Advice on choosing a lab grown diamond

DejaWiz · Dec 21, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
OK, I'll do that! After seeing both diamonds in real life videos, did you notice any differences in performance/color or would prefer one over the other?

They look darn near identical in the videos...I would not be able to definitively say which was which if you hadn't started so.

Can they get you ASET images and maybe H&A scope pics?

Kim N · Dec 21, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
OK, I'll do that! After seeing both diamonds in real life videos, did you notice any differences in performance/color or would prefer one over the other?

I didn't notice any differences, so I'd still pick the 1.75 for the better clarity.

DejaWiz said:
They look darn near identical in the videos...I would not be able to definitively say which was which if you hadn't started so.

Can they get you ASET images and maybe H&A scope pics?

DejaWiz, I'm curious if you don't trust the H&A and light scope photos that GCAL provides?

sheezacowgurl · Dec 21, 2022

DejaWiz said:
They look darn near identical in the videos...I would not be able to definitively say which was which if you hadn't started so.

Can they get you ASET images and maybe H&A scope pics?

DejaWiz · Dec 21, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
She sent me over the ASET and SCOPE images along with additional photos, video, and comparison photos of the two on the white tray in brighter lighting! I swear I can still see the 1.75 looks more steely and the 1.68 more warm. Maybe this is normal and one is preferred over the other and I'd never tell the difference on my hand in a setting. Would you agree the 1.75 ASET image is a deeper red than the 1.68? I've been doing a lot of reading on here, trying to learn and read some others felt their diamonds "went dark" in certain lighting like the car. They tried another diamond and it didn't do that. Is this normal or is this a lab grown diamond characteristic and you just have to find one that doesn't go dark?

1.75
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z9XfvzfMubfMSr-THigF-t2YQLkeF4Zq/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z7e8NyrH5xEO7kBY2LAMBVUfFJI4UzOO/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z-XRASvyrWemIvXy_JLK3CCmfrNJu4Vv/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1z-ME2hGIvdPQKg3vl7BEyvNO6Z2vAggk/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yzfsvP7fYNaaio43uOa7yL28SMtKZsSK/view?usp=share_link I feel like it starts out dark/almost green hue here and then gets whiter/brighter as she walks through different lighting. Is this "darkness" normal behavior?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ywXy0bAp5eptcWhjXJfJxwyOV06fHG2a/view?usp=share_link

1.75 scope images
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-93xGutUAZezG1xLBtICkRC0gWNSVQBo/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-LeCqNp_yd7SxUGMTZmWuk8MxQsjHeGS/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Ly2Bg8ZDBj4kyLf198PpOob07X6wzch/view?usp=share_link

1.68 on left and 1.75 on right
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-6OxESEPQrP-f3_srb9fBl0Z6fux-BV9/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-0eb_o-xlmfms78oGzYOJt1ZYdrG_rMZ/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/19CDY8a99bjFoz5ORch42xe4S2gMKXrqY/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zwexf0svz9I3qKxMZDMyD-s4u03NMrYj/view?usp=share_link

1.68 scope
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-Fl7Xit6GyaWc00m1pFHIQyVtA7OZyCN/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-aVx0Mrj7DoZR4xPMqmde9OvqKes0VHq/view?usp=share_link
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-T06jM9_2ID-_k5Jo5c9SMkYpILthoh4/view?usp=share_link

Both look great under the scopes.
The 1.75 certainly doesn't appear as a Type IIb since I can see the usual yellowish hue out near the edges of the crown (since boron makes the diamond absorb yellow to appear faintly blue, this wouldn't be prevalent).

I think the 1.75 is the winner.

Kim N I do trust the GCAL images, but the more, the merrier!
What do you think about any potential hue, Kim?
Especially looking at this picture...yellowish from the diamond or environmental?

