GCAL 8x @ Frank Darling - Right track?

[NonZeroLentils]

Hi PSers! Newbie here looking for my first LGD.

For now, I've narrowed my search to the following:

• GCAL 8x round ~$2.5K, open to flexing up if there's meaningful reason to do so
• Leaning GH color though open to IJ too as I'm not particularly color sensitive and not yet set on silver vs gold setting
• Eye clean VS2 (or even SI1)
• Open to both HPHT and CVD since there seems to be limited HPHT inventory
• No strict size requirement - search seems to be netting out stones in the 1.5-1.8 range
• I'd likely source the setting through Frank Darling, so have a preference for them though am open to other vendors too

Sifting through current inventory, these two seemed like potentially good choices:

• 1.81 / H / VS2 $2284 https://frankdarling.com/diamonds/diamond-LGA435907JA/
  Cert: https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=320483484
  HCA 0.7
• 1.71 / H / VS2 / $2103 https://frankdarling.com/diamonds/diamond-LGA2448802JA/
  Cert: https://www.gcalusa.com/certificate-search.html?certificate_id=312033855
  HCA 0.9

Am I on the right track here with proportions/performance? Are the sub-1 HCAs okay?

Assuming these are legit contenders, I would request ASET / ideal scope, lighting videos and close up profile pics. Anything else to consider?

Thanks in advance for your advice and feedback!

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello and welcome to PriceScope, NonZeroLentils!

No real need for ASET since GCAL has already completed a light performance assessment.

Both of those have some moderate graining, so I would suggest these as alternatives:

diamond-LGO5937823JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

diamond-LGA263102JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[NonZeroLentils]

Much appreciate the lightning fast review and advice @DejaWiz!

If I broaden the color parameters a bit, it looks like there's more selection. Any reason to consider an HPHT for peace of mind at this color range vs the ones you had suggested? For example:

diamond-LGA1034307JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[Kim N]

Much appreciate the lightning fast review and advice @DejaWiz!

If I broaden the color parameters a bit, it looks like there's more selection. Any reason to consider an HPHT for peace of mind at this color range vs the ones you had suggested? For example:

diamond-LGA1034307JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

I would absolutely go for this one over the others. No graining or striation to worry about, and I can hardly see the inclusions that make it a VS2.

 

[Kim N]

Here are other HPHT.

diamond-LGA1203126JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

diamond-LGA430807JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

Perfect proportions on this one:

diamond-LGA1213326JA | 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

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[NonZeroLentils]

wow all of these are so much cleaner than the ones I had initially picked.
@Kim N thank you!

Would you recommend the "perfect proportioned" one (https://frankdarling.com/diamonds/diamond-LGA1213326JA/) as the "best performance" pick in the 2.5-3K range based on what I'm looking for? Wondering if there is notable price-to-value tradeoff in this range (there seems to be!) and how firm I should be about my budget

 

[Kim N]

wow all of these are so much cleaner than the ones I had initially picked.
@Kim N thank you!

Would you recommend the "perfect proportioned" one (https://frankdarling.com/diamonds/diamond-LGA1213326JA/) as the "best performance" pick in the 2.5-3K range based on what I'm looking for? Wondering if there is notable price-to-value tradeoff in this range (there seems to be!) and how firm I should be about my budget

If it were for myself, I would pick the "perfect proportioned" one, only because I'm a geek about the numbers. However, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference in performance, so it makes more sense to go for the one with the best price for the size.

 

[DejaWiz]

I searched GIA options, and found this one:

diamond-L42-70EL | 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

...I can't tell if it has slight pavilion twist or if it's just off center from the camera lens...what do you think, Kim N?

If you want to go north of 2ct (and maybe ask for ASET for added peace of mind), then there's this one:

diamond-LKP08J-7CG | 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

Loupe360

loupe360.com

...looks to have around 76 LGF and 50 Stars.

 

[NonZeroLentils]

I searched GIA options, and found this one:

diamond-L42-70EL | 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

...I can't tell if it has slight pavilion twist or if it's just off center from the camera lens...what do you think, Kim N?

This looks like a fantastic pick and for ~200 less than the comparable 1.8 HTHP GCAL 8X! Would FD be able to confirm if there's a potential pavilion issue? Is there anything specific one might want to ask them to provide to suss this out?

If you want to go north of 2ct (and maybe ask for ASET for added peace of mind), then there's this one:

diamond-LKP08J-7CG | 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

Loupe360

loupe360.com

...looks to have around 76 LGF and 50 Stars.

