Looking for Lab diamond to fit fiance's ring

[cityvet]

First time poster, so please let me know if I'm breaking etiquette/rules.

My gf (now fiance) picked out this ring at Rogers and Hollands: https://rogersandhollands.com/timeless-classic-1-4ctw-diamond-semi-mounting-in-14k-rose-gold

It's currently fitted with a 1ct Cubic Zirconia. Honestly, my fiance is happy with the CZ. However, I understand that over time, it will dull. In addition, I'm no slouch and would like to outfit it with a proper diamond.

Rogers & Hollands do NOT appreciate the fact that I will not use one of their diamonds (the best price they could give me for a 1ct GIA certified lab-grown diamond was $3,000. They will not provide a lifetime guarantee on the ring if I do not purchase the diamond from them.

In addition, they will charge me extra (up to $400) to resize the head. So I'd like to stick with a 1ct-ish round diamond.

I found the following GIA-certified, color D, VS2, super ideal cut 1ct diamond on Brilliant Earth: https://www.brilliantearth.com/lab-diamonds-search/view_detail/13480501/

I could also go with a IGI-certified diamond as it is cheaper and honestly, my fiance cares more about being engaged more than the ring itself.

Any insight is appreciated!

 

[oncrutchesrightnow]

The ring is pretty. Did you already buy it? A vendor could custom- make one like it to specially fit your diamond. Even well cut diamonds will vary in exact measurements. And any jeweler you go to will charge a setting fee so if you haven’t already bought it or can return it, maybe go custom.

If you already bought it and just want to find a 1-carat LGD, go to jamesallen.com and search under “true hearts” for whatever color/clarity. The first one that pops up is G-SI1 for $1,400 — not too bad. Then you can look around for specialty or custom cuts like distinctivegem.com — those will be more $$$ but nearly guaranteed to look awesome.

If you do not want a fancy ideal cut, there are run-of-the-mill cheap-o 1 carats all over the internet that will cost much much less.

 

[Kim N]

These two are IGI but a bit cheaper, and James Allen has a better reputation than Brilliant Earth, at least on this forum.

Lab-Created 1.02 Carat round diamond

This 1.02 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Lab-Created 1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[kris01vb]

Just a quick response in reference to you talking about GIA or IGI…the general knowledge is just that IGI doesn’t grade as strictly as GIA. So that might mean if your looking for and E VS2 on GIA, you would want to atleast look at a D VS1 if it’s IGI. Always look for the best possible cut for either. That can make a world of difference. I have a 2.5 H VS2 and it is a triple x cut and has great light performance that faces up white.

 

[cityvet]

Thanks for the replies so far! I wanted to purchase a CostCo ring/diamond (I feel they have a fairly decent reputation but I could not find much on these forums) originally. However, she fell in love with this ring immediately so I purchased it on the spot. We walked out engaged (she is very low key and insisted this is how she wanted things to go).

That said, I've been looking at VS2+, color I+, super ideal/excellent cuts online (pretty much following the CostCo standards lol).

Replacing it with a custom fit is doable but not necessarily ideal (those guys at R&H are sharks) so I'd prefer to just pay the $100 setting fee if possible.

I'm aware of the differences in standards of GIA versus IGI certification, but will refine my searches per the above recommendations for IGI diamonds, thank you!

I did read about issues with Brilliant Earth. Clearly individuals prefer James Allen. How do you all feel about vendors listed o n the PriceScope search tool?

For instance, here's a 1c, H color, VS1 Excellent IGI certified at Adiamor for 1170.

1.01 Carat H VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 468107212 Affinity Cut - D48081948

www.adiamor.com

If everyone feels the $500+ price difference is worth it, I'll consider James Allen.

 

[Kim N]

Thanks for the replies so far! I wanted to purchase a CostCo ring/diamond (I feel they have a fairly decent reputation but I could not find much on these forums) originally. However, she fell in love with this ring immediately so I purchased it on the spot. We walked out engaged (she is very low key and insisted this is how she wanted things to go).

That said, I've been looking at VS2+, color I+, super ideal/excellent cuts online (pretty much following the CostCo standards lol).

Replacing it with a custom fit is doable but not necessarily ideal (those guys at R&H are sharks) so I'd prefer to just pay the $100 setting fee if possible.

I'm aware of the differences in standards of GIA versus IGI certification, but will refine my searches per the above recommendations for IGI diamonds, thank you!

I did read about issues with Brilliant Earth. Clearly individuals prefer James Allen. How do you all feel about vendors listed o n the PriceScope search tool?

For instance, here's a 1c, H color, VS1 Excellent IGI certified at Adiamor for 1170.