20221221_094425.jpg

drive.google.com

sheezacowgurl · Dec 21, 2022

Thank u both so much. I was really surprised how many videos and pictures she sent over. Super prompt too! I think we agree the 1.75 is the winner. Would you say it’s worth $249 more than the 1.68? I know it’s a better clarity and has a better crown height, but would u be able to tell the 1.75 is better in person once set? I hate to overspend if you could never tell the difference lol.

DejaWiz · Dec 21, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
Thank u both so much. I was really surprised how many videos and pictures she sent over. Super prompt too! I think we agree the 1.75 is the winner. Would you say it’s worth $249 more than the 1.68? I know it’s a better clarity and has a better crown height, but would u be able to tell the 1.75 is better in person once set? I hate to overspend if you could never tell the difference lol.

To get an HPHT Type IIa, yes totally worth it to me, at least.

sheezacowgurl · Dec 21, 2022

DejaWiz said:
To get an HPHT Type IIa, yes totally worth it to me, at least.

Just looked at both the 1.68 and 1.75 gcal certs again and they both say HPHT type II. I thought they were the same! I guess u can tell the 1.68 isn’t type IIa by the photos and videos?

DejaWiz · Dec 21, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
Just looked at both the 1.68 and 1.75 gcal certs again and they both say HPHT type II. I thought they were the same! I guess u can tell the 1.68 isn’t type IIa by the photos and videos?

My apology..mi thought the 1.68 was a CVD.

In this case...if you are more comfortable with the 1.68, then definitely go for it. They both look gorgeous and perform amazingly.

Kim N · Dec 21, 2022

DejaWiz said:
Both look great under the scopes.
The 1.75 certainly doesn't appear as a Type IIb since I can see the usual yellowish hue out near the edges of the crown (since boron makes the diamond absorb yellow to appear faintly blue, this wouldn't be prevalent).

I think the 1.75 is the winner.

Kim N I do trust the GCAL images, but the more, the merrier!
What do you think about any potential hue, Kim?
Especially looking at this picture...yellowish from the diamond or environmental?

20221221_094425.jpg

drive.google.com

I really think it's from the diamond itself, so I stand by my no-blue-nuance opinion.

sheezacowgurl said:
Thank u both so much. I was really surprised how many videos and pictures she sent over. Super prompt too! I think we agree the 1.75 is the winner. Would you say it’s worth $249 more than the 1.68? I know it’s a better clarity and has a better crown height, but would u be able to tell the 1.75 is better in person once set? I hate to overspend if you could never tell the difference lol.

I agree with DejaWiz, get the one you're more comfortable with. I would pick the 1.75 if it were for me.

DejaWiz · Dec 21, 2022

Kim N said:
I really think it's from the diamond itself, so I stand by my no-blue-nuance opinion.

I agree with DejaWiz, get the one you're more comfortable with. I would pick the 1.75 if it were for me.

Thank you again, Kim N...much appreciated!

sheezacowgurl · Dec 27, 2022

Hi! So I was all set on the 1.75 and then I showed my husband all the videos and he made a few observations. He thinks the 1.68 sparkles more/has bigger flashes than the 1.75 in the videos where only one diamond is on the lady's hand and in the tweezer videos. Do you think the 1.68 may appear to sparkle more in the videos by itself and tweezer video because maybe it was under a different light or angle than when the 1.75 was videoed? He thinks the 1.75 is darker when she bends her hand and you can see a side view (I wonder if there is something dark that the 1.75 diamond is closest to and it's picking that up). Also in the photos on the white tray he says it looks like the 1.68 lights up more and is clearer. I just want to feel good about it and explain to him what he’s seeing I guess. Can u give any advice/info on this?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zwexf0svz9I3qKxMZDMyD-s4u03NMrYj/view?usp=share_link here's the photo where is thinks the 1.75 on the right is dull/not as clear.
I picked the 1.75 due to better clarity. Do you think you can tell the difference in clarity or see the inclusions on the 1.68 vs2 to the naked eye in person?
Thanks in advance!

