Thoughts on this 3+carat RB diamond

[hab818]

Working with a local vendor for a 3-ish carat round brilliant ring and they recommended this one. I have some VERY basic knowledge... and have requested ASET images in case you guys want to see them, but would really love to get some help making sure this is a good-lookin diamond!

Thanks in advance! Really appreciate the supportive nature of this community!

Stats:
3.41carats
9.67x9.73x5.97mm
D, VS1
HPHT type 2



Here's a video of it:

https://v3601529.v360.in/vision360.html?d=LGD2319&sv=1

HCA score was 0.7

 

[DejaWiz]

Hello, hab818

This one appears to be an HPHT...It's hard to conclude from the video, but it might have undisclosed blue nuance.
Rotate it to the side profile view and look towards the edges of the girdle and crown.

https://v3601529.v360.in/vision360.html?d=LGD2319

If the seller has this diamond on-hand, then ask them to send you pictures of it upside down (face-down/culet-up) in a white grading tray so you can be sure.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

Hello, hab818

This one appears to be an HPHT...It's hard to conclude from the video, but it might have undisclosed blue nuance.
Rotate it to the side profile view and look towards the edges of the girdle and crown.

https://v3601529.v360.in/vision360.html?d=LGD2319

If the seller has this diamond on-hand, then ask them to send you pictures of it upside down (face-down/culet-up) in a white grading tray so you can be sure.

I do not understand the negativity to a blue tint?
Makes a diamond look more beautiful to me DW.

 

[hab818]

Thanks for your comments. Would also like to know if blue fluorescence is good/bad... I feel like this is pretty personal preference- and based on the many threads I've read now for the past few months, some like it, some don't...

Does it equate to a poorer quality diamond?
If the tint is mild, does it really "change" anything to the naked eye?
In your opinion, Garry- do you think the blue fluorescence actually enhance the brilliance of the diamond?

 

[DejaWiz]

I do not understand the negativity to a blue tint?
Makes a diamond look more beautiful to me DW.

Because it could look like this... grayish-blue and a little dull:

 

[elle_chris]

The pics of the ones I've seen with that slight Blue tint just don't look natural to me.

But hold on.. didn't we discuss that D's don't have Blue nuance?? That they would be considered fancy??? I'm so confused!!

 

[DejaWiz]

The pics of the ones I've seen with that slight Blue tint just don't look natural to me.

But hold on.. didn't we discuss that D's don't have Blue nuance?? That they would be considered fancy??? I'm so confused!!

D can have undisclosed blue nuance. Doesn't matter which lab does the grading, because I've seen reports from IGI, GIA, and GCAL that don't bother distinguishing and notating Type IIb...which is quite disappointing since the ultimate end purpose of a grading lab is to protect the customer by arming them with information about every aspect of any given diamond/gemstone. They're dropping the ball on this by omitting that tidbit which is cheap and easy to determine with a simple electrical conductivity test to detect any meaningful presence of boron. It really irks me.

 

[hab818]

D can have undisclosed blue nuance. Doesn't matter which lab does the grading, because I've seen reports from IGI, GIA, and GCAL that don't bother distinguishing and notating Type IIb...which is quite disappointing since the ultimate end purpose of a grading lab is to protect the customer by arming them with information about every aspect of any given diamond/gemstone. They're dropping the ball on this by omitting that tidbit which is cheap and easy to determine with a simple electrical conductivity test to detect any meaningful presence of boron. It really irks me.

Went back to look at the lab report (from IGI) and it definitely did not denote type IIa or IIb. That's frustrating for me because I'm already a newbie and these reports should clarify these things!

I was under the impression that DEF colorless stones have very low to no risk of blue nuance. So confusing.

 

[DejaWiz]

I was under the impression that DEF colorless stones have very low to no risk of blue nuance.

Exactly what unscrupulous growers want the consumer base to think...and the grading labs aren't doing squat about it.

From my observations for HPHT grown diamonds:
D has the least chance
E has some chance
F has a modest chance

 

[elle_chris]

D can have undisclosed blue nuance. Doesn't matter which lab does the grading, because I've seen reports from IGI, GIA, and GCAL that don't bother distinguishing and notating Type IIb...which is quite disappointing since the ultimate end purpose of a grading lab is to protect the customer by arming them with information about every aspect of any given diamond/gemstone. They're dropping the ball on this by omitting that tidbit which is cheap and easy to determine with a simple electrical conductivity test to detect any meaningful presence of boron. It really irks me.

I would have agreed with you prior to that 8 page thread
"Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?"
BUT-----------------
Post #165, page 6 @Garry H (Cut Nut) said "If a diamond has a blue nuance or tint it can not be D color. Full stop."

So what am I missing?? I don't want to go in circles over this again...

​

 

[DejaWiz]

I would have agreed with you prior to that 8 page thread
"Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?"
BUT-----------------
Post #165, page 6 @Garry H (Cut Nut) said "If a diamond has a blue nuance or tint it can not be D color. Full stop."

