Lazare Kaplan?

[MakingTheGrade]

I'm considering buying a second hand ring, the diamond is AGS0, Holloway score <2, and branded Lazare Kaplan.
I've never heard of Lazare before, how does it compare to ACA?

I'm just unsure of the quality since not all "branded" diamonds are made the same, so I'm wondering if it's a good buy or not.
Thanks for the info!

 

[Fly Girl]

Lazare Kaplan is a branded ideal cut that has been around for years. If you can get it without paying the premium for the Lazare Kaplan name, I'd say it is a good deal.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Lazare Kaplan is a branded ideal cut that has been around for years. If you can get it without paying the premium for the Lazare Kaplan name, I'd say it is a good deal.

Is it a similar premium to the ACA or Brian Gavin brands?
I'm just curious, I can't say I've ever seen it in stores. I mostly see Leo diamonds, Hearts on Fire, or Jared has a "Peerless" brand..
Does Lazare have specific parameters to meet in order to be branded as a Lazare? I guess my question is whether the brand means anything in addition to AGS0?

 

[Fly Girl]

I've seen Lazare Kaplan diamonds in fine retail jewlery stores for years. As you know, the prices of more recent on-line brands will probably be less than what you find in retail stores.

My jeweler has used Lazare Kaplan diamonds when he wanted an ideal cut diamond. They have been selling to upscale jewelers for decades. I purchased a diamond and sapphire cross set in platinum many years ago, and every time I entered the store the jeweler would say, "There's Fly Girl with her Lazare Kaplan pendant." So, I have certainly heard of the company.

Take a look at the history of the company in Wiki. And you can check on their web site to see if there is a local Lazare Kaplan dealer in your area. Beyond that, I don't have the expertise to give you a detailed analysis of exactly how the facets of a Lazare Kaplan diamond would compare to an ACA.

 

[Luckycharms]

Lazare Kaplan is one of the largest cutters in the world...do a google search for the company to find out a bit more. As always, I would judge the individual diamond itself, but the cutter is certainly well known.

 

[MakingTheGrade]

Lazare Kaplan is one of the largest cutters in the world...do a google search for the
company to find out a bit more. As always, I would judge the individual diamond itself, but the cutter is certainly well known.

Thanks everyone!

I"ll definitely read up online, but it's always nice to get honest, informed PS feedback!

 

[Dancing Fire]

one of the best performing diamond that i ever saw was a LK. it was an 1.07ct E SI2 ... LK diamonds are very well cut.

 

[Amys Bling]

here is some more information on LK

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazare_Kaplan_International

I found this section to be interesting- especially the family connection!
"In 1919, Lazare Kaplan’s cousin, mathematician Marcel Tolkowsky, first published the mathematical formula for diamonds cut to "ideal" proportions, a formula designed to optimise the brilliance, fire and sparkle in a polished diamond. In the same year, LKI became the first commercial-scale operation to cut its diamonds to ideal proportions. In 1957, LKI developed the modern oval cut, and in 1983 it developed and patented the laser inscription process. In 2002, LKI was awarded a patent, jointly with the General Electric Company, for the high-pressure high-temperature (HPHT) process for improving the color of certain all-natural diamond types. In addition, LKI has secured numerous patents on diamond setting techniques and innovations in displays for loose polished stones and jewelry." this passage was taken from wiki