1.01 Carat H VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 468107212 Affinity Cut - D48081948

www.adiamor.com

If everyone feels the $500+ price difference is worth it, I'll consider James Allen.

I think the vendors listed on the PS search engine are generally good.

If you like the H VS1, I would ask Adiamor for an actual photo/video before purchasing.

This one is a bit more but gets you much higher color.

1.02 Carat D VS1 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond IGI Certified 12910806 Affinity Cut - D49941528

www.adiamor.com

 

[DejaWiz]

These two are IGI but a bit cheaper, and James Allen has a better reputation than Brilliant Earth, at least on this forum.

Lab-Created 1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Absolutely amazing diamond, Kim N!

 

[monipod]

I think there's a pinned post about lab stone vendors that we've had good experiences with. James Allen is generally solid (just ordered a new lab stone tennis bracelet from them). You can probably get cheaper, better, nicer but for someone who is not in the US, they've been the most hassle free.

You've got a low-key fiancee which is great! If she's not demanding about colour etc. then there are many affordable beauties to be found in the VS1/VS2 pool. Your ring has a basic head so it shouldn't be a problem in setting a diamond.

 

[cityvet]

I think there's a pinned post about lab stone vendors that we've had good experiences with. James Allen is generally solid (just ordered a new lab stone tennis bracelet from them). You can probably get cheaper, better, nicer but for someone who is not in the US, they've been the most hassle free.

You've got a low-key fiancee which is great! If she's not demanding about colour etc. then there are many affordable beauties to be found in the VS1/VS2 pool. Your ring has a basic head so it shouldn't be a problem in setting a diamond.

Thank you! So I think one of the 'Lightbox Finest' diamonds should exceed those, right? I feel they have a solid reputation on this forum.

Say I were to go with a 1.5ct (which would exceed the head settings) - I'd need a different head, correct?

I see the pinned post on MMD vendors. I saw someone had issues with Brilliant Earth on that post. However, I don't see anything particularly endorsing one or the other.
I see the general sense that individuals on these forums are happy with James Allen, D.NEA, and typically anything on the Pricescope search engine.

 

[lovedogs]

IMHO, cut is most important. Light box doesnt let you choose any cut parameters, so it's kind of a game of luck. I would personally go with JA or one of the other vendors that you can see individual stones /certs.

 

[Mrs Flowers]

Another vote for James Allen. I’ve ordered several pieces from them and most recently my gorgeous Lab diamond studs and I wouldn’t hesitate to go for one of their ideal cut stones especially ones @Kim N suggests. She picked out the stones for my earrings and they are amazing. See attached picture

 

[monipod]

I just took a quick peek at my tennis bracelet which arrived today - just to make sure it was in there and not broken etc. as birthday isn't for another two weeks. It's stunning though and can't wait to wear it, so so far JA gets another tick from me.

@cityvet I think a lot of people here have been happy with Lightbox stones but as @lovedogs said, you are getting a standard stone and while gorgeous, there's a little something generic about them. I know your fiancee isn't fussy but it'd be nice to say that you chose one specifically for her from another vendor.

As for your setting... I think a typical 1.5ct MRB is just under 1mm or so bigger in width than a typical 1ct MRB so you *might* get away with the same head. You'd need to chat with a good jeweller for an opinion. Most settings have some generous leeway for stone size but do check before you go 1.5. I don't like the idea of taking apart a cast ring unnecessarily.

 

[cityvet]

Thanks. I think I'm going with James Allen and these are the top three contenders:

This two are more practical:

Lab-Created 1.09 Carat round diamond

This 1.09 carat Lab-Created round diamond F color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Lab-Created 1.01 Carat round diamond

This 1.01 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs2 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

This one is more 'swinging for the fences:'

Lab-Created 1.09 Carat round diamond

This True Hearts TM diamond, 1.09 carat Lab-Created H color vvs2 clarity has ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

I'm open to all thoughts.

 

[kris01vb]

My vote would be between the first and second. First one will face up slightly larger, but the second appears to have more brilliance and better light performance. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

[Bron357]

Any decent bench can adjust the prongs to fit a replacement gem of similar dimensions. Setting fee should be around $200 (or less).
A bigger diamond would most likely mean a new head. Again, that’s no “big deal” but will be more expensive.
I’m forever buying pre loved settings and sticking different gems in them without any drama.

 

[DejaWiz]

The 1.01 E VS2 is the clear winner for proportions and angles for a balanced diamond and maybe even have a slight edge towards more fire, in my opinion.

The 1.09 H VVS2 is a "boron blue"...it will have a slight light blue/turquoise tint to it.

