Torn between 4 carat mined or lab created diamond

[ValentineBling]

I'm really needing opinions and thoughts.....

I would like to upgrade to a 4 carat diamond. Due to financial constraints I am left deciding between a 4 carat lower quality mined diamond, perhaps J colour, SI1 grade $50,000 aud versus a F VVS2 4 carat lab created diamond for about $40,000 aud.

Are there any reasons not to go with a lab diamond? Do they degrade / yellow over time? What would you choose and why?

I'm not overly worried about it not holding its value since I will keep this jewel in the family.

Thank you for your input x

 

[monipod]

I answered in your other post more but no, a lab stone will not yellow over time. It's a diamond so as long as it's structurally sound (no inclusions that might make them susceptible to damage), then they are identical to mined stones.

 

[xxxxxx]

You should be able to find a colorless lab dis one for less than 40k.

I personally went with a lab diamond - because I really wanted a colorless diamond AND a big diamond. I wouldn't have said no to a colorless, mined and big diamond - but I also then would t have felt comfortable running around with 100k+ on my finger. So getting a colorless 4.5 ct lab diamond was the perfect compromise for me

Are lab diamonds mind clean for you?

 

[dk168]

Personally, I have decided I would rather have a wonky earth-mined OEC diamond in lower colour and clarity than a well-cut high colour and clarity LGD as I prefer the look of the wonky ones.

An OEC about 1ct is the only diamond that I would consider purchasing to wear as one of my right hand rings (I love EC and have 2 ECs as RHRs).

Each to their own and all that.

Happy to have LGD in other jewellery pieces though, just not diamond-only rings.

DK

 

[Mreader]

Would the lab also be an old cut?

 

[paperumbrella]

I am by no means an expert, but I have been searching for a lab diamond for a while. I have been seeing 4ct D/E VVS2 stones around the 16-20k range. So I personally would not purchase that lab diamond for 40k. I would buy an 18k lab diamond over a 50k earth diamond, however!

 

[DejaWiz]

Are you willing to consider stateside sellers of LGDs?
An extremely well cut and proportioned 4 carat colorless VS1 or better with a GIA 3X, AGS 000 (if you can find one), or GCAL 8X report should easily run under $30K USD.

Here's a prime example (AUD39000):

diamond-UC61151GD | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

 

[Mreader]

Would the lab also be an old cut?

I meant to add because if you are choose between earth mined and lab grown, but the LG is round brilliant, those are so totally different that it would be a hard choice to make. If they are both old cut (but one newly old cut) then I would go for mined but it comes down to personal preference. I like the idea of an old stone and the history associated with it.

 

[MightyDucks]

Color and clarity is much more noticeable in large diamonds. I imagine a J color would show a lot of tint and finding an eye clean Si1 would be very hard in a large 4 ct diamond. I personally don’t like tint and noticeable inclusions and would go lab diamond. If @DejaWiz and @Kim N recommend a lab diamond it will be a great one!

 

[lulu_ma]

I'm not 100% sure if you are considered earth mined old cuts? If so larger J/K old cut diamonds can face up incredibly white. I have seen a few 5+ carat old cut stones in J/K color and they were very white facing. And I am usually very color sensitive in modern cuts.

 

[petrock<3]

I don’t see any reason not to go with lab unless you have a strong mind clean issue with it. I’m very color sensitive and while I love the old diamonds and old cuts I struggle with the tints. So I’m happy as a clam that labs are an option and have no issue with it at all.

 

[lovedogs]

I don’t see any reason not to go with lab unless you have a strong mind clean issue with it. I’m very color sensitive and while I love the old diamonds and old cuts I struggle with the tints. So I’m happy as a clam that labs are an option and have no issue with it at all.

agreed. Plus, I dont think OP would need to spend even close to 40k for a lab option.

 

[petrock<3]

agreed. Plus, I dont think OP would need to spend even close to 40k for a lab option.

Not at all, some of the DG custom cuts are pricey but I think would even be under that. My 3.72 DG round was about $20 k.
The antique emerald cut I’m looking at (not DG) is $3,700 ct. up to 4.5 ct.

