Feedback on Lab Diamond for Engagement Ring

[TheodoreAbbott]

Hello,

This forum has been such a great information source! Thanks to the contributors!

I am based in the UK and looking at a ~2ct lab diamond for an engagement ring. My girlfriend is petite with very pale skin (if that matters for diamond colour). UK ring size H (46.8mm)

It will be going in a platinum setting on 18ct gold band. Low set for comfortable daily wear, 6 prong, tapered cathedral tulip basket design. Ring Design:


Current Stone options:

#1

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG532237391







#2

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG539235783







I would like to buy through Compare the Diamond as they are doing the custom setting for me, though they are a comparison site with stones from many sellers so I can probably get most stones through them: https://www.comparethediamond.com/diamonds

Any feedback or better options would be appreciated!

 

[Kim N]

The first stone has beautiful proportions, but I would hesitate to get a CVD H stone as they can have a brown tint. I would not recommend the second stone.

Can you see if CompareDiamonds can provide actual videos or photos of these stones? I only see generic videos on their site.

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Hi Kim,

Thanks for your thoughts.

The videos on comparethediamond are the real stone, for example see the inclusions on this diamond:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Currently I am leaning towards #1 as I am struggling to find a diamond with better colour which is not a worse cut (lots of "ideal" but not as good when you look at the actual angles). Do you think the H will be noticeable on a stone of that size platinum claws with gold band? I have always heard that G-I colour is the sweet spot for value but that might only be for smaller stones.

 

[Kim N]

Hi Kim,

Thanks for your thoughts.

The videos on comparethediamond are the real stone, for example see the inclusions on this diamond:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Currently I am leaning towards #1 as I am struggling to find a diamond with better colour which is not a worse cut (lots of "ideal" but not as good when you look at the actual angles). Do you think the H will be noticeable on a stone of that size platinum claws with gold band? I have always heard that G-I colour is the sweet spot for value but that might only be for smaller stones.

The J video you posted is the real stone, but the two links I posted have generic videos. They can't be the real stone, both because of the proportions and because they have the exact same video posted.

I do think an IGI CVD H will be noticeable in that size. I wouldn't hesitate to get a GIA natural H and agree that G-H is a sweet spot in GIA natural stones.

Are the stones I posted a possibility for you? They have ideal proportions with better color than #1.

 

[EClove]

@Kim N is an expert on cut so I won’t even chime in there.

I personally think you may be okay with an H IGI stone! Mine is an H CVD graded by IGI, and I had compared it to an I CVD graded by GIA and the H was noticeably whiter to me. I’m color sensitive but I also prefer near colorless to colorless diamonds. CVD diamonds can also have a brown tint to them so you’ll want to see a video of the actual stone to try and discern.

Is it possible to have them bring in the stone to compare it with other G, H, I stones? I could be a “high H” or a “low H”.

All that said it would be safer to go to a higher color. If you share your criteria and budget I imagine folks here can provide you with some great options!

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

@Kim N , So sorry! I didn’t notice your links were new diamonds!

The setting is £832 with diamond #1 costing £1858

Your first (£2894) and second (£2924) suggestion look wonderful, is it worth me running them through the HCA tool? I’d be happy to pay up to £3000 for the stone if there is going to be a noticeable quality improvement. That said, neither I nor my girlfriend are jewellery / diamond aficionados so what is very noticeable you is probably invisible to us!
Your first link has the actual video of the stone linked below the rotating image "Click for Actual Video"; there seems to be some strange surface speckles at the bottom of the image.

@EClove , I will request a video of the second stone for the reasons you and Kim have highlighted

Thank you both for your input!

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Here are some more stones which also seem to be AGS Ideal according to Cut Estimator and have actual video linked on the comparethediamond page (along with the first you linked @Kim N ). Ordered from best to worst on cut advisor (in my uneducated understanding!)

First 3 best ones are in the middle of AGS Ideal:
1.1

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

1.2

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

1.3

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report | Verify Your Diamond Online | IGI

IGI's Verify Your Report service permits quick and convenient confirmation that your report matches what is recorded in the IGI database.

www.igi.org

At the edge of AGS Ideal:
1.4

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

1.5

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report | Verify Your Diamond Online | IGI

IGI's Verify Your Report service permits quick and convenient confirmation that your report matches what is recorded in the IGI database.

www.igi.org

1.6

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report | Verify Your Diamond Online | IGI

IGI's Verify Your Report service permits quick and convenient confirmation that your report matches what is recorded in the IGI database.

www.igi.org

And 1.0, the very first H stone I linked with actual video:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

 

[Kim N]

The H looks quite nice in the video. Definitely worth a look in person if they can bring it in for you.

My favorite is the 2.16 G. The other ones I like are the 2.13 G, 2.14 G, and 2.11 G.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks very much Kim! I don't think I'll get to see them in person so I'll go for the 2.16 G if you think that's the best option? Is there anything else I should check /consider before pulling the trigger?

 

[Kim N]

Thanks very much Kim! I don't think I'll get to see them in person so I'll go for the 2.16 G if you think that's the best option? Is there anything else I should check /consider before pulling the trigger?

