LGD_Newbie
Rough_Rock
- Joined
- Jun 17, 2014
- Messages
- 5
Hi Everyone,
I’m looking to buy a round LGD with a max price of ~ $5,500USD. I have scoured most of the posts on this forum and have developed a very basic depth of knowledge. From this, I have come to a number of conclusions. I would appreciate your very knowledgeable input on these conclusions and diamond suggestions. My question essentially comes down to the following: Should I limit my search to an HPHT GCAL 8X diamond or instead work with vendor to find a great diamond regardless of whether it is HPHT or CVD?
My potentially incorrect opinions:
CVD vs HPHT
Although there are advantages and disadvantages to both CVD and HPHT, without seeing the diamond in person, HPHT tends to have fewer issues. CVD can suffer from a brown hue and strain. I have seen some videos that suggests that such strain may indeed affect light performance even from a reasonable distance. HPHT can suffer from a blue nuance but this can likely be perceived when viewing online. (Commentary from diamondscreener: Link)
GCAL 8X
GCAL 8X reports seem to be a much more stringent standard than anything else on the market. Although GCAL is a small lab, there is value in seeking out GCAL 8X reports. GIA and AGS are considered reputable labs that make up much of the market. IGI tends to be more lenient in its grading, in particular with regard to colour. This is especially true of the non-US graded diamonds (no US flag on the report).
Questions
From this, is it reasonable to conclude that a GCAL 8X HPHT diamond with a low HCA score will just about always be a great diamond? Has anyone been able to find a search engine that specifies HPHT and GCAL 8X?
Alternatively, as HPHT diamonds tend to be more expensive, is it instead reasonable to work with one of the dealers to find great CVD diamond? This opens up the market significantly, but obviously introduces an additional cost/mark-up.
Is there any way to filter for North American grown diamonds? It’d be nice to have at least some measure of comfort that good labour practices are maintained. My understanding is that even if a diamond is grown in NA, it will likely be finished overseas so this might be a moot point.
Though likely irrelevant, I’m located in Canada.
Diamonds
In searching for GCAL HPHT diamonds, the main vendor/search engine seems to be Adiamor. What is your perspective on either of the two following diamonds? Any suggestions?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2.08-ct-E-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49723851?rfr=pricescope - GCAL - 313471309
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2.27-ct-F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49725762?rfr=pricescope - GCAL - 313471370
Thank you!
I’m looking to buy a round LGD with a max price of ~ $5,500USD. I have scoured most of the posts on this forum and have developed a very basic depth of knowledge. From this, I have come to a number of conclusions. I would appreciate your very knowledgeable input on these conclusions and diamond suggestions. My question essentially comes down to the following: Should I limit my search to an HPHT GCAL 8X diamond or instead work with vendor to find a great diamond regardless of whether it is HPHT or CVD?
My potentially incorrect opinions:
CVD vs HPHT
Although there are advantages and disadvantages to both CVD and HPHT, without seeing the diamond in person, HPHT tends to have fewer issues. CVD can suffer from a brown hue and strain. I have seen some videos that suggests that such strain may indeed affect light performance even from a reasonable distance. HPHT can suffer from a blue nuance but this can likely be perceived when viewing online. (Commentary from diamondscreener: Link)
GCAL 8X
GCAL 8X reports seem to be a much more stringent standard than anything else on the market. Although GCAL is a small lab, there is value in seeking out GCAL 8X reports. GIA and AGS are considered reputable labs that make up much of the market. IGI tends to be more lenient in its grading, in particular with regard to colour. This is especially true of the non-US graded diamonds (no US flag on the report).
Questions
From this, is it reasonable to conclude that a GCAL 8X HPHT diamond with a low HCA score will just about always be a great diamond? Has anyone been able to find a search engine that specifies HPHT and GCAL 8X?
Alternatively, as HPHT diamonds tend to be more expensive, is it instead reasonable to work with one of the dealers to find great CVD diamond? This opens up the market significantly, but obviously introduces an additional cost/mark-up.
Is there any way to filter for North American grown diamonds? It’d be nice to have at least some measure of comfort that good labour practices are maintained. My understanding is that even if a diamond is grown in NA, it will likely be finished overseas so this might be a moot point.
Though likely irrelevant, I’m located in Canada.
Diamonds
In searching for GCAL HPHT diamonds, the main vendor/search engine seems to be Adiamor. What is your perspective on either of the two following diamonds? Any suggestions?
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2.08-ct-E-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49723851?rfr=pricescope - GCAL - 313471309
https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/2.27-ct-F-VS2-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D49725762?rfr=pricescope - GCAL - 313471370
Thank you!