Long time lurker - Now it's go time. Please help a newbie find an engagement stone.

[Kim N]

@DejaWiz and @Kim N

Hope all is well. and Thanks for everything.

Both are Bought, but very similar... Which do you think is better?

1.30 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond F Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.3 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut F Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number IGI #LG532237325

www.ritani.com

https://www.ritani.com/products/1-2...-vs1-clarity-igi-lg526289401-sku-d-2az4hjp0xl

Happy to pay $20 more to say it's 1.3. but if the 1.28 is the better looking then i'll do that.

I can cancel the order for one before it ships.

Thanks so much!!!!

I'm glad you picked the 1.30--I liked that one better too! Can't wait to hear what you think of it in person.

 

[-Genuine-]

I'm glad you picked the 1.30--I liked that one better too! Can't wait to hear what you think of it in person.

I will definitely post some pictures when it arrives.

I honestly can not thank you both enough.

Not going to lie though, I'm honestly a bit weary, as I can't see a single flaw on either of those videos... Isn't that unusual? Considering it's a VS1? I could easy spot things in others.

 

[Kim N]

I will definitely post some pictures when it arrives.

I honestly can not thank you both enough.

Not going to lie though, I'm honestly a bit weary, as I can't see a single flaw on either of those videos... Isn't that unusual? Considering it's a VS1? I could easy spot things in others.

I'm so glad I could help!

It might just be the photography or lighting. If you have a microscope, you can try to find the inclusions yourself when you receive it.

 

[DejaWiz]

I will definitely post some pictures when it arrives.

I honestly can not thank you both enough.

Not going to lie though, I'm honestly a bit weary, as I can't see a single flaw on either of those videos... Isn't that unusual? Considering it's a VS1? I could easy spot things in others.

You won't see the flaws without hunting for them under magnification...those inclusion are teensie-weensie and strategically nestled under the crown - doesn't get much better without dropping a lot more coin for higher clarity (that you won't be able to discern with the naked eye)!

 

[-Genuine-]

You won't see the flaws without hunting for them under magnification...those inclusion are teensie-weensie and strategically nestled under the crown - doesn't get much better without dropping a lot more coin for higher clarity (that you won't be able to discern with the naked eye)!

Thank you so much for the re assurance.

Can't wait to get the confirmation and update with pics.

 

[emmy12]

Nice finds and great advice from the gurus. I personally think that you made a good choice with the slightly smaller 1.3ct as opposed to going bigger to the 1.7ct if you're worried about outside observers asking whether "it's real" or jumping straight into assuming it is CZ or moissanite.

In my opinion, the range of where that (imaginary) cutoff is depends on many factors:
1. Your income level and means
2. The normal size of the ER ring stones where you live
3. The size of the ER stones that your/her friends and family have
4. Her finger size: Proportionally a 1.75 ct on a size 8 finger will look very different from a 1.75ct on daintier size 4!

If the size you pick is close to the average or a little larger or a little smaller (±1 standard deviation? Lol) compared to the norms it would be less likely to raise suspicions. And if the equivalent price of an earth mined stone that you pick would be attainable for your income and means, then you're also in a "fine" range

 

[DejaWiz]

Nice finds and great advice from the gurus. I personally think that you made a good choice with the slightly smaller 1.3ct as opposed to going bigger to the 1.7ct if you're worried about outside observers asking whether "it's real" or jumping straight into assuming it is CZ or moissanite.

In my opinion, the range of where that (imaginary) cutoff is depends on many factors:
1. Your income level and means
2. The normal size of the ER ring stones where you live
3. The size of the ER stones that your/her friends and family have
4. Her finger size: Proportionally a 1.75 ct on a size 8 finger will look very different from a 1.75ct on daintier size 4!

If the size you pick is close to the average or a little larger or a little smaller (±1 standard deviation? Lol) compared to the norms it would be less likely to raise suspicions. And if the equivalent price of an earth mined stone that you pick would be attainable for your income and means, then you're also in a "fine" range

All good points!
On the other side of the coin, buying a much larger LGD with the same or a bit less money as a smaller EGD is an opportunity to be an advocate for the rewards and benefits that an LGD can provide: bigger spread, higher clarity, better color, oftentimes better cut, etc. All while getting the exact same material, molecular structure, and optics/visuals as an EGD.
You know you're on to something special when renowned sellers including Brian Gavin, Victor Canera, JannPaul, Distinctive Gem, Continental Diamond, and a host of others are (or will soon be) selling lab grown diamonds. That's a heck of a nice turning point in the market with them adorning the list of sellers.

 

[emmy12]

Add Leon Mege to that list too of high end vendors offering LGD.