Very tempting! Looks amazing to me as well. I was originally scoping smaller, however for this price...
Will request an ASET (and other pics) of this one!

Overall leaning towards trading off ideal-ideal numbers for a slightly bigger and just as visually sparkly stone!

 

[DejaWiz]

This looks like a fantastic pick and for ~200 less than the comparable 1.8 HTHP GCAL 8X! Would FD be able to confirm if there's a potential pavilion issue? Is there anything specific one might want to ask them to provide to suss this out?

Just a properly aligned and backlit ASET scope image.

Very tempting! Looks amazing to me as well. I was originally scoping smaller, however for this price...
Will request an ASET (and other pics) of this one!

Overall leaning towards trading off ideal-ideal numbers for a slightly bigger and just as visually sparkly stone!

Great choice to consider slightly bigger as long as the ASET checks out.

 

[Kim N]

I searched GIA options, and found this one:

diamond-L42-70EL | 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

...I can't tell if it has slight pavilion twist or if it's just off center from the camera lens...what do you think, Kim N?

I do think it's pavilion twist, so best to get the ASET image to confirm.

 

[DejaWiz]

I do think it's pavilion twist, so best to get the ASET image to confirm.

Thank you very much, Kim N!

 

[Kim N]

I found a few more. If any appeal to you, it'd be good to ask for an ASET image.

diamond-PPS-904BI | 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-RD18-1042-AC52-36-16BI | 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-6G-23615-AC75-31-8BI | 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

This one may be iffy for the same reason as the GIA stone above, but if the ASET checks out, it's huge for the price.

diamond-6G-45823-AF4-26-3BI | 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]

One more well-priced large stone.

diamond-6G-34216-AC11-37-6BI | 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

 

[NonZeroLentils]

This one may be iffy for the same reason as the GIA stone above, but if the ASET checks out, it's huge for the price.

One more well-priced large stone.

diamond-6G-34216-AC11-37-6BI | 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

Thank you @Kim N for the additional options! Will take a close look at all of these

I'm noticing that most of these are Fs. Curious, are high performers colorless by correlation? Or this is just what happens to be in inventory at the moment? Have heard through my limited research that GH range is a-ok for most. Wondering if the demand for GHs has resulted in relatively more supply for Fs?

 

[Jax172]

G’s are beautiful. My 2.34 G 8x today

 

[NonZeroLentils]

G’s are beautiful. My 2.34 G 8x today

Gorgeous!! I had initially passed on bezel but after seeing them in person and on hand I'm

 

[Jax172]

Gorgeous!! I had initially passed on bezel but after seeing them in person and on hand I'm

Frank Darling does the best bezel settings I’ve seen.

 

[DejaWiz]

Curious, are high performers colorless by correlation? Or this is just what happens to be in inventory at the moment?

No correlation, other than color is purely subject from person to person.

Have heard through my limited research that GH range is a-ok for most. Wondering if the demand for GHs has resulted in relatively more supply for Fs?

There can be a substantial price savings by moving down in color, but right now we are seeing colorless range priced in the same ballpark as near colorless, so it comes down to personal preference.

 

[AprilBaby]

If there’s something you want, you should put it on hold before someone grabs it up before you

 

[NonZeroLentils]

If there’s something you want, you should put it on hold before someone grabs it up before you

Thanks for the reminder about this! Checked with FD and they confirmed that they typically take the stone down when it's being brought in for a check.

 

[NonZeroLentils]

There can be a substantial price savings by moving down in color, but right now we are seeing colorless range priced in the same ballpark as near colorless, so it comes down to personal preference.

This is great news!

Fortunately the FD prices seem to be holding stable for the time being; I did set up some price alerts. Hoping that they won't be making any outrageous price adjustments like some of the other vendors...

 

[NonZeroLentils]

Frank Darling does the best bezel settings I’ve seen.

@Jax172 the milgrain bezel you have is the same one that spoke to me when I was in store the other day. Blown away by how stunning I found it to be on hand. I was hoping to have a flush stack though, so am waffling...

 

[NonZeroLentils]

TIA for your continued invaluable input. I've narrowed the options down to a couple of comparisons.

1. $2355 / 1.79 / F / VS1 / HTHP (assuming ASET checks out) OR
2. $2473 / 2.19 / F / VS2 / CVD (assuming ASET checks out)

Is the HTHP premium worth the peace of mind? Or would you nudge to pick the 2+ between these

1. $2701 / 2.42 / F / VS2 / CVD OR
2. $2771 / 2.15 / F / VS1 / CVD

Between these, assuming ASETs are substantially similar and inclusions are both eye clean...just go bigger?

