Is it worth going up from a 0.69ct LGD (supposedly rare size) to a 0.75 or so?

[gingerolive]

Hey! I’ve been shopping for a 0.5-1ct LGD to put on my ering and have been offered one at 0.695ct, which I’ve heard is a rare fringe size and good bang for your buck being close to 0.7 and all that. I was thinking of going up 5 points or so to a 0.75ct but also wondering if a 5pt increase would make a noticeable difference to how it looks?

In your experience, have you seen a major jump at flat carat sizes (eg. 0.69 to 0.70), specifically for lab diamonds? I feel like I’ve gotten a great deal here and am not sure if it would be worth paying much more for a small increase in perceived size (if at all)!

Unfortunately I don’t have the prices to share as I would need to check with my jeweller what sizes are actually available in the 0.7-0.8 range. Would like to hear what you guys think!

 

[Mooshi]

I wouldn't expect any price difference between those two in LGD really. Have you checked ritani.com to compare prices to the one's he's told you? The "rare" sounds like a sales tactic honestly. You generally see price differences after you hit the 1/2/3ct mark, and find savings if you buy a 1.85-1.95 versus a 2ct for example.

 

[Kim N]

I wouldn't expect any price difference between those two in LGD really. Have you checked ritani.com to compare prices to the one's he's told you? The "rare" sounds like a sales tactic honestly. You generally see price differences after you hit the 1/2/3ct mark, and find savings if you buy a 1.85-1.95 versus a 2ct for example.

I agree. With natural diamonds, you can also see price jumps at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, etc., but I wouldn't expect a price difference between 0.69 and 0.70.

 

[tyty333]

With size 7 finger I would go up as much as possible. Its really hard for us to give an opinion without knowing price difference.
Since this is lab grown, I wouldn't think the price difference wouldnt be a lot. The .695 price vs a .7 stone price doesnt apply like
it does with a mined diamond IMO and those are at the bigger jumps like @Kim N said.

 

[gingerolive]

I wouldn't expect any price difference between those two in LGD really. Have you checked ritani.com to compare prices to the one's he's told you? The "rare" sounds like a sales tactic honestly. You generally see price differences after you hit the 1/2/3ct mark, and find savings if you buy a 1.85-1.95 versus a 2ct for example.

I agree. With natural diamonds, you can also see price jumps at 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, etc., but I wouldn't expect a price difference between 0.69 and 0.70.

With size 7 finger I would go up as much as possible. Its really hard for us to give an opinion without knowing price difference.
Since this is lab grown, I wouldn't think the price difference wouldnt be a lot. The .695 price vs a .7 stone price doesnt apply like
it does with a mined diamond IMO and those are at the bigger jumps like @Kim N said.

Hey everyone, well now I feel a little silly but thanks a lot for debunking that! I’ve read the opposite echoed by many on another forum (not a jewellery-focused one) so I’m really glad I checked here

I’ll still have to check with my jeweller on the options I have since they don’t hold much inventory, but it’s a relief that I don’t have a price jump to worry about.

 

[Inked]

I would definitely be careful of a brick and mortar store for a lab diamond thats telling you they have low inventory, meaning you get what (s)he has, not necessarily the best one for you.

You can get a .7 carat for under $400 on Ritani. If you dont have to use the jeweler, who may not have your best interests at heart, then post your budget and the amazing people here will help you.

They will just give you the best lab diamond for your dollar with nothing in it for them, so they're not trying to steer you to what is better for them, they only look for the best for your money. There's nothing in it for them, so you know it's just the best diamond for the lowest price. Good luck!

 

[Mooshi]

@Inked is right. Brick and mortor stores have to pay their overhead somehow, so their inventory is almost always going to be more than what you can buy online. Please do some digging and look at going prices BEFORE going back to talk to your jeweller. Even if for some reason you must use them, maybe a trade in program, at least you'll be armed with the knowledge of what the usual price of LGD's are in the size/shape you're wanting.

 

[gingerolive]

@Inked is right. Brick and mortor stores have to pay their overhead somehow, so their inventory is almost always going to be more than what you can buy online. Please do some digging and look at going prices BEFORE going back to talk to your jeweller. Even if for some reason you must use them, maybe a trade in program, at least you'll be armed with the knowledge of what the usual price of LGD's are in the size/shape you're wanting.

I would definitely be careful of a brick and mortar store for a lab diamond thats telling you they have low inventory, meaning you get what (s)he has, not necessarily the best one for you.

You can get a .7 carat for under $400 on Ritani. If you dont have to use the jeweler, who may not have your best interests at heart, then post your budget and the amazing people here will help you.

They will just give you the best lab diamond for your dollar with nothing in it for them, so they're not trying to steer you to what is better for them, they only look for the best for your money. There's nothing in it for them, so you know it's just the best diamond for the lowest price. Good luck!

