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Lab Grown Diamond Newbie - Help Needed

J

jBright

Shiny_Rock
Joined
Jun 27, 2020
Messages
112
Hi All!!

This forum helped me so much in my own diamond search that I'm back for more!!!

This is my first venture into Lab Grown Diamonds.

My brother said his girlfriend wants a
  • 2.5 + oval lab grown diamond
  • eye clean
  • h +
  • diamond pave band
  • halo
The price he got in store was $12.5k.

I feel like we can do better!!! I would like to stay under $10k if possible.

I really do not have any knowledge on lab grown diamonds. Do they have reports? Is there one report I should lean towards more?

I also do not know anything about oval "patterns" like you do not want "mush" right? Lol

Any and all help with this is appreciated and needed.

TIA!!!
 
It can be done better but I am not an oval expert so I defer to others to find the stone. But props for helping your brother.

IGI reports are just fine. I don’t have any LGD with gia so can’t comment on them. I don’t know of other reputable labs for LGD reports. Don’t go with a seller-provided report or appraisal though.

I have a ring with pave from James Allen and so far the quality has held up. They have sales with 25% off settings every few months.
 
This seems very expensive to me. Have you looked at some of the online retailer’s? I would go up to a G if you can. From what I have seen of a lot of H lab diamond’s in fancy cuts, this is where you start seeing tint. If you have someone pre-screening the diamond for you, then it is probably okay.
 
jBright said:
Hi All!!

This forum helped me so much in my own diamond search that I'm back for more!!!

This is my first venture into Lab Grown Diamonds.

My brother said his girlfriend wants a
  • 2.5 + oval lab grown diamond
  • eye clean
  • h +
  • diamond pave band
  • halo
The price he got in store was $12.5k.

I feel like we can do better!!! I would like to stay under $10k if possible.

I really do not have any knowledge on lab grown diamonds. Do they have reports? Is there one report I should lean towards more?

I also do not know anything about oval "patterns" like you do not want "mush" right? Lol

Any and all help with this is appreciated and needed.

TIA!!!
Click to expand...

Lots of us here and able and willing to help you out!

What metal for the setting?
 
Seems expensive to me, too. I don’t know the first thing about ovals, I’m sorry I won’t be much help. But I’ve found plenty of 2.5ct+ High color ovals on Clean Origin for $5-8k…
 
Here's a link to the PS diamond search engine for 2.5+ carat oval LGDs.

Diamond Search Results | Real-time Information on 1,000,000+ Diamonds | PriceScope

PriceScope's Diamond Search is the best place to find the best diamond prices. Search and compare over a million natural, lab and fancy color diamonds.
www.pricescope.com www.pricescope.com

In conjunction, there are some additional great sellers that are active here on the forum.
Jon (Rhino) at Distinctive Gem and David (Rockdiamond) at Diamonds by Lauren, to name a couple.
 
With proper research ,I honestly believe the quoted price of $12k can be easily be beat by more than a few thousand dollars.1st and foremost "stay away from brick and mortar stores", the purchase will have to be online for the fairest prices. For example my wife's James Allen, lab grown engagement ring = 1.46ct round center stone ,triple exc, color E , vs2 clarity, hearts and arrows was $3200, which turned into $4500 after the platinum setting and .54tcw of loose stone built into it. We went to a certain name brand retailer afterwards and had the same ring quoted in lab grown fashion and guess what the price was?, You guessed it,$12k! https://photos.google.com/share/AF1...?key=LTRHeHAzRUFuOWh0TEt2X0xWYlVCRnh3My0wR3Rn
 
WOW! Thanks everyone for your responses!! I'm sorry it took me awhile to respond - I wasn't getting the alerts!
swaye2010 said:
This seems very expensive to me. Have you looked at some of the online retailer’s? I would go up to a G if you can. From what I have seen of a lot of H lab diamond’s in fancy cuts, this is where you start seeing tint. If you have someone pre-screening the diamond for you, then it is probably okay.
Click to expand...
Thank you! So my suspicions are correct that that is a high price!