Edit to add: @DejaWiz makes a good point that I'd you want to be a LGD crusader, then going bigger is a way to do that! Depends on your personal preferences

 

[MightyDucks]

All good points!
On the other side of the coin, buying a much larger LGD with the same or a bit less money as a smaller EGD is an opportunity to be an advocate for the rewards and benefits that an LGD can provide: bigger spread, higher clarity, better color, oftentimes better cut, etc. All while getting the exact same material, molecular structure, and optics/visuals as an EGD.
You know you're on to something special when renowned sellers including Brian Gavin, Victor Canera, JannPaul, Distinctive Gem, Continental Diamond, and a host of others are (or will soon be) selling lab grown diamonds. That's a heck of a nice turning point in the market with them adorning the list of sellers.

Exactly. Bigger natural mined diamonds can be assumed fake from time to time as my mined ACA was. Its not a practical achievement of the vast majority of regular people and not as common in many areas. No one worries if someone would assume a big natural diamond is fake so why do that with a lab diamond? They are both identical in chemical structure and assuming the lab diamond is vetted properly it is indistinguishable from a mined diamond without expensive equipment. Purchase the diamond YOU love and not what some small percentage of people who actually care about jewelry MIGHT think about it.

 

[-Genuine-]

Got an update from Ritani.

The diamond has been secured and is on its way.

I went to a local jeweler to get the price of mounting the diamond. He said he could custom make me the setting I wanted from James Allen for the same price and it would include the mounting fee.

I also showed him the IGI, and he said it looked good. But then when I showed him the video, he said that it was going to be milky or hazy. He then showed me 2 similar diamonds (cut colour and clarity) and showed me the difference. Now I am super worried. He said to bring it in when it arrives and he can compare it.

He's the video again.

1.30 Carat F VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 532237325 Affinity Cut - D50848859

1.30 carat, Round, F Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D50848859

www.adiamor.com

 

[Kim N]

Got an update from Ritani.

The diamond has been secured and is on its way.

I went to a local jeweler to get the price of mounting the diamond. He said he could custom make me the setting I wanted from James Allen for the same price and it would include the mounting fee.

I also showed him the IGI, and he said it looked good. But then when I showed him the video, he said that it was going to be milky or hazy. He then showed me 2 similar diamonds (cut colour and clarity) and showed me the difference. Now I am super worried. He said to bring it in when it arrives and he can compare it.

He's the video again.

1.30 Carat F VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 532237325 Affinity Cut - D50848859

1.30 carat, Round, F Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D50848859

www.adiamor.com

I don't see anything in the video that would indicate it would be milky or hazy. Keep in mind that the jeweler has a conflict of interest--he wants you to buy a diamond from him.

 

[DejaWiz]

Got an update from Ritani.

The diamond has been secured and is on its way.

I went to a local jeweler to get the price of mounting the diamond. He said he could custom make me the setting I wanted from James Allen for the same price and it would include the mounting fee.

I also showed him the IGI, and he said it looked good. But then when I showed him the video, he said that it was going to be milky or hazy. He then showed me 2 similar diamonds (cut colour and clarity) and showed me the difference. Now I am super worried. He said to bring it in when it arrives and he can compare it.

He's the video again.

1.30 Carat F VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 532237325 Affinity Cut - D50848859

1.30 carat, Round, F Color, VS1 clarity, IGI Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D50848859

www.adiamor.com

Definitely compare it...and do so in a variety of lighting conditions. Directed/spotlighting will give you a great environment for assessing and comparing transparency.

A Complete Guide to Cloudy Diamonds | Whiteflash

Sometimes diamonds look cloudy, hazy or dull. Find out what causes this and whether you should avoid purchasing these diamonds with this guide.

www.whiteflash.com

 

[-Genuine-]

Hello All,

Just wanted to update you all. Package just arrived from Ritani and I am super excited.

Just had my first look, and I am quite pleased. Was hoping for more sparkle or fire, but I also didn't give it the best chance.

I have an appointment set up with a local jeweler to give me his professional opinion and possibly make a custom setting.

More pictures to come when my partner leaves the house for a bit, giving me time to photograph it more.

 

[Kim N]

Hello All,

Just wanted to update you all. Package just arrived from Ritani and I am super excited.

Just had my first look, and I am quite pleased. Was hoping for more sparkle or fire, but I also didn't give it the best chance.

I have an appointment set up with a local jeweler to give me his professional opinion and possibly make a custom setting.

More pictures to come when my partner leaves the house for a bit, giving me time to photograph it more.

It looks so white in these photos! The best lighting I've found for colored light return has been under a leafy tree on a sunny day.

 

[-Genuine-]

Got up early to take these...

I think it's milky... So for the 60 pics.

Do I return it?

@Kim N @DejaWiz

 

[-Genuine-]

 

[DejaWiz]

Got up early to take these...

I think it's milky... So for the 60 pics.

Do I return it?

@Kim N @DejaWiz

Trust in your eyes...if you're not feeling it, then return it. There are tens upon tens of thousands of diamonds to choose from in your budget range.
Let's focus on some GCAL 8X and GIA graded LGDs next, if you wish to.