Hey, thanks for the advice! My jeweller is a well reviewed and trusted vendor I’ve seen recommended on here and by friends, so while they aren’t the absolute cheapest option, I think it’s great value for the quality of service and product that you get (JannPaul if anyone is familiar with them?!). The associate / specialist helping me with has been a dream to work with and has spent hours explaining diamonds to me my SO, and even encouraged us to go for LGDs. I was told that I could request for a custom cut with a wait time of 3-4 months, but I’d really prefer something in stock and have my ring sooner.

I’ve also visited a couple of other B&M stores that offer lab growns but none have impressed me unfortunately. That said, I will check out Ritani to get a better feel of how prices may change with diamond specs so thanks for suggesting that!

 

[Kim N]

Hey, thanks for the advice! My jeweller is a well reviewed and trusted vendor I’ve seen recommended on here and by friends, so while they aren’t the absolute cheapest option, I think it’s great value for the quality of service and product that you get (JannPaul if anyone is familiar with them?!). The associate / specialist helping me with has been a dream to work with and has spent hours explaining diamonds to me my SO, and even encouraged us to go for LGDs. I was told that I could request for a custom cut with a wait time of 3-4 months, but I’d really prefer something in stock and have my ring sooner.

I’ve also visited a couple of other B&M stores that offer lab growns but none have impressed me unfortunately. That said, I will check out Ritani to get a better feel of how prices may change with diamond specs so thanks for suggesting that!

You are so lucky to be working with JannPaul. Their diamonds are second to none, and it's my dream to own one someday. Ritani's diamonds won't come close in quality. I've heard great things about JannPaul's customer service as well. You're in good hands with them!

 

[gingerolive]

You are so lucky to be working with JannPaul. Their diamonds are second to none, and it's my dream to own one someday. Ritani's diamonds won't come close in quality. I've heard great things about JannPaul's customer service as well. You're in good hands with them!

Awesome, thanks for the reassurance! I can confirm that the place was packed when I visited on a weekend and they get so much business locally via word of mouth. They were the first store we went to and now I feel like I can’t shop anywhere else, I’ve been spoilt for life

 

[Inked]

Hey, thanks for the advice! My jeweller is a well reviewed and trusted vendor I’ve seen recommended on here and by friends, so while they aren’t the absolute cheapest option, I think it’s great value for the quality of service and product that you get (JannPaul if anyone is familiar with them?!). The associate / specialist helping me with has been a dream to work with and has spent hours explaining diamonds to me my SO, and even encouraged us to go for LGDs. I was told that I could request for a custom cut with a wait time of 3-4 months, but I’d really prefer something in stock and have my ring sooner.

I’ve also visited a couple of other B&M stores that offer lab growns but none have impressed me unfortunately. That said, I will check out Ritani to get a better feel of how prices may change with diamond specs so thanks for suggesting that!

Oh wow!! JannPaul is a different story! I was thinking some small local jeweler that was trying to talk you into something! Im sure you will get a STUNNING diamond!

 

[gingerolive]

Oh wow!! JannPaul is a different story! I was thinking some small local jeweler that was trying to talk you into something! Im sure you will get a STUNNING diamond!

Well they used to be a rather local establishment and I’ve never heard of them until I started looking at engagement rings, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are recognised by the pros here!

 

[DejaWiz]

Well they used to be a rather local establishment and I’ve never heard of them until I started looking at engagement rings, so I was pleasantly surprised to see that they are recognised by the pros here!

Fantastic choice of jeweler!
Do you mind sharing about the shape/cut of JP diamond you are shopping for?

 

[gingerolive]

Fantastic choice of jeweler!
Do you mind sharing about the shape/cut of JP diamond you are shopping for?

Hey, I’m going with their white series decagon it honestly looks like a round diamond from normal viewing distance but I thought there seemed to be some chunkiness or irregular lines on the edge which adds visual interest. Could be just in my head though!

 

[DejaWiz]

Hey, I’m going with their white series decagon it honestly looks like a round diamond from normal viewing distance but I thought there seemed to be some chunkiness or irregular lines on the edge which adds visual interest. Could be just in my head though!

I was hoping you'd reply with the word "Decagon"!

 

[lovedogs]

omg you are working with JannPaul?! SO JEALOUS! They are amazing and trustworthy (definitely not your average brick and mortar retailer)

 

[0515vision]

@gingerolive I've been communicating with JP, and now I understand your question.

JP prices their diamonds by flat carat weight. For example you pay for a 0.6+ct stone, and you might get a .64 or .69, but you can't control it. Other vendors charge more for each hundredth of a carat.

I asked about studs, and they quoted $1950 wire for 0.3+ and $2300 wire for 0.4+. I do not have the option asking for 0.44ct stones. They match what they match, and I get what I get.

In your case, JP was telling you that you'll pay the .6+ price and get 0.69 ... and for them, that's really rare to be so close to the next carat cutoff. This way they ensure that each stone is cut to ideal proportions and not cut to conserve even 0.01ct more just to charge more.

Wondered what you decided to do. I am loving their customer service from all the way over here in LA.

 

[momofive]

You can't go wrong with JP. I am in the middle of working on a ring with them as well. I am hoping for a pair of decagon earrings in the future. They do look round from far away, but I love the edginess of the decagon sides. Congratulations!