DejaWiz said:
Lots of us here and able and willing to help you out!

What metal for the setting?
Click to expand...
Thank you!! I would say white gold or platinum. But I'll ask my brother when he's away from his GF. Too afraid to text him without her finding out.

Alybetter said:
Seems expensive to me, too. I don’t know the first thing about ovals, I’m sorry I won’t be much help. But I’ve found plenty of 2.5ct+ High color ovals on Clean Origin for $5-8k…
Click to expand...
Thank you!

& thank you to everyone else that has responded!
 

2.51 Carat E VS1 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 502140211 Excellent Cut - D49147282

2.51 carat, Oval, E Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D49147282
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com

is this a good quality diamond? I found it on the list that @DejaWiz linked me :)

www.adiamor.com

Two-Row Halo French Cut Engagement Setting in 14K White Gold

An elegant twist to our classic halo, this setting features diamonds on the side of the halo creating a hidden halo. Each ring is custom made for the center diamond giving it a seamless look while increasing the appearance of the size of the center diamond.
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com

with this band?

those 2 together would be approx $9200. So much cheaper than 12k ;-).
 
Whoops. She likes a hidden halo not regular halo :). So something more like this:

www.adiamor.com

French Cut Basket Setting Diamonds 3/4 down in 14K White Gold

This diamond engagement ring setting showcases any diamond you select. From round to radiant and emerald cut diamonds this ring is certain to stun. The band is dainty at 1.5mm, diamonds extend 3/4 of the way. The basket is adorned with a French Cut Pave hidden halo. This ring is the perfect thin b
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com

Thanks all! Makes it under $9k!
 
Have a look at this 2.79ct E VS2 made with the HPHT method:

SOLD ITEM 2.79 CARAT Oval | LAB-GROWN DIAMOND | D COLOR | VS2 CLARITY | Excellent CUT | IGI CERTIFIED | STOCK ID: 3105939 | The Art Of Jewels

2.79 CARAT Oval | LAB-GROWN DIAMOND | D COLOR | VS2 CLARITY | Excellent CUT | IGI CERTIFIED | STOCK ID: 3105939
www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.
www.igi.org www.igi.org

Here are the halo settings they offer:

Build Your Own Engagement Ring | The Art Of Jewels

www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com

Here is their cathedral style hidden halo:

Buy Most Amazing 14K White Gold Ivonne Diamond Engagement Ring

Let Your Hand Be The Showpiece With Our Emerald Cut White Gold Diamond Ring From The Art Of Jewels.
www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com
 
DejaWiz said:
Have a look at this 2.79ct E VS2 made with the HPHT method:

SOLD ITEM 2.79 CARAT Oval | LAB-GROWN DIAMOND | D COLOR | VS2 CLARITY | Excellent CUT | IGI CERTIFIED | STOCK ID: 3105939 | The Art Of Jewels

2.79 CARAT Oval | LAB-GROWN DIAMOND | D COLOR | VS2 CLARITY | Excellent CUT | IGI CERTIFIED | STOCK ID: 3105939
www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com

Verify Your Report

Ensure authenticity & accuracy of your report here. Verify your gemstone report online for complete confidence in your precious investments.
www.igi.org www.igi.org

Here are the halo settings they offer:

Build Your Own Engagement Ring | The Art Of Jewels

www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com

Here is their cathedral style hidden halo:

Buy Most Amazing 14K White Gold Ivonne Diamond Engagement Ring

Let Your Hand Be The Showpiece With Our Emerald Cut White Gold Diamond Ring From The Art Of Jewels.
www.theartofjewels.com www.theartofjewels.com
Click to expand...


kb1gra said:
Same stone that @DejaWiz linked, from Adiamor (should you like their settings - I myself do and I have 2 of them) I've never had an issue with Adiamor and their service is excellent.