Kim N · Dec 28, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
Hi! So I was all set on the 1.75 and then I showed my husband all the videos and he made a few observations. He thinks the 1.68 sparkles more/has bigger flashes than the 1.75 in the videos where only one diamond is on the lady's hand and in the tweezer videos. Do you think the 1.68 may appear to sparkle more in the videos by itself and tweezer video because maybe it was under a different light or angle than when the 1.75 was videoed? He thinks the 1.75 is darker when she bends her hand and you can see a side view (I wonder if there is something dark that the 1.75 diamond is closest to and it's picking that up). Also in the photos on the white tray he says it looks like the 1.68 lights up more and is clearer. I just want to feel good about it and explain to him what he’s seeing I guess. Can u give any advice/info on this?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zwexf0svz9I3qKxMZDMyD-s4u03NMrYj/view?usp=share_link here's the photo where is thinks the 1.75 on the right is dull/not as clear.
I picked the 1.75 due to better clarity. Do you think you can tell the difference in clarity or see the inclusions on the 1.68 vs2 to the naked eye in person?
Thanks in advance!

I really think they perform very similarly. In daily viewing and perhaps even under scrutiny, you wouldn't see the inclusions on the 1.68. It sounds like you'd be more comfortable with the 1.68, and it's a bit cheaper so win/win. You can always return it if the inclusions end up being an issue.

sheezacowgurl · Dec 28, 2022

Kim N said:
I really think they perform very similarly. In daily viewing and perhaps even under scrutiny, you wouldn't see the inclusions on the 1.68. It sounds like you'd be more comfortable with the 1.68, and it's a bit cheaper so win/win. You can always return it if the inclusions end up being an issue.

Thank you @Kim N ! In my head, I feel like the 1.75 is the "better" diamond according to the specs (VS1 and having the slightly taller crown height) but I guess you're right when picking one you should go off how it looks in person. The only thing bugging me is how they look different when viewing from the side. I attached the screenshots we took when viewing the videos when my husband said how the bottom one looks dark/grey compared to the top one. When choosing is it better to get the diamond that looks more like the top or bottom? Forgive me as I'm not entirely sure how a good diamond should react at different viewing angles lol. I just notice the difference. Bottom is the 1.75

Kim N · Dec 28, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
Thank you @Kim N ! In my head, I feel like the 1.75 is the "better" diamond according to the specs (VS1 and having the slightly taller crown height) but I guess you're right when picking one you should go off how it looks in person. The only thing bugging me is how they look different when viewing from the side. I attached the screenshots we took when viewing the videos when my husband said how the bottom one looks dark/grey compared to the top one. When choosing is it better to get the diamond that looks more like the top or bottom? Forgive me as I'm not entirely sure how a good diamond should react at different viewing angles lol. I just notice the difference. Bottom is the 1.75

That's very strange that the 1.75 is appearing noticeably darker in these photos. I would definitely go with the 1.68 in this case.

DejaWiz · Dec 29, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
Thank you @Kim N ! In my head, I feel like the 1.75 is the "better" diamond according to the specs (VS1 and having the slightly taller crown height) but I guess you're right when picking one you should go off how it looks in person. The only thing bugging me is how they look different when viewing from the side. I attached the screenshots we took when viewing the videos when my husband said how the bottom one looks dark/grey compared to the top one. When choosing is it better to get the diamond that looks more like the top or bottom? Forgive me as I'm not entirely sure how a good diamond should react at different viewing angles lol. I just notice the difference. Bottom is the 1.75

I'm thinking that has to be some kind of environmental reflection going on there.

sheezacowgurl · Dec 29, 2022

DejaWiz said:
I'm thinking that has to be some kind of environmental reflection going on there.

What’s odd is we can see it’s darker in both videos where she has both diamonds on her finger together. We don’t notice it in the videos where it’s just one diamond by itself. Not sure if it’s because we don’t have the other stone right next to it to compare to or if it’s environmental like u said. She said it’s just depth of field of the camera - things closer will be in focus, the further out its blurred / not as contrasted.