So what am I missing?? I don't want to go in circles over this again...

​

Garry was stating that any diamond that is a D color should not contain any tint at all.
Should not...based on the very standards that the grading labs have set for themselves to adhere to.

Garry's clarifying response (very last sentence, in particular):

Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?

Thought I'd share pictures of my blue stone as an example of the variance out there. Oval is set with natural mined E/F (apparently) side stones which I think help provide some context in assessing the blue nuance. Lovely ring on beautiful hands.

www.pricescope.com

Unfortunately, some lab grown diamonds with boron blue tinting are being graded as D... definitely by GIA and IGI, and perhaps even GCAL.

One of my responses in that same thread:

Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?

Thought I'd share pictures of my blue stone as an example of the variance out there. Oval is set with natural mined E/F (apparently) side stones which I think help provide some context in assessing the blue nuance. Lovely ring on beautiful hands.

www.pricescope.com

There are multiple examples floating around of D color lab diamonds that do exhibit a slight turquoise/blue tint.
I agree with Garry that a D should never have any tint to it, regardless of the color of the tint and the cause of said tint.

 

[elle_chris]

@DejaWiz I see.
I thought it was in response to my comment where I said a D had blue nuance. Got the impression from his post that no lab would grade a D with BN as a D, but rather a fancy.

 

[DejaWiz]

@DejaWiz I see.
I thought it was in response to my comment where I said a D had blue nuance. Got the impression from his post that no lab would grade a D with BN as a D, but rather a fancy.

That absolutely should be the case, but unfortunately isn't.

 

[hab818]

Got some new images for you guys to look at. Not gonna lie, I thought the ASET images are kind of poor and dull?

 

[Kim N]

I actually think the images are quite good. Karl_K, can you weigh in?

 

[Karl_K]

I actually think the images are quite good. Karl_K, can you weigh in?

yep
The back light is way way way over bright.
Taking into account the back lighting the IS and ASET pass the test.
The hearts show its not h&a but not bad either.

Just for an fyi you use the lightest part in the center of the diamond as your reference point for insignificant leakage as seen in the computer generated image of a theoretically perfectly cut diamond when looking at IS and ASET images.

 

[hab818]

Ohhhhhhhh thanks for that! That makes sense- you need a reference point to determine whether it’s true light leakage or just bad lighting (or too much).

I’m going to see this diamond in person tomorrow. Will take all your feedback into consideration before making a decision!

 

[hab818]

Well I tried the 3.41. There was a very slight blue tint when compared to a natural D diamond but not enough to deter me. It looked very nice in person but I just didn't like it because... it was too big. I know, I know, bigger is better. But for some reason it just looks a little too much on my smaller shorter hands so... we found this 2.97 E VVS1 instead. HCA score 0.9.

This time they sent me a link to all the images and a 360 video. I might not be able to look at this one in person so... really hope you guys can tell me if it's legit.

Vision 360°

5222261096-ROUND-2.97-E-EXCELLENT-VVS1

v360.in

Can someone also educate me on what those red dots "growth remnants" are? I guess you can only see them from the bottom but how will this affect light return?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[Kim N]

Well I tried the 3.41. There was a very slight blue tint when compared to a natural D diamond but not enough to deter me. It looked very nice in person but I just didn't like it because... it was too big. I know, I know, bigger is better. But for some reason it just looks a little too much on my smaller shorter hands so... we found this 2.97 E VVS1 instead. HCA score 0.9.

This time they sent me a link to all the images and a 360 video. I might not be able to look at this one in person so... really hope you guys can tell me if it's legit.

Vision 360°

5222261096-ROUND-2.97-E-EXCELLENT-VVS1

v360.in

Can someone also educate me on what those red dots "growth remnants" are? I guess you can only see them from the bottom but how will this affect light return?

Many thanks in advance.

This one appears to have even more blue nuance than the previous one. The light return and proportions are good, though.

 

[DejaWiz]

This one appears to have even more blue nuance than the previous one. The light return and proportions are good, though.

Indeed. Way more turquoise tint.
Not sure if it's just the way the photos/video is, but it appears to have some darkening of the upper facets out near the arrow tips.
Might be due to the 45% stars or some other reason.

 

[hab818]

Comparing between the 3.41 video and this one, I can see a lot more blue (and I'm usually terrible at these videos). I think I can deal with a little blue but more than that it looks a little fake to me Probably should pass?

 

[DejaWiz]

Comparing between the 3.41 video and this one, I can see a lot more blue (and I'm usually terrible at these videos). I think I can deal with a little blue but more than that it looks a little fake to me Probably should pass?

Up to you. There are thousands and thousands of diamonds available to pick from right now with more hitting vendors inventories every day.

 

[Kim N]

Comparing between the 3.41 video and this one, I can see a lot more blue (and I'm usually terrible at these videos). I think I can deal with a little blue but more than that it looks a little fake to me Probably should pass?