2.79 Carat D VS2 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 487175868 Excellent Cut - D48770204

2.79 carat, Oval, D Color, VS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D48770204
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com

They will price match another retailer.
Click to expand...

Thank you @DejaWiz and @kb1gra - I asked an "expert" on rarecarat - and he said he might see a bowtie with this diamond? what are your thoughts. I have no experience in the Oval realm - so it's hard for me.

EClove said:
I’m not an expert in oval cuts by any means but I personally love this one!

2.52 Carat E VVS2 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 497173349 Excellent Cut - D49183250

2.52 carat, Oval, E Color, VVS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D49183250
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com
Click to expand...

Thank you @EClove ! Unfortunately this one is already sold!

I did get to talk to my brother over the holiday weekend - and he's set to propose SOON. I would love to get the biggest 2.5+ oval LGD, G+, no visible inclusions. I would LOVEEE to keep it under $10k (with the setting & all), so I think we have a budget of around $8500 for diamond.

Any and all suggestions would be LOVELY and so helpful.

Also - are there any grading differences between IGI and GCAL?

The rare carat guy sent me these 2 options:

2.51ct F VS2 Rare Carat Ideal Cut Oval Lab Grown Diamond

2.51ct E VS2 Rare Carat Ideal Cut Oval Lab Grown Diamond

THANK YOU!!
 
jBright said:
Thank you @DejaWiz and @kb1gra - I asked an "expert" on rarecarat - and he said he might see a bowtie with this diamond? what are your thoughts. I have no experience in the Oval realm - so it's hard for me.



Thank you @EClove ! Unfortunately this one is already sold!

I did get to talk to my brother over the holiday weekend - and he's set to propose SOON. I would love to get the biggest 2.5+ oval LGD, G+, no visible inclusions. I would LOVEEE to keep it under $10k (with the setting & all), so I think we have a budget of around $8500 for diamond.

Any and all suggestions would be LOVELY and so helpful.

Also - are there any grading differences between IGI and GCAL?

The rare carat guy sent me these 2 options:

2.51ct F VS2 Rare Carat Ideal Cut Oval Lab Grown Diamond

2.51ct E VS2 Rare Carat Ideal Cut Oval Lab Grown Diamond

THANK YOU!!
Click to expand...

The 2.79 from AoJ/Adiamor above should not have a visible bow tie. It appears to be a very nice stone.
 
i've blown the budget. LOL. is this a beautiful LGD?

3.00 Carat E VS1 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 492134234 Excellent Cut - D49137806

3.00 carat, Oval, E Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D49137806
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com

It's 3.00 - and wouldn't that be nice to say "this is 3 carats" lol

DejaWiz said:
Here...HPHT 2.50 E VS1

2.50 Carat E VS1 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 500143554 Excellent Cut - D48981854

2.50 carat, Oval, E Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D48981854
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com
Click to expand...

Thank you @DejaWiz - do you like this 2.5 over the 2.79 previously sent?

2.79 Carat D VS2 Oval Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 487175868 Excellent Cut - D48770204

2.79 carat, Oval, D Color, VS2 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Excellent Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D48770204
www.adiamor.com www.adiamor.com


This is the size difference between the 3.0 and the 2.79 - and probably a $1k-ish difference in price.

1640649767027.png
1640649784117.png
 
@jBright the 3.00 carat is an undisclosed blue nuance (Type IIb) and will have a slight turquoise tint to it.

If the 2.79 is still on the table as a possibility, then I'd lean towards it for the slightly bigger spread.
I found the 2.50 carat to stick to the new budget at $8500 max.
 
DejaWiz said:
@jBright the 3.00 carat is an undisclosed blue nuance (Type IIb) and will have a slight turquoise tint to it.

If the 2.79 is still on the table as a possibility, then I'd lean towards it for the slightly bigger spread.
I found the 2.50 carat to stick to the new budget at $8500 max.
Click to expand...