DejaWiz · Dec 29, 2022

sheezacowgurl said:
What’s odd is we can see it’s darker in both videos where she has both diamonds on her finger together. We don’t notice it in the videos where it’s just one diamond by itself. Not sure if it’s because we don’t have the other stone right next to it to compare to or if it’s environmental like u said. She said it’s just depth of field of the camera - things closer will be in focus, the further out its blurred / not as contrasted.

I would lean towards agreeing with her.

sheezacowgurl · Jan 4, 2023

Hi! She sent me over these to take a look at to compare to. What do you all think of these in comparison to the other two?

diamond-P43-14EL | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

diamond-P39A-1EL | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Kim N · Jan 5, 2023

sheezacowgurl said:
Hi! She sent me over these to take a look at to compare to. What do you all think of these in comparison to the other two?

diamond-P43-14EL | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

diamond-P39A-1EL | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

The E may have some subtle blue nuance. The F is pretty nice, but I prefer the other two stones.

sheezacowgurl · Jan 11, 2023

Kim N said:
The E may have some subtle blue nuance. The F is pretty nice, but I prefer the other two stones.

Yes, I decided no on the E for the possible slight blue in the video. The 2ct came in and it looks VERY different to me color wise than the video that was online. Crazy it's the same diamond!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NoGXZ27tZKENmgeOXZv4O40oTPlWA9LA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NkDnzHHxRxaRYVmdb1d_GinsqWLRyopP/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nva1-INT1ZV0WaqA9KAiOUOCfchvBxx6/view?usp=sharing

unfortunately, they don't have all three together to view side by side, but they are still all available to purchase. I think it was helpful to at least see another option. Now to decide! I don't understand pricing how you can get a higher carat and clarity for less money? Seems too good to be true.

DejaWiz · Jan 11, 2023

sheezacowgurl said:
Yes, I decided no on the E for the possible slight blue in the video. The 2ct came in and it looks VERY different to me color wise than the video that was online. Crazy it's the same diamond!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NoGXZ27tZKENmgeOXZv4O40oTPlWA9LA/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NkDnzHHxRxaRYVmdb1d_GinsqWLRyopP/view?usp=sharing

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Nva1-INT1ZV0WaqA9KAiOUOCfchvBxx6/view?usp=sharing

unfortunately, they don't have all three together to view side by side, but they are still all available to purchase. I think it was helpful to at least see another option. Now to decide! I don't understand pricing how you can get a higher carat and clarity for less money? Seems too good to be true.

Looks darned great!

Vendor pricing plays a huge role in the seller determining their retail pricing, so take advantage of that if you want.

sheezacowgurl · Jan 11, 2023

DejaWiz said:
Looks darned great!

Vendor pricing plays a huge role in the seller determining their retail pricing, so take advantage of that if you want.

Here's another one with different lighting

20230111_104032.mp4

drive.google.com

I do think it looks good! She said it's the warmest F she has ever seen. Do you agree with that? I really wanted to stick with GCAL 8X just because of all the testing and the diamond's performance is proven, but I guess if the specs on the IGI certificate are good, this one will perform just as good as the GCAL diamonds?

DejaWiz · Jan 11, 2023

sheezacowgurl said:
Here's another one with different lighting

20230111_104032.mp4

drive.google.com

I do think it looks good! She said it's the warmest F she has ever seen. Do you agree with that? I really wanted to stick with GCAL 8X just because of all the testing and the diamond's performance is proven, but I guess if the specs on the IGI certificate are good, this one will perform just as good as the GCAL diamonds?

Definitely get ASET images...Frank Darling will certainly provide those.

Do you have the grading report numbers for the diamonds on your frontrunner list?

sheezacowgurl · Jan 11, 2023

DejaWiz said:
Definitely get ASET images...Frank Darling will certainly provide those.

