What is the different between Lazare diamond and GIA diamond

[metro88]

Hi All, this is my first post here, hope the question I''m asking has not been repeated.

I''m currently looking for engagement ring, I like to ask what is the different between Lazare diamond and a diamond certified by GIA? From my survey around, it seem Lazare diamond is about 30% to 40% more expensive than a GIA certified diamond. Can someone briefly explain the 2 different diamonds? (I do know one of the differences is regarding the cutting). Is it worth getting a Lazare diamond than a GIA certified diamond?

Another question I like to ask is for the below diamonds spec is it worth the price?

Lazare diamond 1
Color: DF
Clarity: VS1
Carat: 0.26
Platinum ring
Price: USD 1320

Lazare diamond 2
Color: E
Clarity: VS1
Carat: 0.31
White gold ring
Price: USD 1908

Thanks in advance for your reply.

 

[Lorelei]

Date: 10/5/2009 9:31:56 AM
Author:metro88
Hi All, this is my first post here, hope the question I'm asking has not been repeated.

I'm currently looking for engagement ring, I like to ask what is the different between Lazare diamond and a diamond certified by GIA? From my survey around, it seem Lazare diamond is about 30% to 40% more expensive than a GIA certified diamond. Can someone briefly explain the 2 different diamonds? (I do know one of the differences is regarding the cutting). Is it worth getting a Lazare diamond than a GIA certified diamond?

Another question I like to ask is for the below diamonds spec is it worth the price?

Lazare diamond 1
Color: DF
Clarity: VS1
Carat: 0.26
Platinum ring
Price: USD 1320

Lazare diamond 2
Color: E
Clarity: VS1
Carat: 0.31
White gold ring
Price: USD 1908

Thanks in advance for your reply.

Welcome!

Lazare are a branded cut, here is their website Lazare Kaplan . Apparently they can be very beautiful diamonds according to a dear friend who has actually seen a few of these.

Concerning GIA graded diamonds, some will be well cut and others won't be, it all depends on the proportions. In order to get a meaningful comparison if you have non branded GIA graded diamond in mind then go ahead and post all the info here then we can advise you. I am not very familiar with LK proportions, but if you have the info on each diamond such as the depth, table and angles etc then we might be able to get a better idea - I assume you are referring to round LK stones?

Also just to mention you could lower your colour a little and still have a very white diamond if the cut is good, and go a bit larger for the budget with a non branded diamond, but if you prefer a colourless LK with VS clarity then of course that is fine.

 

[stone-cold11]

GIA do not certify a stone, they only grade a stone, the same with other grading labs.

Lazare is just a branded cut, looks like just a normal 57 facets round cut to me.

 

[tyty333]

I''m sorry I dont know anything about the Lazare cut but are you looking for any more bang for your buck? These
stones/rings seem expensive (probably because they are patent cut and from a Brick and Morter store). Some
folks appreciate the convenience and comfort of shopping at a local store. Others prefer to get as much for there
money as possible. Nothing wrong with either way. We are happy to help whichever way you go.

I checked out on-line prices on 1/3 (.33) up to .45 F/VS1 H&A, and they ran from about $650 to $1090.
A simple white gold setting should run in the $300s. A simple platinum setting should in around $600s?
(these prices are from James Allen).

We have many members on this board that can help you select a stone that will be beautiful and fit your
criteria. Certain vendors supply images that help show the intensity of the light return and the symmetry
of the diamonds. These are very helpful when trying to pick a diamond that will have a lot of sparkle.

Also, there are numbers pertaining to round diamonds that will help you eliminate badly cut stones.
(depth, table percentage, crown and pavilion angles).

If you need any help or want some suggestions feel free to ask.

Here are a few examples of nice diamonds on line...
http://www.whiteflash.com/hearts_arrows/Whiteflash-ACA-cut-diamond-5750.htm

Bring up the virtual loupe, idealscope and True hearts and arrows images of this stone
http://www.jamesallen.com/diamonds/F-VS1-Ideal-Cut-Round-Diamond-1213079.asp?b=16&a=12&c=77&cid=131

 

[metro88]

Thanks Lorelei, Stone-cold11 and tyty333 for the advise. It help me a lot, previously I really dunno much the different and which is worth to get for (althought for now I still haven''t decide yet but i have better understanding on those 2 diamonds)

Yes Lorelei, the diamonds I mentioned is round LK stone. And sorry to say I dont have the proportion spec with me because I went to the store to check out and I can''t remembered it.

And again thanks a lot!!

Oh ya, one more question if I may ask, I was told by the shop that Lazare diamond do not give grading from 3rd party like GIA or AGS, they provide their own grading certification. And they also told me something like LK is the head of board in GIA which their grading is equivalent or better. Can their own grading from Lazare be trustable?

 

[Richard Sherwood]

I''ve found Lazare Kaplan grading to be comparable to GIA Gem Trade Laboratory grading.