DiamondsOnly
Shiny_Rock
- Joined
- Jan 25, 2011
- Messages
- 403
Thank you so much @Kim N and @DejaWiz and everyone who gave helpful information on LGD, provided options, and their experiences on different vendors for LGD. There was definitely a lot to learn such as (HPHT/CVD, GCAL 8x, proportions, HCA, etc.),
In the early stages of browsing, posting and reading response, I wasn’t sure carat size to go with (was considering different carat weights as certain numbers were important to me) and decided to visit a local jewelry store to get a visual. I tried on a 2 carat and 2.40 carat and both looked beautiful although the 2.40 was hard for me to like in the high temporary setting (I thought it was too big for my hand as well since I’m petite). I did find some LGD that I bookmarked for easy reference.
I had to take a break from my search as I had to go out of town. When I returned, I decided on a 2 carat so I thought until a beautiful stone was suggested by @ DejaWiz. It was absolutely beautiful and the carat size was right on (again important numbers to me and what I previously thought went right out the window).
The LGD was listed at a couple different websites, Frank Darling being the lowest price and the other being significantly higher. I knew I had to act immediately so I contacted Frank Darling chat and Kegan informed me the stone could be brought in for further assessment at no obligation. Shortly after the chat, I emailed Kegan with another LGD and asked if it could be brought in and she said yes! What a breath of fresh air. I also provided a list of requests for once the stone was in hand.
1. ASET or ideal scope (not hearts and arrows scope)
2. Direct lighting videos
3. Indirect lighting videos/shaded videos
4. Close up pictures of side profile sitting table-down/pavilion-up in a white grading tray to check for any color hue and saturation level.
While I waited for the assessments to come in on the two LGD, I browsed Frank Darlings website for a setting and wedding band. It was a toss-up between THE CATHEDRAL & CATHEDRAL ROYALE. I decided on Cathedral Royale and the classic round band. Once the pictures/videos were received, the decision was simple, 2.40 hands down! I told Kegan the setting I chose and made 1 change. I increased the band width from 1.8 mm to 2.2 mm for a small charge. I wasn’t quite sure on my ring size so Kegan sent me ring sizers for free. Somewhere in there Kegan and I did a video chat/meeting which was nice to put a face with the name, see my beauty, and discuss more details of my ring.
The ring sizers arrived and I landed on a size, emailed that to Kegan who then informed me a CAD mockup will be done. Once the mockup was received via email, I decided all looked well, but wanted to make sure so they sent a physical prototype in the mail which was a great reassurance and I didn’t have any changes.
On Wednesday August 17th I received videos of my rings and they shipped that day via UPS express and received August 18th.
Frank Darling was a great experience from start to finish!
Now that I’ve written a book……here is my 10 year anniversary gift
2.40 GIA certified
D VVS2
EX/EX/EX
HPHT, H&A
Scored a 2.6 on the HCA (very good in all areas)
I couldn’t be happier!!
In the early stages of browsing, posting and reading response, I wasn’t sure carat size to go with (was considering different carat weights as certain numbers were important to me) and decided to visit a local jewelry store to get a visual. I tried on a 2 carat and 2.40 carat and both looked beautiful although the 2.40 was hard for me to like in the high temporary setting (I thought it was too big for my hand as well since I’m petite). I did find some LGD that I bookmarked for easy reference.
I had to take a break from my search as I had to go out of town. When I returned, I decided on a 2 carat so I thought until a beautiful stone was suggested by @ DejaWiz. It was absolutely beautiful and the carat size was right on (again important numbers to me and what I previously thought went right out the window).
The LGD was listed at a couple different websites, Frank Darling being the lowest price and the other being significantly higher. I knew I had to act immediately so I contacted Frank Darling chat and Kegan informed me the stone could be brought in for further assessment at no obligation. Shortly after the chat, I emailed Kegan with another LGD and asked if it could be brought in and she said yes! What a breath of fresh air. I also provided a list of requests for once the stone was in hand.
1. ASET or ideal scope (not hearts and arrows scope)
2. Direct lighting videos
3. Indirect lighting videos/shaded videos
4. Close up pictures of side profile sitting table-down/pavilion-up in a white grading tray to check for any color hue and saturation level.
While I waited for the assessments to come in on the two LGD, I browsed Frank Darlings website for a setting and wedding band. It was a toss-up between THE CATHEDRAL & CATHEDRAL ROYALE. I decided on Cathedral Royale and the classic round band. Once the pictures/videos were received, the decision was simple, 2.40 hands down! I told Kegan the setting I chose and made 1 change. I increased the band width from 1.8 mm to 2.2 mm for a small charge. I wasn’t quite sure on my ring size so Kegan sent me ring sizers for free. Somewhere in there Kegan and I did a video chat/meeting which was nice to put a face with the name, see my beauty, and discuss more details of my ring.
The ring sizers arrived and I landed on a size, emailed that to Kegan who then informed me a CAD mockup will be done. Once the mockup was received via email, I decided all looked well, but wanted to make sure so they sent a physical prototype in the mail which was a great reassurance and I didn’t have any changes.
On Wednesday August 17th I received videos of my rings and they shipped that day via UPS express and received August 18th.
Frank Darling was a great experience from start to finish!
Now that I’ve written a book……here is my 10 year anniversary gift
2.40 GIA certified
D VVS2
EX/EX/EX
HPHT, H&A
Scored a 2.6 on the HCA (very good in all areas)
I couldn’t be happier!!
and I love the setting.
Happy anniversary!
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