Do you have the grading report numbers for the diamonds on your frontrunner list?

This one is IGI LG 550225367
The other two are GCAL LG 313471144 and LG 313160774.

DejaWiz · Jan 11, 2023

Thank you kindly

2.07 F VVS2 (HPHT) - 40.8/34.3/57.5 - 8.23mm

Loupe360

loupe360.com

1.75 F VS1 (HPHT) - 40.8/34.5/57 - 7.77mm

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.68 F VS2 (HPHT) - 40.8/34/57 - 7.72mm

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

If the price is right and the very slight increase of warmth won't bother your eyes, then I think the noticeably bigger diameter/spread of the 2.07 would be a fine choice, if the ASET scope image shakes out.

sheezacowgurl · Jan 11, 2023

DejaWiz said:
Thank you kindly

2.07 F VVS2 (HPHT) - 40.8/34.3/57.5 - 8.23mm

Loupe360

loupe360.com

1.75 F VS1 (HPHT) - 40.8/34.5/57 - 7.77mm

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.68 F VS2 (HPHT) - 40.8/34/57 - 7.72mm

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

If the price is right and the very slight increase of warmth won't bother your eyes, then I think the noticeably bigger diameter/spread of the 2.07 would be a fine choice, if the ASET scope image shakes out.

Thanks! I requested the images. That was the only thing I was questioning was it being warmer and she even said it’s the warmest F she’s ever seen, but all three are graded as a F. Maybe if this one was graded by gcal like the other two it wouldn’t be a F ‍

DejaWiz · Jan 11, 2023

sheezacowgurl said:
Thanks! I requested the images. That was the only thing I was questioning was it being warmer and she even said it’s the warmest F she’s ever seen, but all three are graded as a F. Maybe if this one was graded by gcal like the other two it wouldn’t be a F ‍

Quite possible...but grading is opinion based by differing sets of eyes. They all do their best to be as consistent as possible from one diamond to the next that passes through any given lab, but the human element is still a factor. Automated color grading will continue to expand and spread across all of the major labs, eventually. Hopefully.

How does the 2.07 price compare to diamonds of G color at similar carat weight, cut quality, and clarity? If you feel that it should be a G, then see if it compares in price to G.

Kim N · Jan 11, 2023

sheezacowgurl said:
Thanks! I requested the images. That was the only thing I was questioning was it being warmer and she even said it’s the warmest F she’s ever seen, but all three are graded as a F. Maybe if this one was graded by gcal like the other two it wouldn’t be a F ‍

Can you share the prices of the three? For the larger size and less money, I'm inclined to go for the 2.07.

sheezacowgurl · Jan 12, 2023

DejaWiz said:
Quite possible...but grading is opinion based by differing sets of eyes. They all do their best to be as consistent as possible from one diamond to the next that passes through any given lab, but the human element is still a factor. Automated color grading will continue to expand and spread across all of the major labs, eventually. Hopefully.

How does the 2.07 price compare to diamonds of G color at similar carat weight, cut quality, and clarity? If you feel that it should be a G, then see if it compares in price to G.

That's a good idea. I know when I looked before there were hardly any HPHT in F, so that's probably the same for G, but doesn't hurt to look again. I just hope this warmer looking F won't look too yellow in a platinum setting. She said it definitely doesn't show any blue to it like I was concerned about with the D I had, so that's good!

sheezacowgurl · Jan 12, 2023

Kim N said:
Can you share the prices of the three? For the larger size and less money, I'm inclined to go for the 2.07.

1.68 $2336
1.75 $2714, but they will honor the $2585 price they had originally
2.07 $2641
So even though the 1.75 is priced higher, with the honored price it's only $56 less than the 2.07 that is bigger and a higher clarity. This is why I was saying is it too good to be true/maybe the 2.07 came from a lower quality rough material or something?

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