WOW. Thanks @DejaWiz - I'm not even sure what that means - but it doesn't sound good! That's why I leave it up to you experts to not steer me wrong. Greatly appreciate everyone's help here.

I've sent the 2.79 option to my brother and reached out for the price match :). Will keep you guys updated!!
 
jBright said:
WOW. Thanks @DejaWiz - I'm not even sure what that means - but it doesn't sound good! That's why I leave it up to you experts to not steer me wrong. Greatly appreciate everyone's help here.

I've sent the 2.79 option to my brother and reached out for the price match :). Will keep you guys updated!!
Click to expand...

A Type IIb will have a distinctly unique look to it...web search Hope Diamond and you'll see what that's all about, although not nearly to the saturation and hue of the Hope Diamond.
If that is an appearance that your brother and his intended will *want* to have, then it would be OK to search for diamonds that have a trace of boron in the molecular structure. Please note that they will have to *want* and be perfectly fine with the light blue tint and absorption of yellow light.
 
Last edited:
DejaWiz said:
A Type IIb will have a distinctly unique look to it...web search Hope Diamond and you'll see what that's all about, although not nearly to the saturation and hue of the Hope Diamond.
If that is an appearance that your brother and his intended will *want* to have, then it would be OK to search for diamonds that have a trace of boron in the molecular structure. Please note that they will have to *want* and be perfectly fine with the light blue tint and absorption of yellow light.
Click to expand...

Thank you :)!!! Appreciate all of your help and great knowledge!!
 
DejaWiz said:
A Type IIb will have a distinctly unique look to it...web search Hope Diamond and you'll see what that's all about, although not nearly to the saturation and hue of the Hope Diamond.
If that is an appearance that your brother and his intended will *want* to have, then it would be OK to search for diamonds that have a trace of boron in the molecular structure. Please note that they will have to *want* and be perfectly fine with the light blue tint and absorption of yellow light.
Click to expand...

Dejawiz-How can you tell there is undisclosed blue nuance on that 3ct.? Just trying to learn:read:
 
luvmysparklies said:
Dejawiz-How can you tell there is undisclosed blue nuance on that 3ct.? Just trying to learn:read:
Click to expand...

If you look for the blue tint, you can see it from a variety of angles...and the tint is most noticable from the side profile out near the edges of the girdle.
The overall look of the diamond will usually have a steely-blue or steely-blue-gray appearance instead of icy white (for HPHTs in the colorless range, anyway).
Type IIb diamonds in the G and worse grades may, and usually do, have a notation of Blue Nuance or Faint Blue on the grading report (for IGI graded diamonds).
Once you see it, you can never un-see it...which is why I try to affirm that it is a look that the wearer *must* be perfectly fine with to avoid regret or grow to despise.

Screenshot_20211227-213518.png

Screenshot_20211227-213642.png
 
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Wow! Great observations on the stone itself! I had no idea....I was looking and magnifying the cert (before I just gave up and asked :lol: ) trying to see what clued you in-- and wondered if where it read "type II" under the comments, the fact that there was no "a" (type IIa) that it meant the presence of boron. Good eye Dejawiz! Thanks for the lesson :appl:
 
luvmysparklies said:
Wow! Great observations on the stone itself! I had no idea....I was looking and magnifying the cert (before I just gave up and asked :lol: ) trying to see what clued you in-- and wondered if where it read "type II" under the comments, the fact that there was no "a" (type IIa) that it meant the presence of boron. Good eye Dejawiz! Thanks for the lesson :appl:
Click to expand...

You're welcome, @luvmysparklies !
I really wish all of the four primary labs that grade LGDs (GIA, AGS, IGI, and GCAL) actually did put the diamond type on every diamond that they grade, or at least for every Type IIb that they come across since it's a quick and easy electrical conductivity test.
 
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