Lab vendor differences

[Petalouda]

Hello!

I am potentially considering a lab diamond for a ring. I see great diamonds being found on Adiamor and a couple of other sites. My question is, is a diamond with the right specs from Adiamor just as good as let’s say a Brian Gavin/ distinctive gem hearts and arrow diamond? The price difference between the branded labs and the non branded labs is quite noticeable.

 

[mayaINaU]

I think it’s possible to find one at Adiamor (if you go go with a GCAL 8x and have our resident experts provide their opinions on the cut) that would hold its own with DG or Brian Gavin. I think it’s more that DG or Brian Gavin are an “easy button” if you don’t want to have to think about specs and you want ASET/Idealscope already done for you. The other thing to think about is if you care about a trade-up policy. Last time I looked, Adiamor did not have one for its lab grown.

 

[Petalouda]

I think it’s possible to find one at Adiamor (if you go go with a GCAL 8x and have our resident experts provide their opinions on the cut) that would hold its own with DG or Brian Gavin. I think it’s more that DG or Brian Gavin are an “easy button” if you don’t want to have to think about specs and you want ASET/Idealscope already done for you. The other thing to think about is if you care about a trade-up policy. Last time I looked, Adiamor did not have one for its lab grown.

Thank you! I take it GCAL 8x is the lab equivalent of AGS000?

 

[DejaWiz]

Thank you! I take it GCAL 8x is the lab equivalent of AGS000?

It is...but GCAL 8X criteria is even a little more strict than the coveted AGS000, in regards to proportions and angles.

GCAL 8X Cut Grade

www.gcalusa.com

 

[Petalouda]

It is...but GCAL 8X criteria is even a little more strict than the coveted AGS000, in regards to proportions and angles.

GCAL 8X Cut Grade

www.gcalusa.com

E X C E L L E N T. If we go the lab route, I’ll look for GCAL 8x for sure. Thank you.

 

[DejaWiz]

E X C E L L E N T. If we go the lab route, I’ll look for GCAL 8x for sure. Thank you.

You're welcome, and I think you'll be blown away by the optical performance.

One more thing for your consideration: Jon at Distinctive Gem can custom cut just about anything you want, and will even send it off to AGS for grading. You can have an extremely hard to find AGS000 LGD.

 

[Petalouda]

You're welcome, and I think you'll be blown away by the optical performance.

One more thing for your consideration: Jon at Distinctive Gem can custom cut just about anything you want, and will even send it off to AGS for grading. You can have an extremely hard to find AGS000 LGD.

Good point. We are trying to decide if we will go the MRB route or OEC. My understanding is that he has the best lab OECs hands down.

My lab (MRB) studs from him are great!

 

[monipod]

Good point. We are trying to decide if we will go the MRB route or OEC. My understanding is that he has the best lab OECs hands down.

My lab (MRB) studs from him are great!

I would not go OEC with anyone other than DG. He cuts true to old cut standard (high crown) even if it means the spread isn't as wide. Of course it's a matter of taste but I love the old school look of a high crown. Many vendors are offering lab OEC with shallow crowns to maximise spread. They look like OEC face up but I suspect they don't have the chunky fire at all angles which I love.

 

[Petalouda]

I would not go OEC with anyone other than DG. He cuts true to old cut standard (high crown) even if it means the spread isn't as wide. Of course it's a matter of taste but I love the old school look of a high crown. Many vendors are offering lab OEC with shallow crowns to maximise spread. They look like OEC face up but I suspect they don't have the chunky fire at all angles which I love.

Thank you for this info! I’m just now delving into the world of OECs and learning about them. I need to take a day and go see his OECs.