 

[ValentineBling]

I'm really needing opinions and thoughts.....

I would like to upgrade to a 4 carat diamond. Due to financial constraints I am left deciding between a 4 carat lower quality mined diamond, perhaps J colour, SI1 grade $50,000 aud versus a F VVS2 4 carat lab created diamond for about 4
$40,000 aud.

Are there any reasons not to go with a lab diamond? Do they degrade / yellow over time?

I'm not overly worried about it not holding its value since I will keep this jewel in the family.

Thank you for your input x

I answered in your other post more but no, a lab stone will not yellow over time. It's a diamond so as long as it's structurally sound (no inclusions that might make them susceptible to damage), then they are identical to mined stones.

Thank you x

 

[ValentineBling]

You should be able to find a colorless lab dis one for less than 40k.

I personally went with a lab diamond - because I really wanted a colorless diamond AND a big diamond. I wouldn't have said no to a colorless, mined and big diamond - but I also then would t have felt comfortable running around with 100k+ on my finger. So getting a colorless 4.5 ct lab diamond was the perfect compromise for me

Are lab diamonds mind clean for you?

That's exactly how I feel. I feel that it would also free up the budget for another shape stone / ring in the future too.

Mind clean? Does that mean my ability to cope with the fact that it's a lab diamond and not a mined diamond? If so, yes, it's a concern but I do think I'll be happier with a white, E VS1 against a J S12, particularly in the size of the stone I'm considering x

 

[ValentineBling]

Would the lab also be an old cut?

I'm not sure, I haven't really got that far into my research just yet x

 

[ValentineBling]

I'm not 100% sure if you are considered earth mined old cuts? If so larger J/K old cut diamonds can face up incredibly white. I have seen a few 5+ carat old cut stones in J/K color and they were very white facing. And I am usually very color sensitive in modern cuts.

Are you willing to consider stateside sellers of LGDs?
An extremely well cut and proportioned 4 carat colorless VS1 or better with a GIA 3X, AGS 000 (if you can find one), or GCAL 8X report should easily run under $30K USD.

Here's a prime example (AUD39000):

diamond-UC61151GD | Frank Darling

Sustainably grown lab diamonds and conflict-free natural diamonds. Shop competitively priced GIA diamonds in every shape, from emerald cut to round brilliant.

frankdarling.com

Gem Certification & Assurance Lab

www.gcalusa.com

Wow, these prices are much lower than James Allen! I'm actually looking for an oval. Since starting my research , I have already decided to go 4.5 carats if I'm going lab

Is there a reason these labs are so much less than what I've seen on James Allen??

 

[DejaWiz]

Is there a reason these labs are so much less than what I've seen on James Allen??

JA operates on a bigger margin because they can...they are one of the largest online retailers in the world. I think Blue Nile takes the #1 spot.

 

[petrock<3]

Wow, these prices are much lower than James Allen! I'm actually looking for an oval. Since starting my research , I have already decided to go 4.5 carats if I'm going lab

Is there a reason these labs are so much less than what I've seen on James Allen??

Look into the ovals at Distinctive Gem. They are amazing! There’s a modern cut and heritage antique cut. I love love the heritage one!

 

[AprilBaby]

I would go lab and save the extra money for another project!

 

[EClove]

Look into the ovals at Distinctive Gem.

Agreed! https://www.distinctivegem.com/collections/the-private-reserve

 

[ariel144]

Wow, these prices are much lower than James Allen! I'm actually looking for an oval. Since starting my research , I have already decided to go 4.5 carats if I'm going lab

Is there a reason these labs are so much less than what I've seen on James Allen??

JA's labs are over priced, I guess because of their name and longevity online and ppl don't know to check other sites or come to Pricescope for more info.

Try Ritani for your lab oval...they price matched my MRB I got from them. Also B2Cjewels has great prices too.

Deja found a great oval on Distinctive Gem a couple of weeks ago for someone and Jon vetted it for her to make sure it was a great performing oval.

Just post your requirements and budget in a new thread and the experts will help you search for the best stone in your budget.