First time lab diamond buyer in need of tips!

[Christa H]

Hello all!

I am new to lab diamonds and only discovered them after buying a custom moissanite ring to wear while traveling. I’m not happy with it though - it is pretty but a bit too… disco ball for me. So, now I am setting out to purchase a lab diamond to have set into an existing Tiffany style solitaire setting. I *think* I’ve found a good stone but would love your input. I’ve gone with “With Clarity” as this is in my budget. It is a 1.02 carat round E VS1 ideal cut no fluorescence excellent symmetry and polish. I wonder if the inclusions shown are “ok”? This is all very new to me so I apologize if I’ve left out pertinent details! The feather is small and doesn’t seem to be of structural concern. This is IGI certification though so I understand I can expect a one shade difference in color and clarity, right? Thanks!

 

[Kim N]

The inclusion is very small and shouldn't be a problem. Can you ask them for an ASET or Ideal-Scope image to verify light return?

 

[FL_runner]

I don’t think the inclusion plot looks bad at all! Do you have diamond pictures/video?

I purchased 2 diamonds through With Clarity and was very happy. They were also able to make minor modifications to their stock settings at no cost (prong type, etc).

When I bought they had a good return policy- double check for sure. But they’re a reliable vendor and I felt that the diamonds were fairly graded.

Below: H VS1 emerald cut in one of their simple solitaire settings with claw prongs.

 

[Christa H]

The inclusion is very small and shouldn't be a problem. Can you ask them for an ASET or Ideal-Scope image to verify light return?

I do have a video magnified by a huge amount and the feather appears white (or maybe clear?). I’ll see if I can attach photos I snapped from the video. It looks fake to me zoomed in this much but does show the inclusions (marked with a black line I put onto it)

 

[FL_runner]

So the inclusion is in the area you marked but is white? I think it will be eye clean (but seeing it in person is really best, so double check the return policy!)

 

[Christa H]

I don’t think the inclusion plot looks bad at all! Do you have diamond pictures/video?

I purchased 2 diamonds through With Clarity and was very happy. They were also able to make minor modifications to their stock settings at no cost (prong type, etc).

When I bought they had a good return policy- double check for sure. But they’re a reliable vendor and I felt that the diamonds were fairly graded.

Below: H VS1 emerald cut in one of their simple solitaire settings with claw prongs.

This is really beautiful! My next buy will be a step cut I’m so glad to hear that they are reputable. I hadn’t found much online but some good reviews. Their customer service has been excellent so far.

 

[Christa H]

So the inclusion is in the area you marked but is white? I think it will be eye clean (but seeing it in person is really best, so double check the return policy!)

Yes. The black line is my addition to just reference where it is. At the 1 o’clock area there are some pinpoint inclusions but on the plot it says it’s only one. So I don’t know if I’m seeing it as a reflection or not. Those appear to be darker than the feather.

 

[AprilBaby]

I doubt very much you will see the inclusion, very nice

 

[Christa H]

I doubt very much you will see the inclusion, very nice

Thank you for your response! Is there a way to check for light performance without a lightscope image? I plugged in all of the numbers into the HCA rank and it gave me what looks like a really good rank, 1.5. Does that mean it will have good light return?

 

[DejaWiz]

Proportions and angles are great.
Got a link to the pictures/video?
If not, then you can host them on a site such as imgur.

 

[Kim N]

Thank you for your response! Is there a way to check for light performance without a lightscope image? I plugged in all of the numbers into the HCA rank and it gave me what looks like a really good rank, 1.5. Does that mean it will have good light return?

HCA is a rejection tool, not a selection tool. Light return images are still preferred for selection. I believe With Clarity will provide one if you ask.

 

[Christa H]

HCA is a rejection tool, not a selection tool. Light return images are still preferred for selection. I believe With Clarity will provide one if you ask.

Ok. I’m not sure I understand then. I asked but they do t have them according to the gemologist I’ve been chatting with.