Yes, the 2.16 G looks great in the video. If the vendor has an ASET scope, I'd ask for an ASET image once they get the diamond in just to make sure the light return is excellent.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks Kim!

I have plugged the 2.16 G VS1 into the HCA and got the below:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Comparing to the original 2.18 H VS2 HCA:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

I have some updated renders from the jeweller for the setting, now including the wedding band, I'm wondering if the worse colour is going to be overridden by the two fairly thick 18ct yellow gold bands?



To summarise: the 2.16 G VS1 is £590 more than the 2.18 H VS2 to move up a colour and clarity grade at the expense of a slight drop in fire and scintillation according to HCA. As you suggested I have requested ASET scope images for both.

Thanks again for all your help and input! I'll post ASET images when I have them,
Theo

 

[Kim N]

Thanks Kim!

I have plugged the 2.16 G VS1 into the HCA and got the below:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Comparing to the original 2.18 H VS2 HCA:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

I have some updated renders from the jeweller for the setting, now including the wedding band, I'm wondering if the worse colour is going to be overridden by the two fairly thick 18ct yellow gold bands?



To summarise: the 2.16 G VS1 is £590 more than the 2.18 H VS2 to move up a colour and clarity grade at the expense of a slight drop in fire and scintillation according to HCA. As you suggested I have requested ASET scope images for both.

Thanks again for all your help and input! I'll post ASET images when I have them,
Theo

The HCA is a rejection tool, not a selection tool, so as long as it scores under 2 (or sometimes 2.5), it's worth further evaluation. The 40.9 pavilion is what's causing the dings to the HCA results on the 2.16 G, but I didn't see anything detrimental in the video. Do they have a good return policy? Can you get the H and keep it if it meets your expectations and return it if not?

I love the setting you've chosen, by the way!

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks @Kim N! Yes they have a great return's policy. I'll let you know when I have the scope images

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Image isn't great, is this any use?

 

[Kim N]

Image isn't great, is this any use?

Karl_K, would you mind weighing in?

 

[Karl_K]

Karl_K, would you mind weighing in?

Its not representative of the stones potential.
Sometimes I can pull enough from images that are not perfect to make a call but not this time.
Sorry.

Edit: the table of the diamond needs to be more parallel with the scope and the camera needs to be parallel with the scope to get better images.

edit 2: in the image the diamond is at about a 5 degree tilt one way and 2-3 another and the camera is at least 10 degrees off parallel with the scope.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks guys! Appreciate the input.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

So sorry to keep reviving this thread! I have been away on vacation and by the time I got back both front runner diamonds had sold!

I’m back to the 2.13 you liked previously:

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-74827206999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG538275715





This new stone:

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-h-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76886339999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG542295426



What do you think? Personally I think the 2.13 still looks best, but I'm not sure the difference is worth the increased cost and reduced weight?

I have these two 2.18s in backup:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

Thanks again,
Theo

 

[DejaWiz]

So sorry to keep reviving this thread! I have been away on vacation and by the time I got back both front runner diamonds had sold!

I’m back to the 2.13 you liked previously:

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-74827206999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG538275715





This new stone:

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-h-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76886339999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG542295426



What do you think? Personally I think the 2.13 still looks best, but I'm not sure the difference is worth the increased cost and reduced weight?

Thanks again,
Theo

2.13 has much better optics than the 2.31

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks @DejaWiz !

And last one to throw into the mix:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

The 2.13, and both 2.18s seem to also have great HCA scores as well:






I'm planning on buying this evening before these stones sell; a bit upset to have missed out on the beautiful 2.16 and the first H stone which both look like bargains compared to what else is available now! Any final thoughts @Kim N ?

Thanks again for the advice!

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks @DejaWiz !

And last one to throw into the mix:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

The 2.13, and both 2.18s seem to also have great HCA scores as well:






I'm planning on buying this evening before these stones sell; a bit upset to have missed out on the beautiful 2.16 and the first H stone which both look like bargains compared to what else is available now! Any final thoughts @Kim N ?

Thanks again for the advice!

2.13 still, by a long shot.

 

[Kim N]

Thanks @DejaWiz !

And last one to throw into the mix:

ComparetheDiamond.com

A Lab-Grown Diamond is a real diamond, with the same chemical, physical and visual properties as mined diamonds, but with a green foot-print...

www.comparethediamond.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.

www.igi.org

The 2.13, and both 2.18s seem to also have great HCA scores as well:






I'm planning on buying this evening before these stones sell; a bit upset to have missed out on the beautiful 2.16 and the first H stone which both look like bargains compared to what else is available now! Any final thoughts @Kim N ?

Thanks again for the advice!

The 2.13 is still my favorite. I also like the 2.18 G LG528207531, though I wonder if I'm seeing a reflecting water spot on it.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks @DejaWiz !

Yes, I think they are water spots @Kim N , if I rotate the image then two are on the surface of the stone, and they aren't marked on the clarity chart on the certificate:


It seems careless that a seller wouldn't bother to wipe it down before taking the photo? If they really are water spots, does this put it ahead of the 2.13 for you?

 

[Kim N]

Thanks @DejaWiz !

