shape
carat
color
clarity

Upgrade - assistance needed!

mliwsmith

Rough_Rock
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Messages
6
Hi Everyone:
I am new to Pricescope although I have been lurking for a few months. I am looking to upgrade my natural diamond to a 3 - 3.5 carat round. I can't justify the prices of a natural of this size, so I am exploring lab grown options. Although lab diamonds seem to look just like natural diamonds, my biggest concern is getting a lab diamond that is an unnatural shade of blue, gray, silver or brown - so my preference is HPHT. What is a reasonable budget to get a great quality stone that I can be proud to wear?
 
$10k is the absolute maximum I would spend on a diamond in the 3.5 carat range.
 
Thank you. I was definitely hoping to keep it under $10k
 
A few more questions. I notice looking at the photos that there appears to be about 5-6 different style of photos. I am assuming this reflects the lab they originated from? Is there any way to identify the lab location? Are some labs considered premium quality? The reason I ask is some retail sites use their USA lab source as a selling point that is reflective of high quality, inferring that other labs are inferior and cut corners to speed up the growing process. There is also a very large price swing between retail sites that I don't quite understand.
 
A few more questions. I notice looking at the photos that there appears to be about 5-6 different style of photos. I am assuming this reflects the lab they originated from? Is there any way to identify the lab location? Are some labs considered premium quality? The reason I ask is some retail sites use their USA lab source as a selling point that is reflective of high quality, inferring that other labs are inferior and cut corners to speed up the growing process. There is also a very large price swing between retail sites that I don't quite understand.

Yes, I think this reflects the supplier. There's no way for a consumer to identify the supplier location, but you could ask Ritani where the stone is coming from. I also don't think a USA supplier is necessarily always better than an overseas one.

The price differences among different retailers likely come down to cost of acquisition, profit margin, services provided, things like that.

The 3.43 stone I posted may have a slight touch of blue nuance. It's hard to tell in the video, but for the price it could be worth buying to view in person.
 
Yes, I think this reflects the supplier. There's no way for a consumer to identify the supplier location, but you could ask Ritani where the stone is coming from. I also don't think a USA supplier is necessarily always better than an overseas one.

The price differences among different retailers likely come down to cost of acquisition, profit margin, services provided, things like that.

The 3.43 stone I posted may have a slight touch of blue nuance. It's hard to tell in the video, but for the price it could be worth buying to view in person.

Thank you so much. There is clearly so many details to be aware of. I really appreciate the advice from knowledgeable pricesope members!
 
Lots of us own absolutely gorgeous Ritani stones. Just don’t buy a setting from them.
 
The 3.43 stone I posted may have a slight touch of blue nuance. It's hard to tell in the video, but for the price it could be worth buying to view in person.

Kim N I would also be inclined to say the same:
 
Here are a few more for you to take a look at.




 
Thanks Kim N, I will take a look at these this weekend. How does it work if you buy the stone from Ritani but find a setting you like elsewhere? What is the best way to send it ?
 
Thanks Kim N, I will take a look at these this weekend. How does it work if you buy the stone from Ritani but find a setting you like elsewhere? What is the best way to send it ?

I know other websites may not set someone else's stone. Local jewelers usually have no problem but be aware that they may try to sell you one of their stones too. My stone and setting is all from Ritani and I see no issues with my setting. It is perfect and nicely made.
 
I know other websites may not set someone else's stone. Local jewelers usually have no problem but be aware that they may try to sell you one of their stones too. My stone and setting is all from Ritani and I see no issues with my setting. It is perfect and nicely made.

IDJ set my Ritani stone although he did try to sell me a different one first. No pressure though when I declined and he had it set and returned to me in under 2 weeks.
 
IDJ set my Ritani stone although he did try to sell me a different one first. No pressure though when I declined and he had it set and returned to me in under 2 weeks.

That is the way it should be!! Glad it worked out for you!
 
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP

Featured Topics

Top