Lab engagement ring advice

[mattt]

Hi all,

I'm looking to propose to my gf soon and need some advice on a lab ring from tianyu. I'm just looking for something simple so going with a US size 7 14k yellow gold ring with 1.28C lab diamond for around $1800. Could you kindly advise me if everything looks fine? Thanks

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[mayaINaU]

Welcome! I got excellent advice here and love my lab diamond, so you are in the right place. People who are more experienced than I am will be along shortly to give you even more advice!

I would suggest that you look at the recommended proportions for optimal light return posted here: https://www.pricescope.com/education/diamond-cut/diamond-proportions. It looks like yours are not quite matching up to ideal proportions. I would personally look for the "all-around/near Tolkowsky proportions" for an engagement ring. For example, I wanted mine to match the Whiteflash ACA specifications: https://www.whiteflash.com/a-cut-above-diamonds/specifications-and-qualifications/. You could ask Tianyu to find you a stone matching these requirements, and then ask them to send pictures and videos of the actual stone before you approve it. These proportions will get you the optimal fire/brilliance/scintillation that you want. The angles have to work together pretty precisely to produce ideal fire and sparkle, so it's a pretty narrow range that PriceScope recommends. I would also suggest you run any suggested stone through the HCA tool (a rejection tool--will only help you cross some off your list. Stones to keep on the list would score between 1-2). Here are the results for your stone. https://www.pricescope.com/tools/hca:

 

[Kim N]

This diamond is something of a steep/deep and will leak light.

In mayaINaU's first link above, scroll down to Member Recommended Proportions, and try to stay within those proportions.

For the HCA, any stone scoring under 2 or even under 2.5 is worth further evaluation with an Ideal-Scope or ASET image.

 

[mattt]

Thank you I found two stones that scored 1.7 and 1.9 respectively. I'm awaiting some videos but one scores excellent for fire while the other is excellent for light return. Hopefully seeing the video will help me decide but I might go with the excellent light return.

 

[Kim N]

Thank you I found two stones that scored 1.7 and 1.9 respectively. I'm awaiting some videos but one scores excellent for fire while the other is excellent for light return. Hopefully seeing the video will help me decide but I might go with the excellent light return.

Typically we like to see stones get Excellent for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation. Most stones will get Very Good for Spread.

 

[mattt]

Typically we like to see stones get Excellent for Light Return, Fire, and Scintillation. Most stones will get Very Good for Spread.

Thank you for the advice. My budget is around $2500. I’m not sure I would be able to get all three characteristics for a 1-1.5ct size diamond. Given the choices from Tianyu I narrowed it down to LG519232784 and LG510187737 with a 14k gold ring. What would you recommend?

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you for the advice. My budget is around $2500. I’m not sure I would be able to get all three characteristics for a 1-1.5ct size diamond. Given the choices from Tianyu I narrowed it down to LG519232784 and LG510187737 with a 14k gold ring. What would you recommend?

Hi and welcome to PriceScope, mattt!
Based on the numbers, neither.
However, you should (and need to) ask for ASET scope images of these diamonds in order to assess their light return and performance, especially because of their proportions and angles...there's always a chance that either could be just fine.

 

[mayaINaU]

Hi, just a thought for you. If I were in your place I might consider doing the following: What if you buy a stone from Adiamor, where you can make sure it's recommended by our consumer experts here? I saw these two by searching the PriceScope search feature for lab diamonds with an excellent HCA score and a GCAL certificate. You can easily come in under your budget even after adding a setting with these. I would ask @DejaWiz or @Kim N 's thoughts on the specific stones. I only went by HCA score and GCAL 8x.
Just an example, GCAL 8x and excellent HCA: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.45-ct-D-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D51006415?rfr=pricescope
I don't know if you can use my search link to see the rest but here it it is: https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds...cut=1&mincolor=1&minclarity=4&labs_other=true
Just make sure the GCAL certificate says 8x.
Adiamor's simple 14k settings start at $190: https://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Search/14K-Yellow-Gold-Solitaire-Engagement-Rings

 

[DejaWiz]