Yes, I think they are water spots @Kim N , if I rotate the image then two are on the surface of the stone, and they aren't marked on the clarity chart on the certificate:


It seems careless that a seller wouldn't bother to wipe it down before taking the photo? If they really are water spots, does this put it ahead of the 2.13 for you?

The 2.13 has fewer striation lines in the video, so it's still ahead for me. Maybe you can get both of them into the store and pick the one that speaks more to you in person.

I agree it seems careless they didn't clean the 2.18 properly beforehand.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks Guys, 2.13 it is, I'll order tomorrow. Really appreciate all your advice!

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

@Kim N , @DejaWiz , Hello again!

Every time we settle on a stone it sells by the time I can call the dealer the next day! I now have an online link so I'll buy immediatly this time to (hopefully) avoid people swooping in before me…

I have also found that my dealer can get most stones from Ritani, so if you have any stunning stones on there I might be able to get them. I’ve been using the filters to down select those which match the PriceScope Member Recommended proportions:

https://www.ritani.com/collections/...1.01&certificate_lab=GIA%7CIGI&sort=price%7C1

So, back to the hunt, all of the below conform to PriceScope Member Recommended, AGS ideal according to diamondscreener.com/cut-estimator/ and have a HCA below 1.5 (I know below 2 is fine, they just all happened to be below 1.5).

In no particular order (I don’t know what I should be looking for in the pictures lol)



2.13 (big inclusion, but great arrow contrast) £2310

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76818635999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG532272858



2.05 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2224

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76712804999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG532237581




2.02 (small inclusions, great arrow contrast) Looks best to my untrained eye! £2186

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76730171999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG512243370




2.16 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2650

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-71545248999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG497181729




2.20 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2658

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-73857770999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG541285903




2.19 (cut looks a little weird in image?) £2444

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-76630235999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG542210058



2.18 (better backup from last time) £2,400

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-74622654999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG528207531



I’m already pushing what I think will be a comfortable wear, so the only reason to go for the higher carat (and priced) stones is if they will look better, the extra weight isn’t really a factor.

Thanks again for all your help, hopefully this will be the last round…

Best,

Theo

 

[Kim N]

@Kim N , @DejaWiz , Hello again!

Every time we settle on a stone it sells by the time I can call the dealer the next day! I now have an online link so I'll buy immediatly this time to (hopefully) avoid people swooping in before me…

I have also found that my dealer can get most stones from Ritani, so if you have any stunning stones on there I might be able to get them. I’ve been using the filters to down select those which match the PriceScope Member Recommended proportions:

https://www.ritani.com/collections/round-cut-lab-grown-diamonds?q=carat%3E=2&carat%3C=3&color=G%7CF%7CE%7CD&clarity=IF%7CVVS1%7CVVS2%7CVS1%7CVS2&cut=ID&polish=EX&depth_percent%3E=60&depth_percent%3C=62.5&symmetry=EX&culet=N%7CVS&table_percent%3E=55&table_percent%3C=58&fluorescence=N%7CF&length_width_ratio%3C=1.01&certificate_lab=GIA%7CIGI&sort=price%7C1

So, back to the hunt, all of the below conform to PriceScope Member Recommended, AGS ideal according to diamondscreener.com/cut-estimator/ and have a HCA below 1.5 (I know below 2 is fine, they just all happened to be below 1.5).

In no particular order (I don’t know what I should be looking for in the pictures lol)



2.13 (big inclusion, but great arrow contrast) £2310

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76818635999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG532272858



2.05 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2224

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76712804999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG532237581




2.02 (small inclusions, great arrow contrast) Looks best to my untrained eye! £2186

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-76730171999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG512243370




2.16 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2650

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-71545248999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG497181729




2.20 (small inclusions but worse arrow contrast) £2658

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-73857770999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG541285903




2.19 (cut looks a little weird in image?) £2444

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs1-diamond_id-76630235999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG542210058



2.18 (better backup from last time) £2,400

https://www.comparethediamond.com/c...d-colour-g-clarity-vs2-diamond_id-74622654999

https://www.igi.org/reports/verify-your-report?r=LG528207531



I’m already pushing what I think will be a comfortable wear, so the only reason to go for the higher carat (and priced) stones is if they will look better, the extra weight isn’t really a factor.

Thanks again for all your help, hopefully this will be the last round…

Best,

Theo

I like the 2.05 and 2.02 in no particular order and also the 2.19. If you're still thinking about them, put them on hold so no one can snipe them.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Thanks @Kim N , I've put the 2.02 on order as it looked the best to me as well! Thanks again for all of your advice, I honestly don't know what I'd have done without everyone's help!

 

[Kim N]

Thanks @Kim N , I've put the 2.02 on order as it looked the best to me as well! Thanks again for all of your advice, I honestly don't know what I'd have done without everyone's help!

Fantastic! Can't wait to hear what you think about it when it arrives.

 

[TheodoreAbbott]

Hello again! The diamond had arrived with my jeweler but they've flagged this defect and asked if I'd like a different stone, what do you think?

Seems to only be visible from this view in the 3d link here:

Loupe360

loupe360.com