

[Clunkygirl]

Have you had a jeweler confirm the inscription? I'm just asking, I already have several pairs or I'd buy this right now. I think you aren't asking enough

 

[denverappraiser]

The moissanite testers are famously unreliable. Moissanite isn’t that hard to tell with simple tools but the first step is to have an operator when knows what they’re doing. Get it in writing, get them to sign it, and pay them. Find a real appraiser, not a pawn shop.

 

[holeydonut]

IMO, if you're selling your diamonds as an amateur/casual person, it makes sense to get one of these USB digital microscopes (or something similar to it). Things like this can be as cheap as $10 on Amazon if you hunt around.

https://plugable.com/products/usb2-micro-250x (I posted this instead of an Amazon link to avoid being accused of schilling affiliate links)

Cheap USB things are not going to rock your world and produce amazing images worthy of publishing, but it'll let you see the GIA/AGS/IGI/whatever engraving on the girdle.

Here's the lab grown AGS engraving I just got. I had to boost the contrast a bit to make out the numbers, but it matches my certificate.

So, if you're sending out your diamonds to a buyer, you can send them the images and tell them to find a jeweler who will appraise/match as well. Or they can buy their own USB microscope lol. I agree having the buyer take a diamond to a pawn shop is just asking for a big fail.

Having seen your own engraving also addresses some of the fears that whoever you're sending the diamond(s) to is going to swap the diamonds out and claim shenanigans. This includes a sale or even a case where you're having a diamond ring cleaned or repaired. If you record your own engravings before sending, it'll help you be more "mind clean" about the transaction so you can match it up with the diamond(s) they may return.