For me, it'd be too much blue tint. Are you open to buying online? I don't know what your budget is, but these are two examples of stones I'd recommend:

2.81 Carat G VS2 Round Brilliant Lab Grown Diamond GCAL Certified 312821513 Affinity Cut - D49724573

www.adiamor.com

Lab-Created 3.00 Carat round diamond

This 3 carat Lab-Created round diamond E color vs1 clarity has Ideal proportions and a diamond grading report from IGI

www.jamesallen.com

 

[Diamond Girl 21]

Garry was stating that any diamond that is a D color should not contain any tint at all.
Should not...based on the very standards that the grading labs have set for themselves to adhere to.

Garry's clarifying response (very last sentence, in particular):

Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?

Thought I'd share pictures of my blue stone as an example of the variance out there. Oval is set with natural mined E/F (apparently) side stones which I think help provide some context in assessing the blue nuance. Lovely ring on beautiful hands.

www.pricescope.com

Unfortunately, some lab grown diamonds with boron blue tinting are being graded as D... definitely by GIA and IGI, and perhaps even GCAL.

One of my responses in that same thread:

Blue Lab Grown Diamonds- boron?

Thought I'd share pictures of my blue stone as an example of the variance out there. Oval is set with natural mined E/F (apparently) side stones which I think help provide some context in assessing the blue nuance. Lovely ring on beautiful hands.

www.pricescope.com

There are multiple examples floating around of D color lab diamonds that do exhibit a slight turquoise/blue tint.
I agree with Garry that a D should never have any tint to it, regardless of the color of the tint and the cause of said tint.

I agree 100%. There should be no tint, not even a hint of color, in a D graded diamond. And the standard should not be relaxed for LGDs.

 

[hab818]

This 2.97 is an E color and it’s got a pretty noticeable blue tint in the video, even to me. I wish these lab reports would be more accurate. Without having seen the video, I would’ve pulled the trigger on the 2.97. Makes me so nervous to go based solely on the report now.

Thanks for the recs Kim N! Unfortunately my boyfriend is sentimentally attached to this vendor and I don’t think he’d be open to online options- if he were, I would’ve jumped on your recs!!

The search continues

 

[hab818]

Reviving this thread to get some more help from you experts. Took a hiatus from looking because of personal/family stuff, but we're back on the hunt!

My local jeweler has this in stock and thinks it looks pretty good. It's CVD which I feel is more risky than HPHT because of the issues with stria and brownness, but previously I've had no luck with my jeweler finding an HPHT that didn't have that blue hue. Please let me know what you guys think!

Vision 360°

GIA-1428438292-ROUND-2.77-E-EXCELLENT-VVS2

v360.in

They also have this in stock that is an HPHT, but I don't currently have a 360 to show y'all. I might be able to get one if you think this is better.

Both have HCA score 0.9 and "appear big."

We previously wanted >3carats, but in looking at my daily lifestyle and aesthetic we actually would prefer something more in the 2.6-2.8 range. 3.04 might be pushing it a little but I also don't want to miss out on an excellent diamond because of a small size difference.

Thanks so much for your time and help.

 

[DejaWiz]

Reviving this thread to get some more help from you experts. Took a hiatus from looking because of personal/family stuff, but we're back on the hunt!

My local jeweler has this in stock and thinks it looks pretty good. It's CVD which I feel is more risky than HPHT because of the issues with stria and brownness, but previously I've had no luck with my jeweler finding an HPHT that didn't have that blue hue. Please let me know what you guys think!

Vision 360°

GIA-1428438292-ROUND-2.77-E-EXCELLENT-VVS2

v360.in

They also have this in stock that is an HPHT, but I don't currently have a 360 to show y'all. I might be able to get one if you think this is better.

Both have HCA score 0.9 and "appear big."

We previously wanted >3carats, but in looking at my daily lifestyle and aesthetic we actually would prefer something more in the 2.6-2.8 range. 3.04 might be pushing it a little but I also don't want to miss out on an excellent diamond because of a small size difference.

Thanks so much for your time and help.

The numbers look great.
Can your jeweler provide ASET or Ideal-Scope images?

Verify Your Report | Verify Your Diamond Online | IGI

IGI's Verify Your Report service permits quick and convenient confirmation that your report matches what is recorded in the IGI database.

www.igi.org

 

[hab818]

The numbers look great.
Can your jeweler provide ASET or Ideal-Scope images?

Verify Your Report | Verify Your Diamond Online | IGI

IGI's Verify Your Report service permits quick and convenient confirmation that your report matches what is recorded in the IGI database.

www.igi.org

To the 3.04? I will ask!

Does this mean you think the 2.77 is not so great?

 

[DejaWiz]

To the 3.04? I will ask!

Does this mean you think the 2.77 is not so great?

Sorry...I was speaking towards the 3.04 carat.
Much better proportions than the 2.77 carat.

 

[hab818]

Sorry...I was speaking towards the 3.04 carat.
Much better proportions than the 2.77 carat.

Ooo I see. The jeweler is getting it from their other location so I'll upload video/pics when I get them.

Other than poorer proportions, do you see any other red flags to the 2.77?