On size: I've only tried on a ~8mm, not thinking that I'd be interested in going much larger until these beauties were identified by DejaWiz and Kim N. For those with an opinion on this, does the 2 to 2.2 to 2.4 jump "feel" substantially different? I've experienced shrinkage at 1.5 and wouldn't be surprised if I felt it at 2 too. US 5.75 for reference

 

[Kim N]

TIA for your continued invaluable input. I've narrowed the options down to a couple of comparisons.

1. $2355 / 1.79 / F / VS1 / HTHP (assuming ASET checks out) OR
2. $2473 / 2.19 / F / VS2 / CVD (assuming ASET checks out)

Is the HTHP premium worth the peace of mind? Or would you nudge to pick the 2+ between these

1. $2701 / 2.42 / F / VS2 / CVD OR
2. $2771 / 2.15 / F / VS1 / CVD

Between these, assuming ASETs are substantially similar and inclusions are both eye clean...just go bigger?

On size: I've only tried on a ~8mm, not thinking that I'd be interested in going much larger until these beauties were identified by DejaWiz and Kim N. For those with an opinion on this, does the 2 to 2.2 to 2.4 jump "feel" substantially different? I've experienced shrinkage at 1.5 and wouldn't be surprised if I felt it at 2 too. US 5.75 for reference

I really like the value for the money with the 2.19 and 2.42. The HPHT premium is probably not worth it since it's quite high, and you'd get much less size for the price.

You'll see less of a difference between a 2ct and the 2.19 than you would between the 2.19 and the 2.42. I think the jump from 2ct to 2.19 will feel very substantial, being 0.35-0.40mm difference.

 

[DejaWiz]

My list would be narrowed down as follows (no particular order):

diamond-LGA1034307JA | 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-LKP08J-7CG | 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-LGA1203126JA | 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

 

[Jax172]

My 2.34 does seem quite a bit bigger than my 2.0 8mm Lightbox stone. Especially with the bezel.

My 2.34 is also a CVD diamond. I have both HPHT and CVD diamonds and they are all gorgeous. If you weed out the potential issues from both types than it’s just a beautiful diamond and it doesn’t matter how it was created in my opinion.

As for the flush set I actually like the gap look with the very thin bands.

 

[DiamondsOnly]

Thanks for the reminder about this! Checked with FD and they confirmed that they typically take the stone down when it's being brought in for a check.

Yes this is correct. If you ask for a stone to be brought in, they will take the stone down from their website. My stone and setting is from FD and had a great experience from start to finish.

 

[NonZeroLentils]

You'll see less of a difference between a 2ct and the 2.19 than you would between the 2.19 and the 2.42. I think the jump from 2ct to 2.19 will feel very substantial, being 0.35-0.40mm difference.

Good to know! While I wait for these ASETs to come in...will look around to see if any of the local jewelers have some 2-2.4 preset so I can get a sense of size on hand next to each other. Stopped by a large jewelry chain earlier and the largest they had was 2 preset, which was surprising to me.

My 2.34 does seem quite a bit bigger than my 2.0 8mm Lightbox stone. Especially with the bezel.

My 2.34 is also a CVD diamond. I have both HPHT and CVD diamonds and they are all gorgeous. If you weed out the potential issues from both types than it’s just a beautiful diamond and it doesn’t matter how it was created in my opinion.

As for the flush set I actually like the gap look with the very thin bands.

Thanks for this perspective, yes, totally agree, I will be stoked with a beautiful stone regardless of how it's made!

As for the bezel, I think if I go that route I'd opt for a sub-2, since that setting does so grandly accentuate everything

My list would be narrowed down as follows (no particular order):

diamond-LGA1034307JA | 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-LKP08J-7CG | 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-LGA1203126JA | 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

Noted! Keeping these HPHTs on the "in consideration" list

 

[Kim N]

Good to know! While I wait for these ASETs to come in...will look around to see if any of the local jewelers have some 2-2.4 preset so I can get a sense of size on hand next to each other. Stopped by a large jewelry chain earlier and the largest they had was 2 preset, which was surprising to me.

I made a typo above. I meant you would see *more* of a difference between the 2 and 2.19ct because a 2ct is around 8.05-8.15mm and the 2.19 is ~8.46mm.

That's a great idea to check out the sizes in person. Let us know what you find out.