 

[-Genuine-]

Trust in your eyes...if you're not feeling it, then return it. There are tens upon tens of thousands of diamonds to choose from in your budget range.
Let's focus on some GCAL 8X and GIA graded LGDs next, if you wish to.

I have never really seen a diamond. So I don't know what I am looking for or at.

Now that you have seen some more photos, can I please hear what are your thoughts.

Is it cloudy, milky or just a colour F stone?

I will always try to find flaws, so my judgement is already skewed.

So would love an outsider. Have an appointment with a local jeweler, but I'd rather not wasted his time or mine if someone says this one's not worth it.

Thanks

 

[DejaWiz]

I have never really seen a diamond. So I don't know what I am looking for or at.

Now that you have seen some more photos, can I please hear what are your thoughts.

Is it cloudy, milky or just a colour F stone?

I will always try to find flaws, so my judgement is already skewed.

So would love an outsider. Have an appointment with a local jeweler, but I'd rather not wasted his time or mine if someone says this one's not worth it.

Thanks

It may appear hazy, so trust your eyes...transparency inhibitors are a severe detractor of overall diamond performance.

I did some searching at Adiamor for GCAL 8X diamonds and eliminated and that had any mention of clouds on the grading reports...you can ask Ritani if they can get any of these:

1.20 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 320483183 Affinity Cut - D50179364

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.29 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 320550846 Affinity Cut - D51006321

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.34 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 320556294 Affinity Cut - D51006856

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

1.35 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 320960872 Affinity Cut - D51006156

www.adiamor.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[DejaWiz]

Here are a couple of GIA diamonds, again Ritani may have access to them:

1.19 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GIA Certified 5222274623 Affinity Cut - D51130205

1.19 carat, Round, D Color, VS1 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D51130205

www.adiamor.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

...you'll need to ask for the video

1.20 Carat D VVS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GIA Certified 2434779489 Affinity Cut - D51075719

1.20 carat, Round, D Color, VVS2 clarity, GIA Certified Diamond, Affinity Cut Lab Grown Diamond, D51075719

www.adiamor.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

...crown angle is a bit steeper than what we normally recommend with a 40.6° PA, 75% lowers, and 50% stars, but it appears quite crisp and bright so it may end up being a stunning exception to the recommended guidelines.

1.20 Carat Round Lab Grown Diamond D Color VS1 Clarity Ideal Cut | Ritani

1.2 Carat Round Lab Diamond ID Cut D Color VS1 Clarity with diamond report number GIA #7422511125

www.ritani.com

GIA - Report Check

www.gia.edu

 

[DejaWiz]

-Genuine-, are you able/willing to host videos anonymously at YouTube or Imgur and post the links here?
Various lighting conditions will help us scrutinize it: shade, sunlight, indoors, outdoors, spotlighting (akin to kitchen recessed/can lighting with LED bulbs), etc.

 

[-Genuine-]

-Genuine-, are you able/willing to host videos anonymously at YouTube or Imgur and post the links here?
Various lighting conditions will help us scrutinize it: shade, sunlight, indoors, outdoors, spotlighting (akin to kitchen recessed/can lighting with LED bulbs), etc.

Happy to if I can figure it out.

I did try to take photos in different light this morning.

Morning natural daylight by window.

 

[-Genuine-]

In the kitchen with pot lights.

 

[-Genuine-]

In a white bathroom, with 1 ceiling light

 

[-Genuine-]

in the living room, Window 20 feet away. Morning lights

 

[-Genuine-]

Sorry, I don't know if those pictures come through or not.

 

[-Genuine-]

I wouldn't be so nervous and questioning, If it wasn't for the jeweler saying it was going to be milky, based on the Adiamor video: https://www.adiamor.com/Lab-Diamonds/1.30-ct-F-VS1-Affinity-Cut-Round-Diamond/D50848859

He obviously wanted me to buy from him, and wasn't in love with how I bought it.

 

[-Genuine-]

Just took these. Both direct sunlight and under shade of a tree.

 

[DejaWiz]

If you want a direct means of comparison, contact as many local jewelers as you can and ask if they have any J or better, VS1 or better, AGS Triple Zero in stock.
AGS000 diamonds meet much more strict cut criteria than run of the mill GIA 3X, so you'll be comparing transparency between two diamonds (yours and theirs) that have ideal cut proportions and angles.

 

[Kim N]

If you want a direct means of comparison, contact as many local jewelers as you can and ask if they have any J or better, VS1 or better, AGS Triple Zero in stock.
AGS000 diamonds meet much more strict cut criteria than run of the mill GIA 3X, so you'll be comparing transparency between two diamonds (yours and theirs) that have ideal cut proportions and angles.

Completely agree with this. Also check if you have a Hearts on Fire dealer near you (they sell overpriced super ideal cut diamonds that would be a good comparison).

Stores

Store Locator

www.heartsonfire.com

I see nothing milky or hazy about the stone in your photos. Your last set of photos especially show a very clear and transparent diamond to my eyes. But you have to love it, and we'll help you find an alternative if this isn't the one for you.