The 1.09 F VS1 has a nice spread, but it will likely be geared more towards brilliance. if that is what you are after, then see the links in my signature since it would likely perform very closely to my wife's LGD.

If you were to "go for the gusto" and increase the budget, then I would recommend that you increase the spread to get the most out of the increased expenditure, like this:

Lab-Created 1.28 Carat round diamond

This 1.28 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[chere]

Congratulations! I would wear the ring for a year and wait to see if any of the micro pave stones pop out before resetting the ring and voiding the warranty with the jeweler. CZs take a while to turn cloudy and you can take your ring to any jeweler to be reset.

I wouldn’t rule out Lightbox just yet. Not at the price point and 10% off if you subscribe to their emails. If you’re in the US, it’s free shipping and returns.

I love my Lightbox studs. I ordered 3 rings and kept 2 for my reset. I used my eyes judge cut and color. The stones were appraised as F/G color, VS2 clarity, Excellent cut.

 

[Kim N]

Well, I'm biased , but the 1.01 E VS2 gets my pick!

 

[cityvet]

Well, I'm biased , but the 1.01 E VS2 gets my pick!

Well that looks like the clear winner of the three. Interesting - based on the focus on cuts on this forum, I thought the 1.09 H VVS2 True Hearts cut would be the clear winner.

The 1.01 E VS2 is the clear winner for proportions and angles for a balanced diamond and maybe even have a slight edge towards more fire, in my opinion.

The 1.09 H VVS2 is a "boron blue"...it will have a slight light blue/turquoise tint to it.

The 1.09 F VS1 has a nice spread, but it will likely be geared more towards brilliance. if that is what you are after, then see the links in my signature since it would likely perform very closely to my wife's LGD.

If you were to "go for the gusto" and increase the budget, then I would recommend that you increase the spread to get the most out of the increased expenditure, like this:

Lab-Created 1.28 Carat round diamond

This 1.28 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

Anyone else like the 1.28 ct at that price point?

Congratulations! I would wear the ring for a year and wait to see if any of the micro pave stones pop out before resetting the ring and voiding the warranty with the jeweler. CZs take a while to turn cloudy and you can take your ring to any jeweler to be reset.

I wouldn’t rule out Lightbox just yet. Not at the price point and 10% off if you subscribe to their emails. If you’re in the US, it’s free shipping and returns.

I love my Lightbox studs. I ordered 3 rings and kept 2 for my reset. I used my eyes judge cut and color. The stones were appraised as F/G color, VS2 clarity, Excellent cut.

Fair enough. There's a Cashback site that also provides 6% Cashback (www.cashbackmonitor.com). So the cost of a 1ct Lightbox finest goes down to $1269.

Funny thing - I went over everything with my fiance and she's like....maybe the bigger one? Lol.

 

[Kim N]

The 1.28 is beautiful, but I just found a couple with GCAL 8x reports, which mean they have the best of the best cut. This one will save you $330 and is truly swinging-for-the-fences.

1.37 Carat D VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 313481984 Affinity Cut - D49724946

www.adiamor.com

The next one will save you even more money, but it may have slight blue nuance. I'm finding it hard to tell because the background is more blue than the other one.

1.27 Carat E VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 313162674 Affinity Cut - D49725854

www.adiamor.com

 

[cityvet]

The 1.28 is beautiful, but I just found a couple with GCAL 8x reports, which mean they have the best of the best cut. This one will save you $330 and is truly swinging-for-the-fences.

1.37 Carat D VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 313481984 Affinity Cut - D49724946

www.adiamor.com

The next one will save you even more money, but it may have slight blue nuance. I'm finding it hard to tell because the background is more blue than the other one.

1.27 Carat E VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 313162674 Affinity Cut - D49725854

www.adiamor.com

Pulled the trigger on the 1.37 D VS2 Affinity! While we'll have to replace the head (about $200), it definitely offers the best value of all the options (aside from potentially Lightbox lol).

I may share photos when it arrives and after the photos. Fiance is going to be thrilled!

 

[Kim N]

Pulled the trigger on the 1.37 D VS2 Affinity! While we'll have to replace the head (about $200), it definitely offers the best value of all the options (aside from potentially Lightbox lol).

I may share photos when it arrives and after the photos. Fiance is going to be thrilled!

Awesome! It's going to be a stunner and you won't regret going up in size. Please do come back with photos!

 

[DejaWiz]

Great find, Kim N and fantastic choice to snag it, cityvet!

Here is a direct link to the grading report where you can drool over all the images, video, and details as well as download a copy of the grading report:

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com