What to look for when images are available

[temp_expert]

Hello all,
I recently started looking into lab grown diamonds and maybe I need a little guidance.

I initially thought selecting a round diamond would be simpler. I mean, nothing more than reading a little bit of info here and there and then choosing a stone that has the right numbers at the right price, right? Well, maybe not. I went and bought one on Aliexpress with an IGI certificate (LG649451466, confirmed by a local jeweler) and even if on paper it should be a very good looking stone, in person it lacks contrast and scinitllation - but has a lot of fire. The jeweler initially thought it was a moissanite because of the fire it throws, but confirmed it's a diamond after looking at it with more detail.

Now I would like to try my luck again, but this time I want to focus on stones that I can see on screen before the purchase. Here's where I need guidance: I have seen various comments on here, but I'm not really able to grasp the basics of what to look for. I thought that you want to see well defined black arrows and very little dark on any other area in the front view, but very often I see highly priced stones that do not seem to be so contrasted. Is there any tutorial for dummies that I can read?

Thank you all for your replies!

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, temp_expert!
The proportions and angles shake out just fine on the grading report, but that is never an indication or guarantee of great cut precision and optical performance.
We can definitely try and help provide some recommendations of diamonds.
What's your budget cap for just the loose diamond?
Min and max carat weight?
Color and clarity grades you want to stick with?
Any particular sellers that you've been looking at?