Hi, just a thought for you. If I were in your place I might consider doing the following: What if you buy a stone from Adiamor, where you can make sure it's recommended by our consumer experts here? I saw these two by searching the PriceScope search feature for lab diamonds with an excellent HCA score and a GCAL certificate. You can easily come in under your budget even after adding a setting with these. I would ask @DejaWiz or @Kim N 's thoughts on the specific stones. I only went by HCA score and GCAL 8x.
Just an example, GCAL 8x and excellent HCA: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.45-ct-D-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D51006415?rfr=pricescope
I don't know if you can use my search link to see the rest but here it it is: https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds...cut=1&mincolor=1&minclarity=4&labs_other=true
Just make sure the GCAL certificate says 8x.
Adiamor's simple 14k settings start at $190: https://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Search/14K-Yellow-Gold-Solitaire-Engagement-Rings

This is an absolutely outstanding find, mayaINaU!

 

[mattt]

Hi, just a thought for you. If I were in your place I might consider doing the following: What if you buy a stone from Adiamor, where you can make sure it's recommended by our consumer experts here? I saw these two by searching the PriceScope search feature for lab diamonds with an excellent HCA score and a GCAL certificate. You can easily come in under your budget even after adding a setting with these. I would ask @DejaWiz or @Kim N 's thoughts on the specific stones. I only went by HCA score and GCAL 8x.
Just an example, GCAL 8x and excellent HCA: https://www.adiamor.com/Diamonds/1.45-ct-D-VS1-Excellent-Cut-Round-Diamond/D51006415?rfr=pricescope
I don't know if you can use my search link to see the rest but here it it is: https://www.pricescope.com/diamonds...cut=1&mincolor=1&minclarity=4&labs_other=true
Just make sure the GCAL certificate says 8x.
Adiamor's simple 14k settings start at $190: https://www.adiamor.com/Engagement-Rings/Search/14K-Yellow-Gold-Solitaire-Engagement-Rings

Thanks I was looking for a place that I could get the diamond and setting from and tianyu was recommended. Your suggestion looks promising. Thank you

 

[DejaWiz]

Thanks I was looking for a place that I could get the diamond and setting from and tianyu was recommended. Your suggestion looks promising. Thank you

This GCAL 8X will have superior optics and performance... put in on hold or buy it.

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[Kim N]

If it were for me, this stone and setting would be my pick. Beautifully cut, HPHT Type IIa, GCAL 8x report, and you'd come in a bit under budget.

1.42 Carat E VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 312941593 Affinity Cut - D51006316

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

The Perfect Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting in 14K Yellow Gold

The Perfect Solitaire is classic and elegant. Made for a specifically for a round brilliant cut center stone, The band is slightly knife edged and the basket is perfectly scalloped. This ring will take her breath away.

www.adiamor.com

 

[mayaINaU]

Plus, with adiamor you can return or exchange if you’re not happy with it.

 

[DejaWiz]

Plus, with adiamor you can return or exchange if you’re not happy with it.

...and *actually* get a refund or exchange!

 

[mattt]

If it were for me, this stone and setting would be my pick. Beautifully cut, HPHT Type IIa, GCAL 8x report, and you'd come in a bit under budget.

1.42 Carat E VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 312941593 Affinity Cut - D51006316

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

The Perfect Solitaire Engagement Ring Setting in 14K Yellow Gold

The Perfect Solitaire is classic and elegant. Made for a specifically for a round brilliant cut center stone, The band is slightly knife edged and the basket is perfectly scalloped. This ring will take her breath away.

www.adiamor.com

Thank you I ended up going with this option it went a bit over budget with tax. I'm hoping it will look great in person.

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you I ended up going with this option it went a bit over budget with tax. I'm hoping it will look great in person.

Once you lay your eyes on it, that little bit over budget will be quickly and easily forgotten!
Many of us here consider, for all intents and purposes, GCAL 8X diamonds to be true super ideal cuts.

 

[Kim N]

Thank you I ended up going with this option it went a bit over budget with tax. I'm hoping it will look great in person.

Wonderful, I'm very excited for you! I hope you'll come back to share photos.

 

[mayaINaU]

Thank you I ended up going with this option it went a bit over budget with tax. I'm hoping it will look great in person.

I can't wait to see it!! Please come back and share pix.